Hong Kong after dark: With its electrifying blend of rooftop bars, street market sensations and illuminated skyscrapers, this is a stunning stopover destination
Hong Kong is the city that defies easy description. It's a place where you can lose yourself in bustling street markets and dine on Michelin-star cuisine, escape to breathtaking landscapes, relax on idyllic beaches, and sip cocktails on rooftop bars overlooking Victoria Harbour.
At the crossroads of flight paths, it is the perfect stop-over destination, whether you're visiting Asia or Australia. Hong Kong offers a shot of exhilaration, a rich blend of cultures and influences, incredible food, epic urban and natural landscapes and a truly impressive nightlife.
It's the kind of place where you spend your day exploring the distinctive neighbourhoods of this unique megalopolis. Perhaps a tram up to Victoria Peak for sweeping views, a ferry across the harbour to cool Kowloon, or a day wandering the galleries of the impressive contemporary art scene. Then as the sun goes down, make like the local and venture out for more immersive fun.
Here's how to make the most of Hong Kong 's buzzing nightlife…
Explore lively Lan Kwai Fong
As twilight descends on the Hong Kong skyline, Lan Kwai Fong ignites into a vibrant nightlife paradise.
This pulsating district, famed for its electric energy, is a magnet for those seeking unforgettable evenings. Immerse yourself in a symphony of chatting partygoers, foot-tapping music, and clinking glasses in the open air.
With an unparalleled concentration of bars and clubs, every corner offers a unique opportunity to unwind or dance until dawn. This is the city's premier party destination, with themed nights, international DJs, and spontaneous street celebrations, ensuring every visit is a thrilling adventure.
Savour the world-beating bar scene
Hong Kong is a global cocktail destination, home to some of Asia's most celebrated bars. So head for the stars as you make your way up to one of the city's many rooftop bars!
Sip on an expertly crafted drink at famous destinations such as 118th-floor Ozone, garden-like Aqua Spirit Bar, or gin specialist Popinjays, where the dazzling city skyline serves as your backdrop.
This vibrant metropolis consistently dominates lists such as Asia's 50 Best Bars, even boasting the number one spot with Bar Leone winning first place in 2025 for its neighbourhood vibe and focus on reviving classic cocktails.
Hong Kong's dedication to mixology creates an electric atmosphere, making it a truly unmissable destination for anyone seeking world-class drinks and an unforgettable night out.
Make for the markets
Temple Street is a kaleidoscope of colours and aromas and beckons with its revitalised night scene.
Here, an endless array of delectable Hong Kong snacks awaits you, with some of the most delicious street food dining in the world. Fresh seafood such as grilled squid, typhoon shelter crab, dim sum dumplings, clay pot rice, or—if you're feeling adventurous—even 'stinky tofu' (a fermented version of tofu) are all on offer, plus much more.
Meanwhile, the bustling enclave of Mong Kok is home to the famed Ladies' Market, which, alongside its quirky neighbours, becomes a symphony of sights and sounds as night falls.
Go on a treasure hunt for everything from exquisite jewellery to charming souvenirs and drive a hard bargain for your discoveries—it's all part of the fun. The authentic pulse of Hong Kong nightlife beats in these unforgettable markets for an engaging and delectable evening stroll.
Set sail by the stars
Victoria Harbour is beautiful by day, but at night it really comes into its own. Board the aqualuna and go on an enchanting voyage on one of the last traditional red-sail Chinese junk boats, offering a mesmerising perspective of the city's glittering skyline.
As you glide across the harbour, choose from a romantic cocktail cruise or indulge in a gourmet dinner, all while bathed in the magical glittering lights of Hong Kong by night.
Head to the races
For a thrilling dose of local eccentricity, experience the phenomenon known as Happy Wednesdays.
The Happy Valley Racecourse, ordinarily a sporting arena, morphs each Wednesday into a vibrant, pulsating hub of culture and revelry.
Nighttime races, craft beer tents and live bands provide an infectious atmosphere under a canopy of dazzling lights.
Massively popular with both locals and visitors, it's a mid-week spectacle that thrillingly fuses sport, nightlife, and Hong Kong's unique spirit into one unforgettable evening.
