1. Soho District:
Soho is located in the Central district and is often referred to as the entertainment hub, a little sister to that of New York and London. It is acceptable to stand out in the streets to drink as the clubs and bars are so small and so often the streets are full of people. We chose an upstairs bar and people-watched through the open windows. We were entertained by a couple of street performers which eased the fact our drinks (vodka & coke) cost over a fiver each! A woman we met told us that the great thing about the Chinese culture is that everyone is welcome, you can be 18 or going on 80, be out partying and no one would batter an eyelid. Overall it was a really good night out, if you have a bit of money to spare.. If not, go for the ambiance anyway!
2. Ocean Park
Ocean Park has everything; attractions, animals and rides. The cable cars are a must-do and they definitely lived up to expectations, although not if you're easily scared of heights. It was quite cloudy when we went up but we could still see for miles. Seeing the Pandas was a personal highlight as they are one of my favourite animals! You could easily take your time and spend the whole day here, it's easy to get to by bus and really cheap to get in. If I visited again I'd definitely do the Dolphin experience where you can swim with them.
3. Lantau Island (Giant Buddha)
We visited Lantau island on our first day in Hong Kong which we reached by the ferry which was part of the fun and was so cheap. There's a coach that takes you up the mountains ($40 ish) and there's markets, temples, cable cars and lots of little shops to explore.
4. Victoria Peak
This photo doesn't do the view from Victoria Peak any justice (it was quite a cloudy day with no sunshine!) but it really is amazing. The tram ride up was scary - an almost vertical hill straight up to the top that literally pushes you back into your seat - not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the view from the top. They've made a bit of a tourist thing out of it and at the top there's market stalls, lots of shops and food courts. You can also pay extra to go up to a higher view, but as it was cloudy we didn't bother. We were also told it's amazing at night when all the buildings are lit up and this would be a definite must-do next time.
5. Happy Valley Races
I' love this photo, I think it really sums up Hong Kong in one moment. One of my favourite evenings we had was at the Happy Valley Races. It was recommended to us by locals and although we were hesitant at first we decided to give it a visit. Held every Wednesday evening, it's the only place that allows you to gamble in the city. The atmosphere was so good and being surrounded by tall skyscrapers was so surreal. There are beer tents, McDonald's and a comedy stage to keep you entertained between races. Its $10 to get in (about 90p) and there's no minimum bet so we bet $10 on each race just for fun - and won!
6. Stanley
Stanley is a beautiful part of Hong Kong and a place to get away from the bustling, busy city. It reminds me of Cornwall, with the rock pools, beaches and little fishing boats. There's lots to do with bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment. My favourite part was the market and we bought lots of typical Chinese touristy bits for our classrooms for next to nothing.
7. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is the Central Park of Hong Kong. As nearly everyone in Hong Kong lives in apartments and have no gardens, these big open spaces become a communal outdoor space for everyone. People read, chat, do yoga, play football and despite this, it's still really relaxing and peaceful. We were lucky enough to stumble upon this part of the pretty park and sat and enjoyed a bite to eat.
8. Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is often referred to as the Times square of Hong Kong, with its huge billboards, back to back transport and people everywhere. The rusty old trams cost pennies and are worth a ride and the sky walkways allow you to get a real snapshot of the district. The shopping mall's enclosed within the tall skyscrapers are also a must see, unless you are easily tempted by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Prada and Tiffany's!
*Times square, Central park and Soho... Hong Kong is the sparkly little sister of New York *
Ocean Park has everything; attractions, animals and rides. The cable cars are a must-do and they definitely lived up to expectations, although not if you're easily scared of heights. It was quite cloudy when we went up but we could still see for miles. Seeing the Pandas was a personal highlight as they are one of my favourite animals! You could easily take your time and spend the whole day here, it's easy to get to by bus and really cheap to get in. If I visited again I'd definitely do the Dolphin experience where you can swim with them.
We visited Lantau island on our first day in Hong Kong which we reached by the ferry which was part of the fun and was so cheap. There's a coach that takes you up the mountains ($40 ish) and there's markets, temples, cable cars and lots of little shops to explore.
This photo doesn't do the view from Victoria Peak any justice (it was quite a cloudy day with no sunshine!) but it really is amazing. The tram ride up was scary - an almost vertical hill straight up to the top that literally pushes you back into your seat - not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the view from the top. They've made a bit of a tourist thing out of it and at the top there's market stalls, lots of shops and food courts. You can also pay extra to go up to a higher view, but as it was cloudy we didn't bother. We were also told it's amazing at night when all the buildings are lit up and this would be a definite must-do next time.
I' love this photo, I think it really sums up Hong Kong in one moment. One of my favourite evenings we had was at the Happy Valley Races. It was recommended to us by locals and although we were hesitant at first we decided to give it a visit. Held every Wednesday evening, it's the only place that allows you to gamble in the city. The atmosphere was so good and being surrounded by tall skyscrapers was so surreal. There are beer tents, McDonald's and a comedy stage to keep you entertained between races. Its $10 to get in (about 90p) and there's no minimum bet so we bet $10 on each race just for fun - and won!
Stanley is a beautiful part of Hong Kong and a place to get away from the bustling, busy city. It reminds me of Cornwall, with the rock pools, beaches and little fishing boats. There's lots to do with bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment. My favourite part was the market and we bought lots of typical Chinese touristy bits for our classrooms for next to nothing.
Victoria Park is the Central Park of Hong Kong. As nearly everyone in Hong Kong lives in apartments and have no gardens, these big open spaces become a communal outdoor space for everyone. People read, chat, do yoga, play football and despite this, it's still really relaxing and peaceful. We were lucky enough to stumble upon this part of the pretty park and sat and enjoyed a bite to eat.
8. Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is often referred to as the Times square of Hong Kong, with its huge billboards, back to back transport and people everywhere. The rusty old trams cost pennies and are worth a ride and the sky walkways allow you to get a real snapshot of the district. The shopping mall's enclosed within the tall skyscrapers are also a must see, unless you are easily tempted by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Prada and Tiffany's!
*Times square, Central park and Soho... Hong Kong is the sparkly little sister of New York *
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