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Hong Kong Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 19, 2023

Yet the country also has one of the lowest birthrates, with almost 30% of its population set to be over 65 by 2030.

Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world and I always fly into it when I visit Asia to take in the sights, eat dumplings and dim sum, and have a night out. I can’t get enough of the city, and if you are a foodie like me, it’s heaven — and it’s hard not to walk away a few pounds heavier either!

Hong Kong is one of the most exciting places on earth and, even after countless visits to other countries, the city remains in my top five. There’s nothing better than visiting Hong Kong. It is a city that delights all five senses.

From traditional street markets and beautiful temples to the fast-moving, skyscraper-dotted streets, to the endless food and drink options, there is so much to do here.

Use this Hong Kong travel guide to plan your trip and get the most out of one of the most vibrant, eclectic, and diverse cities in the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money Saving Tips
• Where To Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Hong Kong

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Hong Kong

1. Visit the temples

There are a lot of traditional temples throughout the city. Visit the Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery, Lo Pan Temple, Sha Tin Che Kung Temple, Man Mo temple, or the Yuen Yuen Institute. Miu Fat and Lo Pan are my two favorite. Don’t miss the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery!

2. Take the Star Ferry

This is the best way to get across the harbor from Kowloon Island to Hong Kong Island. It gives you fantastic view of the city skyline for cheap (only 220 HKD)! It’s one of my favorite and simple pleasures of the city. It’s a must!!

3. Ride Ngong Ping 360

This cable car spans just under 6km (3.5 miles), offering a panoramic view of the city and mountains. The ride lasts about 25 minutes and offers AMAZING views of the city and ends up at Po Lin Monastery. Be sure to visit the Big Buddha when you arrive. Round-trip tickets start at 235 HKD.

4. Visit the street markets

The best places to soak up the atmosphere, busy vibe, sights, and sounds of Hong Kong. The best markets to go to are the Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market, and the Stanley Market. You’ll find everything you need here (as well as lots of food).

5. Ride the Peak Tram

This tram takes you to the top of the Peak, Hong Kong Island’s largest mountain (you can walk up too). You get a spectacular view the skyscrapers of Victoria Harbor and Kowloon and a real sense of just how big and dense the city is from here. Return tickets are 99 HKD (47 HKD for children).

Other Things to See and Do in Hong Kong

1. sheung wan district.

Famous for its bird’s nest and shark fin soup (which you should not eat), this area reflects the old Hong Kong. High-end apartment and office blocks tower over small stores and traditional markets and it’s less developed with modern buildings than other parts of the city.

2. Jungle trekking

Outside the congested area of the city you’ll find lots of places to explore nature. You can explore or trek along one or more of the eight different “geo-areas” distributed across the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. Both areas provide a great place to experience a side of the city few people ever see because they can’t escape the hustle and bustle of the area!

3. Have fun at Disneyland

If you’re on a family trip, or even if you’re a backpacker in touch with your inner child, head to Disneyland for a fun-filled day of rides, attractions, and junk food! Tickets are not cheap and a day in either park will put a dent in your wallet…but somethings are worth it! Adult admission is 619 HKD while children will cost 458 HKD for a single-day ticket.

4. Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront

Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, and take in the breathtaking skyline view of Hong Kong island. While you’re here, make sure to visit the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood “Walk of Fame.” Best of all, it’s free!

5. Mai Po Natural Area

This endless stretch of mangrove forest and muddy swampland is a paradise for birds and invertebrates. Overs 430 kinds of birds have been documented here and the area is protected fromdevelopment. Since it’s a protected area, the World Wildlife Federation’s public guided tours are the only way to experience the area. Tours are Fri–Sun (starting at 9:30am), last tour at 2:30pm. From October to April you can even watch the annual migrations. It’s another option to see more than just the buildings of HK.

6. Visit the Po Lin Monastery

Built in 1924, this temple is situated on Lantau Island. It is commonly known as the ‘Buddhist Kingdom in the South,” and ranks as the most magnificent structure among the four Buddhist temples in Hong Kong. Admission to see the Buddhas statue is free, though it’s 78 HKD to see the exhibitions. The ticket includes a meal, though, which is worth the price — the food here is incredible!

7. Explore Tung Shoi Street

Also known as Ladies Street, this open-air bazaar is situated in the central area of Mong Kok. It is one of the busiest places in Hong Kong and is filled with shops and cheap goods. Remember to bargain!

8. Experience the nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong

LKF is the main nightlife and party area in Hong Kong and is filled with tons of bars, clubs, sheesha, and cheap drinks. Nights out here are wild and crazy and the place is packed any night of the week. If you’re looking to get wild, you can’t go wrong here. 001, Solas, Dragon I, and 6 Degrees are a few places I like to visit in the area when I’m looking for a night out.

9. Hike the Dragon’s Back

This trail is easily accessible from the city and is a nice way to spend a day outside the hustle and bustle of the city. The trail will take a around 4 hours and is moderately difficult, so be sure to bring lots of water. There are also plenty of other trails in and around the city, too!

10. Rent a junk boat

Don’t let the name fool you! Junk boats are a traditional Chinese sail boat that are still in use today, mostly just for tourists to cruise the bay in. If you can round up a group of 15 or so people you can rent an entire junk boat for the day (or half-day). Sail around the harbor in traditional style. Expect to pay at least 300 HKD per person (more for nicer boats).

11. Enjoy the nightlife

Hong Kong has some of the craziest nightlife options in Asia, from karaoke bars to wild street parties to packed clubs. Some notable options include the 007 speakeasy (with amazing Old Fashioned cocktails) and Dragon I, where you can dance until the early hours of the morning.

12. See a show

The popular Broadway Cinematheque is the place to go for indie films; it is also home to the Korean Film Festival (as well as other high-profile film festivals). For a deeper cultural experience, attend the Yau Ma Tei Theatre for some Cantonese opera.

13. Visit the museums

Hong Kong has an endless supply of museums, so take your pick! One of my favorites is the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which gives you a look at the artistic culture of the city. Then visit the Hong Kong Museum of History to learn more about the city’s complicated and fascinating past. For something completely different, there are some galactic exhibitions at the SpaceMuseum.

Hong Kong Travel Costs

Private rooms in hostels start at around 250 HKD per night and go as high as 500 HKD for a double room.

Hotels – If hostels aren’t your thing, you can find budget hotel rooms for 325-650 HKD per night, depending on the location and amenities.

Airbnb is widely available in the city, with private rooms starting around 275 HKD per night. For an entire apartment, expect to pay closer to 800 HKD per night.

Food – Cheap market food such as noodles and dumplings will cost around 50 HKD per meal while casual restaurants with table service will cost around 100 HKD for a meal with a drink. A few of my favorite restaurants in the city are Butao Ramen @ Central, Din Tai Fung, and Lan Fong Yuen.

If you decide to splurge, you can expect to pay around 350 HKD or more for something fancy or western food (such as Italian, Steak, or American fare). But you’ll find there is enough cheap markets and noodle shops to keep you busy during your visits.

Drinks are roughly 35-50 HKD, though wine and fancy cocktails can be between 75-155 HKD. If you are going to buy your own groceries, expect to pay around 400 HKD per week for your basic staples.

Backpacking Hong Kong Suggested Budgets

Hong Kong isn’t cheap, but since it’s such a diverse and massive city, there’s something here for every budget and preference!

Here are some example budgets to help you get a sense of what to expect when you arrive:

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend 315-475 ($40-60 USD). This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating fast food occasionally but mainly cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and participating in basic activities like visiting museums.

On a mid-range of budget of 785-1,215 HKD ($100-155 USD) per day, you can stay in budget hotels, take buses between destinations, eat fast food, and do more excursions.

For a luxury budget of 2,650+ HKD ($335 USD and up) per day, you can afford to stay in nice hotels, hire a driver or Uber everywhere, do some guided tours, and eat out for every meal.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Hong Kong Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Hong Kong packs a lot of activities into a small amount of space — and that space is expensive! Prices here are much high than mainland China (as well as most of Asia) but there are still some ways you can save money. Here are some tips you’ll want to implement to keep your budget intact:

