Rachael Franceschina

I recently visited good friends who relocated to Hong Kong, and it instantly became one of my favorite cities. It is an easy city to navigate by bus, ferry or the MTR subway system, so grab an Octopus card (you can purchase from any subway station or 7-Eleven). I’ve compiled some highlights:

Victoria Peak:

Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, and it overlooks central Hong Kong, Victoria Harbor and Kowloon. The best way to traverse Victoria Peak, other than to hike straight uphill (yikes!), is to take the tram (looks just like a trolley car from San Francisco). Hold on tightly, because you will not believe the angle this vehicle climbs up the mountain. Just as my knuckles turned white, we were at the top. The view is breathtaking, to say the least. Looking at the skyline from high above, you quickly understand why Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers of any other city in the world. The photo taken above was from the top of Victoria Peak.

Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery:

The cable car ride to the Big Buddha is a trip in itself… but just wait until you get a glimpse of the Big Buddha through the fog and trees! You need to take the MTR to Tung Chung station, then walk to the other side of the mall to the Ngong Ping Road Cable Car station.

Stanley:

Stanley is a small town on a peninsula on the South side of Hong Kong Island. It is a quick get-away from the crowded streets of central Hong Kong. Take the 6X (express) bus from Exchange Square bus terminal to the last stop, Stanley Plaza.  There are beachfront restaurants and a well-known market that is frequented by both locals and tourists.

Lamma Island:

This small island is a quick ferry ride away from central Hong Kong. There are no cars allowed on this island, so it’s a fabulous place to hike. Take the ferry from the Central Ferry pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan. Walk through the town until you get to the Hung Shing Yeh Beach. The trail starts just on the other side of the beach, and continues to the village of Sok Kwu Wan. You will most-likely work up a hunger while hiking, so choose from one of the many seafood restaurants along the water. You can take a ferry back to central Hong Kong from the nearby pier.

Ferry Ride to Kowloon:

A “must-do” while in Hong Kong, so you can get the view of central Hong Kong from the other side of Victoria Harbor (photo op). I recommend that you take the ferry just before sunset, so you can check out the central Hong Kong laser light show at 8pm. The majority of the skyscrapers light up in various colors and designs. Take the Star Ferry from the Central Ferry pier 7 to Tsim Sha Tsui.

PMQ (Police Married Headquarters):

This shopping complex was initially built as a school in the late 1800s, then it became a dormitory for Chinese police officers in the 1950s. It was renovated in 2009, and now houses stores, pop-up shops, cafes and galleries. The crisp, white, modern buildings are linked by an enclosed catwalk above. Be prepared to spend time walking through the multitude of independent, small shops. Take the Central-Mid-levels escalators up to Hollywood Street. Turn right onto Hollywood, then turn left on Aberdeen. There are 2 large, white buildings just up the hill on your right.

Soho:

This shopping area south of Hollywood Road is full of upscale shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Take the Central-Mid-levels escalators up to Hollywood Street. Turn right onto Hollywood, then walk to Aberdeen and turn right. Continue down Aberdeen to Gough, and turn left.

Stay tuned for a post of my favorite stores and restaurants in Hong Kong.