exploring hong kong - part 3

location: hong kong, china

Since my third day was the clearest, I decided to visit the famous Victoria's Peak to get the iconic view. Do not let anyone persuade you differently that this is too much of a tourist trap because the views are incredible! You get to see the entire Hong Kong central and Kowloon from the top. It's a must see!!

I started off my morning by getting some "real" coffee and breakfast. China is not a big coffee country because most people drink hot tea. I found this adorable, authentic coffee shop and had to check it out. They have single origin pour overs and you have to get the smashed avocado toast with poached eggs. Helpful tip: ordering food/breakfast takes about 15-20 minutes to cook since they have a small kitchen.

A must have in Hong Kong is to book the complete package (bus tour, Victoria's peak tram, and ferry ride) with the Big Bus Tour Company. You can hop on and off as you want until the last bus boards (at around 6 pm or so). Sit on the right side of the double-decker top to get the best view. They have English commentary that tells the history and different building you approach. It is the best way to get to know all of hong kong without being worn out from walking. I purchased by tickets and started my tour at the Hong Kong central side right beside the Observatory Wheel. The first stop is Victoria's peak. Listen up because this is why I insist you purchase the complete package tour! 

The best way to get to the peak is the tram. But in order to miss hours of waiting in line in the hot sun and heat, this is the way to do it! When you purchase the Big Bus complete package, you get the tram ticket. Not only do you get a tram ticket, but you can skip to the front of the line! Literally you just wait 15 or so minutes (in shade) to board the tram. Sit on the right side of the tram to get the best views of the city heading up. 

At the top of the peak, spend as much time as you need soaking in this incredible view! And of course do not forget to take tons of photos. Since I was traveling alone, I of course could not forget my selfie stick. This was a highlight of my trip to Hong Kong, and I am so glad I went here. 

After the Victoria's Peak, just pop back on the bus to continue the tour around central area. By this point I was a bit hungry and needing lunch. I stopped at208 Duecento Otto for their happy hour (afternoons from 3 - 6 pm) pizza and 2 glasses of rose combo! Get off the bus at the Man Mo Temple exit and walk about 5 minutes down Hollywood Rd. It has the cutest blue and white tile work throughout. 

I then got back on the Big Bus and completed the tour on the Hong Kong central side. A quick ferry ride back over to Kowloon and I hopped on the last tour ride leaving Kowloon from the rear of the Peninsula building. I stayed on this ride the entire way to listen and see the history around Kowloon area. After a long day of sightseeing, I needed a delicious meal with fantastic views. So I headed to Hutong for some amazing dim sum. It is a bit pricey, but such a splurge well worth it. And from dinner, make sure to arrive and stay long enough to witness the harbor light show that happens every night at 8 pm.