Local Host Recommendations
Monograms provides travelers access to a Local Host, so you will have someone on hand to answer those vacation questions pertaining to Hong Kong. No waiting in line at the concierge desk or trying to ask your waitress at breakfast directions to the shopping district. Simply ask your Local Host about Hong Kong and you'll be on your way in no time. Plus, your Local Host will share local Hong Kong insights and share suggestions for getting off the beaten path, leaving you more time to create lasting vacation memories that are yours alone.
Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha’s
The name isn’t entirely accurate—there are closer to 13,000 Buddha statues in the temple, as well as countless, larger ones lining the steps to the temple. They come in all shapes, sizes, and sorts—with one even riding a giant blue dog. There’s also a lovely 9-story pagoda beside the temple.
Luk Yu Tea House
A dim sum restaurant serves a wide variety—often dozens—of small dishes, and Luk Yu Tea House is perhaps the best place to dive in. Dumplings of all sorts are a typical dim sum offering, as are rice rolls, steamed meatballs and vegetables, spring rolls, and sweets. Try as many types as your appetite will allow, including something unusual.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
The largest museum in the city, this is a wonderful place to learn about the cultural history of China. Visitor favorites include the colorful costumes of the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall and the sculptures and early art of the T. T. Tsui Gallery.
Top Deck, at the Jumbo
You can make a quick escape from the city to this open-air restaurant, which floats in Jumbo Harbor. The menu is international, though mainly Eastern in focus. The ferry to get there is free, and the atmosphere is refreshing.
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
The gathering place for all things bird, you don’t have to be an ornithologist to enjoy a look around the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. There are dozens of markets selling birds, cages of mahogany and teak, and bird feed. You can watch as purveyors use chopsticks to feed crickets and nectar to their birds. Or sit back and listen to the songs from the birds brought by the proud owners who are there just to hang out.
Kowloon Walled City Park
Immerse yourself in this park to get a piece of history and a taste of modern life at the same time. Once an imperial walled city, Kowloon contains many relics from those days as well as attractive gardens and pavilions in its eight sections. Rise early, and you might get to see city elders practicing tai chi here.
Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront
There are numerous museums in the district, as well as Hong Kong’s famous Clock Tower, but the real reason to venture here is to see the city skyline. The lights and skyscrapers are on full display from Tsim Sha Tsui. As a bonus, the city puts on a laser-light show each night at 8 pm.
Cloudnine
You may not want to step on stage, but you can have fun listening to the younger crowd getting their karaoke fix. You’ll hear hip hop in the front room when you enter, so step into the back for the karaoke. This is a popular spot for locals.
East End Brewery
With dozens of beers on tap, you can sample a couple of local brews or perhaps find an old favorite from home or around the world. You’ll also find Wi-Fi access and American cuisine—in case you’re feeling a little homesick.
Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree
The name is a bit misleading, as people may no longer throw their “wish-paper” streamers into the tree. However, the home of the Lam Tsuen tree is still popular due to its history of inspiring people to literally lay out their dreams. You can now buy wish papers from vendors, write on them, and tie them to a rack at the site. There are also fortune-tellers nearby.
Temple Street Night Market
This bustling night market is open from 4 pm to midnight daily. Here you can find all types of bargains including casual clothes and curios. You'll also often see fortune-tellers and professional Chinese chess players. The market really picks up after 7 pm.
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