2 days in Hong Konga

Day 1

Check into Hotel VIC on the Harbour in North Point, a new and easily-accessible hotel that delivers on luxurious lifestyle. If you have time, check out the breakfast buffet at the hotel, one of the best I’ve had. After settling in, head to Central Station, about 50 minutes away from the hotel, but made exponentially easier by taking Hong Kong’s MTR subway transit system. If you’re hungry, head to Michelin-starred Yat Lok for barbecue meats (the goose is the go-to, but you’ll find a variety of tasty options) with a side of greens and rice. If lining up for casual eats isn’t on your to-do list, head straight to Tai Kwun, just five minutes away from the restaurant. Tai Kwun is a police station and jail turned centre for heritage and arts that offers up small bites and caffeine fixes, a square to take in the space and people watch, and—perhaps the best treat of all—great shopping. Expect to find local artisans who specialize in fashion, ceramics, art and décor.

Image of Yat Lok by Maya Visnyei

Head back North Point to grab dinner at Tung Po (make sure to ask your hotel to make a reservation), the wild Anthony Bourdain-approved dining experience unlike any other. While the atmostphere might at first leave you skeptical (it’s more flourescent-lit market than intimate 5-star dinner), you will not leave disappointed. Between the frosty beer (which you drink out of little blue and white bowls) to the high-energy sing-alongs, this place was made for a banging travel story re-tell. Oh, and did I mention the food is outstanding? If you’re brave you might be able to get restaurant owner Robby Cheung (who dances around the space in white rubber boots) to share his favourite dishes, but I would recommend the wasabi mayo cucumbers, roast chicken and fried noodles.

Day 2

Dim sum in Hong Kong is a must, so head to Lin Heung in Central, one of the oldest tea houses in the area (it dates back to 1889). Make sure to try the sui mai, shrimp dumplings and steamed rice rolls if you want to eat like the locals do. Next, board the ferry to Lamma Island at the Central Ferry Pier. The island is a great place to explore a fishing community, the stunning views from a green hillside and outstanding seafood. Make sure to grab a seat at Sampan Seafood Restaurant to experience a feast of the latter. Opt for the salt and pepper calamari, Singapore noodles and spicy crab.

Image taken on Lamma Island by Maya Visnyei

Take the ferry back to Central and stop in at PMQ, another outside-the-box shopping destination with a focus on artisans. The space, which dates back to the late 1880s and has been everything from police quarters to a school, now houses shops like Goods of Desire (a great spot for picking up souvenirs) and Waka Artisans (a ceramic shop).

For your last night in Hong Kong head to Cordis Hotel (twenty minutes away from the Hotel VIC) for a refined and elegant meal at Alibi. If you haven’t gotten your fill of fish, the seafood platter is a must, while the adventurous will want to try chef James Oakley’s Misty Forest a dish of goat cheese mousse, forest mushrooms and parsley moss. Head back to Hotel VIC for a nightcap on the roof and toast to an unforgettable high-meets-low trip.

Image taken in the Cathay Pacific lounge by Maya Visnyei

Make sure to head to The Wing, the Cathay Pacific business lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, to enjoy some delicious eats before boarding your next flight.

What to pack

Look for beauty products that protect and versatile—but stylish—separates to wear.

Pollution Protection

Image Courtesy of shoppersdrugmart.ca

Reversa Radiance-C Concentrate, $60, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Walking Shoes

Image Courtesy of newbalance.ca

New Balance 997H, $120, newbalance.ca.

Seeing Stripes

Image Courtesy of clubmonaco.ca

Club Monaco striped t-shirt, $89.50, clubmonaco.ca.

Carryall Tote

Image Courtesy of lacoste.com

Lacoste L.12.12 tote, $125, lacoste.com.

Plan Your Own Trip

There’s so much to see and do in Hong Kong! To get a real flavour of the region, plan for staying at least five days.

• Cathay Pacific: cathaypacific.com.
• Cordis Hotel: cordishotels.com/hong-kong.
• Hong Kong Tourism Board: DiscoverHongKong.com.
• Hotel VIC: hotelvic.com.
• Lamma Island: lamma-island.com.
• Lin Heung: 162 Wellngton Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
• PMQ: pmq.org.hk.
• Sampan Seafood Restaurant: 16 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island
• Tai Kwun: taikwun.hk.
• Tung Po: 99 Java Road, 2F, North Point, Hong Kong
• Yat Lok: 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong