Unlock Hong Kong’s insider gems on your next getaway

Founded during the 1950’s, Lan Fong Yuen has become one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cha chaan tengs and a beloved dining venue on Trip.Best’s lists. Not only does it rank among the top five spots of Hong Kong’s best light bites, but it’s also featured on the must-visit list, making this a must-try spot during your time in Hong Kong. This venue features two sections: an indoor dining space and its well-known drink kiosk perched on Gage Street, accented by green metal fixtures. Here, you can savour their signature silk stocking milk tea and yuan yang – a classic local beverage that combines milk tea and coffee. Whether you prefer your drinks hot or iced, the cha chaan teng’s offerings are sure to delight. After enjoying your beverage, pull up a seat indoors to indulge in Lan Fong Yuen’s timeless staples, like pork chop buns, Hong Kong-style French toast, and scallion oil-tossed instant noodles topped with chicken chop.

While most tourists might immediately think of dim sum when it comes to Hong Kong cuisine, another local delicacy that deserves your attention is Cantonese roast meats. Kam’s Roast Goose stands out as one of the best restaurants in town that specialises in these dishes. Aside from earning a coveted Michelin star for their offerings, this venue also consistently ranks high on Trip.Best’s list as a must-try and authentic local restaurant loved by fellow travellers, so you’ll no doubt leave satisfied. Flick through their menu to find dishes like irresistibly juicy roast goose, honey-glazed char siu, plump steamed chicken, and crispy roast suckling pig. Additionally, they also serve assorted cuts of lo shui, or soy-marinated meat, offal, and vegetables. For a truly indulgent meal, don’t forget to order sides like preserved eggs with pickled ginger or vinegar-marinated black fungus, along with the Prince Kinsen noodles, tossed in goose drippings.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, you’ll be delighted to know that Hong Kong is home to one of the world’s best bars, highly revered by both bar industry experts and Trip.com’s users. Founded by award-winning mixologist Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone is a casual Italian bar with a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect spot to unwind after exploring Soho, with a drink in hand, of course. This highly rated drinking den holds the fourth spot on Trip.Best’s list of Hong Kong's best bars and features a rotating selection of classic cocktails with Italian twists. Be sure to try their signature olive oil sour, a unique take on the traditional whisky sour that includes a dash of Italian olive oil. Pair your drinks with Bar Leone’s delectable mortadella focaccia sandwich and smoked olives – both are absolutely to die for.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District. As Asia’s global museum of contemporary art and one of the best things to do in Hong Kong, according to Trip.Best’s data-driven list, this stunning space, designed by some of the world’s leading architects, is easily spotted across Victoria Harbour. This massive arts complex houses 33 spacious galleries showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions, as well as public spaces including a tranquil rooftop garden, a research centre, a multimedia library, restaurants, cinemas, and more. Additionally, the museum features the M+ Facade, one of the world’s largest LED screens, which displays commissioned moving images against Hong Kong’s skyline. Visitors can also explore nearby artistic spaces in the West Kowloon Cultural District, such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum or Xiqu Centre.

Once the sun sets, Hong Kong comes even more alive at night, and there’s nowhere better to experience local nightlife than Temple Street in Kowloon. This lively street ranks among the top 20 night attractions on Trip.com’s Hong Kong nightlife rankings, and it’s easy to see why. Located between Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, Temple Street is known for its bustling night market that offers a wide variety of delectable street food, such as fishballs and siu mai, and international dishes like skewers and dumplings. In case you’re still feeling hungry, Temple Street is also home to several late-night dining restaurants where you can enjoy dishes like claypot rice, herbal teas, and even snake soup, ensuring a satisfying meal no matter the hour. Plus, wander around the area to have your fortune told by face and palm readers, tarot card readers, and experts in both Chinese and Western astrology, adding a fascinating cultural twist to your evening.

Quarry Bay might not seem like much of a tourist hotspot, but this neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island is home to one of the city’s most famous architectural marvels – and it isn’t a towering skyscraper. Behold the Monster Building, also known as Yik Cheong Building, a jaw-dropping collection of five densely stacked residential complexes. Cinephiles will surely recognise this building from major Hollywood blockbusters like Ghost in the Shell and Transformers: Age of Extinction. Over the years, the Monster Building has also become one of Hong Kong’s most iconic Instagram hotspots and popular attractions, thanks to its grungy aesthetic, so make sure to add it to your itinerary for some great photos.

As much as Hong Kong is a fast-paced city full of dizzying lights and endless crowds of people, it’s also home to lush nature and sleepy towns. Similarly, Trip.com’s Trip.Best list for Hong Kong features user-approved cool escapes, one of which is Tai O, a quaint fishing village that’s over a century old and home to the Tanka people. Take a boat ride to admire the unique houses on stilts that line Tai O’s waterways, and be sure to try local seafood delicacies like shrimp paste, salted fish, and fresh seafood dishes that showcase the village’s culinary traditions. For those looking to embrace the great outdoors, hike up to Fu Shan Viewing Point, where you can bask in nature and enjoy stunning views of the Pearl River Estuary. Alternatively, visit the Tai O Rural Committee Historic and Cultural Showroom to learn about the village’s rich legacy through historic photos and artefacts.

While you’re in Tai O, don’t forget to book a room at the Tai O Heritage Hotel for a relaxing stay. Previously operating as a marine police station until the late 20th century, as well as a patrol post until the early 2000s, this Grade II historic building has been converted into a nine-room UNESCO-awarded boutique hotel. What’s more, it ranks among Trip.Best’s best cultural hotels in Hong Kong, promising a unique and memorable experience as you unwind after your long day of exploring the city. In addition to its old-school charm with contemporary twists, the hotel itself and its grounds are full of history, so sign up for the hotel’s complimentary guided tours to explore its fascinating heritage. 

Before you set off to explore these insider gems in Hong Kong, remember that your adventure in the city isn’t limited to just these spots. Visit Trip.com, your go-to platform for user-approved attractions and accommodations, for more must-visit venues. As one of the world’s leading travel sites, Trip.com offers award-winning recommendations with its AI-powered Trip.Best lists, making it easy to add the best sights, dining, and experiences to your itinerary. With that being said, dive into Trip.com today, be inspired, and have an unforgettable journey!