Summary
Hong Kong is an extraordinary destination worth visiting, particularly if one intends to uncover the prime activities available over a weekend in this vibrant city. It has always held a fascination for me, and following my residency in Singapore, Yaya and I decided to venture to Hong Kong for a weekend escapade.
And to our delight, we thoroughly enjoyed our time!
Having grown up in the rural setting of West Wales, the striking contrast of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, bustling population, and thrilling experiences was nothing short of remarkable. During my primary education, I had a friend from Hong Kong who would regale me with captivating tales from his homeland. Some of these stories, particularly the more fantastical ones about dragons, left a lasting impression on my young imagination.
We often spent every recess discussing Hong Kong, and he frequently shared snacks made of seaweed (the name of which I cannot recall). As a young child, the opportunity to hear, taste, and learn about such a distant place was utterly astounding!
It may seem inconsequential, yet my childhood friend greatly influenced my aspiration to explore Hong Kong. This city is indeed a remarkable place, brimming with an abundance of experiences available during a weekend visit scattered throughout the region.
Now, I will share some of the foremost activities and experiences we cherished during our escape to Hong Kong. Please review the best things to do over a weekend in Hong Kong below, and may you enjoy your journey immensely.
First Impression of Hong Kong
The first aspect that captivated me was the sheer vibrancy of the city! In numerous ways, Hong Kong evokes memories of New York, a city which I hold in high regard!
The energy, the round-the-clock culture, and the shimmering skyline instilled in me a sense of anticipation for this new adventure.
Upon my arrival at the airport, I opted for the overground train that transports passengers directly into the dynamic heart of Hong Kong.
Staying in Central Hong Kong
Accommodation in Hong Kong can be relatively costly; in fact, the prices often parallel those seen in London and New York City.
Fortunately, Hong Kong offers options for various budgets, ensuring that a luxurious suite costing $10,000 a night is not the only choice available. There are still wonderful accommodations to discover.
Our choice of stay was the Madera Hong Kong hotel, conveniently situated in the Kowloon area near the Jordan MTR station.
The hotel provided a fantastic experience, featuring aesthetically pleasing views of the city—though guests should be prepared for smaller room layouts, especially if accustomed to larger accommodations in cities like London.
The establishment boasted a rooftop bar and an art gallery located on the ground floor.
Each evening was a cherished moment, sitting on the rooftop terrace with a glass of wine, relishing the sunset and light show over Hong Kong. Such memories became instrumental to our affection for exploring all the diverse experiences available during a weekend in Hong Kong; especially given that our time there was fleeting yet delightful.
Hong Kong Markets
Upon arrival in a new city, I prefer to explore on foot.
This approach not only helps me familiarize myself with the surroundings and locate my hotel eventually, but it also provides a glimpse into the local culture without relying heavily on an itinerary.
Sometimes, these spontaneous explorations yield delightful surprises, such as discovering quaint eateries and hidden gems that only reveal themselves to a curious mind—this was, in fact, how I discovered the Ladies Market.
I had initially underestimated Hong Kong’s reputation for vibrant street markets. I’m not entirely sure why, but stumbling upon the market was a joyous revelation, with its hundreds of stalls.
These stalls offered a diverse range of products, from freshly prepared dishes and beautiful jewelry to modern accessories like iPhone cases. Indeed, these markets seemingly had it all.
Eating, Jumbos Style
During the early evening, I decided to dine at Jumbo’s floating restaurant, which is situated in Wong Chuck Hang. A short (and free) boat ride takes guests to the restaurant itself. They serve exquisite Dim Sum!
However, it is worth noting that dining here can be slightly more expensive compared to other options within Hong Kong, so consider your budget. Nonetheless, a visit to Jumbo’s is undoubtedly a noteworthy experience when in Hong Kong.
Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Gardens
After enjoying some time at the Ladies Market, I opted to visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Gardens.
Only a short 20-minute subway ride from my hotel, the gardens transported me back in time, evoking a more tranquil and romantic essence of Hong Kong.
These gardens are meticulously maintained by dedicated and enthusiastic caretakers, who invest considerable time and effort into pruning and nurturing each tree. Getting here is straightforward; one simply boards the MTR and disembarks at Diamond Hill Station Exit C2, following the signs and walking for approximately five minutes.
If you wish to extend your experience in the gardens, consider spending some time unwinding at the Chinese Tea House situated within the gardens.
They offer a wide selection of Asian teas, such as Ban Tian Yao, Cloud Tea, and Gunpowder Tea, which consistently piques my interest. This treat is one of the outstanding activities during a weekend visit to Hong Kong, especially if you hold a fondness for nature.
Victoria Peak
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without witnessing the incredible views from Victoria Peak; guests can even take a tram that ascends to the summit.
If I were to make a return visit, I would advise reserving tram tickets in advance, as the queue can extend to two hours. Given my time constraints, I opted to utilize a taxi.
The views are simply breathtaking, particularly at sunset! It is also noteworthy that upon reaching the pinnacle, entry to the viewing platform is free, in contrast to the paid viewing option.
The pricing is minimal, so I opted for both (the free and the paid platforms) and honestly, the experience from either vantage point is strikingly similar.
Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
On the second day of my visit (and just before my evening departure), I opted to tour the Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery. Years ago, this sanctuary was situated in a rather secluded area, frequented by only a few visitors.
In the present day, pilgrims from various regions flock to witness the majestic Big Buddha! Despite being a relatively recent establishment (a few decades old), it is indeed a sight not to be overlooked.
The journey offered a splendid view of Lantau Island. The ride took about an hour by taxi, but one can also opt for the Ngong Ping Cable Car departing from Tung Chung MTR Station, which lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as the 268 steps can feel considerably more daunting as you climb higher!
Nonetheless, this attraction represents one of the finest things to experience during a weekend in Hong Kong.
15 Best Things To Do In Hong Kong
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