From its world-famous Victoria Harbour and skyline, to its inhabitants' reputation for working and playing hard in equal measure, this gateway to Asia has long attracted visitors from all over the world, who head there for both business and pleasure, finding a never-ending stream of things to do and see.
With French singing and acting legend, Johnny Hallyday, recently filming his slick noirish thriller, Vengeance there, the city has long attracted filmmakers looking for exotically buzzing backdrops, which have also served Christian Bale's Batman in The Dark Knight Rises, Pierce Brosnan's Bond in Die Another Day and Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft in The Cradle of Life.
Sensory overload awaits visitors, from the wave upon wave of neon lights of an evening, to the bustling alleyways and beyond luxurious hotels; but it's also a city to suit all budgets, where you can grab dinner from a hawker on the roadside - and adventurous types will want to try the intriguingly named stinky beancurd! - or take a tram ride across the city for as little as Dh7.
From The Peak to the street
For fabulous photo ops, grab a tram up to The Peak, Hong Kong's most popular attraction, which offers up incredible views across the city. Head to the Sky Terrace at The Peak Tower day or night, and dine against a backdrop that stretches all the way to the Cheung Chau, Lamma and Lantau islands. The best way to see the iconic harbour is by ferry or traditional Chinese junk, from which you'll be perfectly placed to witness the nightly Symphony of Lights show - a dazzling extravaganza in which lights play across 40 skyscrapers. And make sure you take another boat trip to see the giant Buddha and Po Lin Monastery amid gorgeous mountain peaks on Lantau island.
Synonymous with shopping, flashing the cash is de rigueur in HK, with the street markets at Temple Street and Tung Choi Street well worth a look. Hipsters can head to Causeway Bay, where you'll find one-offs from niche labels, whilst designer-lovers (who don't earn designer wages) will love the samples on offer at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Finally, foodies will be in their element with dim sum, superior fruits de mer and afternoon tea all on offer. Head to Sai Kung of an evening, where you'll be spoilt for seafood choice, or find traditional dishes aplenty at Lui Yue Mun in Southeastern
Kowloon.
The Peninsula
Go all-out luxe at the legendary Peninsula on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong's oldest hotel. Dating back to 1928 and perched at the edge of Victoria Harbour, from its grand entrance lobby to its Roman-style indoor pool, you'll find colonial grandeur at every turn. Boasting 300 rooms, enjoy English afternoon tea in The Lobby, along with French, Chinese, Swiss and Japanese dining options, as well as a super-chic rooftop bar. Visit www.peninsula.com
- Destination Hong Kong
- Fly there… Cathay Pacific fly to Hong Kong from Dubai. For flight schedules visit cathaypacific.com
- Filmed there The Dark Knight Rises, Vengeance, Die Another Day, Contagion, Push, The Bucket List
- Celeb fans Christian Bale, Jackie Chan, Maggie Q
