Ten years since the handover from Britain to China, Hong Kong is managing a balancing act few would have predicted: it is stronger, more powerful, and yet more Chinese than ever. Home of Mandarin Oriental, HSBC, Lane Crawford and Shanghai Tang, it competes only with Tokyo for title of Asia's Most Global City. Things are 24-hour here - clubs, offices, diners, noodle joints - and all things seem to align perfectly in the name of making money. Though business will bring most to Central, try to push out into Wan Chai's Star Street and Causeway Bay for a sense of the city's sweeping energy.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
The magical words for service: a firm, well-directed "Mmm-Goi" will get you anything you'll need. |
| 02 |
High tea is still an institution. For atmosphere, it's The Pen. For society draw, the Mandarin's Clipper Lounge. |
| 03 |
Dim sum in contemporary style: served at lunch time only at member's-only KEE Club. |
| 04 |
Beauty is the city's secret. Head out for a hike on Dragon's Back for ocean views and lush mountain greenery. |
| 05 |
Island hopping is absolutely possible: take a ferry to Cheung Chau or the outer islands. |
| 06 |
Despise airport traffic? The Airport Express terminal at Hong Kong Station is lovely and lets you check in within walking distance from all major offices. City-to-terminal journey time is 27 minutes. |
| 07 |
Despise city traffic? The MTR (metro) is air-conditioned and lightning-quick. |
| 08 |
Despise all traffic? Everyone should take a helicopter in Hong Kong at least once. Book one through The Peninsula concierge and throw in a cocktail at Starck's iconic Felix. |
| 09 |
Do the "other side" at least once: Dine high up in Kowloon for the views over Victoria Harbor. |
| 10 |
Private clubs are still par for the course. Names to know? China Club, Halo, Azure, and Volar. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
JIA
125 Irving Street, Causeway Bay
+ 85 2 3196 9000
jiahongkong.com
Dependable chain
Landmark Mandarin Oriental
15 Queen's Road, Central
+ 85 2 2132 0188
mandarinoriental.com/
landmark
Premium
The Peninsula
Salisbury Road, Kowloon
+ 85 2 2920 2888
hongkong.
peninsula.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Salon de Robuchon
4/F, The Landmark shopping centre,
15 Queen's Road, Central
+ 85 2 2196 9000
hkland.com
Business breakfast
Amber
Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel
15 Queen's Road, Central
+ 85 2 2132 0188
Mid-morning coffee
Classified
108 Hollywood Road, Central
+ 85 2 2525 3454
classifiedpr.com
Working lunch with colleagues
Dragon-I
60 Wyndham Street, Central
+ 85 2 3110 1222
dragon-i.com.hk
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
Caprice
Four Seasons Hotel,
8 Finance Street, Central
+ 85 2 2521 8888
Lunch on your own
Harlan's
Podium 2, IFC Mall, Central
+ 85 2 2805 0566
Press room
108 Hollywood Road, Central
+ 85 2 2525 3444
pressroom.com.hk
Afternoon tea/drink
The Peninsula Lobby
Salisbury Road, Kowloon
+ 85 2 2920 2888
hongkong.peninsula.com
Dinner on your own
Bistro Manchu
33 Elgin Street, Central
+ 85 2 2536 9218
Dinner with colleagues
Hutong
28/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
+ 85 2 3428 8342
aqua.com.hk
Big dinner with partner clients
China Club (private members)
13/F Bank of China Building
+ 85 2 2521 8888
Drink after dinner
KEE Club (private members)
6/F Wellington Street, Central
+ 85 2 2810 9000
keeclub.com
Late drinks
Halo
10-12 Stanley Street, Central
+ 85 2 2810 1274
Late bite
Flying Pan
9 Old Bailey Street, Central
+ 85 2 2140 6333
the-flying-pan.com
On the tiles
Volar
38-44 D'Aguilar Street
+ 85 2 2810 1510
volar.com.hk
04
Reading
Books
Basheer
439-445 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
+ 85 2 2126 7533
05
Thank yous
Wine
Berry Bros & Rudd
The Lee Gardens, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
+ 85 2 2907 2112
bbr.com.hk
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Fashion from Sonjia
2 Sun Street, Wanchai
+ 85 2 2529 6223
sonjiaonline.com
Lost luggage - where to buy dress shirts, socks and undies
Lane Crawford
8 Finance Street
+ 85 2 2118 3388
Something for the kids
Kung fu gear from Cat Street Market, Sheung Wan
Something for someone you love
Silk from Excellent Silk Mill
2/F, 17 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
+ 85 2 2366 1634
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Star Ferry
Central Pier 7 and 8
+ 85 2 2118 6120
starferry.com.hk
or Harbour Tour by Aqua Luna
aqua.com.hk |
02 |
Central Architecture
Sir Norman Foster's HSBC Tower, I.M. Pei's Bank of China
|
03 |
Drinks and views at Aqua Spirit 29/30F
1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
+ 85 2 3427 2288
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08
Limousine/car
Hawk Rentals
+ 85 2 2516 9822
hawkrentacar.com.hk
09
Transport
Buy a pass
mTR (Metro) & any and all stations, plus Airport Express.
Rent a bike
For the city, ask hotel concierges.
For routes on outlying islands:
Friendly Bike Shop
Mui Wo, + 85 2 2984 2278
10
Fitness
Good Gym
Pure Fitness
Two IFC, 3/F, 8 Finance Street
+ 85 2 8129 8000
Good running route
Victoria Park (2-3km) or Bowen Road by the Peak (6-8km)
Alternative diversion
The Pool at The Peninsula
+ 85 2 2920 2888