'Allow me to convince you this holiday stopover is worth extending your trip for.'

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I've only ever been to Hong Kong twice.

Once as a child where, yes, we did the obligatory trip to Disneyland, including the Mickey-themed train, and you should too! Sidenote: I am *so* glad my Mum could not find photos of me as a pre-teen in mouse ears, denim capris and a god-awful green polo shirt standing next to spinning tea cups. (Look, it was 2006 and a confusing time).

My second visit came recently, as an adult woman, sans Mickey ears. 

Did both of these trips spark joy? Yes! Should you still start planning your trip to Hong Kong even if you're not a Disney adult or have children? Absolutely. Still sceptical? Allow me to convince you… 

@taylahstrano

Did I just eat and drink for 2 days straight? Yes! Would I do it again! Yes! #kerryhotelhk #HKTB #hkairlines #presstrip #mplus #hkpalacemuseum #hkpm #roganic #hongkong #travel #solotravel #argo #grandmajesticsichuan #quinary

♬ sonido original - sin nombre

If Singapore is the polished, high-achieving younger sibling, then Hong Kong is her older, cooler sister — the one who's seen it all, knows where the best dim sum is, and isn't afraid to get a little lost in a neon-lit alley. 

It's also never been easier to get to Hong Kong. There are now multiple airlines operating to HKG from across Australia. The latest to enter the market is Hong Kong Airlines, with daily direct flights to and from Sydney as of June 2025. 

So without further ado, here's why you need to extend your Hong Kong stopover — and exactly how to spend your time when you do.

Where to stay in Hong Kong.

It's important to note, there are two main parts of central Hong Kong: Kowloon, located on the mainland north of Victoria Harbour, known for its vibrant street markets, shopping districts like Tsim Sha Tsui, and a more traditional local vibe; and Hong Kong Island, situated directly south of the harbour, home to the city's financial center, luxury shopping, and attractions like Victoria Peak.

Kerry Hotel by Shangri-La.

Marketed as an 'urban-resort', Kerry Hotel is tucked along the Hung Hom Bay waterfront in Kowloon. It's got sweeping harbour views, luxe interiors, and if I'd remembered to pack my bathers, I would've indulged in a dip in the sparkly blue pool — which overlooks the aformentioned harbour, by the way.

The rooms are big by Hong Kong standards, with floor-to-ceiling windows which provided the perfect conditions for the OOTD videos that I'll never post. 

Then there's the bathroom... stay with me. A major gripe I have with hotels, not that I'm in them very often, is if a bathroom was designed with women in mind. By this I mean, enough counter space for my overpacked toiletries and makeup bags, a big enough mirror that's not too far away and, of course, some decent freakin' lighting. I'm happy to report, my friends, this ensuite did not disappoint.

Image: Supplied.

Moving onto breakfast, it's the classic but extremely large hotel buffet, stacked with all the continental and traditional Chinese meals, but I was lucky enough to indulge in breakfast by the pool, because who says you can't enjoy delicious dim sum and a glass of bubbly before 10am poolside? 

And as the sun sets and the city comes to life through a technicolour skyline, Red Sugar, the hotel's huge terrace bar, is the perfect place to perch, sip a cocktail and take in the retina-burning display.  

What to do in Hong Kong. 

As the eldest-daughter type-A human that I am, my research for a whirlwind visit to Hong Kong started within minutes of confirming my trip. Like any good millennial or Gen Z woman, I turned to TikTok for the inside scoop. And the girlies did not disappoint.

Godwell Dispensary & Cosmetic.

As you inevitably find yourself strolling down Nathan Road (more on that below), I recommend taking a detour or two down the side streets. It's this act of spontaneity, and some heavy social media research obviously, that led me to the promised land — aka Godwell Dispensary & Cosmetic. 

This small, unassuming chemist-like shopfront is actually a treasure trove of beauty goodness. As I arrived, the store was lined wall to wall with makeup, skincare and fragrances from all corners of the globe (think Byredo perfumes stacked next to Charlotte Tilbury products, stacked next to the latest innovations in Korean skincare). 

I'm burying the lead… the reason I was on a mission to get to this place is because every single item was heavily discounted.

Every. Single. Item. 

Image: Supplied

I justified my purchases as what I brought home would've easily set me back double, maybe even triple what I paid at this little shop of dreams and hope. All the products are real, in date and, for lack of a better word, in season (aka they're not from obscure collections four years ago). Also, points for stocking a great shade range in all the cosmetics. 

A word of advice: Know what you're after before you enter. Don't make the same mistake I did by opening a Diptique candle to get a whiff before being shunned by one of the staff. 

West Kowloon Cultural District.

If you're thinking museums are boring; firstly, grow up. Secondly, the best part about the two museums mentioned below is that not only are they within a two-minute walk of each other, they're both located in the middle of the West Kowloon Cultural District. 

The Cultural District is basically an open-air art park with lush gardens and cultural institutions dotted around the area. 

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a must. I initially thought this would be a building stacked high with ancient, old-world artwork and objects (and don't get me wrong, there are plenty of these beauties to take in) but I was surprised to find vintage treasures brought to life with chic lighting and AR displays. Think TeamLabs in Japan, but with giant soup bowls beaming underwater patterns across the walls.

It's immersive, interactive, and the perfect blend of old and new.

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M+ is the other museum offering. Down the garden path (literally), M+ is home to contemporary works, architecture and visual art from across Asia and beyond. It's weird, wonderful, and exactly the kind of place where you lose track of time in the best way. When I visited, they were showing a Picasso exhibition — yes, that Picasso — so trust me when I say it's not your average museum day out.

Cooking class at Grand Majestic Sichuan. 

