'I'm calling it: This is the perfect destination for women travelling alone.'

As a twenty-something, my holiday dreams have always been shaped around gallivanting around some exotic European destination with friends.

But I recently started to wonder if group trips were the be all and end all?

Don't get me wrong, I'll always yearn to be giggling by the sea with a piña colada in hand and a group of pals.

But the older I get, the more I'm feeling the pull towards independent travel.

I'm not one to read the tea leaves, but I must have some manifestation secret powers because suddenly an opportunity to visit Hong Kong all on my lonesome popped up, and I immediately said yes.

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Naturally, there were some nerves, but knowing Hong Kong's considered one of the safest international cities in the world put my mind at ease before I boarded the plane.

And honestly, it couldn't have been a more perfect fit for my first solo gal trip. Here's why it could be yours, too.

Where to stay in Hong Kong for solo travellers.

With more than 9,000 high-rise buildings in HK — several of them hotels — there's no shortage of accommodation options. Whether you're after luxury hotels, boutique stays, or budget-friendly hostels, there's something for everyone.

However, as a first-time traveller, the right location can be daunting as it is important to get it right. Lucky for me, these two locations were perfect for my first time.

Hong Kong has over 9,000 high-rise buildings. Image: Supplied.

Central.

Central is, as the name suggests: very central!! This area is the hub of world-class restaurants, shopping, botanical gardens and iconic skyscrapers.

I stayed at the Ovolo Central and am so glad I did. As a woman on her own, finding the right location to start a trip can be crucial to the overall experience, and this spot absolutely nailed it.

It was the perfect location for getting a feel for the city, either by foot, public transport or, in my case, by drinking my way across town with some delicious cocktails. Responsibly, of course! I never felt unsafe walking around, regardless of the hour.

Tsim Sha Tsui.

For the second part of my trip, I changed up the pace and headed over to the Gateway Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Referred to as the cultural gateway, I found this area a little more relaxed, but there was still plenty of stuff to do. It's also the best spot in town to get a picture of the city's skyline from across the harbour, so if your Instagram boyfriend comes alpong for the ride, he will have lots to do.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art, Cultural Centre, and Avenue of Stars were all within walking distance from my hotel and deserving of a visit if you've got some free time.

The best places to eat in Hong Kong as a solo traveller.

Hong Kong is known as the culinary capital of the world, where travellers can feast on traditional Cantonese cuisine and loads of international foods.

Where East meets West, food isn't just fuel — it's a love language. Every bite tells a story, and mate, the locals take their cooking seriously here!

Fancy noodles and dumplings in Hong Kong. Image: Supplied.

Whether you're splashing out on fancy dumplings or grabbing noodles from a hole-in-the-wall spot that your cousin's friend's sister swears by, these are the non-negotiables during your visit.

Check out Temple Street Night Market.

Have you truly visited Hong Kong if you haven't eaten at one of the many vibrant food markets?

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Hong Kong's Jordan district, Temple Street Night Market is an electric maze of sights, sounds and irresistible smells.

The Temple Street Night Market in Hong Kong. Image: Supplied.

The vibe? Pure chaos, in the best possible way. 

The real stars of the show are, of course, the iconic dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls). Picking up a steaming plate of clay pot rice, flavour-packed fish ball noodles, fiery spicy crab, or some delicious satay skewers is a must for any food fanatic.

Try some fine dining.

It should come as no surprise that Hong Kong has one of the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Asia. Whether you're on a budget or treating yourself, places like Tim Ho Wan — the world's most affordable Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant — are worth the hype.

Hit the rooftop bars.

With all those Insta-worthy skyscrapers and rooftop bars, enjoying a cocktail or three is a must. The best part? Most bars stay open late and don't require bookings — perfect for a spontaneous nightcap. A few iconic options worth writing home about are Aqua, Ozone and Kaboom.

One tip that worked well for me in terms of finding the best bars? Keep an eye peeled as you stroll through the streets — you never know what hidden gems you might come across.

The best activities for solo travellers in Hong Kong.

Whether on foot or using one of the many public transport options, Hong Kong's a solo traveller's dream.

Shopping is a must.

Pack light — trust me, you'll need room in your case.

From luxury malls and designer outlets to artisan boutiques and bustling markets, Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise.

Personally, I love finding interesting little trinkets when visiting a new city, and Hong Kong was full of options. In my experience, this is always a fab way to score a cool, unique souvenir.

Shopping in Hong Kong is every shopper's dream. Image: Supplied.

Take a cooking class.

A city brimming with culinary excellence is the perfect place to sharpen your skills. As someone who can burn boiling water, taking a class at the prestigious Chinese Culinary Institute was an amazing experience (and one I could take home to my own kitchen!).

I learnt how to create authentic Cantonese dishes with a modern twist using Lee Kum Kee sauces — a staple in Hong Kong kitchens and conveniently available in Australia, too.

Taking a cooking class in another country should be included in your bucket list! Image: Supplied.

Lunch on the river.

If you're just want to chill, take in some sites and… eat more, taking a harbour cruise is perfecttion. Enjoy the city's iconic skyline while nibbling on some tasty yum cha.

Visit the iconic Victoria Peak.

Ride Hong Kong's famous tram up to the top of Victoria Peak for unbeatable views of the city and harbour. Alternatively, you can hike it (couldn't be me!!), take a taxi or catch public transport using the very convenient Oyster card.

Head to a wholesale market.

If you love fresh seafood, visiting a wet market should be on your list. Not for the faint of heart, Hong Kong's wet markets are world-famous for showcasing the region's quality produce while offering a true local experience.

See some pandas.

Unfortunately, Ocean Park Hong Kong's panda sanctuary was undergoing some much-needed home renos while I was there, so I wasn't able to see the endangered fur babies. But if it's back up and running when you visit, it's totally be worth popping up on the list. I know I'm planning to go next time I'm in HK!

Hong Kong is the perfect spot for a cute solo adventure, or even an extended layover if you're heading somewhere further afield. The only downside? Your selfie arm will get such a workout, you could probably skip the gym for a month.

Worth it for the pics, though.

Read more of our stories from solo travellers:

• 'I'm married but travel alone every year. Here are my favourite solo destinations.'

• 'People were confused when I went on a solo cruise. But travelling alone was a huge vibe.'

• 'I'm a serial solo female traveller. Here are 7 things you should know before heading off alone.'

Feature image: Supplied.

The author travelled as a guest of Lee Kum Kee. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.