Hong kong, a city where the East meets the West. This unblemished city has lived up to its terms; an illustrious mix of both Western and Eastern culture. A kaleidoscope of life and a city of assortments, Hong Kong allures us into its preeminent history. The iconic skylines, lush natural beauty and hued traditional surroundings offer a sensory feast along with an enigmatic array of attractions.

Resting in the South China Sea at the mouth of the Pearl Delta River, Hong Kong is a part of southeastern China. Due to its explicit location, this place puts forward impacts from both regions; East and West. The mix of cultures has led Hong Kong to being vast in its form.

Hong Kong has lots to offer and in order to understand the place, you must understand the past. Make sure to extend your stay to at least 4-5 days; from experience, I can say that this city is prodigious and cannot be covered within a few days. To fully savor and relish what this city has to propose, follow my guide and vacay exuberantly.

My Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong:

1. Attractions-

Hong Kong’s classic Victoria Peak retains its great panorama, you will be able to see one of the finest harbours in the world along with an impeccable skyline. The peak is reachable via the peak tram, a funicular railway that departs from Garden Road. For hikers, the morning trail along Hatton Road is accessible.

The Aqua Luna, a junk boat that begins from Victoria Harbour is perfect for riding along the harbour and also seeing the Symphony of Lights. This handcrafted ship sails around the harbour all day long and booking a seat on this historical boat is a once in a lifetime experience.

Hong Kong Disneyland, one of my favourites, is an amusing and exciting park for children as well as adults. The roller-coasters, shows, restaurants and shops make it a thrilling place to be in. The disneyland hotel, Hollywood hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge and Dorsett Tsuen Wan Hotel have plenty to offer. I stayed at the Hollywood Hotel and visited the Disney Hotel for their characters breakfast. The park is accessible via the purpose built Disney Resort line that runs non-stop between sunny bay station and DisneyLand station. Long wind bus and city bus offer shuttles too.

Lantau Island is a tourist’s playground. With religious sites like the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery, rides and roller-coasters like the Ngong Ping Cable Cars, and beaches like the Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Island is like a small yet diverse world in itself.

The Hong Kong Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon is intriguing, consisting of various topics such as robotics and virtual reality, the museum contains stimulations and fun rides for everyone. It offers a fascinating opportunity to discover the history of science.

2. Shopping-

Tsim Sha Tsui promenade located south of Kowloon Peninsula is a shopper’s dream. Brimming with high-end malls and bustling shopping streets, this area is a paradise for the shopaholic. Bargaining is the key to shop in this multi-product market which sells an array of products. 

Harbour City is one of the best notable malls in Tsim Sha Tsui. The vast retail destination contains everything from restaurants to the best shops in Hong Kong.

Central is the destination for luxury and top-notch shopping. From fancy boutiques, swanky world-class brands and designer shops, Central is ideal for a luxury shopper.

Landmark is the upmarket shopping mall housing various luxury brands. Ladies Market, Stanley Market and Jade Market offer a variety of street shopping. 

3.  Food-

Hong Kong city, one of the culinary capitals of the world and the ultimate food city for me. Whether it is Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanese or even French, I absolutely adore the food of Hong Kong. Wonton noodles and freshly steamed dim sums are personally my favourite and I recommend them to everyone as well. Fishballs, pineapple buns and claypot rice are some of the sapid delicacies of Hong Kong.

Delving into the city’s absorbing culture obliges tourists to visit the city over and over again. A fine blend of some of the best foods and the best attractions, Hong Kong rightly is the Pearl of The Orient. You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.  

A day trip from Hong Kong, Macau is the Las Vegas of Asia with particularly ambiguous heritage and culture. If you’re a casino lover, Macau needs no introduction. Home to a plethora of huge casinos, ancient landmarks, fun activities, stunning beaches and grand hotels. This city is the gambling capital with lots to see and experience.  It’s a great place to visit with family as well! Macau has an old town European charm influenced by Portuguese colonization despite being a part of China. Right from the mesmerising architecture to its authentic food, you’ll find hidden treasures of western influence that will be sure to stun you as you sail around the city. 

A few of my visited attractions:

1. Senado Square & The Ruins of St Paul – Senado square is Macau’s heart and public square which is full of shopping, authentic restaurants, and landmark sights. Walking from here to The Ruins of St Paul will guarantee you some iconic attractions while you can shop and try delicacies. They’re both part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Mount Fortress– This place is a world heritage site that’s also loaded with many important artifacts within the same vicinity as Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul. Mount fortress is indeed one of the attractions that is an important part of the history of Macau, making it a must-visit! The fortress was the military center of Macau, offering visitors an insight into many old artifacts, including cannons and ancient barracks. It’s the ideal place to take a walk around to learn and witness the rich cultural diversity of Macau. 

3. The Venetian- My personal favourite, The Venetian is a posh resort set on the Las Vegas inspired Cotai Strip. With over a million things to do here, it’s also one of the world’s largest casino resorts, with a massive Venitian themed mall!  One doesn’t have to be into gambling to enjoy the Venetian. This huge hotel features one of the best malls in Macau, loaded with all kinds of shops and food choices! There is also a canal with operating gondola rides for a great experience. 

4. Mandarin’s House– The Mandarin’s house is an old museum focused on the history of Macau city and must be on your itinerary to discover the cultural heritage of the region. This building is an excellent example of how the heritage of Macau blends with both Eastern and Western culture. The museum offers visitors an insight into what pre historical life used to be like here. If you’re looking to discover more about the past of Macau, then this museum is a must visit.  

5. Casinos- Casinos are the highlight of a trip to Macau. A few of the best ones include The Venetian Macau Resort Hotel Casino, Casino Babylon, Wynn Palace and City of Dreams.

6. A-Ma Temple- The A-Ma Temple is a temple to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu, situated in São Lourenço. This temple is one of the oldest in Macau and is a tranquil sanctuary for locals as well as tourists. 

7. Taipa Village- Taipa is a buzzing village situated south of the Macau Peninsula. It’s located at Cunha Street (Rua do Cunha) where a variety of Chinese shops and restaurants will make their way to your stomach:) The village also offers delicious Portugese food, a must when you’re in Macau. 

8. Coloane Village & The Giant Panda Pavilion- The Coloane Village is the ideal getaway to escape the urban part of Macau. Located in the south of the region, Coloane Village with its unique street names and colorful streets, is like a mini Portuguese town. It also houses the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion, a well-known zoo that calls families to see native pandas.

9. Macau Tower– The Macau Tower located in Se, Macau, features an observation deck providing the best views, restaurants, theaters and shopping malls. Skywalk X, is a walking tour around the outer rim of the tower. It offers the most breath-taking view of Macau and now provides activities like bungee-jumping as well. 

10. Church of St Dominic– Church of St Dominic is a late 16th-century Baroque-style church. Built by Spanish Dominican priests and later taken over by Portugese disciples, this church offers a blend of Spanish, Portugese and Chinese feels in a pastel mix.