Hong Kong: The Trip We Didn't See Coming (But Will Never Forget)

 

Just a month before we left, we found out that we’d be heading to Hong Kong for Jeff’s job. With hardly any time to plan (and zero expectations), we landed in a city that completely blew us away—far exceeding anything we could’ve imagined.

We flew direct from New York—16 hours in the air. Jeff’s company booked him a business class ticket (bless), and we bought a second economy seat so I could tag along. To help adjust to the time difference and try to get some real rest, we swapped halfway through the flight. Not the most conventional sleep strategy, but we did our best to squeeze in eight hours between the two seats. Teamwork at 35,000 feet.

Where We Stayed: Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong

Thanks to Jeff's company, we stayed at the Four Seasons - and I think they may have actually defined what a luxury stay is supposed to feel like. Our room looked fairly standard at first glance...until you stepped into the bathroom. Heated floors (a dream for those of us who always have cold feet) and a TV built into the wall by the bathtub so you could soak and watch your favorite film? Yes, please.

But the real magic was in the little details throughout the entire hotel. I'd sleep in most mornings - because let's be honest, that time change is no joke. When I finally made it down to the lobby for breakfast, I'd be greeted by name and asked which newspaper I'd like to read with my morning coffee. I don't even read the newspaper (hello, 21st century), but I absolutely pretended to be someone who does. Cue me casually flipping through the New York Times like I was Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. 

The luxury only amplified at the pool and spa. The pool, perched on a rooftop with skyline views, had a chic little cafe for food and drinks. One morning, Jeff decided to swim laps instead of hitting the gym. An employee met him at the pool with a tray holding goggles, anti-fog spray, cucumber water and towel. He was already floored - and then he dove in and heard music playing underwater. I'm not joking. Underwater. Music. If that's not peak luxury, I don't know what is.

As for me, I treated myself to a spa afternoon because...why not? After some time in the hot tub and steam room, I had my very first hot stone massage. Admittedly, I was a little nervous (hot rocks on your back sounds more medieval than relaxing), but it ended up being one of the best massages I've ever had. The stones were warmed to the perfect temperature and infused with lavender oil, which made the entire experience next-level soothing. The heat helped my muscles relax in a way a regular massage never has. 

Every single corner of this hotel oozed thoughtful, over-the-top luxury. It wasn't just a stay, it was an experience. 

Day One - Private Food Tour with a Local

One of our favorite ways to explore a new destination is through its food - we truly believe that cuisine is the best windows into a culture. So naturally, we kicked off our trip with a private food tour led by a local guide (who thankfully spoke English!) that we found through Trip Advisor - a tour similar to this one. Even after a 16-hour flight and arriving at our hotel by 7 AM, jet lag didn’t stand a chance—we were too excited to dive right into the experience.

Stop One

We met our guide, who led us to a bustling spot that felt like the local equivalent of an American food court. We climbed the stairs, passed rows of chefs working behind open counters, and found a table in a dining room full of lively chatter. 

Before eating, our guide had us do something totally unexpected - we washed our own dishes. Each table had a teapot with hot water, and we were instructed to rinse our plates and chopsticks. (Washing dishes is usually my least favorite chore, but this time I was oddly motivated.) 

Soon after, carts began weaving through the tables, stacked with small plates. Our guide flagged down a few and ordered for us. One standout? A BBQ-style dumpling that had a flavor profile surprisingly reminiscent of Kansas City barbecue - smoky, savory, and totally delicious.  

Stop Two

Next, we swung by a counter-service stall serving freshly-pressed sugar cane juice. You don't see that every day in the Midwest! It was exactly what you'd expect - sweet, but in a fresh, clean way. No added sugars or preservatives - just straight-from-the-source goodness. 

Stop Three

From there, we popped into a local bakery to try an egg tart - a treat inspired by a classic British pastry. It was light, subtly sweet, and had a flaky crust that paired perfectly with the soft egg custard filling. If you're sensitive to textures, don't worry—if you're okay with scrambled eggs, this won't throw you off.

Stop Four

This next spot felt like the most “authentic” Hong Kong dining experience. The narrow restaurant was packed and full of energy. Here, we sampled two different noodle-based dishes. One came topped with beef, though I personally couldn’t get past the texture. On our way out, our guide pointed out a tray of black hard-boiled eggs—a local delicacy. We weren’t quite adventurous enough to try them, but it was fascinating to see how many locals swore by them.

Final Stop

To wrap up, we headed to a place that's more of a touristy staple - but for good reason. Our guide brought us here specifically for their signature pineapple bun with butter and iced milk latte. It was the perfect sweet ending to the tour - warm, buttery, and indulgent in all the right ways. 

Day Two - Explored By Foot

 Jet lag hit hard on our first official morning, but we weren’t about to let that slow us down. One of the best ways to get to know a new city is on foot, and Hong Kong made that easy—and fascinating. We stayed in the financial district, surrounded by striking skyscrapers, a scenic boardwalk along the river, and stunning views at every turn. Built into the side of a mountain, the city’s layout includes steep hills that could wear you out fast—thankfully, Hong Kong thought of that. They’ve installed outdoor escalators right into the hillside, making it surprisingly fun (and efficient) to explore.

