This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Hong Kong restaurants and visited the latest local hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning Hong Kong locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Hong Kong.

Whether you're looking for the ultimate design hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool apartment, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Hong Kong.

A modern oasis of 5-star luxury overlooking the Victoria Harbour waterfront ...

With a prime location in Hong Kong’s Financial district in the upscale IFC shopping mall, the 5-star Four Seasons Hong Kong boasts two of the best fine dining restaurants in Hong Kong--Caprice and Lung King Heen--a stunning outdoor infinity pool, and one of the most luxurious spas in the city. Rooms are spacious and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views overlooking either the city or Victoria Harbour, furnished in either a traditional Chinese style or with contemporary Western furnishings. $$$$

8 Finance Street, Hong Kong
fourseasons.com/hongkong  |  +852 3196 8888

Hong Kong’s most sophisticated design hotel by Asian design talent, Andre Fu ...

The Upper House hotel is a warm, serene and sophisticated living space reminiscent of a luxurious private residence. The hotel’s elegant interiors feature earth-toned natural materials, subtle yet playful lighting, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hong Kong cityscape. Doubling as an art gallery, The Upper House hosts an impressive collection of artworks from some of Asia’s finest artists, including a ten-story water sculpture by artist Hiroshiwata Sawada. Located in Hong Kong’s upscale Pacific Place shopping mall, don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s stylish 29th floor restaurant and lounge bar, Cafe Grey Deluxe. $$$

Pacific Place, 88, Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
upperhouse.com  |  +852 2918 1838

A favourite of the international fashion crowd ...

Virtually impossible to book during Fashion Week, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong features a contemporary look of sleek minimalism and spacious living spaces. With a prime location in Hong Kong’s central shopping and business district, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is a paradise for luxury shoppers, with upscale stores such as Harvey Nichols right on its doorstep. The highlights of the 109 spacious rooms and suites are the heavenly deep soaking tubs, the perfect place to unwind after a long day. We also love the Deluxe rooms with private contemporary art collections. Don’t miss a relaxing treatment at the opulent, multi-level spa centre while you’re there. $$

15 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
mandarinoriental.com/landmark  |  +852 2132 0188

Rock star glamour in West Kowloon ...

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally walked into one of Hong Kong's trendiest lounge bars when you first arrive in the lobby of the W Hong Kong, with pulsing DJ sounds and a fashionable media crowd lounging in the sultry designer couches. The W Hotel Group has managed to turn the traditional hotel experience on its head, with an impressive ‘Whatever, Whenever’ service philosophy that delivers exactly what you want, whenever you need it. Hard to get restaurant reservations and exclusive members-only club access? No problem. The tongue-in-cheek room names ranges from the smaller ‘Glamorous’ rooms, to the larger 'Wonderful', ''Spectacular', 'Fabulous', and downright palatial 'Marvellous' rooms. Don’t miss a visit to the 73rd floor rooftop pool and the relaxing Bliss Spa. $$$

1 Austin Road West Kowloon Station, Hong Kong
w-hongkong.com  |  +852 3717 2222

The affordable and stylish Kowloon hotel by British designer, Sir Terence Conran ...

Located in the up-and-coming eastern Kowloon district, the 262-room Hotel ICON’s soaring lobby boasts a striking vertical garden by Patrick Blanc, a grand sweeping staircase, and modern architectural sculptures. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the open air rooftop swimming pool, a drink at the Pool Bar, or a relaxing spa treatment at the first-class Angsana Spa by Banyan Tree. Guests staying in the top floor Club rooms will also benefit from complimentary dining, access to the panoramic rooftop bar, and exclusive concierge services. Next to Hong Kong’s major Hung Hom railway station, the ICON Hotel is only a short distance from many of Kowloon’s best attractions. $

17 Science Museum Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
hotel-icon.com  |  +852 3400 1000

An ultra-modern design hotel in Kowloon’s vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui district ...

As part of the Design Hotel portfolio, The Mira's funky, minimalist public spaces boast sharply deconstructed lines and and moody, dimly-lit spaces. The hotel’s 492 rooms are individually designed with varying colours and sizes, and showcase views of the verdant Kowloon park, Kowloon city or Victoria Harbour. Enjoy the perfect night’s sleep with your preferred pillow type, with options ranging from goose down to lavender-filled. Unwind in the illuminated infinity pool of the Wellness Zone, then sip alfresco cocktails on the lounge-bar terrace before dining at one of several in-house restaurants. For a quieter stay, opt for a room on one of the higher floors. $$

118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
themirahotel.com  |  +852 2368 1111

A charming boutique hotel near Hong Kong’s shopping mecca, Causeway Bay ...

