Metropolis of cool: The ultimate guide to Hong Kong’s nightlife
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.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
hong kongLatest News
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.
Top four airports return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
If you feel like we just haven't spent enough of our lives talking about Covid, then boy is this the article for you!
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
All things sounding positive for Townsville, apart from the fact its football team is playing like 10 year olds.
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...
Ponant’s $2500 flight credit reward for polar expeditions booked by ANZ travellers
Tap into your inner explorer an save a couple of $K on flights? The trade-off will be frozen fingers.
Portugal, Spain or Morocco? Here’s how to spend a European summer in 2024
Hit a festival in Spain, enjoy a Portuguese tart or take in the raw beauty of North Africa. This feature has it all!
Vietjet’s summer lucky draw event, plus business flights slashed in half
It's not even winter yet and Vietjet's already talking about summer. We certainly aren't judging them!
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!