Which cities spring to mind when you think of iconic nightlife? Las Vegas? Budapest? Amsterdam?
How about a spot north of Australia where a fascinating cultural blend, illuminating lights and a unique array of events have come together to create the alluring spot that is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong (or HK, as the locals call it) has it all. Rooftop bars, stylish clubs, night markets, horse races and much more to ensure there’s a taste of something for everyone.
And if your clients were bedazzled by the gorgeous cinematography of the Rush Hour films, an exploration of this vibrant city will tickle the senses and have them living like Jackie Chan (minus the martial arts).
Drink & Dance
There’s no shortage of places to grab a cocktail (or three) and shake your stuff in HK. From pumping beats in an underground club to sipping lavish whiskeys amongst the skyline, this international city is nothing if not a metropolis of cool.
Let’s start things sky high in the rooftop bars that sit amongst Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. Check out Sevva, one of the most sought-after places in the city located on the penthouse of the Prince’s Building with an iconic Art Deco vibe. Get right in the thick of it at Faye where the visitors bathe in the HK sunset or savour a bourbon-based cocktail known as a Buttersweet Symphony at Skye Roofbar, where the lights are so illuminating visitors just don’t want to leave.
For world class drinks that scratch any party itch, there’s a litany of top notch watering holes for drinkers of all elks. First off the bat, and topping the annual ‘Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ list three times running, is COA. This spot boasts over 200 bottles of agave spirits and uses them for innovative cocktails that shine like no other. Also gracing the list was Argo, a swanky spot inside a Four Seasons Hotel with everything from vegan char siu-infuced cocktails to a gummy bear at the bottom of welcome champagne. Award-winning cocktails are aplenty at The Aubrey (#17 on the list), while coming in at #31 is Quinary, where the drinks are a multisensory experience.
When travellers get peckish, they’ll know that they’re sorted with the $HK100 (Around AU$20) Hong Kong Night Treats Visitor Dining Vouchers. Available for use in restaurants and bars across the city after 6pm, these vouchers allow travellers to enjoy local delicacies, international flavours and iconic Hong Kong snacks only found in the Fragrant Harbour.
And it’s no visit to HK without a stop by Lan Kwai Fong. The party hub of the Fragrant Harbour, this spot hosts an array of effervescent nightclubs, stylish rooftop bars, and live music joints so cool they must be shown off to friends. Whatever strikes a traveller’s fancy will be there.
Sip a G&T at The Code on the 17th floor of The L Place and sample one of its 180 types of Bordeaux wines and champagnes. Impress your friends with a visit to Stockton, a speakeasy-style bar tucked away down a dark alley where an old-fashioned has been calling, or dance the night away at the hip-hop pumping Sound Department. If these don’t quite scratch the nightlife itch, mix it up with a visit to PONG LKF for karaoke, beer pong or just a bit of lively competition with friends.
Hotspots & Events
When we say there’s something for everyone in HK, we mean it!
Party it up at Happy Wednesday, where horseracing and revelry collide. Hang out with mates at the Beer Garden for some nibbles, live tunes and drinks or pop over to adrenaline, a sleek bar that wows visitors while watching the race.
Have the worries of organising the night removed with a Hong Kong Night Bus Tour. From November to January 2024, visitors can enjoy an open-top bus for HK$20 (Around AU$4)! Travellers explore famous landmarks and attractions on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon on three designated routes as they take in the city’s enchanting night scenery.
Or if taking control of the evening sounds better, then the vibrant colours of the HK skyline await. ‘A Symphony of Lights’ boasts a dazzling light show best viewed on the water. Hop on a boat by the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and enjoy the nightly cacophony of lights and music at sea where the glass-and-steel chorus emerges as the stars of the show.
Or if you’ve had enough of the stunning lights in the city, head out east to the far side of Kowloon for a coastal hike with stargazing over scenic ocean waters at the garden of Tai Hang Tun.
Late Night Shopping
Embark on a captivating shopping journey in the heart of Hong Kong, where vibrant street markets pulse with energy. Dive into the cultural tapestry of the city by exploring iconic markets like Stanley Market, nestled by the sea, where a maze of stalls showcases everything from trendy clothing to handcrafted souvenirs. For those seeking lively atmospheres and eclectic finds, Ladies’ Market is a must-visit, offering the latest fashion trends and a plethora of trinkets.
The seamless fusion of shopping and efficient transit unfolds within Hong Kong’s MTR stations. Traverse the city effortlessly, discovering hidden gems at Times Square in Causeway Bay station or indulging in luxury brands at IFC Mall connected to Hong Kong station. This MTR shopping circuit ensures a perfect blend of convenience and style, allowing commuters to effortlessly weave retail therapy into their daily travels. Or, for a the lavish offerings of HK, pop by K11 MUSEA for an immersive experience in retail, art, culture, entertainment and gastronomy, all under one roof.
Venture into Hong Kong’s outlet mall scene for a shopping experience redefined. Citygate Outlets in Lantau Island beckon savvy shoppers with discounted international and local brands. Meanwhile, Tsim Sha Tsui’s Harbour City stands as a shopping titan, offering a diverse array of outlets catering to various tastes. Whether you’re in pursuit of high-end fashion or budget-friendly steals, Hong Kong’s outlet malls provide a shopper’s paradise—a perfect blend of variety and value.
For more on the endless nightlife opportunities in HK, click here.