From my very first steps in the airport of Hong Kong, it was clear that this city isn’t similar to any other. Beautiful, elegant, clean, chaotic, strict, magnificent, authentic, filled with street food flavors and thousands of different sounds – this was my first impression of Hong Kong and this is how it will stay in my memory.
Having left the airport, we went to the central area of Hong Kong Island known as Causaway Bay or Times Square. A lot of people compare Hong Kong to New York City and their resemblance is evident: they both have Times Square areas in the very heart of each city. Times Square is where life pulsates and flows of people pass each other heading to and from different areas and islands. You can find anything you need here, from luxurious stores and boutique hotels to restaurants in skyscrapers, pharmacies with Chinese potions and double-decker trams all surrounded by millions of city lights.
After checking-in at a boutique hotel JPlus, I desired to melt into the streets and feel the city’s vibes.
As I found out very soon, Hong Kong is very easy to navigate by public transportation. I always use the maps.me app that helps me feel at home in every new city I visit.
So I headed out to explore Times Square and I still do not understand why I felt like being in my home city! Maybe the reason is the long separation from my home, my relatives and friends. In any event, I felt myself being at home in the places I visited. Perhaps another reason is that Hong Kong is home to thousands of expats from all over the world.
I felt like so small being surrounded by huge skyscrapers in a big city. As I was walking the streets of Hong Kong I entered different cafes and tried meals at random, took old trams and hopped off where I wanted, without any specific plan. The whole city is a happy solitude, where everybody is together and on their own at the same time. It is very easy to get lost in Hong Kong and is also very easy to fall in love with.
To be continued …
85 Comments
This looks like so much fun! I love traveling!
I was surprised you mentioned the city is clean! Big cities here are so dirty. Looks like I should add Hong Kong to my bucket list!
I was also surprised to see that a big Asian city would be so clean, but as I mentioned it is also very strict, so I guess this is the reason.
I have a friend who wants to travel there next year and I’m thinking of going with her. It looks like it’ll be a lot of fun.
Really amazing photos. I have a really long list of places I’d love to visit someday this is on that list.
Amazing architectural photography! Hong Kong looks incredible, I would love to visit! Great post once again 🙂
Wow! Hong Kong is top of my list of destinations in Asia, such beautiful photos!
Thank you so much! It is so easy to fall in love with this city!
What an amazing adventure! I have always wanted to go to Hong Kong!!
I so can’t wait to read part 2. Long long did you stay for? I what kind of camera did you use to take the pictures?
I’m going there in 2 weeks and I can’t wait. I went last year but we didn’t do too much because my husband had to work but this time I want to explore! I’d love any tips you could share!!
You have so many awesome adventures! Hong Kong looks kind of intimidating!
I love coming to a new city with no plans and just flow with the current. It looks like Hong Kong is great for that kind of exploration. Fun photos!
It looks like you had an amazing adventure! Your photos are beautiful and really seem to capture the vibe of the city. I’ve never been to Hong Kong before, but I would love to go one day!
The architecture looks so fascinating! Being in a foreign country is always so mesmerizing to someone who grew up in a small town!
What a breathtaking city! I have never been, but I have friends that have gone several times. It looks like there would be a ton to see and do!
Hong Kong really does seem like a beautiful city. I’ve always thought so when I saw images from friends who vacationed there. It has a certain charm to it.
What an amazing and beautiful city! This one is on my bucket list for sure! I have always wanted to travel here!
One again, gorgeous pictures. Hong Kong seems so busy, but also so inspiring. I love that it looks chaotic. Does that make sense? Love your long top or jacket; can’t really tell in the pictures what it is!
Thank you!
As usual, your pictures never diappoint. I get lost in the scenary! You make traveling look hip, fun and exciting. I didn’t have Hong Kong on my list of places to visit, but after seeing your post, it’s going on there!
Thank you! I am so happy to hear that my photography inspires people
Your photography is stunning! I have always wanted to visit Hong Kong and after reading this I want to go even more.
I have never been to Hong Kong before, but it’s one destination that I’ve always wanted to visit. It looks so fun and energetic! – HilLesha
I’m in love with your travels and photos! I would love to visit Hong Kong someday.
You have captured the essence of Hong Kong beautifully. You can feel the energy of the city through your photos.
Thank you! I do my best
Wow. What a beautiful city Hong Kong is! I know what you mean by feeling small in front of all the skyscrapers. Those buildings in the photos are huge! It seemed like a busy place so I bet you never felt alone.
Hong Kong, such a beautiful and diverse city. I’m so envious that you get to travel to these wonderful exotic places. Love it.
Gorgeous pictures! You make traveling and enjoying life seem so carefree! I have a friend in Hong Kong now and sending back so spectacular pics!
Wow… Hong Kong looks so much cleaner than I had thought it would be. We love to go travelling but we haven’t ventured that far from home. I don’t think I have ever been somewhere with that high of skyscrapers either.
Same here! I knew that Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai are very clean, but I never thought HK would be on that list
I went to Hong Kong eight years ago and it was absolutely amazing. If you get the chance, I highly recommend going to Lantau Island. It is absolutely beautiful, has great beaches and shopping. Also, Kowloon is pretty fantastic as well. It has a ton of great bars and restaurants.
Thank you for your amazing recommendations!
Hong Kong certainly looks beautiful. I love all of the amazing photography that you’ve included. They’re breathtaking!
What gorgeous pictures. I would love to go to Hong Kong one day. It’s definitely on my bucket list.
Hong Kong has always seemed so elegant to me. I lived in NYC for 3 years and it looks so similar.
Your post is making me miss Hong Kong :(! I love your photos! :). It’s interesting that you say this city reminds you of New York. It does the same for me. I think you will realize that HK doesn’t appear to sleep either, like NYC! And yes, public transportation over there is awesome! I lived there for about 3 months and I loved every minute of it!
