Suite Spot: 48 Hours in Hong Kong for the Rugby Sevens

Some trips live up to the hype. Others go well beyond it. I’d been wanting to experience Hong Kong’s Rugby Sevens for years, having heard the stories from friends who’d made the pilgrimage. The rugby, the costumes, the parties in the South Stand. It sounded like one of those events you simply had to experience.

Earlier this year, I finally got my chance, heading to Hong Kong for the tournament’s 50th anniversary. What followed was a weekend of ridiculously good rugby, excellent food, world-class bars and a city that has something happening around every corner. Here’s how I spent 48 hours in Hong Kong…

The Flight: Flying Cathay Pacific’s New Aria Suite to Hong Kong

The trip started on a high note, flying with Cathay Pacific in its new Aria Suite business-class cabin. If you’re heading to Hong Kong, this is the way to do it.

Suite doors, a fully flat bed, generous storage, 4K entertainment and thoughtful service made for a seriously comfortable journey. Add restaurant-quality food and a champagne or two, and it was a rather civilised way to start the weekend.

Day One: Pottinger Street Costumes & Egg Tarts

First, I needed an outfit, so I headed to Pottinger Street in Central, where the Sevens spirit was in full swing. Fans were busy picking up costumes from market stalls, with the dress code firmly in the anything-goes category. Over the weekend, I spotted everything from giant squids and groups of Ali Gs to cavemen, superheroes, astronauts, pharaohs, and just about everything in between.

I opted for royal blue satin Chinese emperor attire, complete with an imperial hat and ponytail. The outfit attracted plenty of attention and more than a few requests for photos.

Before heading to Kai Tak, I made one essential stop at Tai Cheong Bakery for its famous Hong Kong egg tart, a favourite of Hong Kong’s last British governor. Flaky pastry, warm custard and a quick sugar hit. Game on.

The Main Event: High-Octane Sevens Action at Kai Tak

Kai Tak Stadium is spectacular, with its sweeping roof and colourful glass exterior. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The Sevens is part elite sporting event, part all-day party, and the South Stand was already a sea of noise and colour when I arrived.

The rugby itself is every bit as exciting. Sevens is fast and physical, with lightning-quick breaks and tries that can turn a match in seconds. There were some great early match-ups, including Japan vs Brazil and New Zealand vs Fiji in the women’s competition, but Australia beating New Zealand in the men’s was a standout, particularly as I was standing next to a group of very vocal Kiwis.

And then there were the Vengaboys. Not the lunchtime entertainment I thought I’d be into, but I was quickly swept up in it all. The nostalgia came rushing back, and before long I was singing along in the South Stand. Gloriously ridiculous.

You don’t need to be a die-hard rugby fan to love the Sevens. The sport is world-class, but the costumes, music and infectious energy make it something you need to experience.

Dinner: Michelin-Starred Cantonese Dining at Duddell’s

After a full day of rugby, Duddell’s offered a more refined change of pace. This Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in Central pairs elegant cooking with a beautifully considered setting.

Pork and shrimp dumplings topped with scallops and fish roe were a standout, alongside pan-fried rice rolls with XO sauce, marinated squid and crispy fried chicken. The cocktail list was equally impressive, making it easy to settle in for the evening.

I enjoyed it enough to recommend Duddell’s to my parents when they visited a month later. That says plenty.

Nightlife: World-Class Cocktails with a View at Cardinal Point

Hong Kong’s cocktail credentials are impressive. In the 2026 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Bar Leone took the top spot for a second consecutive year, alongside ARGO, Montana and GOKAN. With four bars in the top 50, Hong Kong is a serious destination for cocktail lovers.

For me, Cardinal Point was the perfect place to experience the city after dark. Perched on the 45th floor, its rooftop terrace overlooks the skyline and harbour, serving up spectacular views alongside excellent cocktails.

I worked my way through a Negroni as evening storm clouds rolled over Victoria Peak, gradually swallowing the city. With neon lights glowing through the haze, it felt like a scene out of Blade Runner.

Day Two: Star Ferry Crossings, Victoria Peak & Round Two

Day two began with an early Star Ferry crossing to Hong Kong Island. The harbour was already stirring, with commuter ferries and traditional Chinese junk boats framed by the iconic skyline. It was a great way to take in the city before heading up to Victoria Peak.

Whether you hike to the top or take the historic funicular tram, the journey is worth it. I opted to explore on foot, winding through lush greenery and quieter trails before being rewarded with spectacular city views. It was a great way to stretch the legs and earn a few beers ahead of another big day at the Sevens.

After the hike, I stopped at Rootdown, a relaxed cafe and bar tucked inside an arts-focused complex in Sai Ying Pun. A quality coffee and a quick recharge later, I was ready for round two at Kai Tak. To jump on the MTR from nearby Sai Ying Pun Station straight to Kai Tak, the Tuen Ma Line gets you to the stadium gates in under 25 minutes.

Finals Day: World-Class Rugby & South Stand Energy

One day wasn’t enough, so I was back for more rugby, more outrageous costumes and more South Stand chaos.

The Sevens delivers on so many fronts. It’s genuinely exciting sport wrapped in an atmosphere that feels like a city-wide celebration. The crowds are infectious, the mood is upbeat and inclusive, the entertainment gets you moving, and the rugby gives everyone something to get behind.

There were plenty more great games on this final day of competition. Australia took on Fiji in a brilliant men’s match, with Fiji ultimately coming out on top. As evening approached, New Zealand claimed the women’s title, while South Africa were worthy winners of the men’s competition.

Nobody does rugby like Hong Kong. It’s an experience worth travelling for.

Where to Eat: Dai Pai Dong Vibes at Lai’s Kitchen

After another big day, Lai’s Kitchen was a welcome change of pace. Forget white tablecloths. This was modern Cantonese cooking with nostalgic dai pai dong vibes.

Generous plates, cold Tsingtao beers and a lively atmosphere set the scene. The standout dishes included Nansen’s Trio Claypot Rice and steamed clams with scrambled egg. The egg was incredibly silky and rich, while the clams were sweet and perfectly cooked. It was the kind of place made for gathering with friends and sharing a spread of signature dishes.

Alongside Duddell’s, Lai’s Kitchen showed the range of Hong Kong’s food scene, from refined dining to relaxed local favourites.

The Verdict: Why the Hong Kong Sevens Belongs on Your Bucket List

Hong Kong is exhausting and energising in equal measure. It’s a wild rush of noise, colour, late nights and incredible food. The chaos never feels far away, and there’s always something happening around the corner.

The Rugby Sevens captures that spirit perfectly. Outrageous costumes, roaring crowds, world-class rugby and a party built on pure adrenaline. I’d heard the stories for years, but experiencing it firsthand was even better than I’d imagined.

And when you finally step away from the stadium, there’s a whole city waiting to be explored, from Cantonese feasts and rooftop cocktails to ferry rides and skyline views.

I came for the Sevens and left wanting more. So bring a costume, come hungry and book the extra night or two. Forty-eight hours will fly by.

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Disclaimer: This writer travelled as a guest of Cathay Pacific for the purposes of this review.