Shopping, sleeping, shopping and more...
WHERE TO SLEEP
** The Upper House ** _(Pacific Place 88 Queensway; from €446) _
The genius Andre Fu projected on Hong Kong much more than a luxury hotel: The Upper House is a true work of art. This refuge in the heart of the city ensures an intimate and individual treatment in which the client is, first and foremost and no matter what, the most important thing. Once you go through its doors, everything is a continuous flow of surprises.
Starting with the building, with an avant-garde and harmonious design, in which soft lines and warm colors dominate. Its 117 rooms and suites are spacious and with views of the skyline. The exquisite gastronomy of the ** Café Gray Deluxe **, the free yoga classes offered every weekend or the beauty treatments in the privacy of your room are just some of its exclusive services.
H:Art Hotel _(4 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; from €80) _
Receptionists with stylish aprons, tattoos on their arms and sneakers. An interior design in which the word “industrial” sums it all up. Concrete, iron, wood…
The coldness of the common spaces, designed with elegance, contrast with the warm and welcoming atmosphere of its 69 rooms , all similar but divided into four categories according to the size of the bed.
Hook for your avant-garde, originality and sophisticated air ; and convinces with its affordable prices, original amenities and perfect location.
** Mandarin Oriental ** _(5 Connaught Road Central; from €466) _
This five-star hotel was the first of the Mandarin Oriental chain to open in Hong Kong , and today it is almost as legendary as the city itself. Luxury, comfort and style are your values , and from its central location, opposite Victoria Harbor , unparalleled views are obtained. 299 rooms and suites in which tradition is combined with design and technology.
Mandarin Oriental's Man Wah Restaurant
** Hotel ICON ** _(17 Science Museum Road Tsim Sha Tsui East, Koowlon; from €193) _
Few hotels can match the mesmerizing views of Hong Kong's steel jungle, its beautiful bay and the mountains that surround the city. And yet this is true in Icon, where the rooms are much more than a place to rest: they are a window to the city.
The best? Surprises awaiting guests upon check-in, like a complimentary smartphone with unlimited internet access and free calls to 31 countries. An elegant spa, fitness room, rooftop pool and three restaurants complete the offer.
** I had ** _(16 Tsing Fung Street, Tin Hau; from €120) _
The industrial air takes over this avant-garde hotel located in Causeway Bay neighborhood in which they highlight the lack of a sign outside and the minimalism taken to its maximum expression.
Simple rooms in which the ornamentation is conspicuous by its absence , absolutely white corridors and steel doors give shape to a perfect accommodation for those who simply seek comfort.
In the surroundings, the purest Hong Kong essence: noodle bars, foot massage shops, and clothing stores enliven the visit.
One of the suites at The Mira hotel
** The Mira ** _(118-130 Nathan Road Tsim Sha Tsui; from €153) _
Ambient lighting, straight lines and elegant design are the foundations of this futuristic-style hotel in the heart of **Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong's liveliest shopping district**.
Was the American lifestyle guru, Colin Cowie , the one in charge of transforming his rooms into perfect oases to escape the chaos outside. Don't miss out on trying any of their six gastronomic proposals, such as Cuisine Cuisine or Whisk, a restaurant in which to go around the world from the plate.
Mojo Nomad Central _(286 Queen's Road, Central; from €100) _
He landed in Hong Kong with the intention of revolutionizing the hotel concept, and he has succeeded. In this innovative accommodation what prevails is sharing, collaborating and bet jointly on a sustainable lifestyle.
Focused on those digital nomads who work while traveling around the world, offers coworking areas, laundry and gym. Its rooms vary between singles and shared rooms, and the urban style of each one is simply wonderful. In its I love you so much Mexican restaurant They make the best margaritas.
Exterior of Mojo Nomad Central accommodation
Hotel Stage _(1 Chi Wo Street, Jordan, Kowloon; from €108) _
Fine lines, woods, gray and white tones and a marked urban design they are the pillars of its decoration. In the Stage, you can escape from the chaos and noise of the city as well as immerse yourself one hundred percent in it: you are in the Yau Ma Tei neighborhood, surrounded by shops and businesses and just a stroll from cultural icons like the Tin Hau temple or the Jade Market. It also works as a platform for local artists.
Island Shangri-La _(Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central; from €335) _
If there is a hotel that concentrates everything that defines the Asian essence, it is this one. And it is that with The Great Chinese Motherland , the largest silk painting in the world -occupies the equivalent of 16 floors- ruling the lobby, little else needs to be said.
