Last month I took a much needed trip to Asia to get a break from the craziness that is the US right now and to recharge for what’s sure to be a very hectic 2017. #TABHoneymoonsAsia was a two part, week and a half trip I took between Hong Kong and Tokyo to specifically focus on both cities as a destination honeymoon for the adventurous bridal couple. And even though I’ve been to Tokyo more times than I can count, this was my very first time in Hong Kong. I spent three days in this fast paced city and sadly it wasn’t enough time. I had high hopes to visit a ton of different things, but time, jetlag, city construction plans and a hangover conspired against me. So, I only got to do a fraction of the “must do” things that everyone recommends you do. But I did get to experience a few fun activities. So, if you only have a few days to spend in Hong Kong, here’s a highlight of things that you should probably do!
Note though, Hong Kong is actually comprised of three islands (Kowloon Penninsula, Hong Kong Island & the New Territories) which are connected via mass transit and bridges. To maximize your time, plan your daily activities as I found that attractions are pretty much organized in clusters around Victoria Harbor/Kowloon Bay on both sides of the harbor/bay and then a few which will require day or half day trips (i.e. Hong Kong Disney, Tian Tan Buddha, etc). If you don’t plan it right, you will literally find yourself crisscrossing back and forth across the bay.
1. Nathan Lane
Some may consider it a tourist trap, but I’m a big believer that if it’s your first time somewhere…you need to do the touristy things. Your first time in a city should not be the time to be a travel snob and act like you’re “too precious” (read pretentious) to enjoy the sounds and sites that helped to make a city a huge tourist destination. Let’s face it, when people come to New York, they go to Times Square – even though you realize it’s a bit of a hot mess. Nathan Lane is a very popular shopping district. And since my hotel, the InterContinental Hong Kong, was literally down the block from Nathan Lane, there was no excuse not to go. As a New Yorker, the best way I can describe it was like Canal Street met Madison Avenue. I literally got hustled by knock off Rolex sellers a mere steps from malls housing Harvey Nichols, Cartier and Louis Vuitton. But you can also find tons of fabulous beauty stores like Sasa and Bonjour where you can stock up on your favorite Korean and Japanese skincare brands for a fraction of the price!
2. Museums!
Like any other major city, there’s no shortage of museums in Hong Kong. I actually did make time to go to the Hong Kong Museum of History and it was fantastic. I’m the first to admit that I know very little about Hong Kong other than the fact that I remember when the UK ceded it back to China in 1997. So, getting a literal crash course in Hong Kong history from original settlers to Opium Wars to WWII Occupation to the island territory’s rise to current day status was much appreciated.
3. Victoria Peak Tram
No lie, the wait to get on this tram can be ridiculous…especially if you’re waiting to buy a ticket and get on the tram or back down the mountain while nursing a slight hangover. But, the epic views of the harbor from Victoria Peak make it worth it. Although the tram runs during the day, I personally feel the best time to go is in the evening. If you plan it right (try to get to the top of the peak by 7:30/7:45ish at the latest) you can catch the nightly light show on the harbor.
4. Food!
Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re on a champagne or beer budget, you can definitely find something to match your tastes. I personally came to Hong Kong with the goal of eating amazing soup dumplings. Whereas there are only a few spots in NYC where you can get legit soup dumplings, this isn’t the case in Hong Kong. But I was directed to hit up Din Tai Fung which is actually a chain – but amazingly delicious. If you’re uncertain of what to order (and don’t have any dietary restrictions), start with the pork soup dumplings (featured above).
Of course, there were a lot more things I wanted to do than the above but like I mentioned 3 days + jetlag, a hangover, meetings and transit construction conspired against me. For example, Hong Kong is known for their character cafes, including 3 such Hello Kitty cafes. Their museum of art and their space museum were both in the process of installing new exhibits while I was there, making it pointless to buy a ticket to either museum. Also, Hong Kong has a massive Buddha statue (Tian Tan Buddha) which is a major attraction but the gondola lift (which is also the most efficient way to get to the statue) closed for repairs literally a few days before my trip. 😦
But don’t let that deter you! These are just some tips to get you started with inspo for ways to spend your honeymoon. Whether you opt to stay in a swanky hotel cuddled up in your suite or to take in the vibrant city, there’s no lack of things to keep you occupied!
The Anti Bridezilla 