• Eat at the buffets – Many restaurants offer an all you can eat menu for less than 110 HKD. They usually consist of noodle dishes, dim sum, and/or dumplings, making it a cheap and filling meal that provides a ton of value.
• Avoid staying on Hong Kong Island – If possible, avoid staying on the island of Hong Kong. Kowloon and the other islands have much cheaper accommodation! If you do end up on Hong Kong island, Causeway Bay has most of the cheapest accommodation.
• Visit the markets – Most locals shop at the markets as they offer the cheapest and freshest foods, at times up to 50% cheaper than grocery stores. Do all your grocery shopping here (especially when buying produce).
• Stay in Chungking Mansion – While a far cry from even a 1-star hotel, Chungking Mansion offers the cheapest accommodation in the city. It’s not the nicest place (far from it) but it’s certainly an experience, as 4,000 other people also call the “mansion” home. Prices can be as low as 50HKD so if you are on a really tight budget, stay here.
• Use hospitality networks – Since accommodation is expensive in Hong Kong, consider using Couchsurfing , a site that connects travelers with locals offering a free place to stay to encourage cross-cultural exchange. There are a lot of hosts (both locals and expats) who take part in the community, so you can almost always find one. The community organizes a lot of inperson meet-ups around town too, which is a fun way to make some new friends — even if you don’t want to sleep in their homes.
• Get a transit day pass – Trains in Hong Kong can add up quickly as fares are based on distance. Getting a day pass will be much more economical if you are traveling all over the city and into the New Territories. A day pass is 65 HKD for adults and 30 HKD for children.
• Skip the taxis – While taxi fares are not astronomical, the hectic traffic will make your bill add up quickly. Public transportation is affordable and reliable. Skip the taxis!
• Buy an Octopus Card – While this doesn’t necessarily save money, it makes your life a lot more convenient, which is why 99% of the residents in Hong Kong use them. The card is a contactless payment tool that simplifies the process of buying things like tickets on public transportation (MTR, light rail, buses, ferries, trams, etc.), so you don’t have to carry around coins or pay in exact change. You can use it for virtually all forms of public transportation, at convenience stores, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. It acts like a pre-paid debit card. Get it to save you time and the hassle of fumbling for your cash every time you need something!
• Avoid drinking wine – The price of drinking tends to run up your costs pretty unintentionally. At $80 HKD for a bad glass of vino, it’s not worth it. Save your money. This applies to fancy sugary cocktails too. Stick to beer or simple mixed drinks like vodka tonics, as they’re typically affordably priced.
• Save money on rideshares – If you do need a ride, Uber is way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi. The Uber Pool option is where can you share a ride to get even better savings (though you can get your own car too). You can save $15 off your first Uber ride with this code: jlx6v.

Where To Stay in Hong Kong

Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful in Hong Kong, ranging from the boutique to the downright squalid. Here are my recommended places to stay:

• Hong Kong Hostel
• Rainbow Lodge

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in Hong Kong !

How to Get Around Hong Kong

The subway runs late into the night and is very clean and efficient. Fares will cost between 5-25 HKD, depending on where you’re going.

The Star ferry between Hong Kong and Kowloon island is 2 HKD.

There is also a train to the airport (Airport Express Line) which departs every 10 minutes and costs 115 HKD per person (110 HKD with an Octopus Card). The journey takes around 25 minutes.

If you need to take a taxi, prices start at 25 HKD and go up by around 8 HKD per kilometer. Uber is also available, though it’s around the same price as a taxi after recent price increases, so either option will suffice.

To/From Shenzen – Buses are available from Hong Kong to Shenzen (the city in mainland China across the border), costing around 170 HKD per person. The journey takes around 1 hour and forty-five minutes.

Trains are available to Shenzen, China for around 109 HKD per person. The ride takes around 30 minutes.

Car Rental – With world-class public transportation and very cramped, busy driving conditions, I would not suggest travelers rent a car unless they have a very explicit need of one.

Ride-Sharing – Uber is your best bet for getting around if you don’t want to use public transportation as its cheaper than the taxis. You can save $15 off your first Uber ride with this code: jlx6v.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking here is virtually non-extent in Hong Kong. I don’t recommend it.

When to Go to Hong Kong

Because of its subtropical location, Hong Kong’s weather is generally mild in winter and uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. The best time to go is between November and March when the heat and humidity isn’t as bad. November and December are particularly good for finding reasonably priced accommodations. Tourism traffic starts getting busier after the New Year.

Generally, the summer months are not a good time to visit Hong Kong, as then there is the added threat of typhoons. The temperatures in the summer can get up to 31°C (88°F), which may not sound like a lot, but the humidity can be severe.

If you’re arriving during one of the major festivals or holidays (like Chinese/ Lunar New Year), you’ll want to book accommodations and tours well in advance. These can be some of the busiest times in Hong Kong, so plan accordingly. That being said, getting swept up in the chaos and fun atmosphere of the city during this time can be well worth it, if you don’t mind the price increase or the large crowds.

How to Stay Safe in Hong Kong

The crime rate in Hong Kong is relatively low, but you should still take precautions in crowds and on public transportation as those are the spots where pickpockets are most common. In addition to rare instances of petty theft, there are also numerous scams perpetrated on tourists, from fake monks to overcharging taxi drivers, but nothing that will endanger you physically.

If approached by a “monk” offering small trinkets or “blessings” just politely decline. Real Buddhist monks do not travel the streets hawking goods to tourists.

As for taxis, always make sure the driver uses the meter and that you only get in official, marked taxis. When in doubt, have your hostel or hotel call a taxi for you to ensure you get a reputable company.

Overall, Hong Kong is a safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime, and even that is not very common. People are nice and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. The people who do tend to get into trouble are usually involved with drinking or drugs or sex tourism. Stay away from that stuff and you’ll be fine.

Worried about travel scams? Read about these 14 major travel scams to avoid .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Hong Kong Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Hong Kong Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Hong Kong travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

The 7 Best Hostels in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

Hanging out in hong kong.

New Beginnings

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• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Hong Kong Travel Guide

Attractions

Transportation

• Airport Express
• Hong Kong - Guangzhou Train
• Long-Distance Bus
• Hong Kong - Shenzhen Train
• Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

• Gourmet Areas
• Chinese Food
• Western Food

Travel Tips

• Foreign Consulates
• Area Code & Zip Code
• Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival)

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HONG KONG (香港, xiāng gǎng) – more fully known as the Hong Kong SAR – wears a lot of hats: it remains one of the world’s largest financial hubs; its modern face hides a surprisingly traditional culture; and it’s also an experiment in governance with which the mainland authorities hope to win over a recalcitrant Taiwan.

Orientation

Brief history of hong kong, accommodation in hong kong, eating in hong kong, hong kong’s festivals, hong kong drinking and nightlife, money in hong kong, things to do in hong kong, tailor-made travel itineraries for hong kong, created by local experts.

5 days  / from 3300 USD

Hong Kong Deluxe

Hong Kong makes a memorable introduction to the Chinese world. Glamorous, hectic, exciting and spectacular, with fabulous food, nightlife and shopping, this is a place like no other. Explore the city at your own pace, enjoying life’s little luxuries at every turn.

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Hong Kong in a Nutshell

A teeming, exotic and alluring metropolis, Hong Kong is uniquely rich in both cultural diversity and contrasts. In fact, there is so much packed into Hong Kong, it can be hard to know where to start, which is where this unique trip comes in.

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Hong Kong Highlights

Hong Kong is a vibrant and appealing city, with its waterside location and towering skyscrapers, it offers the visitor modernity and tradition, the exotic and efficient. Perfect for a family break, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained from Central to the New Territories and beyond.

Tailor-made trips for   Hong Kong

While Hong Kong’s famous addiction to money and brand names tends to mask the fact that most people work long hours and live in tiny apartments, the city is bursting with energy and the population of seven million is sophisticated and well informed compared to their mainland cousins, the result of a relatively free press. The urban panorama of skyscrapered Hong Kong Island , seen across the harbour from Kowloon, is stunning, and you’ll find a surprisingly undeveloped countryside within easy commuter range of the hectic centre and its perennial, massive engineering projects.

Hong Kong comprises 1100 square kilometres of the south China coastline and a number of islands east of the Pearl River Delta. The principal urban area is spread along the north shore of Hong Kong Island, which offers traces of the old colony – from English place names to anachronistic double-decker trams trundling along the shore – and also superb modern cityscapes of towering buildings teetering up impossible slopes, along with whole districts dedicated to selling Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbs. The south of the island offers several decent beaches, a huge amusement park, and even hiking opportunities - like Dragon's Back .

Immediately north across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula – and especially its tip, Tsim Sha Tsui – is Hong Kong’s principal tourist trap, boasting a glut of accommodation, shops and markets offering an incredible variety of goods. North of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon merges with the New Territories, a varied area of New Towns and older villages, secluded beaches and undeveloped country parks. In addition, the Outlying Islands – particularly Lamma and Lantau – are worth a visit for their seafood restaurants and relatively laidback pace of life.

While the Chinese justifiably argue that Hong Kong was always Chinese territory, its development only began with the arrival of the British in 1842, following the first Opium War. Further gunboat diplomacy eighteen years later secured Britain the Kowloon Peninsula too, and in 1898 Britain obtained a 99-year lease on an additional one thousand square kilometres of land north of Kowloon, the New Territories. Up until World War II, the territory prospered as frequent turmoil in mainland China drove money and refugees south into the apparently safe confines of the British colony. This confidence proved misplaced in 1941 when Japanese forces seized Hong Kong along with the rest of eastern China, though after Japan’s defeat in 1945, Britain swiftly reclaimed the colony. As the mainland fell to the Communists in 1949, a new wave of refugees swelled Hong Kong’s population threefold to 2.5 million, causing a housing crisis that set in motion themes still current in the SAR: land reclamation, the need for efficient infrastructure, and a tendency to save space by building upwards.

