A business traveller’s guide to Hong Kong

Nearly every big corporate player has an office in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. This buzzing financial centre sits right on the Chinese Mainland’s doorstep, and is filled with stunning restaurants, bars and members’ clubs – it’s a city designed to impress even the toughest of clients. 

There’s so much for bleisure travellers to experience, whatever your passion is: be it art, getting out in nature, or simply wandering through vibrant neighbourhoods in search of fantastic food. Once business meetings have wrapped up, the fun begins. 

Where to start

Hong Kong is a densely packed city split into four main parts: Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula, the New Territories and outlying islands. You’ll likely only visit the first two areas as a business traveller, as most international business is conducted in the neighbourhoods of Central, Admiralty, Quarry Bay (on the island), and Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon).  

Getting around the city is a breeze thanks to excellent infrastructure and an efficient public transport system. Purchase an Octopus card after security at Hong Kong International Airport (or from any MTR station, 7-Eleven or Circle K convenience store around the city) to make the most of the MTR, buses, minibuses and old-school trams. Useful navigational apps such as Google Maps and Citymapper will show you the way. 

Taxis and ridehailing services Uber and HK Taxi are commonplace here, and local app TakeTaxi is incredibly helpful as it translates English addresses into Traditional Chinese for drivers. 

Where to take clients 

Award-winning restaurants and bars mean you’re never short on ways to impress business partners, whether you’re looking for local cuisine or fine dining. For upscale Chinese fare, head to the moody Mott32 , tucked away beneath the Standard Chartered Bank Building, or Michelin-starred restaurant The Chairman . Meanwhile, Duddell’s offers chic dim sum in the heart of Central. There’s also no shortage of impressive restaurants of other fare, with elevated British dining at The Magistracy (a restaurant housed in a former judicial house) and authentic French cuisine at the buzzy bistro Bouillion for more laidback occasions.  

Members-only venues such as the Carlyle Club at Rosewood Hong Kong and Whale Club offer discreet sophisticated spaces for sensitive meetings, while those with a global membership to Soho House will be able to slip into its chicspace in the heart of Sheung Wan.  

For a tipple to round off the night, Asia’s 50 Best Bars winner Bar Leone is the ultimate port of call – order the legendary negroni. Further up the road, Kinsman spotlights traditional Chinese liqueurs through innovative modern cocktails, while mixology queen Ezra Star can be found slinging drinks at Mostly Harmless , a spot where seasonal local produce inspires the menu. Meanwhile, luxe bar DarkSide hosts regular live jazz performances. If you’re in the mood for skyline views, make your way to Alto ’s unbeatable rooftop in Causeway Bay. 

Where to stay

The plush Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is conveniently located next door to the IFC Mall in Central and boasts stunning views of Victoria Harbour. For those seeking discreet luxury, head to The Upper House in Admiralty where you’ll find thoughtfully designed rooms by starchitect André Fu alongside sky-high panoramas of the city. 

Prefer to stay in Kowloon? The towering Rosewood Hong Kong promises an unforgettable stay as well as easy access to the Tsim Sha Tsui boardwalk, Star Ferry and upscale shopping mall K11 Musea. Meanwhile, The Mondrian Hong Kong is the epitome of cool, with design-led interiors and the award-winning cocktail bar Avoca. 

What to say

HongKongers love their city and enjoy sharing tips, especially with those eager to learn more about it. Asking for recommendations on sightseeing or local cuisine will always result in a passionate response, as will discussing the places you’ve visited since arriving. 

What to know

Hong Kong’s official languages are Chinese and English, so you won’t struggle to navigate the city if you only speak English. Cantonese is the more widely spoken Chinese dialect though Mandarin is also used.

Be sure to bring business cards with you, as exchanging them is how most business pleasantries begin. Hold your card in both hands with your name facing the recipient, then accept their business card with two hands before safely putting it away. 

When greeting the group, start with the most senior person with a handshake before conducting business in a discreet manner – big shows of emotion aren’t the norm here, and neither is explicitly saying no, so be prepared to read between the lines. 

Downtime done right

Culture vultures should flock to Hong Kong’s leading contemporary art museum M+ to explore the Sigg Collection, one of the largest compilations of contemporary Chinese art in the world. Sham Shui Po is Hong Kong at its most charming – you’ll find independent boutiques, stellar dim sum spots and Instagrammable cafes amid hardware stores and garages run by oddball uncles. 

If you’ve had enough of the concrete jungle, grab your trainers and take on one of the city’s many fantastic hikes. The Peak’s circular walk is a popular trail with a low difficulty level, offering sweeping views of the city’s breathtaking skyline and the glistening harbour both day and night. On the other side of the island, Dragon’s Back offers vistas over the city’s emerald greenery and beach-thronged coastline (though you’ll want to avoid the weekend crowds if possible). The trail ends at the charming Big Wave Bay beach, where you can enjoy a cold beer and Hong Kong-style snacks by the water.

Looking for a comprehensive Hong Kong itinerary? We have you sorted with our 48 hour guide to Hong Kong. 

Take something home

Skip the standard postcards and plasticky cheongsams. Instead, head to spots like Central Market or The Mills to discover local independent retailers selling everything from tongue-in-cheek Hong Kong designs to high-quality perfumes and scents. G.O.D. also operates stores across the city, including a branch at the airport if you’re short on time, offering modern twists on traditional Hong Kong furnishings and clothing for a touch of the 852 at home. 

You’ll often find a queue snaking along the street and into the doors of Bakehouse bakeries across the city as customers wait patiently to purchase their beloved sourdough crust egg tarts – join them, you won’t regret it. Mammy is also a great option for an egg waffle to go.

For last-minute airport purchases, King Bakery ’s cookie crust egg tarts are delicious, while Homeless offers stunning design-led souvenirs to add a little oomph to your interiors.  

Rewards for travelling for business

Travelling for business is now miles more rewarding. Sign up for Business Plus, a corporate travel programme that rewards companies and their employees for flying with us for business. Travellers will continue to collect individual Asia Miles and Status Points while the company also earns additional miles and Business Status Points, which you can redeem for a host of exclusive benefits and rewards.