DK Travel : Hong Kong

“A dream of Manhattan, arising from the South China Sea.” For succinctness, modern travel writer Pico Iyer’s description of Hong Kong has yet to be bettered. From opium port to Cold War enclave to frenetic financial capital, Hong Kong has never been boring. This is the hedonistic engine room of cultural fusion: East meets West in high style, and the results astonish and delight. Prepare to experience one of the most dramatic urban environments ever conceived.

Mui Chai Kee

A great stop for a pot of tea and some fruit jellies and lotus paste buns. The adventurous might try the bird’s nest and egg tarts or double boiled frog’s oviduct with coconut milk.
Museum of Art

You may well be fed up with museums by this point. If not, here you’ll find oil paintings, etchings, lithographs and calligraphy. One display features pottery shards and suchlike from southern China dating back to Neolithic times, and there is also a fine collection of elegant porcelain from various Chinese dynasties.
Museum of History

Brand spanking new and built at a cost of almost HK$400 million. Half of that was spent on itspièce de résistance , the Hong Kong Story, which ambitiously attempts to chronicle the 400 million-odd years since Hong Kong coalesced from the primordial ooze. Controversy lurks, however, in its cursory treatment of the colonial era. The panel of governors’ portraits ends at Sir Mark Young, who left in 1941.
My Jewellery

Innovative designs and prices that won’t break the bank. Check out their diamond-studded chokers.
Nanyue Tomb

A well-presented museum preserves the burial tomb and artifacts of one of the kings of the Southern Yue, who ruled the area in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Well signposted in Chinese and English, the tomb offers a glimpse of a culturally sophisticated society. Fine ceramic pillows and exquisite packaging materials from later dynasties are among the displays.
Nathan Road

A joyously tacky and tawdry strip, the Golden Mile, Hong Kong’s own Broadway, runs up the Kowloon peninsula, passing hotels and tourist shops at the upscale southern end, before downgrading into the sleazy karaoke lounges and low-rent storefronts of central Kowloon. Just don’t buy any electronics along the way. (see The Golden Mile)
Ned Kelly’s Last Stand

This place has been here forever, as has the jazz band. Foot-tapping tunes by the crustiest, most grizzled bunch of musicians this side of New Orleans.
New Century Hotel

Heavy on the marble and chintz, this is unmistakably a gambling hotel. For non-gamblers it’s put in the shade somewhat by the lovely Hyatt opposite, but does offer comprehensive guest facilities. Rooms are big and have satellite TV.
New King’s Hotel

Well situated but in something of a chaotic, scrappy and noisy area. Rooms are neat but small, and the views unlovely.
New World Renaissance

With adequate rooms and basic facilities, this competitively priced hotel is worth considering, although its interiors are in need of a facelift. Special deals and 50 per cent discounts are available.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal) and extra charges.
- under HK$100
- HK$100-250
- HK$250-450
- HK$450-600
- over HK$600
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under HK$500
- HK$500-$1,000
- HK$1,000-$2000
- HK$2000-$2,500
- over HK$2,500