A Dreamy Glimpse of Hong Kong: Quick Guide to the Best Experiences in the City

Last updated: Apr 2, 2025

Updated March 2025

If you close your eyes and picture “Hong Kong”, the first thing that springs forth in your mind is the kaleidoscopic cityscape dotted with skyscrapers, all reflecting on the ripples of Victoria Harbour. 

The city is indeed the concrete jungle of your imagination, but it’s also a jewel box filled with thrilling experiences and sumptuous discoveries. Just a few hours in the city can lead to an adventure, while a couple of days deliver wonders to your senses. Now imagine the many merry memories you’ll create staying the whole week or more! 

This spring, peek through the looking glass and dream of a luxurious getaway in the Pearl of the Orient where art and culture are enmeshed in every facet of life. 

Experience the artistic route 

M+ 

M+ allows its guests to interact with Chinese, contemporary, and international visual art. The building—its facade and interior—is a part of the dynamic wealth of art project experiences hidden within. The restaurants at M+ carry the baton of storytelling forward via culinary art, featuring the artistic presentation of Cantonese and Chinese cuisine and exquisite coffee with a splash of art waiting to be a part of your creative imagination.

Wind down at the M+ terrace to witness the Sun gently kissing the cityscape goodbye for the day as the wind caresses your skin. Before leaving, make your way to the M+ shops to buy souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones to add a touch of inspiration to your daily life. 

Hong Kong Palace Museum

The bronze, boxy facade of the Hong Kong Palace Museum will make you do double takes, while the collection it nests within will give you plenty of food for thought. 

The museum, a collaboration between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum, holds over 900 objects from the ancient Chinese civilization, giving guests a reflection of the bygone era, while the monthly exhibitions show a glimpse of modern Hong Kong and its interaction with the world. 

Hong Kong Museum of Art

A world of contrasts exhibited in some of the most fantastic works of art awaits you at the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA). The museum is home to a range of artworks, from Chinese painting, antiquities, calligraphy, to a collection of modern and contemporary art from local and global artists. Any one of the over 18,800 sets of art pieces and artifacts is bound to wow you.

M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum and HKMoA can be enjoyed in a tour group or as a solo traveller. These places are Muslim friendly, with Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Center only a ten-minute car ride away, along with plenty of Halal-certified eateries nearby like 27 Kebab House, Ebeneezer’s Kebab, and more. 

Explore the city  

The Peak Experience  

The Peak Experience begins at the Peak Tram Central Terminus, where you will be greeted by the light-refracted stars via the Eye of Infinity—a public artwork by Lindy Lee. 

After a magnificent tram ride up, as you step foot into the Peak Tower, you can choose the next step of your Peak Experience before making your way to the irresistible dining options. 

Pop art connoisseurs and fans must visit Madame Tussauds Hong Kong to marvel at the waxy versions of stars in iconic poses. Before you leave, take in the wondrous bird’s eye view at Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong.

Please note that the restaurants at The Peak Tower are not Halal-certified so we recommend carrying some dry snacks with you. 

Lantau Island 

Lantau is Hong Kong’s largest island. This spring, experience the charm of the island with a “Yachtcation” — a super yacht lifestyle elevating the island experience to an artform with recreational facilities. 

Soak in the sunshine with your family as you sail the teal waters in your private yacht or board a cable car for a 360° tour of the island followed by a lunch at the UNESCO-awarded restaurant for Cultural Heritage Conservation—Tai O Heritage Hotel. A visit to Hong Kong Disneyland is a must before leaving the island. 

Lantau Island also has several Halal-certified restaurants, such as AROMA, Ebeneezer’s, Tahitian Terrace (Hong Kong Disneyland) and Maison du Mezze (Tung Chung Hotel). 

Hong Kong Jockey Club

Budding jockey, horse racing enthusiasts, and first-time spectators all will find plenty of thrills and adrenaline at Hong Kong Jockey Club.

If you are not around during the Derby Season, there are other racing events that you can enjoy from HayMarket Private Boxes. The private boxes offer Halal meal options and a tour of the race course and stables for understanding the journey of the track stars behind the scenes. 

On Happy Wednesdays, let your hair down and head over to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to dance your mid-week woes away with live music and good food.

Fun times at Ocean Park 

Pack your weekender for a fun-filled day or two at Ocean Park Hong Kong. 

Get close to or observe adorable pandas, sloths and other friendly critters while you learn about their lives at Aqua City, Waterfront. Afterward, embark on a multisensory journey to explore the clusters of marine darlings—from sea cucumbers to starfish—at the Grand Aquarium. 

For a change of pace, head to the Summit for some adrenaline-chasing action. Flying Swing or Crazy Galleon adds unique twists to the classic playground activities at Marine World. Meanwhile Arctic Blast, Ocean Park’s snowscape-themed park adds a thrilling chill to your fun-filled day.

Shop till you drop 

Hong Kong’s MTR 

Rain or shine, it’s you and the thrill of discovering something new and adding it to the cart—against it all. When in Hong Kong, the city respects your tenacity and opens up a world of possibilities with malls linked to the city’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway, the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong). 

