7 Unexpected Hong Kong Joys

Hong Kong manages to pack an incredible amount into a small footprint. From hiking trails that feel a world away from the skyline to animated dining, world-first attractions and some of Asia’s most awarded bars, there’s plenty here to evoke wide-eyed wonder.  

And from 21 June, it gets even easier to explore. Hong Kong Airlines will launch new daily flights from Sydney Airport, with overnight departures that let you wake up in the heart of the city, ready to chase these seven experiences you won’t find anywhere else. 

1. Go hiking  

At first glance, Hong Kong is all skyscrapers and neon – but look closer and you’ll see that nearly 40% is protected green space. That means some of Asia’s most scenic hikes are just a short cab or MTR ride from the city. Start with Dragon’s Back, a ridgeline trail that offers jaw-dropping coastal views and finishes at the chilled-out beach town of Shek O.  

If you’re after something fresh and less travelled, head to Robin’s Nest Country Park, which officially opened in 2024. This new conservation zone in the northeastern New Territories is home to misty forest trails, ancient Hakka villages and panoramic lookouts over the Chinese city of Shenzhen and the Plover Cove Reservoir.  

 2. Experience the only World of Frozen 

If you’ve got kids in tow – or you’re just partial to singing Let It Go in the shower – you’ll want to block out a day for Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen, the world’s first and only Frozen-themed land. Inspired by the movie’s snowy kingdom, the park opened in late 2023 and lets you ride a sleigh through the North Mountain, explore Arendelle Castle and meet Elsa and Anna in real life. Bonus points for the Frozen-themed snacks – there are Olaf marshmallows. 

3.  See a lot over a long weekend  

Thanks to overnight flights departing Sydney Airport, Hong Kong is a realistic long weekend destination. Leave Friday evening, wake up in the heart of Asia and squeeze in everything from rooftop bars to contemporary art galleries and Michelin-starred eats – before heading back late Sunday or Monday. The city’s small size and super-efficient transport system mean you can hop from temple to tea house in record time. And if you’ve got a longer trip planned to Europe or Asia, consider a multi-day layover – you’ll land back at work with stories that sound like you took months off.  

4. Visit a museum dedicated to instant noodles  

The CUPNOODLES Museum Hong Kong is an interactive space that’s part art exhibit, part culinary history lesson and part make-your-own-noodles lab. Created by the Japanese brand Nissin, it’s great for quirky photos and family fun. Afterwards, swing by the M+ Museum, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Opened in 2021, it’s a striking architectural landmark in the West Kowloon Cultural District and houses everything from contemporary Chinese art to avant-garde video installations.

5. Dine at Asia’s best bar…  

Bar Leone is Hong Kong’s buzziest bar right now – and it’s well-earned. This laidback Italian-inspired cocktail bar took out the number one spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024, an incredible feat for its very first year of operation. Critics love their expert execution of the classics, but it’s the clever riffs that make this place a must-visit (like a mezcal margarita with smoked corn and sloe gin). The crowd is effortlessly cool, and the travertine bar top and cosy accents make it feel straight out of old-school Rome, rather than part of flashy Central Hong Kong.

6.  …or let the world’s tiniest chef cook for you  

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a 3D hologram chef whip up your dinner in front of you? Wonder no more. Le Petit Chef at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong offers one of the most unique dining experiences in the city. This theatrical six-course meal pairs projection-mapped animation with storytelling and clever visuals, all starring a miniature French chef on your plate. It’s whimsical, delicious and unlike anything else.

7. Shop ‘til you drop 

From indie boutiques at the PMQ design hub to high-end flagship stores at Harbour City and Landmark, Hong Kong knows how to separate you from your travel money in the best possible way. You’ll find everything from homegrown designers and rare sneakers to antique jade jewellery and lauded skincare. But don’t wait to deplane to start filling your cart; you can shop the world’s biggest labels right at Sydney Airport. With luxury brands like Burberry, Gucci and Hermes, plus airport-only exclusives and tax-free pricing, you might just score that dream bag before you even take off. 

This article was produced in partnership with Sydney Airport. Daily, non-stop flights to Hong Kong commence from Sydney via Hong Kong Airlines on 21 June 2025. The service will boost seat capacity to Hong Kong from Sydney Airport (SYD) by 20%. Book Hong Kong Airlines flights from Sydney Airport here.