I had the pleasure of living in Hong Kong for a few months this year. It is hands-down my favourite city in Asia, and quite possibly, in the world. (Sorry Toronto. I don't mean it, I've just been living on the other side of the world and you're so far away...)
Singapore is grand, a little too grand for my taste. If you've jumped on the Crazy Rich Asians bandwagon (I highly recommend it) you'll understand what I mean. Note: this film is by no means a complete view of the country, but it does a good job of showcasing the in-your-face glamorous feel of the city. Let's be honest, jeans and sneakers me has no business in a city that fancy.
But Hong Kong? Hong Kong has the grandeur of Singapore with the grit of New York. Tech startups, night markets, flamingos, hiking, pizza, coffee, bustling shopping districts where you can bargain to your hearts' content, high fashion, stinky streets, and you can drink beer in the streets. It is one part clamouring crowds, and one part low, green mountains and coastal views. You are never more than 30 minutes by affordable public transit to hiking a mountain — how can you not love it?!
A few friends and family members came to visit us so I put together this handy little guide to make their travels easier. It was well-received and has since been passed along to friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends, so I thought I'd share it here publicly. If you're not currently planning a trip, maybe this will change your mind.
Check out my free travel resource below.
Please note, this is just a preliminary guide; I'm looking forward to future explorations so I can create a second edition. If you're a Hong Kong local, or an avid Hong Kong traveller, let me know what I'm missing. I'll be back soon and there is so much more I want to see!