Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
Explore lively cultural spots in the heart of the CBD
Cultural hotspots, delicious dining and unforgettable experiences await in The Fragrant Harbour
1 TAI KWUN
Begin your afternoon at what was once Hong Kong’s Central Police Station. Tai Kwun – literally meaning “The Big Station” in Cantonese
– was established by the British forces in 1841 before its eventual decommission in 2006. A thoughtful revamp by architects Herzog & de Meuron saw Tai Kwun reopen its historic gates to visitors in 2018, and it has swiftly become the city’s leading heritage and culture destination.
Visitors can join a free guided tour or download the Tai Kwun app for a self-guided stroll. Unmissable attractions include a pit-stop at JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun’s visual art gallery, followed by a bookish browse at art-book publisher Taschen’s only Asia outpost. Chic café Between is the ideal spot to while away some time, or opt for a wardrobe revamp at Yuen’s Tailor, which has been crafting bespoke suits for discerning Hong Kongers since 1974. If you’re feeling peckish, try dim sum with a luxurious twist at The Chinese Library (we recommend the truffle prawn dumplings), then head to Loveramics to pick up stylish ceramics as a souvenir. taikwun.hk
2 THE LANDMARK
Head down Cochrane Street to Queen’s Road Central, where a 10-minute walk east brings you to The Landmark, a sleek shopping hub for the sartorially-savvy. Take a browse round The Armoury, considered the destination for contemporary luxe menswear and tailoring. If you’re on a shopping roll, peruse the homegrown fashion and lifestyle accessories at quirky boutique Kapok, or check out over 6,000 square feet (557 sqm) of cutting-edge retail, culture and arts at Belowground in Landmark’s basement.
All this exploration is thirsty work, so pop in for a personalised “prescription” at Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour, or dial up a drink at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s classy cocktail bar, Please Don’t Tell – where access is granted via a hush-hush phone booth entrance and bar snacks come courtesy of world-renowned chef Richard Ekkebus. landmark.hk
3 CENTRAL HARBOURFRONT
Suitably refreshed, move onto Central’s sweeping harbourfront. A HK$30 (US$4) taxi ride will whisk you to the Star Ferry Pier where you can board Hong Kong’s most iconic form of transport – and at only HK$2.20 (US$0.20) for the 10minute crossing, it’s arguably the best value spot for soaking up its inimitable skyline.
Have a little time to spare before your ferry? Follow the waterfront east to the sprawling green space of Tamar Park for a tranquil moment; from there, you can double back to the pier, passing the Hong Kong Observation Wheel on your left, somewhat dwarfed by its surrounding skyscrapers.
4 TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE
Time things right and you’ll disembark the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui just before 8pm, when the nightly “Symphony Of Lights” show illuminates that famous skyline. Take a seat on the raised viewing platform or soak up the atmosphere as you wander the Avenue of the Stars, where handprints and statues pay homage to Hong Kong’s stars of stage and screen.
Cool down with a raspberry milk tea ice-cream at laidback café Ink en route, or indulge in dinner with epic harbour views at modern Australian restaurant Hue inside the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Your journey ends at K11 Musea, where you’ll find Asia’s largest MoMA Design Store – ideal for last-minute gifts. Finally, unwind in style at Rosewood Hong Kong’s ultra-refined DarkSide (pictured above); one of Asia’s 50 best bars, it’s the perfect spot to sip sophisticated sundowners accompanied by vintage cigars and live jazz.