The next day we left HK I woke and asked my Hubby, so when are we going to go to Times Square? )))) You know, it is easy to fall in love with, I understand why you enjoyed every minute of it
Loving this post, your imagery is exquisite. I’ve never heard of that map app before but am going to download it and play around with it in my city – Chicago! Never been to Hong Kong but feel like we were just there with you through this post!
That skyline though, I am just swooning over here! And I love the picture with the mural backdrop…such a great background and art piece
Such a beautiful city! It’s pretty high up on my travel bucket list. Also your outfit is on point!
xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
Considering Asia is the closest neighbouring continent to Australia, I am ashamed to admit that I have only been to Singapore for a quick 24 hours on the way home from Europe. I’ve never even considered going to Hong Kong, but you’ve definitely changed my mind about that, it looks incredible.
Thank you for opening my eyes and adding another country to travel to my list!
One of my favorite cities is Hong Kong! Seeing your pictures makes me want to go back again really soon!! (ps, your pics are always so lovely!)
We used to live in China, just across the border from Hong Kong, and loved going there for regular visits! I’d go back in a heartbeat!
I can remember being little and wanting to visit HK even then I still do I am so intregiued one day I will definitely visit !
I’ve never used maps.me before. i’m planning a trip to italy this fall and will have to check it out while planning.
wow looks like another amazing location that you have gotten to visit. Your photos are simply stunning – love it
Hong Kong sure seems like a vibrant city. I have always read it is another big city yet still clean, and your beautiful pictures and post proves that. I love to explore a city by public commute, it makes all the difference I think – living like a local 😉 I can totally relate to feeling like home when you visit a new city, that happened to us when we were recently in Sydney, it sure is such a wonderful feeling right, that instant comfort and connection!
Cannot wait to read the next part 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Oh my gosh, what an absolutely breathtaking place! It is so beautiful! You got some great shots, too!
I have always wanted to visit Hong Kong. It looks like such a beautiful place. I have friends who have visited and they loved it!
I love how different these photos feel, Hong Kong is very much about being urban and you certainly blend in well! I love the colored lights.
My gosh! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience and photography in Hong Kong. I know for a fact I would love to visit someday and explore.
You captured the city and its beauty beautifully. Hong Jong had not been on list of places to travel, but it definitely is now. It’s comparable to New York here in the States.
The very first pic of you is PERFECTION!! How did you get that to blur?!!!! I’ve always wanted to visit Hong Kong. <3
I have always wanted to go to Hong Kong but my husband is like anti Asia traveling for some reason. These pictures are amazing and it looks like you had a great time! What camera do you use?
Chandler, thank you for your comment! Asia is not similar to anywhere else, you either love it or don’t!
I use Canon Mark ii
Hong Kong looks amazing, I’ve always wanted to go. You’re pictures are great, thank you for sharing!
This is SO perfectly timed! I’m in Hong Kong right now. My mom and I are here for a long weekend staying at the Ritz Carlton in Kowloon and we LOVE it! It’s an amazing city.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Allison, are you staying at the Ritz Carlton above the observation deck? How is it? I would love to see some photos.
Looks wonderful and so full of life! I hope to visit some day.
The pictures look lovely. I hope I get the chance to go to Hong Kong!
The city looks amazing! And what gorgeous photography too.
Hong Kong looks like such a vibrant and intriguing city!! I’m visiting it for the first time in October this year and I can’t wait to see what it’s like. Love these pictures!
i need the jumbo bag hanging above the entrance to ralph lauren. looks like hong kong is an exciting city to visit
I loved your comparison of Hong Kong to nyc their similarities etc. your pictures are lovely! This is on my bucket list on places to visit!!
You’ve captured some really amazing architecture, I felt like I was there. Beautiful country. I love all the stores and it almost has a NY feel.
Great pictures. Hong Kong is on my list to visit and so glad to get your perspective. I’m looking forward to how the story unfolds.
i love hongkong! the food, the shopping mall, the beach and everything in hk!!! i missed hongkong!!
thanks for sharing dear, have a great day
xx,
http://evelyn-halim.blogspot.co.id/
Hong Kong looks so beautiful! I have friends that have travelled there but their photos didn’t capture the life and beauty you show here. Definitely adding this to my bucket list!
Hong Kong looks absolutely stunning. There are so many places I’d love to go, this being one of them
Jess from Beautiful Breakable
Your photography is insane! How did you shoot this? I am in awe! Such a big fan of you!
This looks beautiful’
Omg Hong Kong looks like a fabulous place to visit!!! Hopefully my travels take me there one day!
[…] was planning a trip to Hong Kong two years before I finally got a chance to visit this city. At this time, I also researched many […]
I haven’t been to Asia, but it’s on my list, for sure. Hong Kong looks very vibrant and fun, and like a great place to take in the sites.
These are such gorgeous pictures. You’re definitely making Hong Kong an addition to my travel bucket list!
Wow. Your photos are so spot on! I cant wait to visit Hong Kong. This made me smile!
Wow, I’m totally impressed. Beautiful photos and blog.
AMAZING photos! I feel like I was there with you!
Really amazing photos. Your blog is so nice. I’ve been to Hong Kong a lot and each time I go I fall in love with it even more.
WOW!!! I love how artistic your pictures are, really beautiful! My boyfriend and i are planning a trip to Asia in the fall, we may have to add China on the list!
Great photos! What kind of camera do you use? I’m in the market for a new one!
Your photos are stunning. I enjoy staying on the main island (which I still call Victoria Island!), because I grew up there as a child. I love how upbeat Hong Kong is and I super miss it! I should plan a trip, definitely.
Looks like a part of Makati City or BGC in the Philippines. Nice architecture by the way