Ten reasons to visit Hong Kong

If anyone were to ask me, what’s the most exotic destination you’ve ever been to? I’d say Hong Kong. It’s so different from the west, especially Europe, and although I was a bit shocked at first when I arrived, I’d be more than happy to return (especially for New Year’s Eve) now that I know what to expect. Below, you’ll find my top ten reasons to why you should visit Hong Kong.

1. The Parks

Parks in Hong Kong are absolutely beautiful, and there are plenty of them. Since Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, it’s warm during most of the year. The parks are filled with tropical flowers and trees and the massive skyscrapers towering up around them creates quite a dramatic vibe. My favourite parks in Hong Kong were Hong Kong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

2. It’s Dramatic

Unlike many western cities, which are relatively clean and either filled with modern or historic buildings (or a mix of both) Hong Kong has a little bit of everything. There are modern skyscrapers, old historic western buildings, temples and old, dirty skyscrapers and dated buildings that look like they need some restoration.

3. The Nature

It might come a bit unexpected, but the nature and landscape in Hong Kong is stunning. There are rainforests, beautiful beaches and green mountains which is perfect for seeing some amazing views.

4. The markets

Hong Kong is is filled with shopping opportunities, and there are everything from luxury boutiques to markets available. The markets are especially fascinating, as there are so many of them, and some of them have themes you didn’t know existed. For example, there’s a bird market (which I never went to) and there’s a fish market. They also have a beautiful Flower market, which was probably my favourite.

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The Flower Market

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5. They have their own Las Vegas

Macao is a 45-minute boat ride away, and it’s a true city of contrasts. You’ll find fancy hotels, twinkling lights and casinos, all in a town that looks like a mix of Portugal and Hong Kong. Macao is a former Portuguese colony, and in a way, it feels more western than Hong Kong.

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6. The food

To be honest, food can be difficult for westerners in Hong Kong. You want to try the local cuisine, but you can’t read the ingredients and the ingredients could include be anything from pig kidney to bugs in authentic Chinese food. You have to do a lot of research to find restaurants that suit you and your preferences, and it might be difficult to find that on the go. If yo do your research, and go to places serving food that you’re comfortable eating, you’ll have some of the best Chinese food you’ll ever eat.

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Dim sum & sponge cake at One Dim Sum and Peking Duck at American Peking Restaurant. Two great , authentic Chinese restaurants I discovered in Hong Kong.

7. There’s plenty of entertainment

Hong Kong has their own Disneyland and another amusement park called Ocean Park, which is a mix between SeaWorld and a regular amusement park. I never visited Disneyland in Hong Kong, as I’ve been in Paris and Florida. Ocean Park was, however big and really beautiful and I’d definitely recommend visiting. I liked that they had mixed the Ocean theme with an amusement park so you could get a little bit of both in one place. The scenery is also stunning around the park with the mountains and the ocean views.

8. Walking around on the streets is an event on its own

You never know what you’ll find on the streets of Hong Kong, the people watching is fascinating, and there are so many different people in one place. It’s fascinating how the city works. The public transit system is also among the best you’ll ever experience.

9. The beauty shopping is fascinating

Shopping in Hong Kong, and Eastern Asia in general is so different from what I’m used to, and I’m fascinated by some of the items that they sell here. The ”Sephora” of Hong Kong is called Sasa Beauty, and they have plenty of stores in every size across the city.

10. You’ll be spoiled with some amazing views

If there’s one thing Hong Kong is good at, it’s views. The view from Victoria Peak is frequently on lists such as ”Ten views you need to see before you die” and I couldn’t agree more. Another fabulous view is the skyline view when taking the boat across the water from one part of the city to the other. It’s amazing.

If you have any tips on attractions, beautiful places or great food in Hong Kong, let me know in the comments. I am more than happy to visit this city again and I’d love to have some insider tips for that.