48 Hours in Hong Kong: A Journey Through Classics and Local Charm

First arriving in Hong Kong, the towering skyscrapers of Victoria Harbor are truly awe-inspiring, and the million-dollar night view from Victoria Peak lives up to its reputation. Riding the vintage century-old Ding Ding tram, you can travel from the financial hub of Central to the artsy Kennedy Town, where you might stumble upon neon-lit dried seafood shops and the scent of dried tangerine peel wafting through the air. Next to the must-visit Avenue of Stars, you’ll be surprised to find that the Star Ferry costs just HK$2.6 to cross Victoria Harbor. At the Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market, which opens at dawn, follow local housewives to pick out seasonal Malaysian Musang King durians. At Temple Street Night Market, sizzling clay pot rice fills the air as the owner shouts in Cantonese, "Miss, would you like to add some sausage?"—a true taste of local life. Hidden in Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market is an old-school herbal tea shop. The bitter '24 flavors' tea may make you wince, but it leaves a surprisingly sweet aftertaste. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you explore Hollywood Road in search of rainbow staircases and graffiti walls. When tired, dive into a cha chaan teng for the classic combo of iced lemon tea and pineapple bun. On the outlying island of Cheung Chau, enjoy mango-stuffed glutinous rice balls while sitting by Cheung Po Tsai Cave, watching fishing boats return to the harbor—it feels like stepping back into the golden era of Hong Kong cinema. Tips: Carry a light jacket as mall air conditioning can be chilly; the Octopus card works for both the MTR and convenience stores; exchange a small amount of Hong Kong dollars in advance, as many old shops only accept cash. The deeper you venture into the alleys, the closer you get to the authentic, vibrant spirit of Hong Kong.