Approaching the handover

In the last twenty years of British rule, the spectre of 1997, when Britain’s lease on the New Territories expired, loomed large. Negotiations on the future of the colony led in 1984 to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, paving the way for Britain to hand back sovereignty of the territory in return for Hong Kong maintaining its capitalist system for fifty years. However, fears grew that repression and the erosion of freedoms would follow the handover. The constitutional framework provided by the Basic Law of 1988, in theory, answered some of those fears, illustrating how the “One Country, Two Systems” policy would work. But the following year’s crackdown in Tian’anmen Square only seemed to confirm the most pessimistic views of what might happen following the handover, especially to members of Hong Kong’s embryonic democracy movement. When Chris Patten arrived in 1992 to become the last governor, he cynically broadened the voting franchise for the Legislative Council (Legco) from around 200,000 to some 2.7 million people, infuriating Beijing and ensuring that the road to the handover would be a rough ride.

After the histrionics of the build-up, however, the handover was an anticlimax. The British sailed away, Beijing carried out its threat to reduce the enfranchised population, and Tung Chee-hwa, a shipping billionaire, became the first chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR. But then came the Asian financial crisis, recession and soaring unemployment, avian flu outbreaks and finally SARS, a baffling virus that killed 299 people. Public dissatisfaction with Tung coalesced every June 4 (the anniversary of the Tian’anmen Square crackdown), when about half a million people turned out to demonstrate against him – and, by extension, Beijing’s hold over Hong Kong.

This was too much for the powers in Beijing, who wanted Hong Kong to showcase the “One Country, Two Systems” approach to Taiwan – which, now that former colonial enclaves have been reclaimed, remains the last hurdle to Chinese territory being reunited under one government. Tung was sacked in March 2005, and his successors – career civil servant Donald Tsang, and the current incumbent, Leung Chun-ying – have proved more in line with Beijing’s wishes, pliant bureaucrats who ignore public concerns about welfare and urban redevelopment, while favouring the demolition of Hong Kong’s dwindling antique heritage to make way for ill-planned roads and ever-larger shopping malls .

Towards democracy?

Meanwhile, local politics seem more divided than ever along pro-Beijing and pro-democracy lines, with the latter continually pushing for universal suffrage. Democratic factions have, in fact, polled over a third of the vote since the handover (in 2008 they won 23 of the 30 electable seats), meaning that they hold a power of veto over bills passed through Legco. But how all parties involved will pull together in the face of China’s rising power remains to be seen.

Hong Kong boasts a colossal range of every type of accommodation, though booking ahead is essential – either to secure a better rate at the higher-end places, or because budget accommodation fills up quickly. At the upper end of the market are some of the best hotels in the world, costing several thousand dollars a night, though less renowned places offering motel-like facilities start around $800. The cheaper end of things is served by guesthouses and hostels: always check these rooms for size (though they’ll always be very small), whether they have a window, and whether you have to pay extra for the use of air conditioning. You’ll still be lucky to find a double for less than $350, though shared dormitories can come in as low as $150 a night for a bed.

Youth hostels and camping

The Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association ( yha.org.hk ) operates seven self-catering hostels – mostly a long way from the centre – offering dormitory accommodation for IYHF members from $90.

You can camp for free at the forty campsites run by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department ( afcd.gov.hk ; click on “Country and Marine Parks”), all in relatively remote sites. Facilities are basic – pit latrines and tank water that must be boiled – and you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Pitches are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in early at weekends and holidays.

Thanks to its cosmopolitan heritage and the importance attached to food in Chinese culture, Hong Kong boasts a superb range of restaurants. The most prominent cooking style is local Cantonese, though you can also find places specializing in Chaozhou, Hakka, Beijing, Sichuanese and Shanghai food. International options include Western fast-food chains, curry houses, sushi bars, hotel lunchtime buffets, pizzerias and restaurants offering Southeast Asian, vegetarian and South American cuisine. The places listed here are a fraction of the total, with an emphasis on the less expensive end of the market; Chinese characters are given where there is no English sign. For up-to-date reviews, pick up copies of the free weeklies HK Magazine and BC Magazine, or check womguide.com and openrice.com .

Cha Chaan Tengs

The cheapest meals are found at local cha chaan tengs – literally “tea canteens” – and on the upper floor of indoor produce markets (also known as “wet markets”), where you can get a single-plate meal – wuntun noodle soup, or rice with roast pork – for around $40. City-wide versions of these places include Fairwood, Café de Coral and the above-average Tsui Wah, whose main branch is at 15–19 Wellington St in Central, and which serves great fishball soup and Hoinam chicken (cooked in stock and served with rice).

Curry houses in Chungking Mansions

It’s an ugly building, but Chungking Mansions on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, is where you’ll find some of Hong Kong’s best-value curry houses, where a filling meal will cost around ¥100 per head. Establishments include:

3F, Block C 2368 1682. A Nepali curry house par excellence, once you ignore the spartan surroundings and slap-down service. Daily noon–3.30pm & 6–11.30pm.

Khyber Pass

7F, Block E 2721 2786. Consistently good Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Malay dishes; all halal and one of the best in Chungking Mansions. Daily noon–3pm & 6–11.30pm.

Sher-I-Punjab

3F, Block B 2312 0366. Friendly service in clean surroundings, if slightly more expensive than some of its neighbours. Daily noon–3pm & 6–11.30pm.

Taj Mahal Club

3F, Block B 2722 5454. Excellent North Indian food, and good value if you avoid the relatively expensive drinks. Daily noon–3.30pm & 6–11.30pm.

Medicinal tea

All through downtown Hong Kong you’ll see open-fronted shops with large brass urns set out on a counter, offering cups or bowls full of dark brown medicinal tea at around $5 a drink. The Cantonese name for this is lo cha or “cool tea”, because in traditional Chinese medicine, tea is considered “cooling” to the body. The teas are made from various ingredients and claim various benefits, but are usually extremely bitter – ones to try include ng fa cha (five-flower tea) and yat sei mei (twenty-four-flavour tea).

Festivals specific to Hong Kong include the Tin Hau Festival, in late April or May, in honour of the Goddess of the Sea. Large seaborne celebrations take place, most notably at Joss House Bay on the Sai Kung Peninsula. Another is the Tai Chiu Festival (known in English as the Bun Festival), held on Cheung Chau Island during May. The Tuen Ng (Dragon-Boat) Festival takes place in early June, with races in various places around the territory. Other Chinese festivals, such as New Year and Mid-Autumn, are celebrated in Hong Kong with as much, if not more, gusto as on the mainland.

The most concentrated collection of bars is in the Lan Kwai Fong area on Hong Kong Island, perennially popular for late-night carousing, with drinkers spilling out onto the street. Other locations include the long-established, slightly sleazy expat scene around Wan Chai, and a scattering of options aimed at travellers in Tsim Sha Tsui. Some venues charge a $50–500 entrance fee on certain nights (generally Fri & Sat), though almost everywhere also offers daily happy hours at some point between 3pm and 9pm – worth catching, as drinks are otherwise pricey. For event details, consult free HK Magazine (hk-magazine.com) and BC Magazine ( bcmagazine.net ). The gay scene, while hardly prominent, is at least more active than in other Chinese cities; check Time Out Hong Kong ( timeout.com.hk ) for listings.

The Hong Kong dollar

Hong Kong has its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar, which is pegged at around $8 to the US dollar and so is currently worth a little less than the Chinese yuan. Yuan cannot officially be used in Hong Kong, though a few stores will take them.

Hong Kong for free

Hong Kong might be an expensive place compared with the Chinese mainland, but there are a number of free things to take advantage of while you’re here. These include entry to all downtown parks, plus the Zoological and Botanical Gardens; the Edward Youde Aviary and the Museum of Teaware in Hong Kong Park; all government-run museums on Wednesdays; martial-arts performances in Kowloon Park on Sunday afternoons; the ferry ride through Aberdeen Harbour to the Jumbo floating restaurant; Mong Kok’s bird and goldfish markets; harbour views from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront; the BOC tower and Central Plaza; and introductory cultural courses, plus a harbour cruise, offered by the HKTB.

Octopus Cards

If you plan to travel around a good deal, get hold of an Octopus Card ( octopus.com.hk ), a rechargeable stored-value ticket that can be used for travel on all MTR services, most buses and most ferries. The card itself costs $50 and you add value to it by feeding it and your money into machines in the MTR; the Senior version for over 65s provides discounted fares. The fare is electronically deducted each time you use the card by swiping it over yellow sensor pads at station turnstiles or, on a bus, beside the driver. Octopus cards can also be used in many retail outlets, including Park’n’shop supermarkets, Maxim’s restaurants and 7-11 stores.

Aberdeen Harbour cruises

Approach Aberdeen Harbour and you’ll be grabbed by women touting for a sampan tour (around $50/person for a 30min ride, irrespective of the number of travellers). The trip offers photogenic views of houseboats complete with dogs, drying laundry and outdoor kitchens, as well as luxury yachts, boat yards and floating restaurants, which are especially spectacular when lit up at night.