Light up the night sky
At 8pm, as darkness cloaks the city, witness an urban spectacle unlike any other.
A Symphony of Lights is a nightly ritual and the world's largest permanent light and sound show. Skyscrapers themselves become instruments in a dazzling, synchronised ballet of lasers, searchlights, and pulsating music.
Forget fireworks; this is an architectural transformation, a living, breathing light sculpture against the dramatic Hong Kong skyline. Best viewed from on board aqualuna, or from the sanctuary of a roof-top bar.
Or for a whimsical escape that taps into your inner child, this year Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th-anniversary celebrations promise unique fun.
Beyond the daytime thrills, the park transforms into a luminous dreamscape as night descends. Every night they hold a party in the sky, an enchanting spectacle that promises to redefine your perception of theme park entertainment with a breathtaking blend of fantasy and technological marvel.
Hong Kong truly shines as an exceptional stopover destination. With safe and efficient transport, stunning natural landscapes, a vibrant cross-cultural atmosphere and diverse culinary scene, it's a captivating experience even for a brief visit.
And from visiting serene temples by day to joining locals at bustling markets, Hong Kong offers the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture.
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The Duke of York It may be one of the most popular pubs in Belfast, but walking down the cobbled alley to its entrance always feels special. That alleyway, with dozens of flower-filled hanging baskets and vintage Guinness signs, is cracking on a sunny day, but the interior is the epitome of cosiness, with a brick bar, low ceilings and weathered floor tiles. Nab a seat by the vintage printing press, to see if you can spot the dirty words hidden in the lettering. Sunflower Though the Sunflower name on the door is relatively new, this spot has been the home to a pub for over 100 years. The entrance is distinctive, with a bright green cage over the door (leftover from The Troubles) and the sign outside is one of the most photographed in Belfast: 'No topless sunbathing. Ulster has suffered enough'. There aren't any bells and whistles inside, but an excellent selection of craft beers like Yardsman stout and Kinnegar ales, and there's a beer garden, too. Best for live music Peadar O'Donnell's A minimalist's nightmare, this pub has paraphernalia hanging from every inch of space, from antique sewing machines to a proliferation of flags. As such, it feels like a quintessential Irish pub, particularly in the evening, with traditional musicians filling the room with song. Get a low table in the corner, order a well-poured pint of Guinness, and listen to the masters at work. House of McDonnell Owned by the same family for almost 300 years, this listed building is where you'll find some of the best traditional music in the country, with a session every Friday night, and other gigs throughout the week. It's on the Ballycastle Trad Music Trail, and it's even been name checked in some traditional Irish songs and poems. There's a charming little outdoor area, with weathered brick walls and wooden seats, and it's open until 1am. Best for chic cocktails The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant If you'd rather drink a negroni in style than step over a sticky, beer-stained floor, The Cocktail Bar in The Merchant Hotel is a great choice. This relatively small bar has a sophisticated, old-world sense of style, with plenty of dark wood, burgundy velvet armchairs and an antique fireplace. More importantly, the cocktails are impeccable, and you're served a little 'browsing drink' made with Jawbox gin, while you peruse the menu. Rattlebag Don't be put off by the fact that this cocktail bar is inside a hotel – this intimate spot has built up some serious kudos since it opened, with a menu that changes with the seasons and a series of pop-up collaborations with hip wine bars and musical folks. Expect to see quirky ingredients shaken up with classics, like pine distillate in a martini or cumin tincture in a gimlet. Best for cosy vibes The 1614 Bar Part of the historic, thatched Old Inn, this pub feels like a traditional carriage house, with low ceilings, thick wooden beams and roaring fires. It can get busy in the evening, when there's live sport on or a local band playing, but it's an ideal spot for a quiet Irish coffee if you've been out walking in the Crawfordsburn Country Park. They also serve food at lunchtime, with pub food like smoked haddock or fish and chips. Daft Eddy's Technically, this is more a seafood restaurant than a standalone pub, but the bar is lovely and cosy (and if it's sunny, the outdoor tables right on the water are perfect). Plus, if you're coming from Portaferry, you can take a 10-minute ferry journey to save you the drive, which adds to the novelty factor. Area: Strangford Lough Website: Price: £ How we choose Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
