If you think you’ve already seen everything Hong Kong has to offer, think again. With the perfect combination of sights, sounds, and sensations, this top destination never runs out of exciting scenes and spots to delight tourists and even locals. Tradition and innovation meet in Hong Kong, a juxtaposition evident from architecture to gastronomical experiences. 

Hong Kong is known as one of Asia’s busiest hotspots, a global financial hub and a business center lined with towering skyscrapers. But many tend to forget that Hong Kong is also actually made up of over 250 outlying islands with beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails offering an alternative lifestyle that goes beyond the urban hustle of central Hong Kong.

Metro Channel's EIC on the Move host Raul Manzano

Raul attended the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, an annual celebration at the end of October. Taking place at the Central Harbourfront, it promises great wine and delectable treats from around the world, live performances, and a deliciously good time, all set against the dazzling Victoria Harbour. It also marks the start of a month-long ‘Taste Around Town’ celebration—a series of dining promotions across the city throughout November.

The adventures of Metro Society’s editor-in-chief Raul Manzano in the special episodes of Metro Channel’s EIC on the Move are an absolute treat to those seeking to rediscover Hong Kong and experience it anew. 

K11 Artus

Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

But before his exploration ensued, Raul settled in his accommodation of choice first: the K11 Artus, a 5-star extended-stay hotel, in Tsim Sha Tsui. This residential-style luxury service residence is at the heart of Victoria Dockside’s art and design district. Its philosophy is hinged on reimagining artisanal living, and so its interiors showcase various strategically placed artworks; according to K11 Artus’ general manager, Cecilia Lo, they place high importance on art in the property, so much so they even offer art tours for residents and guests. They also contribute to promoting and preserving Chinese artisanship as part of their mission.

Cecilia toured Raul around the amenities and rooms of K11 Artus, including the penthouse that prides itself in the unparalleled view of the harbour. He stayed at the Grand Harbour One, a one-bedroom residence which, Raul says, redefines the concept of temporary living because every area in it elevates the guest experience. 

Raul with K11 Artus' general manager, Cecilia Lo, at the Grand Harbour residence

The infinity edge pool at K11 Artus, located on the 11th floor, offers a unique view of the bustling city.

View from K11 Artus' penthouse

Here are all the places in Raul’s itinerary for his latest visit to Hong Kong:

Hong Kong Palace Museum

West Kowloon Cultural District, 8 Museum Drive, Kowloon

Launched in July 2022, the seven-storey museum is home to priceless artifacts embodying the rich history of China’s imperial past. A thematic exhibition Raul marveled at was “From Dawn to Dusk: Life and Art in the Forbidden City;” this exhibit gives a glimpse of majestic portraits of the emperors and empresses of the Qing dynasty. 

The Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases nine galleries of thematic art exhibitions that let one travel back in time through the architecture, history, and everyday life in the Forbidden City. 

Raul with Hong Kong Palace Museum director Dr. Louise Ng

M+

38 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon

Dubbed Hong Kong’s Global Museum of Visual Centre, M+ in WestK is a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts. After touring the museum, Raul summed up, “More than being an art space, M+ is committed to telling colorful stories of art and culture from an Asian perspective.” The EIC on the move was also in awe of the exhibition by Chinese couturier Guo Pei, which included the now-iconic yellow gown Rihanna wore at the 2015 Met Gala (trivia: it weighs 25 kilos!). He also marveled at one of Guo Pei’s most iconic pieces, Da Jin (Magnificent Gold), which took over 50,000 hours to complete.

With M+ Lead Curator for Design & Architecture Ikko Yokoyama

"Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination" at M+

Sheung Wan Market 

Hong Kong-born Canada-raised Chef Vicky Cheng took Raul around Sheung Wan, where they visited the dried seafood market. Chef Vicky, known for extraordinary Cantonese fine dining, is the creator of two remarkable restaurants that have taken the Hong Kong fine dining scene by storm: VEA and Wing. Before Raul and Chef Vicky went to Wing, which ranked no. 5 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024, they first went market shopping for ingredients. Sheung Wan area is teeming with stores selling dried seafood, a staple and an essential ingredient in Chinese cooking. "I wanted to go really deep into Chinese cuisine, and the history of Chinese cuisine has always been about dried seafood," Chef Vicky said. 

With Chef Vicky Cheng at a dried seafood store in Sheung Wan

Wing

29/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington St, Central

Chef Vicky Cheng's French fine dining techniques help elevate Chinese cooking to a different level. With Wing, he wanted to delve deeper into exploring his heritage, so in 2021, he opened this restaurant, just one floor above his other Michelin-starred French-Chinese restaurant VEA. At Wing, Chef Vicky said they offer the so-called "boundary-less" Chinese cuisine, meaning "there's no boundary to what we do here." "The dishes here are very much about creating our own identity. It's about breaking rules. It's about breaking boundaries," added Chef Vicky.

