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It may be a long way to Tipperary, but it’s even longer to Tokyo. Or indeed, Tasmania. With Japan a 14-hour slog, and Australia and New Zealand not giving much change from 24 airborne hours, it’s always wise to consider a stop-off which combines respite from recycled air and plane food with the chance to indulge in some of the world’s best bars, restaurants, art and culture.
And there's no better destination for this than Hong Kong. Here are the best reasons to make it your stopover city…
Event horizon
With Hong Kong considered the events capital of Asia, get set to book tickets for some of the best gigs, happenings and festivals in the business.
Art lovers should check out the HK Walls Street Art Festival, a dynamic, colourful exhibition of work by international and local artists who’ll be painting murals across the Central and Western District (22-30 March). In fact, art is huge here this year; head to Art Central, a cornerstone event of Arts in Hong Kong which showcases the next generation of talent from Asia's most innovative galleries alongside distinguished artists from around the world (26-30 March), and Art Basel, an international art fair where artists, gallerists and collectors can connect, buy and sell. (28-30 March).
Elsewhere, the famous Rugby 7s are taking place at Kai Tak Sports Park, HK’s brand new 50,000-seater stadium, for the first time (28-30 March); while music fans take note: Coldplay will be touching down with their Music of the Spheres tour on 8, 9, 11 and 12 April.
For something more authentically Asian, don’t miss the thrilling Dragon Boat festival (31 May); watch fast-paced races in traditional boats in Victoria Harbour and Stanley, and chow down on zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings.
The picturesque Mid-Autumn festival (6 October), celebrates the harvest moon with atmospheric lantern displays, mooncakes and an exciting Fire Dragon dance, while the Wine and Dine festival (end of October) celebrates great food and drink with live performances at Victoria Harbour.
Looking ahead, the unmissable New Year Countdown will ring in 2026 with music, dance and a spectacular firework display over the skyline, while Chinese New Year (February 2026) will be a riot of red lanterns, lion dances and parades.
The Bar Essentials
HK has a seriously sophisticated bar scene, from hidden speakeasies to glamorous rooftop bars. It’s home to Asia’s Best Bar, the Italian-infused Bar Leone; located halfway up the Peak, drop by for a little taste of la dolce vita - as well as a classic Negroni - and soak up the Roman-esque atmosphere.
For drinks with a view, head to the likes of Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton, the highest rooftop bar in the world; from your perch on the 118th floor overlooking the harbour, savour one of their signature cocktails, such as the Secret Garden, a heady mix of Tanqueray No 10 Gin, Grand Marnier, citrus and applewood smoke.
If you’re all about the ’gram, as well as the G&Ts, check out one of HK’s most photogenic drinking dens: Dragonfly, a boutique, boho cocktail lounge inspired by the Art Nouveau movement where the soft light from Tiffany-inspired stained-glass lamps illuminates the patterned mosaic floor and handcrafted dragonfly decorations.
Fancy something a little more discreet? Try a secret, underground bar, such as The Green Door – identifiable only by… well, the clue’s in the name. Or Foxglove, for creative cocktails, bags of atmosphere, and old-school charm. Gon Bui!
Food for Thought
When Cantonese greet each other, they don't say ‘How are you?’ - they ask, ‘Have you eaten yet?’ Food literally fuels Hong Kong, and you’re never more than moments away from a great meal.
Start with a snack from a dai pai dong, one of HK’s quintessential experiences; it’s a traditional, open-air food stall, serving tasty and affordable Cantonese dishes.
Try Oi Man Sang, which has been providing local fare like garlic steamed razor clams, potato and beef stir fry and salted egg yolk prawns since 1956, or Ladies Street Sik Fan Co, where highlights include the prawn toast, honey pepper beef and potato, and sweet and sour pork.
Don’t miss dim sum; from dumplings to steamed buns, find delicious, elevated examples at Spring Moon in the Peninsula hotel, where the world-famous XO chilli sauce was invented, or at popular Yixin, which also serves up nostalgic dishes such as roasted duck or fried crab with ginger. If it’s fine-dining you’re after, book the incredible, two-Michelin star Bo Innovation, where you’ll be blown away by the artistic food presentation and unique flavour combinations – tuna belly with white soy, wasabi and foie gras, anyone?
It’s In Your Nature
It’s not just hanging out in bars and restaurants – there’s plenty to do outdoors, too. Take a tram up the Peak, which offers an incredible bird’s eye view of the city’s iconic skyline, as well as a stroll along the pretty, tree-lined Peak Circle Walk.
For a more serious hike, set off on the curving Dragon’s Back mountain ridge trail, which cuts across the Shek O Peak in the Shek O country park, where you’ll find dramatic panoramas of the lush countryside and craggy coastline.
Visit Lantau Island, home to the Po Lin Monastery and the giant bronze Big Buddha statue, via a breathtaking cable car ride, or take a boat tour of Victoria Harbour in an authentic junk.
Easy Access
It’s ridiculously easy to make Hong Kong your next stopover; UK passport holders don’t even need a visa. On arrival, you’ll simply get a stamp in your passport that says you can stay for up to three months. And once you jump on the super-efficient Airport Express, you’ll be in HK’s CBD within 24 minutes (precisely).
Getting around town is even easier, thanks to the uber-efficient MTR, which runs HK’s rail and underground network; journeys start from less than a quid.
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So what are you waiting for? Book in a trip to Hong Kong for the ideal stopover.
See more at discoverhongkong.com