Cheapskates can, in fact, enjoy a ten-minute free harbour trip by catching a ferry to the garishly decorated three-floor Jumbo Restaurant (Mon–Sat 11am–11.30pm, Sun 7am–11.30pm) from a signed dock with a red gateway near the fish market; there’s no pressure to actually have a meal here if you just want to look around. You’ll also pass through the harbour if you use the Aberdeen–Lamma ferry.

Hiking Pat Sin Leng

One of the best day-hikes in Hong Kong – for views at any rate – follows the serrated heights of Pat Sin Leng, the Eight Immortals’ Ridge. It’s an exposed trail, so pack a hat, water and sunscreen, and wear shoes with a decent grip.

Start by catching the MTR to Fan Ling, from where green minibus #52B (daily 6am–8.20pm) runs to the insubstantial hamlet of Hok Tau Wai. Follow the road past a small cemetery to Hok Tau Reservoir, from where the trail climbs loose scree to the grassy ridgetop, which you then simply follow east. Around halfway along, Wong Leng is the 639m apex, a good place to stop for the views and lunch. From here the trail continually climbs and descends the short, sharp, scrubby summits, before finally descending steeply to Tai Mei Tuk village and buses back to Tai Po.

A 4km-long strip of the mainland ceded to Britain in perpetuity in 1860 to add to their offshore island, Kowloon was accordingly developed with gusto and confidence. The skyline here has never matched Hong Kong Island’s, thanks to Kowloon being in the flight path of the old airport at Kai Tak, though things could be changing: 2010 saw the completion of Hong Kong’s tallest building, the 484m-high International Commerce Centre (ICC), atop Union Square and the Airport Express terminal in West Kowloon. With rocketing rents and dwindling space along Hong Kong Island’s north shore, perhaps ICC marks a shift in venue for the SAR’s next wave of cutting-edge, harbourside architecture.

Initially, it’s hard to see how such an intensely commercial and crowded place as Kowloon could possibly appeal to travellers. One reason is the staggering view across the harbour to Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers; another is the sheer density of shopping opportunities here – from high-end jewellery to cutting-edge electronic goods and outright tourist tack – especially in the couple of square kilometres at the tip of the peninsula that make up Tsim Sha Tsui. To the north, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are less touristy – though even more crowded – districts teeming with soaring tenements and local markets, some of which sell modern daily necessities, others with a distinctly traditional Chinese twist.

These days, it’s not so clear-cut where Kowloon really ends. The original “border” with the New Territories to the north was Boundary Street, though now Kowloon district runs on for a further 3km or so, as the commercial emphasis shifts towards towering residential estates clustered around shopping plazas, parks and other amenities. A scattering of sights here includes one of Hong Kong’s busiest temples, the Wong Tai Sin, and its prettiest, the Chi Lin Nunnery with its Tang-style architecture and beautiful attached garden.

The Mid-Levels Escalator

Head east along Queen’s Road from the Central MTR – or follow walkways from the IFC – and you’ll reach the covered Mid-Levels Escalator, which rises in sections 800m up the hill as far as Conduit Road and the trendy Mid-Levels residential area. During the morning (6–10am), when people are setting out to work, the escalators run downwards only; from 10.20am to midnight they run up. Places to get off and explore include the restaurant district between Wellington Street and Lyndhurst Terrace; the narrow lanes west of the escalator between Queen’s Road and Hollywood Road, full of crowded produce markets and small shops specializing in domestic goods; Hollywood Road itself, lined with antique shops; and the restaurant, bar and café district of Soho, laid out along Elgin and Staunton streets.

The Outlying Islands

Hong Kong’s 260-odd Outlying Islands offer a mix of seascape, low-key fishing villages and rural calm, with little high-density development. The islands of Lamma and Cheung Chau are fairly small and easy to day-trip around, while Lantau has a far greater range of sights and might even demand a couple of visits. You could also make use of local accommodation to base yourself on any one of the three, or just hop over for an evening out at one of the many fish restaurants. The main point of departure is the Outlying Islands Ferry Pier in Central; Lamma can also be reached by ferry from Aberdeen, while the MTR extends along Lantau’s north coast.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

The 5.7km ride between Po Lin Monastery and Tung Chung aboard the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat & Sun 10am–6.30pm; 25min; $94 one-way, $135 return; np360.com.hk) provides fantastic panoramas of Lantau’s steep north coast. Airport buses run from Tung Chung, making Lantau the perfect place to spend a last afternoon in Hong Kong before catching an evening flight out.

The Star Ferry

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Hong Kong is to spend ten minutes riding the humble Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and the pier in front of the IFC2 Tower on Hong Kong Island (daily 6.30am–11.30pm; upper deck $2.50, lower deck $2; www.starferry.com.hk ). The views of the island are superb, particularly at dusk when the lights begin to twinkle through the humidity and the spray. You’ll also get a feel for the frenetic pace of life on Hong Kong’s waterways, with ferries, junks, hydrofoils and larger ships looming up from all directions.

The Peak – formerly Victoria Peak – rises 552m over Central and the Harbour, providing the few urban elite who are astronomically wealthy enough to own houses up here with the only perspective that really matters in Hong Kong: downwards. Reasons to come up here include not just the superb vistas and forest walks, but also the unnerving ascent – either leaning back at an extreme angle on the Peak Tram, or careering around corners at the top of a double-decker bus.

Ascending and descending the Peak

The most popular way to arrive at or depart from the Peak is aboard the Peak Tram (daily 7am–midnight; $28 one-way, $40 return; thepeak.com.hk), actually a funicular railway whose incredibly steep track climbs the 386 vertical metres to the Peak Tower in about eight minutes. The tram’s lower terminus is on Garden Road, reached aboard bus #15C from outside the Outlying Islands Ferry Pier (daily 10am–11.40pm; approximately every 30min; $3.50).

For an equally fun ride, sit upstairs at the front of bus #15 (daily 6.15am–midnight; $9.80) as it tackles low branches and hairpin bends on the half-hour ascent from the Outlying Islands Ferry Pier – you can also pick it up at Exchange Square bus station or along Queen’s Road East.

An excellent way to descend the Peak – or, if you’re a hardened jogger, to ascend it – is on foot via the Old Peak Road, a concrete track whose unsigned beginning is a little hard to find around the side of the Peak Tower. An extremely steep, twenty-minute hike lands you among high-rise residences southwest of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which you can reach by continuing down the road for a further fifteen minutes.

The Sai Kung Peninsula

Hong Kong’s easternmost projection, the rugged Sai Kung Peninsula is a mass of jagged headlands, spiky peaks, vivid blue seascapes and tiny offshore islands. Most of the area is enclosed within country parks, with a range of picnic spots and walking trails around the coast and out to Hong Kong’s finest beaches.

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Hong Kong welcomes visitors with an iconic skyline, a legendary kitchen, and lush, protected nature where rare birds and colorful traditions thrive.

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Po Lin Monastery & Big Buddha

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Man Mo Temple

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Chun Yeung Street Market

Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island

Hop on a tram bound for North Point, and past Fortress Hill you’ll turn into a narrow street teeming with market stalls and old tenement buildings. This…

Be prepared to bump elbows with locals at this tiny, basic joint known for its roast goose. Anthony Bourdain gushed over the bird. The leg is the most…

Happy Valley Racecourse

An outing at the races is one of the quintessential Hong Kong things to do, especially if you're around during the weekly Wednesday-evening races. Punters…

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One of the finest city skylines in the world has to be that of Hong Kong Island, and the promenade here is one of the best ways to get an uninterrupted…

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Kam's Roast Goose

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Aberdeen & South Hong Kong Island

Tree-lined Aberdeen Promenade runs from west to east on Aberdeen Praya Rd across the water from Ap Lei Chau. On its western end is sprawling Aberdeen…

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Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens

This Victorian-era garden has a welcoming collection of fountains, sculptures and greenhouses, plus a zoo and some fabulous aviaries. Some 160 species of…

Central–Mid-Levels Escalator

The world's longest covered outdoor people-mover zigzags from Central's offices to homes near Conduit Rd in the Mid-Levels using an 800m system of…

Kowloon Park

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Edward Youde Aviary

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Hong Kong Museum of Art

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The long-awaited reinvention of Hong Kong's Central Police Station as a heritage and arts complex was completed in May 2018. It's impressive and vast,…

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Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Hong Kong for the First Time

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

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Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Hong Kong is at once both exactly what you'd expect and completely surprising. It's a compact, skyscraper-packed city infused with glamour and energy that also juts up against green open space that's dotted with hiking trails, swimming beaches, and subtropical flora. It's a juxtaposition that is wonderfully refreshing—especially after you've spent several days immersed in Hong Kong's hectic pace.

Thanks to a wonderfully efficient transportation system, you can spend the morning shopping in the Causeway Bay neighborhood and noshing on dim sum in Sheung Wan, before escaping to Big Wave Bay for an afternoon of surf and sun on a tree-lined beach.

While exploring Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula is as easy as hopping on a ferry, make sure you don't miss a visit to at least one (if not several) of the city's lesser-visited islands (there are 261 islands in total). Lantau Island may be the largest and the easiest to visit, but Lamma, Cheung Chau, and Po Lin each boast their own often quieter, less touristy feel.