565 rooms invite you to sleep between silky sheets and to say good night -or good morning- with spectacular views of Victoria Harbor or The Peak. It is recognized as one of the most luxurious in Asia and an unforgettable stay involves trying each and every one of its seven restaurants.
WHERE TO EAT
Ah Shun's Kitchen _(47 Tai San Street, Cheung Chau; from €20) _
That the first impression does not condition you: this restaurant seems anything but appetizing. But if Hong Kongers from all over the city queue up there, it must be for a reason, right?
this little family business has a reputation for serving the best seafood in town. You just have to go to the neighboring fish market, choose a piece and take it back to the restaurant to prepare it to taste. Another option is choose a dish from their menu , like steamed prawns with soy sauce.
Cuisine Cuisine _(Level 3, The Mira Hong Kong Mira Place 118-130, Tsim Sha Tsui; from €25) _
Top quality cuisine and decoration by interior designer Charles Allem. It is one of the gastronomic proposals of the hotel The Mira, in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui , and offers dishes made from traditional cantonese recipes , presented in an avant-garde and almost, we could say, artistic way. His wine cellar has more than 350 labels from the remotest corners of the world.
Tim Ho Wan _(9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po; from €3) _
Say it's about one of the cheapest Michelin star restaurants in the world It will probably earn you a lot of points. If we also confirm that absolutely everything that is tested in this humble local of Sham Shui Po It's scrumptious, turn it off and let's go.
Tim Ho Wan's dim sums
True mecca for lovers of the dim sums, has up to 20 varieties on its menu , although the most successful are their baked buns stuffed with barbecued pork. They do not accept reservations , so you may have to queue.
Duddell's _(Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion; 1 Duddle Street, Central; from €50) _
"Honest with art, serious with food." With this forceful phrase they describe their philosophy in this Michelin star in the heart of the Central district.
Neither an art gallery nor a museum, but a place where every corner exhibits works by different creators so that those who are encouraged to taste their delicious dishes, also have the pleasure of enjoying them.
Distributed on two floors, its rooms -designed by the British Ilse Crawford- they ooze color and style, including its charming terrace. Choose between betting on their tasting menus or order a la carte.
** Putien ** _(99 Percival Street Causeway Bay, Lee Theater Plaza, 7th Floor, Room A; from €20) _
The owner baptized it with the name of the town where he was born, Putien, located in the Fujian region , when he opened the first store in Singapore in 2000. Today, 19 years later and with a chain of restaurants spread across the Asian continent, the success is resounding.
You must try Putien's pork belly noodles
The reason? Perhaps the great respect that is professed in your kitchen for traditional gastronomy and true flavors. The treatment of the staff is noteworthy, as well as its braised sea bass or the noodles from Putien with pork belly and clams. To give you a tribute.
** Takumi by Dasuke Mori ** _(Local 1, The Oakhill 16 Wood Road, Wanchai; from €230) _
To live an experience of those that are not forgotten, a magnificent option is to book - it has only 12 seats , so forget showing up just like that- at this Michelin star in which French and Japanese cuisine shake hands.
Daisuke Mori, seasoned in the kitchens of restaurants such as the **three-star Château Restaurant Joël Robuchon in Tokyo**, proposes a nine-course tasting menu based on seasonal ingredients. The best: the experience is lived around a open kitchen.
** Kam's Roast Goose ** _(226 Hennesy Road Wan Chai; from €6) _
The theory that a Michelin star has to be expensive loses consistency in Hong Kong. To convince you, just try the exquisite crispy goose of this family business and take a look at the account.
Ozone views of the city's 'skyline'
Going for the third generation -the first restaurant opened in 1942- dedicated to pleasing the most demanding palates and continues to reap success thanks to its star dish.
Located in a small place in the Wan Chai neighborhood, it has space for 30 people and there you can savor other proposals such as the roast suckling pig or the rich goose neck.
FOR A COFFEE OR A DRINK
Ozone (Level 118, International Commerce Ctr. 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon)
The tallest bar in Asia occupies the 118th floor of the International Commerce Center and belongs to The Ritz-Carlton . Visiting it is not just having a cocktail with a view, it is doing it in a distinguished environment where the blue lighting creates the illusion of being in heaven.
The most acclaimed DJ's put soundtrack to one of the most exclusive bars in Hong Kong where, in addition, you can have some Asian tapas or dance until your body lasts. Yes indeed, there is a strict dress code , especially for men.
Song Cha Xie _(60 Fung Tak Road, Nan Lian Garden) _
Surrounded by a peaceful pond and sheltered by the lush gardens of Nan Lian, this traditional tea room is an oasis ideal to escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong . Long wooden corridors, teak tables and chairs and an exquisite tea, always accompanied by dim sums, They will make you feel that you have traveled to the past. You will never want to leave there.