This could've easily just been listed under places to eat in Hong Kong, but when I stepped foot into the Grand Majestic Sichuan space, it was so much more than just a dining experience.

Firstly, the interiors are equal parts sexy-velour-supervillain-lair-from-a-James-Bond-film and something out of Goodfellas. And once you've had your obligatory selfie and bathroom champagne (yes, they have a bottle of bubbly ready to pop in the loo), the cooking experience is just as satisfying as the dining.

Our morning started with a local market trawl with Head Chef Theign Phan, poring over the freshest produce from local vendors, before strolling back to the restaurant's kitchen and getting down to business.

Image: Supplied.

For someone who prides themselves on knowing their way around a kitchen, I was absolutely blown away to learn about the intricacies of Sichuan cooking. But be warned: you will be tasting the full force of raw, unbridled heat and tang from several different varieties of peppercorns. Just lean in and have a bottle of water handy if you're not spicy-inclined. 

Chef Phan walked us through several of the restaurant's signature dishes before joining us for a delicious lunch, finished off with some of their rosy-hued home-made gin digestif. 

Come for the ultra-cool interiors, stay for the food and don't forget to have fun with the wait staff (the sommelier was more than happy to drag a co-worker in for a celebratory end of meal shot with us).

Hong Kong spots you shouldn't miss.

Avenue of Stars

Located on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, it's Hong Kong's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but with fewer crowds and a killer view of Victoria Harbour. Be sure to stick around for the nightly Symphony of Lights show — a neon spectacle that proves this city never sleeps.

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Nathan Road

Wander up Nathan Road, Hong Kong's "Golden Mile." This is the city's beating heart: a 3.6km stretch of shops with people-watching opportunities everywhere you turn.

Whatever you're looking for, you'll likely be able to find it somewhere along this retail strip; from the popular sneakers of the moment to daggy, yet very chic, classic I ❤️ HK merch.

Central and Pottinger Streets.

Back in the city, Central neighbourhood is a revitalised hub where you can browse indie boutiques and snack your way through local treats.

With buildings towering above and retro taxis whizzing past you on the ground, the Central neighbourhood also serves as the perfect location to try your hand at street photography; or at least that's what I kept telling myself as I tried to subtly stick my camera up in the sky and look like I knew what I was doing.

If you're up for a challenge, walk up Pottinger Street — a steep, cobbled lane that will test your calves and reward you with some of the best vintage shopping in town.

Where to Eat in Hong Kong. 

Now this is why I say Hong Kong is the cooler, older sister to many of its neighbouring counterparts. With more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, there are endless dining options in every neighbourhood. 

But for every Michelin-approved fine dining spot, there is a delightfully simple alternative. Be sure to check out the Cha Chaan Teng's — Hong Kong's no-frills diners slinging East-meets-West comfort food at lightning speed — and order the HK-style milk tea, a pineapple bun with a slab of cold butter, and whatever baked rice dish is bubbling under cheese that day. 

Samsen Thai

Samsen serves up the kind of spicy, slurpable Thai street food that makes you sweat in the best way. Get one of everything, especially the Khao Soi, and don't skip the mango sticky rice and young coconut ice cream after — it cools your tongue and your soul.

The vibe is loud, fast, and packed. They have three locations; I dined at the Sheung Wan spot, which was perfectly open-air and breezy on a warm evening.

Image: Supplied.

Argo Bar

Taking up residence inside the Four Seasons, this bar is equal parts science lab and cocktail theatre — think futuristic drinks with wild ingredients like whey protein, corn and lab-distilled gin. It's fancy without being fussy, and you'll leave with a buzz and a new appreciation for ice cubes that cost more than your rent.

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Roganic

Roganic is your "treat yourself" moment.

This Michelin-starred spot turns vegetables into fine art, with tasting menus that feel like a soft whisper of British countryside (if that countryside also had perfectly poached local seafood and truffle foam). It's seasonal, sustainable, and seriously impressive.

In the fast-pace of Hong Kong, this is like a little slice of slowly curated heaven, perfect for a long lunch.

Image: Supplied.

Quinary

There's a reason this spot has landed itself on the list of Asia's 50 best bars. From local legend Antonio Lai, Quinary is like what I imagine a speakeasy would look like if Wes Anderson was calling the shots.

You simply must try their signature Earl Grey Caviar Martini; it's tea, it's texture, it's drama, all in one glass. Slip into a seat and take your time pursuing their cocktail list.

Yung Kee

I wrapped up my final meal in Hong Kong by visiting Yung Kee.

At 83-years-old, this place is old-school Cantonese elegance with a crispy, glistening heart — aka their legendary roast goose.

I've been told roast goose is practically a rite of passage in Hong Kong and Yung Kee's version did not disappoint. With skin so golden and crackly it deserves its own fan club.

The vibe leans classic and a little formal, but it's Hong Kong heritage on a plate, and worth dressing up for… even if you're en route to the airport like I was.

Getting around Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's public transport is a dream. Grab an Octopus card at the airport and you're set for the MTR, buses, trams (the "Ding Ding" is a must for vintage vibes), and ferries. 

Why you need more than 48 hours in Hong Kong.

If a 48-hour layover is like speed-dating a city, Hong Kong is the one you'll want to marry. 

There's simply too much to see, eat, and experience in a single weekend. Hong Kong is so much more than a convenient layover. It's a destination that deserves to be the main event with a food scene that will haunt your dreams, and a culture that's equal parts old-world charm and futuristic cool.

So next time you're booking a flight through Asia, or you're on your way home from Europe, do yourself a favour: extend your stay.

Hong Kong's banquet is waiting — and trust me, you'll want seconds.

This writer travelled as a guest of Hong Kong Tourism Board & Hong Kong Airlines. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own. 

Feature Image: Supplied.