STUART CARLY, a Cathay Pacific Loyal Diamond member and regular visitor to Hong Kong, shares his advice on how to see and experience the city when all you have is 24 hours

  • Café hop in Sheung Wan
Delicious Dim Sum
  • Sheung Wan, west of Hong Kong’s main business district, is an upbeat neighbourhood lined with loads of quirky, interesting cafés, restaurants and bars. Make your way through Sheung Wan’s food offerings and try a few small dishes here and there. With dim sum being one of China’s most popular culinary exports, include a Cha Siu Bao, which you can enjoy with an American-inspired pulled-pork filling or one of the many traditional seafood or vegetarian options .
  • Check out Hong Kong’s art scene
Street creativity in Hong KOng

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong’s burgeoning art district lined with art galleries for a look at the latest trends. The Above Second Gallery on First Street focuses primarily on urban art forms like graffiti and illustration. Get there on foot, so you can also take in the street creativity.

  • Visit the Hong Kong Film Archive
Burning incense is an Asian tradition

The Hong Kong Film Archive on the North Eastern tip of Hong Kong Island is the perfect reprieve from the high-energy pace of the city streets. The Film Archive was pioneered by the Hong Kong government to encourage awareness, interest and the preservation of Hong Kong’s rich history of film, through screenings of old documentaries from the 1980s. Entrance into the mini exhibition area is free, but you have to pay to see the movies.

  • Take the MTR: Hong Kong has one of the world’s most efficient subway systems with a 99.9% on-time rate, so if you aren’t walking to experience the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s streets, taking a train is the fastest way to go.
  • Sundowners in Paris, Asian-style
Muted hues of a Hong Kong city view

Wine capitals around the world have inspired Hong Kong great wine bars. Le Quinze Vins near the Central district, offers 1,000 French wine varieties, a selection of charcuterie and the most delectable truffles to enjoy while you sip a glass of deep red or sparkling white, depending on the recommendation of one of the bar’s expert sommeliers.

  • Do dessert on Dundas Street
Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is famous for its delicious, quirky desserts. Whether it’s traditional sago pud and sweet buns dipped in a condensed milk sauce, or the famous egg waffle cone filled with colourful scoops of ice cream and sprinkles, you’ll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth on Dundas Street, adjacent to Nathan Road in Mongkok. Many of the dedicated dessert shops here stay open late.

  • Breakfast in K-Town
View across the bay

Situated on the western edge of Hong Kong Island, Kennedy Town is a charming inner-city neighbourhood relatively new on the list of Hong Kong tourist stops, which makes it the perfect spot for a quiet breakfast. While many unique cafes and restaurants all over K-Town offer superb food, Kinsale (now Praya Waterside Eatery) offers a wide range of comfort food dishes to indulge in while appreciating stunning views of Belcher Bay.

  • Extend your stay using Cathay Pacific’s convenient online travel booking platform where you can manage your flight itinerary and book accommodation. South African travellers can click here