My friend and I will have November 7-16 in Hong Kong, arriving around 7:30 PM and leaving the morning of the 16th.

We could stay in other nearby areas (probably no flights, though) as well, if of sufficient interest. For example, I have considered Macau and Shensen.

We have also considered staying in different areas of Hong Kong to try out different ambiances. Or we could just get an apartment for 9 nights in TST (or other recommended area).

What would you suggest?

We're two 40+ women interested in culture, art, nature, and shopping (my friend more than me).

Remember that if you go to mainland China (like Shenzen) you will need a Chinese Visa, which costs $140 each. Macau and Hong Kong require no visa if you are from the US, Canada or the EU.

If it were me, I'd stay in one place for the whole time, and take a day trip to Macau. Lodging in Hong Kong is quite expensive. So another option would be to spend a couple of nights in Macau where lodging is less expensive. But I'm guessing that most of what you want to do/see/experience is in Hong Kong.

I hope your friend is aware that shopping in Hong Kong is expensive. 20-30 years ago, one could buy designer goods cheaply in Hong Kong, but that time is long past.

The visa rule seem to be different for Shenzhen:

http://www.shenzhenbusinessguide.com...sa-on-arrival/

I don't think designer goods are in the plan.

What passport do you travel on? US citizens are not eligible for the special visa you link to for Shenzhen.

We both have 2 passports, but we'll use the Canadian ones.

http://gohongkong.about.com/od/shenz...a_passport.htm

Macau Grand Prix is 11/13-16 this year, but it's still okay to visit earlier during that week. Since hotels are much cheaper in Macau than HK on weekdays, I suggest spending two nights there. Go on the evening on one day and come back morning of 3rd day to get a full day there. Stay Sun-Tue or Mon-Wed. Latter to be better since the Macau Museum is closed on Mondays.

I do like the idea of 2 nights in Macau. Thanks.

It's cool that there's the Grand Prix in Macau, because otherwise I don't think there's enough to see for several days.

For me, Macau was sufficient as a one-day trip.

Recently I've stayed in Hong Kong was at 2 Airbnb apartments. I moved from one to the other only because it was closer to a trade show I was attending. Otherwise I think to stay at one place is completely sufficient.

Shenzhen is good but there's so much more in HK that I'd consider Shenzhen only as another day trip. And yeah, I've heard of this 72-hour visa. A friend of mine just used it in Beijing (Czech passport).

Hong Kong is comprised of so many islands, the further ones are totally pristine and beautiful. One can spend the whole day hiking and enjoying the views.

Overall, I would suggest you stay in Hong Kong the whole time and just take trips from there.

Happy travels!

Hey! Do you remember me? I'm Dino. We used to chat on MSN back in the day

TravelGeekery is referring to a 72 hour transit visa, which does not apply to the trip you are planning.

Oh hi Dino! I hardly ever use that Hotmail/MSN account now. Do you have my name so you can find me on Facebook?

The Shenzhen visa is a 5-day one.

I think I have some concern that if I choose the wrong AirBnB place for 9 nights, it will be a sad mistake, whereas choosing a substandard place for a lesser time (staying at 3 separate places, say) is less of a problem.

I don't have your name but I'm part of the Travelers To Go group on Facebook if you want to look me up. I'm off to Asia in 2 weeks! Hong Kong is amazing. You're gonna love it!

I messaged you through Facebook. Hope it goes through (look in the Other box).

Nobody is saying one day in Macau is not enough. But when hotels are bigger and cheaper there than HK (on weekdays at least), then why not spend two nights there?

The Grand Prix is only on the weekend the OP is leaving HK. Only thing one will notice is that the barriers will be up along the street circuits, though it'll still be open for regular traffic on the days the OP is there.