Lanson Place hotel is cool and modern, comfortable and luxurious, with a timeless sense of style.  Featuring stylish whites and muted colour tones, the atmosphere here is warm and inviting. Rooms feature fully stocked kitchenettes and home theater systems, suitable for guests looking for longer-stay accommodation. Best yet, the price tag offers great value for money, which is quite a rarity for accommodation in this expensive city. If you’re happy to sacrifice on 5-star amenities such as infinity pools and high-tech spas, then opt for the Lanson Place designer boutique hotel experience. $$

133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
hongkong.lansonplace.com  |  +852 3477 6888

We love these chic boutique hotels in Hong Kong ...

With 10 designer suites, Hullett House is a stylish design hotel nestled within an 1881 heritage building in the trendy Tsim Sha Tsui district. Nestled on a secluded headland in the charming Tai O fishing village, the 9-room Tai O Heritage Hotel oozes the vintage architectural charms of the late 19th century. $$

taioheritagehotel.com

Experience the essence of urban industrial-chic in Hong Kong's bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district ...

Welcome to Residence G (by Hotel G), a vibrant urban lifestyle hotel located in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district where the market stalls of local Asian street-vendors mingle seamlessly with international designer shops. Conceived by Shanghai architects Neri & Hu, the hotel cleverly fuses references to Hong Kong’s rich heritage, from minimalistic film-noir to the city’s iconic industrial landscape. Don’t expect the usual overstated dazzle and glitter of classic luxury accommodation, Residence G has something different to offer. The hotel’s industrial-chic aesthetic reflects its laid-back and resolutely modern atmosphere, where the latest in-room technology and high-end quality service is effortlessly combined with the subtle simplicity of the downtown-cool spirit. $

2 Austin Avenue, Hong Kong
residenceghongkong.com  |  +852 2355 8888

Discover one of Hong Kong's coolest boutique hotel chains ...

This hip Hong Kong boutique hotel chain boasts several hotels located in all corners of the city. We especially love the group's Ovolo Central and the Ovolo NoHo properties.

ovolohotels.com

Whether you're looking for a fabulous foodie dining spot, the city's best dim sum, or a see-and-be-seen dining spot, here is our pick of the best places to eat in Hong Kong right now.

Chinese cuisine reaches new heights at this chic, dimly-lit restaurant in Hong Kong’s Central ...

Named after a convenience store on 32 Mott Street that marked the beginnings of NYC’s vibrant Chinatown in the late 19th century, Mott 32 is tucked away in the basement of the Standard Chartered Bank in Central. Designer Joyce Wang has created a seductive mix of genres, blending the industrial New York loft-like décor with a touch of imperial China. Using a selection of international and locally-sourced fresh ingredients, acclaimed chef Lee Man Sing interprets authentic Cantonese, Sichuan, and Beijing style dishes with a modern twist, celebrating the best of Chinese cuisine. Don't miss the barbecued prime Ibérico pork with Yellow Mountain mustard, and the succulent apple wood-roasted Peking duck (make sure to pre-order). $$

Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
mott32.com  |  +852 2885 8688

Dramatic panoramic views and delectable European fare with subtle Asian influences ...

Since opening on the 49th floor of The Upper House luxury boutique hotel, Café Gray Deluxe's elegantly appointed dining room serves delicious breakfast dishes such as eggs hollandaise or French toast, then tender braised beef short ribs or a flavoursome crab bisque with surprising hints of tarragon later in the day. Using organic and seasonal ingredients wherever possible, Café Gray Deluxe has quickly become the 'go-to' spot for European-style cuisine in Hong Kong. After your meal, head to the stylish Café Gray Deluxe lounge bar for a well-crafted cocktail. $$

88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
upperhouse.com |  +852 3968 1106

Bold, brash and with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, Yardbird restaurant is just what Hong Kong’s been waiting for ...

