Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

How to Spend an Extra Day in Hong Kong

The special district in East Asia is working hard to bring business back

by Benjamin Chiang

January 15, 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The vibrant city of Hong Kong is eager to regain its luster in the post-pandemic era. With a range of offerings, from Michelin-starred restaurants and bustling street vendors to newly constructed museums and revitalized shopping centers, the Pearl of the Orient is poised to attract both business and leisure travelers.

Hawker Breakfast

The ultimate breakfast destination is local. Head to Central and look for the street vendor “Sing Heung Yuen,” where you can share a table under the tent.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Order the tomato-based soup with macaroni, topped with a fried egg, and your choice of ham, pork strips, or just vegetables and tofu. Pair this delicious bowl with a plate of buttered toast drizzled with condensed milk.

To complete your meal, enjoy a refreshing sweet milk tea or lemon tea.

Museum Morning

To burn off the calories from a full breakfast, take the subway or ferry across Victoria Harbour to the west end of the Kowloon Peninsula. This newly redeveloped commercial zone, known as the West Kowloon Cultural District, features two fantastic museums: the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

M+ is housed in a gigantic building and serves as the premier exhibition space for contemporary art relevant to both regional and global movements. Inside, you’ll find multiple halls showcasing three rotating exhibits simultaneously, along with permanent collections of over 10,000 objects.

A must-see exhibition is “Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination,” which runs until early April. The world-renowned Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei brings her fabulous and extravagant creations to life, drawing inspiration from imperial Chinese history, European royal couture, architectural elements, and even botanical themes.

Michelin-Starred Meal

For lunch, be sure to reserve in advance at Duddell’s in Central. While Hong Kong boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, Duddell’s stands out as a refined establishment for those who appreciate both fine food and art.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Upon entering, you’ll find a dedicated gallery featuring stunning landscape oil paintings that set a sophisticated mood. The stylish and relaxed interiors provide an elegant backdrop for enjoying multi-course meals.

Duddell’s specializes in Cantonese cuisine, where chefs combine exquisite textures and vibrant flavors with modern presentations. From delectable dim sum and splendid seafood to traditional soups and decadent desserts, every dish is crafted to perfection.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Additionally, this two-story venue offers spaces for socializing, including salons, a garden terrace, and a library, making it ideal for gatherings and private events. Naturally, Cathay Pacific collaborates with Duddell’s to provide fine dining experiences in their lounges and on flights, ensuring that their menus are equally refined.

Central and Park

After enjoying a leisurely two-hour lunch, take a stroll to explore the boutiques and street fairs located along the various slopes and stairs of hilly Central. Continue eastward to Hong Kong Park, a green oasis situated right behind the skyscrapers.

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This park features tranquil ponds, beautiful gardens, a few small museums, and an aviary that houses 70 bird species. It’s surprising to see how nature and nurture can coexist peacefully amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s financial district.

Happy Hours High Up

There are several high-end hotels near Pacific Place, a mall complex owned by the Swire Group located to the east of the park. One notable five-star hotel is The Upper House, also owned by the Swire Group.

The Upper House, Hong Kong / Photo: Courtesy of Michael Weber

This tranquil accommodation redefines short-term stays with its motto, “houses, not hotels.” Designed by Hong Kong-born architect Andre Fu, The Upper House invites guests on an upward journey by blending captivating art with the warmth and Zen of a private residence.

The hotel’s crown jewel is Salisterra, a Mediterranean restaurant on the top floor, offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour. Diners access the restaurant via a sky bridge suspended high above the inner atrium.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

An adjacent bar, primarily decorated in green with floral wallpaper, serves cocktails made with a unique spirit developed by the hotel called House Gin.

The dinner menu, crafted by Venezuelan Chef Ricardo Chaneton, draws on the richness of the Mediterranean region and his Italian heritage. Fresh ingredients from both land and sea come together to create a delightful symphony of bold flavors.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

To end the night, guests can indulge in specialty chocolate, a pear tart with vanilla ice cream, and another exquisite cocktail. With its breathtaking views, the experience feels more like a billion-dollar spectacle than a million-dollar one.