What if we told you you didn’t need to wait until New Year’s Eve for an epic night out? That you could enjoy lively nightlife year-round, no matter how you like to paint the town red? It’s not a fantasy, it’s real life, when you experience Hong Kong by night!
‘Nightlife’ can mean many things to many people. For some, they want a clubbing dance-off kinda night; for others a sophisticated champagne bar hits the mark. There’s also the shopaholic night out, the lights-at-night awestruck visitor, and even those who love cosying up with a book.
No matter the goal, Hong Kong by night has an experience to suit.
#7 Hong Kong’s best bars
You’ve likely heard of Lan Kwai Fong and its reputation as the place to go for nightlife. Central’s party-popping district is legendary!
In LKF (as it’s affectionately known), you can let loose at ultra-cool rooftop bars, high-vibing nightclubs, and countless live music joints.
Our pick to Hong Kong by night bar edition? Start the night at Hong Kong’s hippest new bar, Cardinal Point at Forty-Five in Central. Head there at Magic Hour to enjoy sunset vistas with your vodka. For a touch of the glam, cabaret cocktail bar Maggie Choo’s transports you back to the 1930s with prohibition-era-inspired cocktails and delicious bar snacks.
To experience two of Asia’s award-winning 50 Best Bars, visit COA and The Old Man. Mexican craft cocktails set COA apart, while The Old Man pays homage to Ernest Hemingway.
#6 Drop it like it’s hot on the dance floor
Could Hong Kong’s nightclub scene be the answer to stiff legs after a long flight? We think so! Dancing is a fun-filled way to get the blood flowing – and the good vibes.
Across Hong Kong, there are plenty of places to cut some shapes on the dancefloor. Play is a huge nightclub with multiple dance floors and an epic champagne lounge. To gather with an older crowd, head to SoHo (the more mellow area around LKF) to Drop. The Tasmania Ballroom and Oma are also fab spots to bust a move.
If live music is more your thing, the Pearl of the Orient won’t disappoint. Dusk Till Dawn’s cover band keeps the crowd moving, the Aftermath showcases local talent, and Foxglove wows with its jazz musicians and vibes.
#5 Hong Kong by night for your tastebuds
Eating is not cheating in Hong Kong. In fact, you’d be cheating yourself of an amazing meal if you skipped dinner at a fabulous Hong Kong eatery.
From a tasty street food snack, to an award-winning restaurant, to swanky Michelin-starred establishments – you can find a venue to suit your mood and palate. Discover more in our recent tantalising Hong Kong review.
#4 Bustling late-night shopping
Prefer late-night shopping to late-night shots? Though it doesn’t have to be an either/or in Hong Kong, it’s good to know you can drop cash as well as dance moves.
Many of Hong Kong’s street markets open till late, like Temple Street Market and Ladies Market. The vibrant stalls, tasty street eats, and ready-to-be-haggled-with vendors are perfect for a little pre-dinner bargain hunting.
Many of Hong Kong’s malls open late (compared to Australia), including Landmark in Central and Kowloon’s Festival Walk.
#3 Sightsee Hong Kong by night
Hong Kong’s attractions don’t stop when the sun sets. Victoria Harbour’s Symphony of Lights is a spectacular 8pm daily multimedia light show lighting up more than 40 skyline buildings. Watch along the water’s edge, on the Tsim Sha Tsui viewing platform, a harbour-view restaurant, or from Victoria Peak.
Hong Kong Disneyland also knows a thing or two about putting on a spectacular light show, with their nightly Momentous multi-sensory show.
For something a little different, stroll the promenade and watch the illuminated skyline at the West Kowloon Cultural District, where landmarks such as Xiqu Centre, M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum reside. Alternatively, sail the harbour in a red-sail Chinese junk Aqua Lung boat.
#2 Cosy nights out (that feel like in)
More bookworm than night owl? While your Hong Kong hotel is no doubt comfy for a cosy night in, why not have a cosy night out at one of the city’s book and game cafés?
Grab a read and a hot drink at artsy Kubrick or from the second-hand gems at Books & Co. If you’re visiting Lamma Island, stop by the Bookwork Café for an early evening read and nutritious meal.
For a fun-fuelled night that uses your brain (or wicked sense of humour if you’re playing Cards Against Humanity), head to Wheat and Wood in Kennedy Town. Open until midnight, they’ve got a huge selection of board and card games, light bites, specialty teas, and alcoholic drinks.
#1 Hong Kong by night (sky)
For a night out in nature with impressive night views visit Clearwater Bay Country Park.
Most visitors to the Pearl of the Orient have no idea that on the other side of the glitz of Hong Kong the starry night skies in Tai Hang Tun await (weather permitting, of course). On a clear night, pack food and your torch for a Tai Leng Tung summit hike, sunset picnic, and evening under the dazzling stars.
The details
To learn more about Hong Kong by night, head here.
Discover Hong Kong have a wealth of information online.
Written by Zoe Macfarlane, Karryon contributor.
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