After refining his skills in some of the world’s best Japanese kitchens (including Masa New York and Zuma Hong Kong), talented Canadian chef Matt Abergel has opened a casual and inexpensive modern yakitori eatery where people can pop in for a drink, a snack, or an all-out feast. Start with a cracking Asian-inspired cocktail at the bar, then head downstairs and dine next to the tiny open kitchen to see where the magic happens. Yardbird is a paradise for chicken lovers, where every part of Yardbird’s locally sourced poultry features throughout the entire menu. Don’t miss the smash-hit “KFC” Korean Fried Cauliflower and Sweet Corn Tempura, or the nose-to-tail chicken “Yakitori” robata grilled to order. The Yardbird team have also opened a fantastic second restaurant in Hong Kong, RONIN, which is a Japanese-inspired dining bar with a focus on seafood and fish. $$

Yardbird: 33 Bridges Street, Hong Kong
yardbirdrestaurant.com  |  +852 2547 9273

RONIN: 8 On Wo Lane, Hong Kong
roninhk.com  |  +852 2547 5263

An elegant steakhouse with the sophisticated charm of a country club ...

With the exclusive air of a 1900s private club, the Buenos Aires Polo Club is a fashionable hideaway where succulent steaks are served in an elegant setting of Chesterfield banquettes, gleaming woods and antique curiosities. At the cocktail bar, crack mixologist Luca Sergi crafts signature cocktails such as the Mi Gran Cigarro, a theatrical concoction involving whiskey, cognac and a hint of smoked tobacco. In the kitchen, chef Felipe Lopez grills premium Argentine steaks to the delight of Hong Kong’s meat-lovers. Share the flavoursome 16oz chateaubriand, the 30oz T-bone steak or opt for charcoal-grilled half squid with chilli and lemon. Accompany your meal with an excellent glass of Argentinian wine. $$$

7th Floor LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street,, Central, Hong Kong
bapoloclub.com  |  +852 2321 8681

The only 3-Michelin star Chinese restaurant in the world ...

Expect nothing short of extraordinary Cantonese cuisine at chef Chan Yan Tak’s impressive Lung King Heen restaurant. Set within the luxurious Four Seasons Hong Kong hotel, the restaurant boasts prime waterfront views overlooking Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. Chef Lung King Heen delivers a yum cha dining experience of the highest quality, where inventive textures and flavours are artistically presented to satisfy the most demanding epicure. At lunchtime, experience the special dim sum menu with delicacies such as steamed lobster and scallop dumplings or chestnut-enhanced crisp baked goose puffs. Although the price tag is exorbitant, this is one of Hong Kong’s most refined Chinese dining experiences. $$$$

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
fourseasons.com  |  +852 3196-8880

Expect exquisite contemporary French cuisine by acclaimed chef, Richard Ekkebus ...

Housed within Hong Kong’s luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the 2 Michelin-starred Amber Restaurant boasts numerous international awards and is currently ranked as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Internationally-renowned chef Richard Ekkebus helms the kitchen, creating inventive contemporary French cuisine such as sea bream glazed with stewed mizutzko, indulgent poached blue lobster with brown morels, and roasted Miéral guinea fowl. The glass-walled wine cellar showcases over 1,000 bottles sourced from boutique international producers. With a breathtaking bronze chandelier doubling as a sculptural conversation point, Amber’s dramatic dining room sets the perfect scene for Ekkebus’ refined cuisine. $$$$

7/F The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
amberhongkong.com  |  +852 2132 0066

Tapas by Michelin-starred British chef, Jason Atherton ...

At 22Ships, embark on an award-winning culinary adventure conceived by celebrated British chef and restaurateur, Jason Atherton. Executive chef Nathan Green serves a superb array of tapas-style plates in the restaurant’s minimalist black and white dining space. Sit at the bar and enjoy a front row view of the chefs as they craft dishes such as flavoursome suckling pig with roasted pineapple and piquillo peppers. As 22 Ships doesn't take reservations, make sure to arrive early. $$

22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
jasonatherton.co.uk  |  +852 2555 0722

A haven of perfectly crafted xiaolongbao soup dumplings with multiple locations throughout Hong Kong ...

Having first opened in 1969 as a Dumpling (“Dim Sum”) House in Taiwan, the successful Din Tai Fung restaurant group now boasts multiple locations in countries around the world. With a reputation as one of the ‘Best Dim Sum Restaurants” by the Miele Food Guide and the New York Times, Din Tai Fung is renowned for its xiaolongbao steamed soup dumplings filled with a variety of seafood, meat and vegetable flavours which are made to order. The delicate dumpling skin is wrapped around a tender pork or crab meat filling, and then infused with a shot of steaming hot soup. Not to be missed. $

Din Tai Fung Kowloon: Shop 306, 3/F, Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Din Tai Fung Causeway Bay: Shop G3-11, G/F, 68 Yee Wo St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong   dintaifung.com.hk

Treat your taste buds at this down-to-earth and inventive Hong Kong style kitchen ...