Cold starters at Wing: Smoked Eggplant, Drunken South African Abalone, Razon Clams, and Chili Japanese Oyster with Golden Crystal Egg

With Wing's chef and owner Vicky Cheng

COA Bar

Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central

One look at this unassuming bar, and you’ll easily be fooled that it’s just another hole-in-the-wall drinking spot. But COA Bar’s rustic interiors are anything but ordinary, especially when you get to sip any of their award-winning cocktails. COA is a Mexican-style cocktail bar. It topped Asia’s 50 Best Bars for three consecutive years until 2023 and is now comfortably placed at no. 4. 

COA Bar has a charming and vibrant rustic interior. 

With COA mixologist Lok Cheung

Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel

3 Ocean Dr, Aberdeen 

On the breathtaking southern side of Hong Kong Island lies the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel. A luxurious seaside retreat that captures the essence, history and restful side of Hong Kong. With all 425 guest rooms (including special-themed kids' rooms) offering a stunning ocean view, this is a wonderful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The property also has an infinity pool, a kids' lagoon, an indoor kids' zone, and a luxury spa, among others. 

View from one of the pool suites at The Fullerton Ocean Park

With Samson Woo, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel general manager

Dragon's Back

Southeastern Hong Kong

Visiting the countryside and hiking have become popular pastimes here in Hong Kong. It allows residents and tourists to combine urban life with the great outdoors. Dragon’s Back is a popular trail in Hong Kong and was voted as Time Magazine’s best urban hiking route in Asia. The trail doesn’t require a strenuous hike but offers sweeping 360-degree views of the island.

View from Dragon's Back

Lamma Island - Fisherfolks Village

Lamma Island is a place of tranquility and natural scenery where people can experience the rich culture and the freshest seafood in Hong Kong. It is the third largest island in Hong Kong, with two charming fishing villages. One of these is its main village and the busiest, the Yung Shue Wan.

A well-paved walking trail links Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan. A colorful fishing village in Lamma that still preserves the authentic and traditional fishermen’s lifestyle. This is indeed a lovely sight that feels like a postcard brought to life. A must-try in this area is the Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, an institution at Sok Kwu Wan that has been serving fantastic seafood dishes for over 20 years.

With Carol Park, Director Group Project

With Wendy Chan, Lamma Rainbow Group managing director

Florentia Village

100 Kwai Cheong Rd, Kwai Chung

This place is a luxury outlet mall that houses all of the best names in Italian fashion at tempting incredible deals. And they offer this all year round. Founded in 2011, it also features brands like BOSS, Balmain, Tory Burch, Furla, Balenciaga, Philipp Plein, and so much more. 

Balmain at Florentia Village

Feuille

5/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington St, Central

The Michelin-starred Feuille is French Chef David Toutain’s first foray into a high-end dining destination that advocates eco-friendly ethos, using locally sourced and organic produce. The restaurant is known for two things: the gastronomic multicourse veggie-heavy tasting menu enhanced by French cooking techniques and their impeccable take on creating beautiful and awe-inspiring dishes. "I want to discover the nature. It's not only about the produce, it's also about the active ingredient," said executive chef Joris Rousseau.  

Nature-inspired tasting menu with locally sourced, sustainably grown ingredients

With Feuille's executive chef Joris Rousseau

Two Moons Distillery

Unit 9A, Kut Shing Building, No. 8 Kut Shing St, Chai Wan

From a passion project to an award-winning flavor, Two Moon’s Distillery has carved its name on the global map as Hong Kong’s first home-grown gin distillery. Blending tradition with innovation, Dimple Yuen and co-founder Ivan Chang crafted a gin that not only tasted good but reflected the heart of Hong Kong. And they are not to keep it to themselves, their facility is open to curious individuals hoping to learn the secrets of crafting premium gins.

With Dimple Yuen and co-founder Ivan Chang

Raul got to try a mixed cocktail crafted by Jo Lo, 2022 World Class Hong Kong & Macau champion

La Rambla

8 Finance St., 3071-73 Level 3, IFC Mall, Central

Boasting a stellar location at the IFC Mall, with a brilliant view of Victoria Harbor, you’ll get a lovely taste of Spain right here at La Rambla. Led by renowned celebrity chef Rafa Gil, bringing his Mediterranean culinary flair to the tables of Hong Kong. "The idea was, when we opened this restaurant, back in 2011 in Singapore and 2012 in Hong Kong, was to create a unique Spanish Catalan cuisine," chef Rafa shared. 

La Rambla's paella

With La Rambla executive chef Rafa Gil serving Raul the restaurant's special cochinillo

These episodes of EIC on the Move showcase the contemporary city of Hong Kong in a surprisingly different light many have probably not seen before. In this city, we are never more than a few steps away from a breathtaking island, or a stone’s throw away atop a hill with an unobstructed view of stunning landscapes. Finding serenity amidst the organized chaos is possible in this urban jungle. With the seamless combination of city and nature, Hong Kong will never lose its uniquely captivating charm.

Watch the episodes below: