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
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]