Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to 260 islands, more skyscrapers than any other city on the planet, and over seven million people. You name it, and Hong Kong has it. Rooftop bars, shopping, relaxation, and dining from authentic street food in markets to Michelin chefs serving delicacies upon crisp white table cloths.

Here are a few of our favourites for whatever appetite you have: PMQ is the home to local creative designers and innovative creators, from teahouses to the Sake Central and monthly events. Take a ride on the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, it's super cheap, the views are amazing, and it's fun. Consider the Peak Tram and a few escalators, to Hong Kong's Island's highest point, Victoria Peak, to visit Sky Terrace with its 360-degree view of the city. Often referred to as Hong Kong's number one view of the city by day or night. Or hike to the top via the Morning Trail along Hatton Road and take the tram down.

Only in Hong Kong can you ride the longest escalator in the world, shop in markets like Temple Street Night Markets located in Kowloon, the largest in Hong Kong with perfect cheap dining, clothing, and everything in between. If you like something sweet, try the Desert Kitchen - a trendy cafe selling nothing but unique Asian style yummy treats.

For a night out, visit the Lan Kwai Fong district of Hong Kong, one of the city's major party zones hosting over 90 restaurants and bars and a little bit of everything from dart bars to karaoke clubs and a range of restaurants. Or for real late-nighters, Wan Chai's racy bars and clubs stay open late.

Ride a traditional Chinese Junk Boat, visit the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, located in Po Fook Hill Mountains of the New Territories, or for the more fit, consider hiking part of the Dragons Back, said by TIME Magazine as one of the best urban hikes in Asia.

Away from the city, Sai Kung, is called Hong Kong's green lung, there's walking trails, fishing villages along a pristine peninsula of pretty beaches, and close to UNESCO Global Geopark. Here you can taste snake soup.

The experiences in Hong Kong are diverse and various. We haven't mentioned the Yuen Po Bird Garden, home to elusive songbirds, the Ladies Market, climbing to the top of Big Buddha or the hidden bars and restaurants offering further authentic cuisine and views.

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

With a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate, the region is mild for more than half the year with relatively cool-dry winters and hot, humid, wet summers. The warmest times are from late May to mid-September. Peak visiting time is from October to early December when the weather is considered the most pleasant. Temperatures in summer (May-September) often exceed 31°C. A room with air-conditioning is well worth it.