Nestled in Hong Kong’s bustling Soho neighbourhood, Ho Lee Fook – translated as “good fortune for your mouth” –, is Chef Jowett Yu’s funky kitchen, inspired by Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs (literally: tea restaurants) and the spirit of late-night Chinatown hangouts in 1960’s New York. If you like the cheeky wordplay, just wait until you taste the delicious dishes on the menu. Ho Lee Fook showcases Yu’s inventive interpretations of Chinese classic flavours, with a Western twist. Signature dishes include the succulent roast Wagyu short ribs with jalapeno puree, green shallot kimchi and soy glaze, as well as Mom’s juicy ‘mostly cabbage, a little bit of pork’ dumplings. $$

1 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong
holeefook.com.hk  |  +852 2810 0860

11. Foodie Gem ...

SERGE ET LE PHOQUE

Tower 1,The Zenith, 3 Wan Chai Road, Hong Kong
No Website  |  +852 5465 2000

12. Best Coffee ...

ELEPHANT GROUNDS

11 Gough Street, Hong Kong
elephantgrounds.com  |  +852 2253 1313

Whether you're looking for a cosy cocktail bar, the glamorous wine bar, or a see-and-be-seen late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to party in Hong Kong right now.

Settle in at one of Hong Kong’s most stylish alfresco lounge bars ...

The dazzling venture by former Hong Kong fashion executive, Bonnie Gokson, SEVVA offers a variety of spaces to suit every mood and occasion. The rooftop lounge terrace is one of the city’s most sophisticated alfresco drinking and dining spots, with uninterrupted 180° views of Hong Kong’s skyline - the perfect place for a refreshing cocktail or two. When you’re ready to eat, head inside to the casual Taste Bar for a lighter meal of tasting-plate style tapas, the fun and colourful Lounge for sophisticated afternoon high tea, or the upscale Bankside Dining Room for eclectic, international dishes such as roasted sea bass and king scallops served on a bed of asparagus cream. The understated-chic Harbourside restaurant offers a more casual dining experience. $$

25/F, Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
sevva.hk  |  +852 2537 1388

Enjoy an expertly-curated wine list & delicious Italian sharing plates at this stylish and cosy wine bar ...

Transporting its smash-hit wine bar concept from Sydney to Hong Kong's Central district, the 121 BC team have launched another fantastic wine bar showcasing interesting and unique small vineyards in Italy. Natural, organic and biodynamic wines feature heavily throughout the wine list, where the sommelier frequently travels to Italy to meet with producers to source artisanal, minimal intervention wines. The food menu is another highlight of the experience, where you can enjoy delicious Italian sharing plates featuring produce sourced from local organic growers and sustainable seafood suppliers, along with hand-made breads, pastas, gelati and cheeses. Settle in and indulge. $$

44 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong
121bc.com.hk  |  +852 2395 0200

Art Galleries & Museums ...

Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road district is the epicenter of the Asian art world, where you’ll find a collection of some of the best independent art galleries in the region. One of the best independent art galleries in Hong Kong is the Amelia Johnson Gallery, which promotes groundbreaking international contemporary art and brings unique artworks to the Hong Kong art crowd. Another famous gallery is the Plum Blossoms Gallery which showcases contemporary Chinese ar, along with 10 Chancery Lane Gallery which displays both established and emerging international artists of all artistic mediums. Cat Street Gallery exhibits the best of international contemporary and modern art by established and emerging artists. By appointment only.

Evening Light Show ...

Every evening at 8pm, Hong Kong’s skyline transforms into an incredible light show, where many of the city’s skyscrapers are illuminated in a myriad of sparkling colours. The best places to watch the show is at some of the city’s best cocktail bars. With a soaring position on the 108th floor of Hong Kong’s highest building, you’ll literally feel as though you’re on top of the world at the glamorous Ozone Bar.

The Best Spas ...

The Oriental Spa at the Landmark Oriental and The Spa at the Four Seasons Hong Kong are two of the most glamorous spas in Hong Kong with a heavenly range of beauty treatments, spa and fitness facilities.