How to Time Travel in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan center for finance and trade, with a unique blend of scenic and historic heritage. This blend attracts a global crowd of diverse nationalities due to the city’s numerous career opportunities. The skyscrapers, both old and new, stand in striking contrast to the stunning tropical surroundings. Amid the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps, there’s a rich history to explore. Hong Kong is renowned for its skyline, shopping paradise, and diverse culinary culture, but it’s also deeply rooted in tradition and history. This guide will take you on a journey through time by visiting specific sites around the city.
Art and Culture
The M+ Museum, located at 38 Museum Drive in West Kowloon, is Hong Kong’s first dedicated museum of modern art and contemporary visual culture. With over 33 galleries, it’s a landmark due to its incredible architecture. The current exhibition, “Canton Modern – Art and Visual Culture 1900s–1970s,” runs until October 5th, 2025, offering insights into the evolution of Cantonese artists. The museum’s extensive displays provide visitors with opportunities to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s cultural past alongside its modern focus.
Transportation
The Star Ferry remains one of the most iconic modes of transport, with a history spanning over 120 years. Its original name was “The Morning Star,” until it was renamed in 1898. The ferry departs from both Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, offering two decks, with the upper deck providing the best view of Hong Kong’s skyline. Both decks offer a glimpse into the city’s historic transportation methods before the development of the metro system.
Tickets can be purchased beforehand, or you can simply tap your Octopus card for quick access. The benches are reversible, allowing passengers to choose their facing direction. The crew’s old sailors, dressed in traditional garments—dark blue with white stripes and black wellies—are dedicated to their craft, contributing to the ferry’s charm and authenticity. The Star Ferry is an experience not to be missed in Hong Kong.
Local Delicacies
Located on 24-26 Stanley Street in Central Hong Kong, Luk Yu Tea House has been serving authentic food since the 1930s, earning praise from the Michelin Guide. The interior reflects its long history, with bloodwood elements and traditional ink paintings in vintage frames, complementing the faded walls that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
The restaurant’s fast-paced service and flavorful dishes—such as deep-fried chicken and fried noodles with sliced beef—make it a perfect stop for an authentic Hong Kong experience. It is one of those places brimming with passion and character, and it’s no surprise that its three floors have been bustling for almost a century. Calling ahead for reservations is recommended, as this place is an establishment.
Historical Infrastructure
Transitioning from ground-level exploration to an elevated vantage point, The Peak offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline. The Peak Tram, located at 33 Garden Road, Central, is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world.
Within a short ride of approximately seven to 10 minutes, the tram ascends about 396 meters (roughly 1,300 feet) above sea level, offering spectacular views. No pre-booking is required as tickets are available at the station. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a range of eateries and shops. Rajasthan Rifles, an Anglo-Indian cuisine restaurant inspired by 1920s British-Indian history, provides exceptional dishes like butter chicken and paneer with spinach.
Served in a setting that reflects the cultural integration of the era. The staff, dressed in traditional British Army attire, enhance the immersive experience.
Dining Nostalgically
As an aperitivo before dinner, a visit to Bar Leone is almost essential to immerse oneself in Italian nostalgia within Hong Kong. This bar, which has been named Asia’s Best Bar for the past two years,
It is more than just a drinking establishment. Its charm comes from its creator, Lorenzo Antinori, who focused on creating a unique “vibe.” His inspiration stems from cherished memories of Sunday family lunches at his grandmother’s house, and the interior design reflects this beautifully.
The lively Italian music playing in the background enhances the vibrant atmosphere. The exterior is painted in warm Roman terracotta colors, with only a small sign indicating its presence. Lorenzo once said, “If it weren’t for the line to get in, you would simply walk past it.” The essence of the bar is not just in its products but in the passion that drives it. Bar Leone is highly popular, and reservations are necessary in advance. Signature drinks include the Olive Oil Sour and smoked olives; however, Lorenzo himself is often present, offering advice to customers unsure of what to order. They also have a small selection of bar snacks to pair with the drinks.
To conclude the journey through “old” Hong Kong, a visit to La Taverna Ristorante Italiano, the first Italian restaurant in Hong Kong, opening its doors in 1969, is highly recommended.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui at 36-38 Ashley Road, the interiors are vintage and inviting, inspired by Italian grotto-style restaurants. Dimmed lighting bathes the space in warmth, creating a portal back in time and evoking a sense of transport to another country.
The air is filled with enticing aromas of sauces, garlic, and freshly baked bread, complementing the lively chatter around the room. The staff are attentive and friendly, embodying the true spirit of Italian hospitality. More than just a restaurant, La Taverna becomes a place where lasting memories are created. Feel free to ask the staff for recommendations to accommodate dietary preferences.
The Cannoli, served as a sweet finale after the savory dishes, is truly delicious and the perfect way to end the meal. This eatery is quite popular among locals and not widely known to tourists, so it is highly advisable to make reservations a few days in advance. Overall, these two establishments are highly praised and well worth a visit.
