Living in Singapore, I often have to transit through Hong Kong, and sometimes I stay overnight here.
I do not want the trip to feel too tiring, but I still want it to have a bit of substance. This time, I chose the easiest and most satisfying way to spend it: bar hopping.
Checking into the Hotel
After landing, I once again chose to stay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong (1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong). It is in Wan Chai, which makes it very convenient for getting to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui. More importantly, though, it is a place worth spending time in on its own.
The check-in process was smooth, and the service struck exactly the right balance. It was not overly enthusiastic, but every detail was taken care of. It made it easy to slip into holiday mode the moment I arrived.
If you have some extra time, it is worth wandering around the hotel a little. The lobby and public spaces display numerous artworks. It is not done in a stiff, museum-like way. Instead, the pieces feel naturally integrated into the surroundings, so you find yourself drawn to them as you walk by.
If you’re into fitness, don’t miss their 50-metre temperature-controlled outdoor pool, tennis courts, and 24-hour gym.
By Hong Kong standards, the room is fairly spacious. The first thing I did after entering was pull the curtains open.
Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows was Victoria Harbour. By day, it is all sharp city lines and clean silhouettes. You can do absolutely nothing, just sit there and stare for a while, and slowly let the fatigue of the flight fade away.
After a quick wash and a short rest, I changed and got ready for the real highlight of the evening.
The Bar Hopping Begins
First Stop: Bar Leone
If you love drinks and you are in Hong Kong, this place is basically a must.
Bar Leone (11-15 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong) not only took the top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, but also reached the top of World’s 50 Best Bars. It is easily one of the most talked-about bars in recent years.
The bar opens at 6 pm, but people start queuing at around 4:30 pm. If you want to get in during the first round, it is best to arrive before 5 pm.
The space has the feel of a neighbourhood Italian bar. It is relaxed, but full of character.
You have to try the classics here, such as the Negroni, or their take on the Italian aperitivo style. The flavours are direct, the structure is clear, and there is nothing unnecessary in the glass. You quickly realise that they are not trying to make something unusual. They are simply taking something simple and doing it exceptionally well.
There is also one small surprise worth mentioning: their smoked olives. They are honestly some of the best olives I have ever had.
Second Stop: COA
COA (Shop A, LG/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing St, Central, Hong Kong) is just a short walk from Bar Leone, making it the perfect next stop.
This bar has taken the No. 1 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars multiple times and has long remained one of the best bars in Asia. It focuses on tequila and mezcal, and it is the kind of place that takes one category and pushes it to its absolute best.
The service here is another big plus. The bartenders are very good at recommending drinks based on your taste. Whether you like something fresh, fruity, or a little smokier, they can point you to a glass that suits you.
A good choice would be a classic tequila-based cocktail, which feels bright yet layered, or a mezcal cocktail with a touch of smoke, which tends to leave a stronger impression.
If you are not sure what to order, you can simply go for their seasonal menu. It is usually a safe choice, and it often comes with a pleasant surprise.
By the time I returned to Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the city was deep into the night. But Victoria Harbour was still shining outside the window. Watching the night view for a little while before bed felt more than enough.
The Next Morning: Breakfast
The highlight of the next day was breakfast.
The breakfast buffet at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is one of the few reasons I would willingly wake up early. Besides the standard Western options, it is the local selections that really stand out.
The freshly made Hong Kong-style dim sum and the hot noodle station are the most popular parts of the breakfast spread. From wonton noodles to a variety of steamed items, everything tastes authentic and gives you that unmistakable feeling of really being in Hong Kong.
It is a wonderful feeling. You have not properly started your day yet, but through breakfast alone, you have already stepped into the rhythm of the city.
After breakfast, one last look at Victoria Harbour, and it is almost time to head to the airport.
There is always a tiny sense of reluctance when leaving. But at the same time, you understand that this kind of just-right stopover is exactly what makes it so charming.
Even if it is only a transit, with the right hotel, two really good drinks, and a breakfast made with care, you have already, for a brief moment, had the city all to yourself.
A Chinese version of the article appeared here.
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