** Stockton ** _(32 Wyndham Street, Central) _
A whiskey-bar with all the style of a private club packed with Chesters , velvet armchairs, rugs with impossible drawings and chandeliers. Have a drink or a snack will be the least you do in this corner next to Hong Kong's Soho. On Wednesdays there is live jazz and blues , although music is present every day.
Kam Wah Cafe _(45-47 Bute Street Mong Kok; from €2) _
if you are looking for a cafe that defines Hong Kong in its purest form , this is the place. Skip the line to buy one of their famous sweets and go directly to the premises. The waitresses, who do not speak a bit of English, will strive to find you a place as soon as possible, even if that means sharing a tiny table with a stranger.
The back and forth of orders does not stop, but take your time. Try the typical yuanyang -coffee and tea drink with condensed milk- and its pineapple buns with butter. Calories, many, but a satisfied smile will accompany you the rest of the day.
WHERE TO BUY
** PMQ ** _(35 Aberdeen Street Lan Kwai Fong) _
An old residential complex for police officers was remodeled and transformed into this modern venue where you can find pieces by the most influential designers in Hong Kong. Up to 100 shops, studios, cafes and exhibition spaces where to discover the latest trends in fashion, jewelry or decoration.
** Goods of desire ** _(48 Hollywood Road Soho) _
The day this eclectic store opened its doors, the concept of souvenirs experienced a revolution: wit, humor and creativity they teamed up to create all kinds of objects and garments that keep the essence of Hong Kong, but without falling into the cliché. His Instagram account ( @goodsofdesire ) is his best showcase.
Temple Street Market _(Temple Street Yau Mai Tei, Kowloon) _
At nightfall, this street of kowloon transforms into a festival of neon lights, street stalls, clairvoyants and karaoke fans that take over the space and shape a lively night market. There are few things of quality, but it's fun to practice haggling.
Cat Street _(Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Lan Kwai Fong) _
What in the past was a street invaded by antique dealers and collector's shops, today is a market for fake antiques, photos and objects that recall Hong Kong's past.
It is essential to master the art of haggling if you intend to succeed. Among its star products are the espresso cups with the face of Mao and communist propaganda posters.
Views from The Peak
**WHAT TO SEE **
** The Peak ** _(Peak Tram Lower Terminus 33 Garden Road, Central) _
It's a classic, you can't – and shouldn't – leave Hong Kong without having gone up to admire the views from its most famous viewpoint. The Peak, the mountain that rules the skyline with impetus, offers quite a spectacle both during the day and at night, when the lights of the skyscrapers light up and the picture of the bay is transformed into something almost fantastic.
Wong Tai Sin Temple _(2 Chuk Yuen RoadChuk Un, Wong Tai Sin; open 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) _
Religion is a fundamental part of Hong Kong life and that is scrupulously reflected in places like this temple. Between immense skyscrapers rises, like a small island, a handful of red roofs and altars that welcome those faithful eager to ask and to know.
Though Taoism is the prevailing religion Confucian and Buddhist believers also have their space here, between the smoke of incense and bamboo sticks that predict the future, launch their prayers into the air.
Bird's Market _(37 Flower Market RoadMong Kok) _
According to feng shui precepts, birds have a very important function: they are symbols of good luck and bearers of positive news.
For this reason, it is very curious to approach Yuen Po Street bird-garden and take a look at the numerous stalls to which the locals go, well to get your new pet, or to buy accessories for them, such as handmade cages or toys. Worth to watch.
lantau island
To escape the hectic pace of Hong Kong, a perfect option is to take an excursion to its largest island, Lantau. A journey by metro and another by cable car lead to the imposing figure of the giant buddha , the largest of his style in the world.
A walk through the neighboring Po Lin Monastery can give you all that peace that you miss in the city. For a round day, nothing like going by bus to the small Tai O fishing village , where not even cars can circulate.
WHO TO GO WITH
** Live Hong Kong **
The only travel agency in Spanish in Hong Kong. ** It was founded in 2015 by the Uruguayan Lorena Fernández who, after traveling 1,000 km through China **, was aware that the best way to get to know a place is with her locals. With her team, all of Latin origin, she prepares tailor-made trips around the city and its surroundings.
***** _This report was published in **number 129 of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (June)**. Subscribe to the printed edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or from our website). The June issue of Condé Nast Traveler is available in its digital version to enjoy on your preferred device. _
The Tian Tan Buddha of Lantau