Connected to MTR Kowloon Station, ELEMENTS has luxury and affordable fashion, skincare, jewelry, and accessories themed after the five primary elements of nature, creating a unique shopping and dining experience. 

Meanwhile, at both MTR Hong Kong Station and Central Station, IFC Mall houses over 200 mid-priced to luxury labels. Take this opportunity to restock your empties from one of the many beauty stores like Sasa, spruce up your wardrobe with Goods of Desire, and bag a fashionable piece of Hong Kong with a new purse from Longchamp. 

Following a triumphant shopping spree, nothing beats taking in the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour as you savor Italian-Japanese fusion at Pleka or award-winning noodles and congee at Tasty (Central), a Bib Gourmand recipient.

For a taste of premiere Michelin-starred Italian cuisine outside of its homeland, make your way to 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana ensconced within LANDMARK, a luxury mall connected to MTR Central Station and IFC Mall via the walkways. If high-end luxury calls out to you, LANDMARK is host to stores like Chanel, FENDI Roma, Isabel Marant, and Dior for a dazzling evening to remember.  

Shopping streets

If you have a specific game face when negotiating a deal and are comfortable wearing the bargain hat, Hong Kong will honor your talent with their expansive shopping streets. 

Promenade through the Temple Street Market near the Temple Street Archway, with its dazzling lights that serve as backdrop to your next retail adventure. The popular Ladies’ Market at Tung Choi Street is also nearby, where you can find the most adorable accessories and clothing at a dizzyingly affordable price—but only if you flex your haggling muscle enough! 

Sneakerheads should head to Sneakers Street at Fa Yuen Street, Kowloon, with its rows of footwear and athleisure stores such as Nike, Adidas, Converse, New Balance, and more. If you are lucky, you may even score a limited or Hong Kong special edition of your favorite sneakers during your trip.

To take back a part of Hong Kong with you, visit Cat Street, officially known as Upper Lascar Row at Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, for precious antiques or charming objets like jade pendants or mahjong tiles. 

For crystal and gem collectors, Jade Market and Jade Street at G/F, No. 251 Shanghai Street, Kowloon is a haven of stores selling jewellery, accessories, amulets and statues carved from the beguiling precious stone. 

5-star comforts

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel

A stay at Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is a pause-and-refresh you need after a long day at Ocean Park. The hotel features themed guest rooms, a lagoon pool, a spa and fitness center, and interactive spots that embody the ocean and natural elements. 

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel’s kitchen is halal-certified. 

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong

A stay at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong offers plush rooms with oceanfront views, an infinity pool, a kids’ lagoon, a luxury spa, direct access to Marine World, among other things. 

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong can arrange halal food with prior reservations. 

K11 ARTUS

Have a taste of artisanal living at K11 ARTUS. Check-in at 5 pm and head straight to the Victoria Harbour dockside to bathe in the rose golden hue of the hour before returning to your chicly decorated home for the day. 

Take in the resplendent view of the skyline as you relax in the grand outdoor infinity pool, let nature and the horizon inspire you to create new art in the library, or enjoy an exclusive shopping spree with a personal shopper. 

With options for halal food with prior notification and the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Center a hopscotch away, K11 is ideal for Muslim travelers. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Of all the times you have heard the world could be your oyster, when in Hong Kong—The Ritz-Carlton will ensure that it is more than just a figure of speech. 

As one of the world’s highest hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, will give you a true panoramic 360° view of the city. Pamper yourself with the assortment of luxurious spa treatments before you savor local flavors with Michelin-star dining.

Rooms are equipped with an Al-Quran, prayer mat, compass, and a direction arrow to Mecca to allow Muslim guests a serene moment in their own rooms. Alternatively, opt for a ride to the city’s largest mosque, Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre in a Rolls Royce. There are also options for private dining, room service with halal options, and halal breakfast.  

The Upper House

Step into an elevated stylish version of your dream home at The Upper House. The journey from its entrance to its terrace is an unparalleled opulence rivaled by its service and amenities. 

With staff trained in cultural sensitivity, the specific needs of Muslim guests are paid special attention to—from prayer mats, a compass, a timetable, and a direction arrow for Mecca to In-suite gym equipment, a massage bed and spa treatments. Jamia Mosque, the oldest mosque in Hong Kong, is within a 10-minute distance. Food can also be prepared to specific preferences upon request. 

Bespoke retail indulgences

Indulge in the Great Gatsby-esque opulence with private shopping experiences. The personalized service is offered by many luxurious hotels like Regent Oriental, Rosewood Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, among others. 

 

Sayantani

Sayantani

A writer, reader, coffee connoisseur and an empathetic listener. I travel the world with flights of fancy and dabble in art via photography and fashion.
Sayantani

Sayantani

A writer, reader, coffee connoisseur and an empathetic listener. I travel the world with flights of fancy and dabble in art via photography and fashion.
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