Vibrant City Life in Hong Kong
Though geographically small, Hong Kong City is a vibrant place to get the most out of city life. Even if you have just one day to get out to see Hong Kong’s best, there is plenty left to do. Eating, shopping, and sky-high views are just the beginning.
Breakfast
Australia Diary Company
Ordinary and old-fashioned as it looks, this little restaurant is one of the most popular dining places on the Kowloon Island. It is most famous for its eggs and stewed milk beancurd.
I ordered scrambled eggs with toast, and it was so simple but awesomely yummy. Milk tea is definitely needed.
Do not worry about the always long queue outside, it moves extremely fast as the service inside is efficient. But just don’t expect the waiters to be as hospitable as the food is tasty.
G/F, 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan
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Morning activity
Sky 100
Viewing the city from a top point is always amazing, whether at day or night. And no viewing spot is better than the highest indoor observation deck “Sky 100” in the International Commerce Centre.
Take the soaring elevator at the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong and it will take less a minute to take you to the 100th floor. Don’t tremble, I know it’s so high. The tremendous panoramic view of the whole city will astonish you.
100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Star ferry
Then let’s go down to the sea from the sky. Take the Star Ferry instead of the metro to reach Hong Kong island on the other side of the Victoria Harbour, it’s cheaper and more fun.
You can catch sight of both the islands and experience the busy harbor full of cargo ships and vessels. The ferry is totally open air, which allows for wonderful photo opportunities.
Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier
Lunch
BO-LO’GNE Café & Bar
A Japanese style café most famous for its unbeatably delicious toast. you can have pasta or eggs with the toast. I had one with carbonara, and the toast is the best I have ever tried in the city.
With a perfect match of soft and crispy, and a butter flavour, each bite gives you happiness. Situated in a quiet street in central area, this café is perfect for a rest and refreshment.
Shop 1, G/F, 41 Aberdeen Street, Central
Afternoon Activity
Sunny Bay
If you want to get away from the modern, hustling Hong Kong, Sunny Bay is a good place to temporarily “escape” from all the rackets and dins. It’s located at the city’s biggest island – Lantau Island.
Get off at the Sunny Bay metro station, and just few minutes walk away you will see the sea. The site is called Yam’O Wan, and opposite side across the sea is Tun Mun area on the Kowloon Island.
You may want to sit on the big rocks by the seaside, enjoy the sunshine and have a relaxing afternoon chatting with friends or watching someone fishing (usually there will be a few).
This site is wonderful for enjoying the sea and sunshine while staying away from the crowded beaches. You may also want to wait until the sunset as it is a fabulous spot to watch.
Sunny Bay Metro Station
About a 15 minute walk south there is a village called Luk Keng Tsuen, an undeveloped rural heritage. You may want to pay a visit to the villagers and large dogs “guarding” many homes.
After the comfortable and relaxing afternoon, take the Tung Chung metro line and go back to Hong Kong Island and throw yourself into another world. Get off at Hong Kong metro station.
Dinner
After getting off at Hong Kong metro station, you may want to go up to the classy and sumptuous mall of International Finance Centre (IFC) which has many fine western restaurants.
I tried one called SimplyLife, featuring European-style pastries and food. Try the beautiful danish of various flavors, strawberry and blueberry ones are nice. Chicken Waldorf salad sandwich and green apple smoothies are also recommended.
Shop 1081, 1/F, IFC II, 1 Harbour View Street, Central
Evening Activity
Central Mid-levels escalators and Soho
You definitely want to take the Central Mid-levels escalators, which is the longest outdoor escalator in the world. Connecting from Des Voeux Road in Central to Mid-levels, it’s gonna take you about half an hour to finish the whole trip.
The escalator can also take you to Soho, the city’s famous eating and drinking destination full of fine restaurants, bars and cafes. It’s also a place packed with foreigners, displaying Hong Kong as an international city. It’s a good place to enjoy the city’s well-known liveliness at night.
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