Hong Kong (GMT+8)

The sky might be blue and the weather sunny, but summer in Hong Kong can be overwhelmingly hot and humid. To avoid sweaty afternoons, visit the city between October and December, when temperatures tend to be more manageable. You might catch similar temperatures in the spring, although the season is short and temperatures can be in the 80s by May.

Find flights

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar

(Check the current exchange rate )

Languages: Cantonese, English

I don't speak Chinese : Wǒ bù huì shuō zhōngwén I'm lost : Wǒ mílùle I would like… : Wǒ xiǎng...

Calling Code: +852

Trains / Light Rails / Buses : The city's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) serves the urban areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories and includes trains, light rails, and buses. The services are clean and fast and rely on a fare system that's as cute as it is easy to use (meet the Octopus card). To start, pick up an Octopus card at the airport (the 7-Eleven in the arrivals hall sells them), put money on it, and use it the rest of your trip (including your journey from the airport). When you need to top-up, just stop by one of the many Octopus service providers —including 7-Eleven, McDonalds, Starbucks, and Circle K.

Taxis :You'll have no trouble finding a taxi in Hong Kong. In addition to Uber, local red taxis operate in the urban areas, green taxis serve the New Territories, and blue taxis operate on Lantau Island. Taxi drivers use meters so you don't have to worry about being ripped off and fares are cheap compared to other world-class cities.

Car service : If you want to arrive in the city in style, consider a luxury car transfer with Hong Kong Car Service . You'll be met by an English-speaking driver and can access all of Hong Kong and the neighboring Chinese province of Guangdong.

Mandarin Oriental

Address: 5 Connaught Rd., Central, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2522 0111 Website

It doesn't get more iconic than the Mandarin Oriental, a Hong Kong mainstay with views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding city. At the Mandarin, you'll be treated to opulent rooms, a tranquil spa, and a level of service that has become a Mandari trademark. Plus, you'll be walking in the footsteps of dignitaries like Margaret Thatcher and Henry Kissinger, who both stayed at the hotel during trips to the city.

The OTTO Hotel

Address: 8 Cameron Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Phone: +852 3551 6888 Website

You don't have to stay at a five-star hotel to experience Hong Kong safely and comfortably. The boutique OTTO Hotel walks the line between affordability and comfort with its simple, clean interiors and tasteful amenities. And thanks to the OTTO's location in Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood, you'll be in the heart of Hong Kong's renowned shopping and food scene and steps from the harbor.

The Peninsula

Address: Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2920 2888 Website

There's no doubt about it, The Peninsula raises the bar—providing guests with elegant quarters, five-star service, and a location that's hard to top. Sitting on Kowloon Peninsula across the harbor from Hong Kong Island, The Peninsula's dedicated clientele enjoy seven restaurants (including the Michelin-starred French restaurant, Gaddi's), a spa with water views, and upgraded rooms with dreamy floor-to-ceiling windows.

Hotel Indigo

Address: No. 246, Queen's Rd. E., Wan Chai, Hong Kong Phone: +852 3926 3888 Website

Hotel Indigo's rooms are stunning, but the hotel's true appeal is found in its common spaces and exteriors: a bronze dragon made of solar fins wraps the building and a dramatic, glass-bottomed infinity pool juts out over the street. You can sit on the rooftop bar and look out over the impressive city or swing by Indicolite Restaurant for a menu of local favorites crafted with a clever twist.

Tai O Heritage Hotel

Address: 14 Shek Tsai Po St., Tai O, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2985 8383 Website

Hong Kong may be known for its modern feel and high-rise hotels, but it's an entirely different world at the Tai O Heritage Hotel. In this historic, colonial-style building (which was once a police station) on Lantau Island you'll be perched above the historic Tai O, a prized Hong Kong fishing village. With well-appointed rooms and a boutique feel, the hotel offers guests the ultimate homebase for a day of exploring the fishing village or the giant Tian Tan Buddha statue.

Sun Tung Lok

Address: 132 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2152 1417 Website

In a city rich in dim sum, sometimes it pays to stick to the greats; businesses that have been operating for decades and still maintain a loyal following. Sun Tung Lok is one such spot. Opening in 1969, this restaurant earned three Michelin stars in 2011 and continues to operate under two stars. You can order à la carte or rely on the experts and opt for the set menu. Reservations are recommended.

Sang Kee Congee Shop

Address: 7 Burd St., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2541 8199 Website

This little restaurant is so low key, they don't even have a website. But that doesn't deter the shop's loyal diners who come time and again for some of the city's best congee—a type of rice porridge often eaten for breakfast in Hong Kong. You won't need a reservation, but come prepared to wait for your own steaming bowl of goodness, which is known for having a superior texture.

Address: 49 See Cheung St., Sai Kung, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2792 9966 Website

Seafood is a must in Hong Kong and one of the best places to try fresh, traditionally prepared seafood in Hong Kong is Loaf On. The Michelin-starred eatery is quick and casual (no reservation needed), but you'll leave full and happy. Try the chili and garlic mantis shrimp.

Gaddi's

Address: 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2523 5464 Website

When you need a break from Cantonese cuisine—and want to dine in style—head to Gaddi's in The Peninsula hotel. The service is impeccable and the dishes are phenomenal. You'll want to book a reservation, especially if you have your heart set on dining at the chef's table in the kitchen (which is a must).

Luk Yu Tea House

Address: 24-26 Stanley St., Central, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2696 6763 Website

Don't get so immersed in the Hong Kong food scene that you forget China's rich tea history. Here at Luk Yu Tea House, you can enjoy Cantonese-style tea alongside your dim sum among old-world decor.

Address: 5/F Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Phone: +852 5239 9220 Website

You'll find some of the best food in the world in Hong Kong, including a fresh take on Indian street food. This refined restaurant turns Indian classics into elevated bites that'll transport you to another world (literally). Reservations are recommended and a post-meal cup of the golden chai masala is a must.

Address: Star Ferry Pier (also called Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier), Hong Kong Website

The Star Ferry is as touristy as it gets, but sometimes activities are popular for a reason. The Star Ferry is one of them. In addition to transporting you between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, the trip provides you unparalleled skyline views on both sides—especially at night.

Victoria Peak

Address: 128 Peak Rd., Hong Kong Phone: +852 2522 0922 Website

If you're looking for views over the city, nothing beats a trip up Victoria Peak, referred to simply as "The Peak." You can take a bus or taxi to the highest point on Hong Kong Island, but the best views are found from the Peak Tram or the trail that traverses between the MTR Central Station and The Peak Tower. It doesn't matter how you get there, just make sure you do—from the top, you can look down over the sea of skyscrapers (and the sea itself) toward Kowloon.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Address: 128 Peak Rd., Hong Kong

One of the best ways to get oriented is to walk the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, which stretches from the colonial-era Clock Tower to Hung Hom. And while you can watch the ferries cross the harbor and take photos of the Hong Kong Island skyline during the day, nothing beats a walk on the promenade at night, when a sound-and-light show is projected onto the skyscrapers across the harbor.

Tian Tan Buddha

Address: Ngong Ping Rd., Lantau Island, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2985 5248 Website

It's hard (maybe impossible?) to miss the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island—the giant, bronze Buddha statue tops out at 111 feet. The hike to the statue and the surrounding area are well worth your time, as is a quick visit to the Po Lin Monastery at the foot of the statue. To get to the site, nothing beats arriving by cable car—an extra treat that provides views of the island (and the Buddha) from above.

Big Wave Bay

Address: Shek O, Southern District, Hong Kong

At first glance, Hong Kong has a distinct urban feel, but travel to the southern side of Hong Kong Island and you'll find the area's natural, subtropical flora. That's why it's worth a trip to Big Wave Bay, a popular surf and beach hangout north of Shek O. On this side of the island, you can hike, surf, or people watch without sacrificing easy access to restaurants (and surf board rentals).

Nan Lian Garden

Address: Fung Tak Rd., Diamond Hill, Hong Kong Phone: +852 3658 9366 Website

Escaping modern-day Hong Kong is as easy as stepping into Nan Lian Garden. The Kowloon park, which was modeled after the Tang Dynasty style, boasts well-maintained pathways, lotus and koi ponds, and beautiful traditional Chinese architecture. It's a great place to catch your breath, enjoy a snack, and hide out from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Times Square

Address: 1 Matheson St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2118 8900 Website

The Causeway Bay area is known for its shopping, but no shopping center can top Times Square, a mall with over 200 stores selling everything from electronics and toys to high-end accessories and clothing.

Temple Street Night Market

Address: Temple St., Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

You can shop the day away at Hong Kong's nicest boutiques, but don't miss a visit to the city's iconic night market, home to street food, cheap clothes, and trinkets. The wares may not be worth writing home about, but the ambiance will be. The busy market in Kowloon is the place to be once dusk settles — just come prepared with enough energy to take it all in. The buzz can be both invigorating and exhausting.