As I wandered through the streets, I was struck by the beauty and complexity of Hong Kong—vibrant murals adorned nearly every corner, adding bursts of color to the city’s already dynamic energy. 

During our visit, the city was in the midst of peaceful protests advocating to remain independent from China. Around lunchtime, business professionals would step outside for silent demonstrations, standing face-to-face with police in tense but quiet standoffs. Then, as quickly as they gathered, they’d head back to work—protest signs in hand, briefcases in the other. It was a powerful sight and an eye-opening experience to witness firsthand.

I spent the day exploring on foot, soaking in the atmosphere and mapping out the neighborhood. Once Jeff finished work, we met up for a night out on the town. Dinner was at a restaurant that felt more like a club—pulsing with colored lights and sleek decor. We kicked off the meal with egg rolls and lettuce wraps, followed by perfectly crisp green beans and a bowl of fried rice crowned with a fried egg. The flavors were bold, the setting was electric, and it was the perfect way to end a day full of discovery.

Day Three - Victoria Peak

By day three, jet lag had fully taken the reins, so I let myself sleep in and savor a slow, peaceful morning. Once I was up and moving, I set out to explore more of the city on foot, taking in a quiet, reflective stroll along the river. But the real magic was still to come—and I was determined to stay awake for it.

As the sun began to dip below the skyline, we made our way to Victoria Peak. Riding the tram up the mountain was an adventure in itself, but nothing could prepare me for the view waiting at the top. Just as we arrived, the city below began to glow—one by one, lights flickered on until the whole skyline shimmered like a sea of stars. It was absolutely breathtaking—the kind of moment that stops you in your tracks. Photos can't do it justice. It was pure magic, and a night I’ll never forget.

Day Four - Zoo, Temple & Symphony of Lights

By day four, I had finally shaken off the jet lag and was ready to hit the ground running. I laced up my walking shoes and set out for another day of adventure. I wandered through the lush Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens - soaked up every bit of the vibrant greenery. 

Along the way, I discovered the striking Man Mo Temple tucked quietly into the cityscape and even stumbled upon the former site of Victoria Prison—an unexpected, yet fascinating surprise.

That evening, we set sail on the Aqua Luna harbor cruise. With dinner and drinks in hand, we watched the city come alive as night fell. The skyline lit up, and then—just as if the city had choreographed it all for us—a spectacular light show began, dancing across the buildings in sync with music called the Symphony of Lights. Seeing it all from the water was pure magic. A truly unforgettable way to experience Hong Kong by night.

Day Five - Kowloon

After spending the previous few days exploring the area around our hotel, I decided it was time to venture across the water to Kowloon. I hopped on a ferry and crossed Victoria Harbour, taking in the skyline from a new perspective. As soon as I stepped off the boat, I was greeted by a luxury mall decked out in festive Christmas decorations—it was a dazzling sight.

Between the mall and the water lies a scenic boardwalk called Avenue of the Stars, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Along the way, I passed statues of iconic figures and a trail of celebrity handprints—yes, including Bruce Lee’s, so of course I had to compare hand sizes. It was a fun and picturesque way to take in the city.

While wandering through Kowloon, I was reminded of the unrest that was unfolding during our visit. The signs of protest were more visible on this side—shattered storefronts, torn-up sidewalks, toppled street lamps. I never felt unsafe, but it was sobering to witness the aftermath up close. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the city and its people.

Later, I ferried back across the harbor to meet Jeff for dinner. We dined at Glasshouse which is part of a beautiful outdoor mall, where twinkling lights lit up a charming courtyard. The atmosphere was romantic and peaceful—the perfect contrast to the day’s earlier intensity. Jeff ordered a fish dish and was surprised when they served the whole fish, head and all. But with a closer look, he realized it had already been expertly filleted—nothing to worry about except enjoying the meal.

Day Six - Lantau Island

Before we knew it, it was time to begin the long journey home—but not without one final, unforgettable adventure. We checked our bags at the airport and set off to cross one last iconic destination off our list. A glass-bottom gondola carried us high into the hills of Lantau Island, offering stunning views on the way to the famed Big Buddha. As we stepped into the serene village below, we were immediately met with the awe-inspiring sight of the massive statue rising above the rooftops.

To reach it, we climbed a long series of stone steps—so if you’ve got a fitness tracker, now’s the time to earn those activity rings. At the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views and a tranquil atmosphere that felt worlds away from the bustle of the city. We took our time exploring the base and even stepped inside the statue to fully take in the experience.

Back at the base, we wandered through nearby temples before following the scenic Wisdom Path, which winds gently into the mountains and offers a quieter, more meditative perspective of the statue from afar. With the fresh mountain air and the peacefulness of nature all around us, it was the perfect way to end our trip—recharged, reflective, and full of gratitude.

A magical close to a journey we’ll always remember.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong wasn’t high on our travel bucket list, but from the moment we landed to the moment we boarded our flight home, it completely won us over. What we thought would be a one-time visit turned into one of the most unforgettable trips we’ve taken together.

We immersed ourselves in the culture, savored incredible food, and gained a deeper appreciation for life on the other side of the globe. It was a week filled with awe, adventure, and connection—and now, we’re already dreaming about the day we get to return.