Hong Kong Travel Blog: A Modern City with Traditional Roots

goKonrad’s Hong Kong travel blog

Hong Kong is a modern city with traditional roots. This fascinating colonial city blends British influence, Chinese heritage, and its own unique cosmopolitan culture. The city is decorated with steel, glass, and bright lights, but you do not have to look far to find an alley with an authentic old world experience. You will find makeshift markets sit next to luxury shopping malls, street food stalls next to Michelin Star restaurants, rich bankers eating next to street merchants, Mao propaganda relics sold next to chic modern art, and bamboo scaffolding adorning a modern skyscraper.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong that you should make sure to see and do on your trip:

Eat dim sum at Tim Ho Wan: Tim Ho Wan is the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world. Located in a subway station, you can eat some of the best dim sum of your life and only spend a few dollars.
Hike to Victoria Peak: Victoria has the iconic views you always see when looking at the Hong Kong skyline. A tram takes you to the top, but you can skip the long line and expensive ticket by taking a scenic and peaceful hike up to the top for free. The lush, green trail is one of the best hikes I have done in an actual city.
Find treasures and trinkets: Upper Lascar Row, also known as Cat Street, is full of Chairman Mao relics, military antiques, and various other trinkets. Most are kitschy, but it is a fun experience and you can find some gems.
Eat at a street food market: You can’t visit Hong Kong without experiencing amazing Chinese street food. You can find a large collection of mouthwatering food stalls, or Dai Pai Dongs, at the Temple Street night market.
Take the Star Ferry: Take the quick, but iconic, ferry across the harbor for only a few cents. It’s the easiest way to explore the other side of Hong Kong and catch great views of the skyline.

Also, if you are heading to mainland China, make sure to check out my travel blog on Beijing and Shanghai.