Island Beverley

Address: 1 Great George St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2890 6823 Website

You can find everything from Chanel to Apple products in the Causeway Bay neighborhood of Hong Kong, but for something truly unique, head to the four-floor Island Beverley shopping center. Here, you'll find local designers and independent retailers offering up their unique (often handmade) wares to passing shoppers.

Address: 8 Finance St., Central, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2295 3308 Website

With a location next to the Four Seasons, near the harbor, the IFC Mall is an easy place to swing by (and spend a full day). There's no shortage of high-end shopping, including fashion from brands like Gucci, Chloé, and Valentino and accessories from Bulgari, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co.

Fashion Walk

Address: Great George St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2833 0935 Website

This glitzy, open-air shopping center is the place to be if you have a taste for high-end products and cutting-edge labels. It's all too easy to fill your arms with bags from retailers like Max Mara, Adidas, and Zadig & Voltaire.

Causeway Bay : Don't come to Causeway Bay in search of peace and quiet. Like Tokyo's Shinjuku, this bustling neighborhood is almost always crowded with shoppers coming to take advantage of the myriad shopping malls and boutiques.

Wan Chai : You can still catch a glimpse of old-world Hong Kong in Wan Chai, a commercial area on Hong Kong Island that's dotted with casual eateries and bars alongside traditional buildings that show off the island's Colonial-era architecture.

Central : To the west of Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island is the Central neighborhood. Arguably the heart of the island, Central is packed with luxury hotels and fancy malls situated in dense skyscrapers. But it isn't all glitz and glam here, Central is also home to some of the city's best nightlife, delicious eats, and the picturesque waterfront.

Tsim Sha Tsui : It's near impossible to visit the Kowloon Peninsula without passing through Tsim Sha Tsui, home to Kowloon's harbor, skyscrapers, malls, and eateries that run the gamut from Michelin-starred fine dining to family-owned noodle shops. Sheung Wan : Further west of the Central neighborhood is Sheung Wan, a lively area with a hip, down-to-earth feel. In this corner of Hong Kong Island, you'll find trendy boutiques, laid-back eateries, and the Western Market, which is known for handicrafts and fabrics.

Spring: Spring in Hong Kong is short—usually considered to fall in March and April. During this brief period, the temperatures tend to average between the mid-60s and early 70s, with precipitation starting to increase after the typically dryer winter.

Summer: The weather ramps up in the summer months, with heavy rainfall in June and hot, humid temperatures topping out in July and August. It is during this time that the likelihood of typhoons increases (usually June through October).

Fall: In the autumn, temperatures begin to slowly dip, with November typically marking the shift to averages that hover below 70 degrees. During this time rainfall also slows, providing a short, but wonderful window of time that's perfect for tourists looking to explore the city. Winter: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate; even in the middle of winter, temperatures don't average much lower than 60 degrees. The winter months are also when precipitation levels slow.

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Hong Kong   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Yongyuan Dai | Getty Images

Why Go To Hong Kong

To outsiders, Hong Kong can raise a lot of questions: "Is it part of China or not?" "Is it one island or two?" "Do they speak English or Mandarin? Or both?" And foreigners have a good reason to ask them. This territory, made of multiple islands, returned to China's possession in 1997 after more than a hundred years of British occupation. Upon its reunification with China, Hong Kong added certain stipulations that provide a unique degree of autonomy. For instance, the official currency remains the Hong Kong dollar (HKD); English and Chinese are the official languages; and the tiny nation has an independent judiciary system. In short, China and Hong Kong observe a "one country, two systems" policy that can have many foreigners scratching their heads. But don't question it. Just accept it and enjoy everything this territory has to offer.

Hong Kong distinguishes itself from its Chinese brethren like  Shanghai  and  Beijing  with its vibrant, multifaceted culture and stunning cityscape. This British-Chinese hybrid astounds visitors with its striking juxtaposition of dense skyscrapers and lush landscapes. From sandy beaches to rugby pitches, there's more fresh air than most travelers suspect. And, of course, as a world-class metropolis, Hong Kong boasts numerous urban diversions, such as culinary hot spots and museums. After visiting Hong Kong, the only question you might be asking is: "Why didn't I get here sooner?"

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• # 5 in Best Places to Visit in Asia
• # 14 in Best Cities in the World to Visit

Best of Hong Kong

Best hotels in hong kong.

• in The Upper House
• in Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
• in The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

• # 1 in Star Ferry
• # 2 in Victoria Peak
• # 3 in Street Markets

Hong Kong Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Hong Kong is between October and December. This period boasts comfortable temperatures and reasonable room rates. After New Years, tourism picks up significantly, despite the lower temps, and leads to higher hotel prices and more crowds. Another sweet spot for affordable travel is the short spring. And while summer remains a popular time for tourists, the weather can be stiflingly hot and humid. To protect your wallet, avoid Chinese national holidays and large conventions, when hotel prices soar. Check out the Hong Kong Tourism Board's city calendar for updated information.

Weather in Hong Kong

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Not just a city Hong Kong is, in fact, a territory made of numerous islands and a peninsula. You'll spend most of your time on Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and Lantau Island .
• Get out of town While most people only picture Hong Kong as an urban destination, there are gorgeous seaside parks to explore. And with Hong Kong's sophisticated public transit system, you can get out of the city in no time.
• HKTB is your new BFF HKTB stands for the Hong Kong Tourism Board , an invaluable resource for before and after you've arrived. Stop by the HKTB centers in the airport or in the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry concourse for free information and helpful tips.

How to Save Money in Hong Kong

• Take the tram Public transportation is cheap, only costing HK $2.30  (less than $0.30 USD). Keep in mind, though, the trams only accept exact change and are only on Hong Kong Island.
• Book your room early While Hong Kong's attractions and transportation are affordable, the hotel room rates can be exorbitant. Book early and don't be afraid to stay a little farther from downtown, as long as you're near an MRT station.
• Head to the food court Sit-down meals can cost you a pretty penny in tourist areas, but you can usually find inexpensive options in nearby food courts.

Culture & Customs

Since its reunification in 1997, Hong Kong maintains a complex relationship with mother China. The former British colony continues to operate under a capitalist economy (despite China's communist ways), has its own currency (the Hong Kong Dollar), and creates its own laws. And due to Hong Kong's multicultural population and heritage, the official languages here are Chinese and English, not Mandarin. American travelers who have visited other Chinese cities like Beijing will notice a much stronger Western influence in the urban landscape, array of food choices, social practices (like greeting with a handshake) and more English speakers. These familiar aspects and the ease of getting around greatly reduce the culture shock that visitors usually experience upon entering China.

You should note that the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is much weaker than the United States Dollar (USD). One HKD is equivalent to about $0.13 USD.

What to Eat

If there's one word to summarize Hong Kong's dining scene it's this: vast. Hong Kong boasts more than 12,000 restaurants throughout the city, making it easy to find a place to eat (and a really good one at that). Alongside foodie hubs like Paris, Tokyo and New York, Hong Kong has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. But if your pockets aren't deep enough to treat yourself to a fine dining experience or two, you'll find the city's foodie scene caters to all kinds of budgets without skimping on quality.

If you're unsure where to begin, start with the basics. Unsurprisingly, Hong Kong's cuisine is heavily influenced by China, with popular dishes including dim sum and Chinese barbeque. However, what has made Hong Kong's dining scene stray from the mainland, and partly why it has become so unique, is its western influences. After World War II, western cuisine quickly became popular in Hong Kong, but was considered too pricey for the average citizen. Adjusting to fit the needs of the times, Hong Kong-style teahouses were born. A modern-day staple in the fabric of Hong Kong's culinary identity, the cha chaan teng's serve a variety of must-try dishes, including Chinese barbeque, stir-fries, congee and what's called "soy-sauce Western" – western dishes infused with soy sauce or other Chinese flavors. What's more, they're more likely to offer English menus than other dining establishments in the city.

Along with stir-fry, trying congee is essential if you want to have an authentic foodie experience in Hong Kong. Considered a favorite late night bite among locals, congee is rice porridge mixed with noodles and oftentimes vegetables and meat. Different regions around China have their own versions of congee, many of which have made their way to Hong Kong. Chinese barbeque is also a big must-try dish, with the heavily seasoned meats rumored to be nothing short of succulent. But fair warning to the faint of heart: full-bodied barbequed meats are hung on display in shop windows. Then there's the seafood, which is prepared in almost every fashion, from stir-fried to baked to deep-fried. But if you're looking for the quintessential Hong Kong taste, go with the steamed fish. It's a preferred method in Hong Kong for its simplicity: flavor of the fish comes first, seasoning is always second.

Street stalls are also a way to sample good, traditional Hong Kong delicacies without having to fork over too much coin. Dai pai dong, or open-air street stalls, typically serve stir-fries and provide the enthralling experience of dining in the middle of Hong Kong's contagious hustle and bustle. Travelers can also pick up a variety of tasty treats on the streets, including pineapple buns (which are named after the dough's resemblance to pineapple skin), egg tarts (rumored to originate from English custard cakes), put chai ko (sticky rice pudding) and so much more. While dai pai dong are easy to find, Temple Street is said to have some pretty knockout stalls. It's important to note, however, the distinction between food stalls and food carts. While food stalls are completely safe to eat at, food carts are unlicensed and have a reputation for serving unsanitary food. If you're not one for street eating, hopping into a food court will yield a similarly satisfying culinary experience. Food courts in Hong Kong don't carry the same negative stigma as they do in the states, so it's common for these fast food-like establishments to be packed with locals slurping their noodles. The biggest food court chains are Maxim's MX, Café de Coral and Fairwood.

Getting Around Hong Kong

The best way to get around Hong Kong is the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Ideally, you'll use a combination of the MTR and your own two feet to get places quickly and cheaply. If you take a bus or minibus, you run the risk of missing your intended destination as these two options are difficult for visitors who do not speak Cantonese, especially if you take a minibus. The ferries and the trams offer scenic routes, which you should take when you have time to absorb Hong Kong's bustling environment.

Most visitors arrive through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), located just off Lantau Island . While many visitors simply hop in a taxi and zoom off to downtown, you can avoid the cab fare by using the MTR's high-speed Airport Express . This train takes only 24 minutes to reach the city, and a complimentary shuttle bus will pick up passengers at the Hong Kong and Kowloon stations and transport them to popular hotels nearby. 

Entry & Exit Requirements

Unlike other areas of China, Hong Kong does not require visitors to obtain a tourist visa. You will, however, need a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond your intended return date, sufficient proof of a later departure (a return airline ticket will do) and adequate funds to support your visit. These requirements are noticeably less strict than those at other Chinese points of entry. If you venture into one of China's more restricted areas without the proper visa or the prescribed passport expiration date, you will be in violation of Chinese immigration laws. Check the U.S. Department of State's website before leaving for Hong Kong. 

The Hong Kong skyline, whether viewed from the Star Ferry or Victoria Peak , is the main attraction in the city. It's so majestic, travelers strongly recommend visiting it during both the day and night.

Explore More of Hong Kong

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Home » Asia » China » Hong Kong » Itinerary

HONG KONG Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Hong Kong is quite unlike anywhere else on earth and is chock full of unique and exciting activities. Whether you are visiting for fun, business or simply to experience a different culture, you’ll be blown away by everything it has to offer. From its ancient temples to futuristic theme parks and everything in between – Hong Kong literally has it all!

You wouldn’t want to arrive in Hong Kong without a plan, as you may end up missing some amazing things to do! While the attractions are relatively easy to access, no matter where you are, there are optimal ways to see and do the best on offer. Which is exactly what we’ve highlighted in this detailed Hong Kong travel guide!

 A Little Bit about this 3-Day Hong Kong Itinerary

Where to stay in hong kong, hong kong itinerary day 1: lantau & hong kong island, hong kong itinerary day 2: kowloon & more, hong kong itinerary: day 3 – hikes and beaches, what to do with more than 3 days in hong kong, best time to visit hong kong, how to get around hong kong, what to prepare before visiting hong kong, faq on hong kong itinerary, final thoughts.

Hong Kong actually consists of 3 islands and 1 peninsula. The peninsula that connects to mainland China is known as Kowloon and this is where a lot of tourists attractions are situated. Then there is Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island and Lamma Island.

This itinerary spans all of these areas but fortunately, they are well connected by Metro or Ferries.

The first 2 days are very busy and time will be of the essence. Day 3 is more like a buffet option whereby we set out a number of cool options for you to choose from. Anyway, let’s dive in and look at what do for your first time in Hong Kong.

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3 Day Hong Kong Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Hong Kong: Big Buddha , Tai O Fishing Village , Victoria Peak , The Symphony of Lights , Drinks at the Old Man

Day 2 in Hong Kong: 10, 000 Buddhas Monastery , Sham Shui Po , Hong Kong History Museum , Hong Kong Museum of Art , Cocktails in the Sky at Ozone

Day 3 in Hong Kong : Ocean Park , Lamma Island , Tai Chi Class , Dragons Back

When choosing your accommodation in Hong Kong , it’s good to know that there are several neighborhoods of varying atmospheres to choose from. If you’re wanting shopping malls, nightlife and being in the center of excitement, then staying in Hong Kong central is your best bet. Causeway Bay or Wan Chai are also fantastic choices too!

Lantau Island is not only where you will land, but also home to Hong Kong’s Disneyland, so this is usually a family favorite location. The Western District is a slightly “quieter” neighborhood, perfect for those who need some peace and tranquility at night. Alternatively, you can stay in Kowloon, which is busy, but full of budget accommodation and backpacker lodges.

Best Hostel in Hong Kong – Hop Inn on Mody

The Hop Inn on Mody is a comfy, affordable hostel nestled in the center of TST, Kowloon. There are both female-only and mixed dorms, sleeping 4 – 8 people each. It’s the perfect mix of quiet rooms and colorful artistic decor, with open common areas to chill and meet other travelers, making it one of the best hostels in Hong Kong !

Best Airbnb in Hong Kong – Cozy Studio near Mongkok

Conveniently based in northern Kowloon, this spacious apartment is as cool as the bustling streets outside. With exposed brick walls and quirky egg-shaped chairs, it’s every hipster’s dream – minus the avocado. It also boasts high-speed WiFi, 24-hour security and easy access to the subway.

Best Budget Hotel in Hong Kong – Ovolo Southside

This may be budget accommodation, but it certainly won’t seem like it when you’re there. The hotel has 162 rooms, each as comfy and stylish as the next. The floor-to-ceiling windows show off the beauty of Hong Kong, while you rest comfortably in your soft, relaxing bed! Enjoy in-room comforts, as well as on-site extras such as a restaurant and fitness center.

This is gonna be a busy day and your legs are going to get a workout! Day 1 of this itinerary also covers some pretty extensive ground so be prepared to spend some time in transit. However, it will be worth it as we whisk you around Hong Kong’s Biggest Buddha, Hong Kong’s iconic peak and finish off with a light show.

9:00 AM – Tian Tan Buddha – Big Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha stands at 34 meters high and is a must-see for any trip to Hong Kong! You can visit this ginormous statue any day of the week. To get to the platform you must first take the cable car or bus (definitely way more fun on a cable car) to Ngong Ping village.

The statue is at the top of the village next to the Po Lin Monastery, you’ll need to walk up the grueling 268 steps – quite a workout, but oh so worth it!

For those with mobility issues, or simply unable to fathom a 268-step climb, opt for the small, winding path that leads up to the Buddha instead!

Once at the top, you’ll have insaaaane views of Lantau Island, as well as a close-up look of this huge landmark.

You can choose to go inside the statue, there are 3 halls inside and they are full of Buddhism relics and interesting items. However, staying on the outside of the statue doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on anything though. You’ll be able to catch some fabulous photos either way!

• Cost:  Free unless you want to go inside (in which case purchase a meal ticket ranging from Us $ 9 – 13)
• How Long Should I Stay here?  The visit should take no more than 2 hours
• Getting There?  Lantau Island is reached by taking the Tsung Chung line from Tung Chung Station. The ride takes 25 minutes. If you are coming from Tsim Sha Tsui, the whole journey will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes

12.00 PM – Tai O Fishing Village

Hong Kong is famous for its skyscraper city line, but it wasn’t always like this. Tai O fishing village takes you back to rural Hong Kong times when it was just a fishing port, and not much else.

When you’re tired of all the rush and crowds, then a trip to the Tai O fishing village is the perfect antidote.

You’ll find it’s a much slower pace of life here, and it’s the best place to pick up some fresh seafood street food to eat while you’re at it too.

If you’re into nature and wildlife, you can take a boat ride around the village with one of the locals, and even look for pink dolphins. Now they are super rare and I’ve never actually seen one, but the boat ride is only $30HKD or so and it’s a nice activity – you get to see all the stilt houses in their pride and glory..

• Cost:  Free to explore – only pay for food and the bus ticket
• How Long Should I Stay here?  2 hours
• Getting There?  There is a bus directly from Ngong Ping to Tai O.

5.00 – Victoria Peak

To get from Tai O to Victoria Peak will take some time. I suggest getting the bus from Tai O to Mui Wo, and then the ferry back to Central. This journey should take around 1.5 hours if you time it right.

Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and draws a crowd of tourists each day. This mountain stands at 552 meters above sea level and was used as a natural signal for cargo ships in the 19th century. Today, it is simply a beautiful place to visit and enjoy.

On top of the peak, you will find The Peak Tower.

Inside this fantastic building, there are shops and restaurants galore, as well as Sky Terrace 428 – Hong Kong’s highest outdoor observation deck.

At the peak, visitors can also take advantage of the Madness 3D Adventure experience, the  Post Love to the Future  mailbox, and the amazing nature walks available.

• Cost:  The train is $5 one way
• How Long Should I Stay here?  Stay to enjoy the sunset over Hong Kong city before heading down.
• Getting There?  I’m giving you options! If you want a perfectly manageable but sweaty 45 minute hike, do it. But after hiking up to Big Buddha, I reckon your feet are feeling tired. So, you should definitely opt for the peak tram! It’s a funicular railway system that’s iconic for Hong Kong.

8.00 PM – The Symphony of Lights

When you’re ready to leave Victoria Peak, you can take a bus down to central, or the tram. From central, you can get the MTR or ferry over to TStT to catch the Symphony of Lights. This should take you around 1 hour at most.

Each night, at exactly 8 pm, tourists and locals alike will make their way to the harbor to amaze their senses with the Symphony of Lights show! This show is a mix of dazzling lights and glorious orchestra music. The best vantage points include the “Avenue of Stars” on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, on the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and on sightseeing ferries (i.e. Star Ferry) running across the Victoria Harbour. 

It can be seen from both the Hong Kong main island and Kowloon and is one of the top attractions in Hong Kong .

As well as from The Peak, and other rooftop bars and lounges, but from those spots, you won’t be able to hear the music…  So why not just take a boat cruise and enjoy the show from the water??

The best way to see the show is to find a comfy spot, preferably where they serve dinner and drinks and sit back to relax. The show only lasts around 10 minutes, but it’s a definite must-see!

• Cost:  Free
• How Long Should I Stay here?
• Getting There?  Get the Metro to Tsim Sha Tsui and walk along the promenade to take in the spectacle

9.00 PM – Drinks at the Old Man

Whether you are a Hemingway fan, or not, The Old Man is sure to delight and entertain you! This cozy bar has been fashioned in a way that honors Hemingway and his love of literature.

Ready for some classy and seriously elegant cocktails? Bingo! This venue is the ultimate place to end of a busy day. The quiet atmosphere and innovative drinks are sure to be the cherry on top of a perfect first day in Hong Kong!

• Cost:  About $4 per drink
• Getting There?  It’s a 16 minute walk from Central down near the Waterfront.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Any trip to Hong Kong must swing by the 10,000 Budda’s monastery as well as take a look at the fascinating history of this unique city state. Day 2 of our 3 days in Hong Kong itinerary does just that.

9.00 AM – 10,000 Buddhas Monastery

Day 2 starts in the north of Kowloon, at the 10, 000 Buddhas Monastery – a must see in Hong Kong. Slightly off the beaten path, on a hill in Sha Tin New Territories, sits the 5 temples, 4 pavilions and 1 pagoda that make up the 10, 000 Buddhas Monastery! To get there, from Kowloon, it takes around an hour if you take the bus, a taxi cab could do the trip in around 20 minutes too.

Fill up on a big breakfast before you leave, because this is going to involve a lot of walking!

There is much to explore once you are here, and with a long hill and many steps to climb, those with mobility issues will, unfortunately, find this a hard activity to take part in.

Take a walk through the forest – beware of the wild monkeys though – and take your time to really appreciate the serenity that this place offers. Many people come here to meditate and reflect on their thoughts.

By the way, contrary to the translation of its name, the monastery houses 13,000 Buddha statues in total.

• How Long Should I Stay here?  2 -3 hours
• Getting There?  Head to Sha Tin Metro station

12.00 PM – Sham Shui Po

Sham Shui Po is a district you can’t miss on your Hong Kong trip! Firstly, you absolutely must try out Tim Ho Wan, the district’s only Michelin-star restaurant, offering some of the best Dim Sum you’ll ever eat. Dim Sim is by the way one of THE things to do in Hong Kong in 3 days.

You can visit the many shops, from clothes to electronics, and even toys!

There are many a special and sale to be found along these crowded streets too, so keep your eyes peeled.

The main attraction, though, is the food! We suggest walking around for a little while, just enough to gain an appetite, you know? Then, make your way through your list of faves – bite-by-bite. Try out a 3-course traveling meal – doing each course in a different eatery.

• Cost:  Free to explore – pay for what you buy
• How Long Should I Stay here?  1 -2 hours
• Getting There?  From 10,000 Budda’s you take the Blue East Line metro from Sha Tin Station to Kowloon Tong Station. Then take the Green Kwun Tong line to Prince Edward Street

2.00 PM – Hong Kong History Museum

The Hong Kong Museum of history tells the fascinating and complex history of the region using a series of exhibitions. From ancient times, through the rise and fall of Chinese dynasties and into the days of the British Empire, the full tale of Hong Kong is told here. There are some wonderful mock-up’s of Hong Kong corner shops, banks and shipping terminals that give you a feel of how it must have been back when it was the world’s major trading hub.

• Cost:  $10
• How Long Should I Stay here?  90 – 120 minutes
• Getting There?  It’s a ten minute walk from TST East Metro Station. If you are happy trying the bus, then it’s 3 minute walk from the Empire Centre. From Sham Shui Po it should take about 30 minutes.

4.00 PM – Hong Kong Museum of Art

Located on Salisbury Road, the Hong Kong Museum of Art offers extensive collection of Chinese art.  The collections include a busy mixture of Qing ceramics, ancient calligraphic scrolls, bronze, jade, lacquerware, textiles, and contemporary canvases. It is an essential stop for those wishing to understand Hong Kong’s artistic culture through the ages. If you are wondering what to see in Hong Kong in 3 days then some fine art is a good safe bet.

• Cost:  $2
• How Long Should I Stay here?  60 minutes
• Getting There?  It’s a 13 minute walk from the History Museum

6.00 PM – Cocktails in the Sky at Ozone

Provided you’re not afraid of heights, this is an experience you should have at least once in Hong Kong. The Ozone bar is listed on the list of the 10 highest bars in the world! It’s situated on floor 118 of The Ritz-Carlton hotel. The elegant, rich decor gives the bar a classy feel, and the large windows allow for the perfect night.

The friendly staff, delicious cocktails, and breathtaking views make this an experience on its own! You can get anything from beer to top-quality whiskeys and wines. Their menu includes sushi and scrumptious tapas, so you can easily enjoy a luxury dinner on the terrace, overlooking Hong Kong.

• Cost:  Cocktails are about $25 each
• How Long Should I Stay here?  I think 1 drink is plenty!
• Getting There?  It’s a 10 minute walk from Kowloon Metro

8.00 PM – Temple Street Night Market

If you want to pick up some epic souvenirs, you’ll need to head over to Temple Street Night Market. The market opens around 8pm and goes on until late. Here you will find everything from souvenirs, to random electronics (including sex toys, if you’re into that), tarot card readers and psychics. Yes, it is a varied place.

It’s also a great place to sample some delicious street food (if your belly isn’t full yet). I also recommend getting an egg waffle from Mamma Pancake while you’re there – they are so good!

Alternatively, you could visit Ladies Market in Mong Kok which is basically the same thing, but without the tarot card readers and psychics.

• Cost:  whatever you want to spend on souvenirs
• How Long Should I Stay here?  1 hour should be enough
• Getting There?  It’s a 5 minute walk from Jordan MTR

On your third and final day in Hong Kong, you’re gonna want to rest your weary legs after all that walking the last two days…NOT! Hong Kong is known for its hikes, in fact, it has over 100 hiking trails and more than 60% of Hong Kong is a national park. Sure, the Hong Kong skyline is nice, but the mountains and beaches are out of this world.

Today we will just be doing one hike because they do take a long time, and no Hong Kong trip would be complete without hiking. But don’t worry, because this hike is suitable for beginner hikers and families. It is the world-class Maclehose Trail to Sai Wan beach.

9.00 AM – Breakfast in Sai Kung

The hike I have picked for you for today’s hiking adventure starts at Sai Kung Town Center.

It is completely up to you when you start your hike, but I do suggest getting to Sai Kung early to catch the bus. In that case, you should also have breakfast in Sai Kung.

There are a ton of local breakfast restaurants in Sai Kung, and it’s a very expat-heavy area, so you’ll find a ton of hipster coffee shops. I went to Shiba Taro Cafe when I was there and it was great.

After breakfast, you will need to catch a village bus to Sai Wan Pavilion. The bus has a sporadic schedule, it only comes 4 times a day in the week and 8 times on weekends.

If you miss the bus, you can catch a taxi to Sai Wan instead (make sure to get a green taxi because they are cheaper).

• Cost: depending on where you eat
• How Long I Should Spend There? 1 hour to eat, you can also walk along Sai Kung pier but there is not much else to see.
• Getting there: You can catch a red mini bus from Dundas Street in Mong Kok, or more commonly, from the bus station outside Hang Hau MTR.

10.00 AM – Sai Wan Pavilion – Sai Wan Beach

Once you have made it to Sai Wan Pavilion you can begin hiking. The walk is completely paved and is sometimes shaded, but mostly exposed to the elements.

It should take you no more than an hour to reach Sai Wan beach and it is mostly downhill all the way.

Once you reach Sai Wan, you will find a couple of restaurants and a magnificent beach to bask on.

If you like water sports, you can rent a surfboard or just kick back and relax on the beach.

• Cost: bring around $50 HKD for food, or you can bring your own and pay nothing!
• How Long I Should Spend There? 2-3 hours
• Getting there: Hike from Sai Wan Pavilion. There is only one trail and everyone takes it, so you won’t get lost.

12.00 PM – Sheung Luk Stream

If you’ve had enough of the beach and fancy a nice cool river to swim in, take a short walk to the Sheung Luk Stream, or Sai Kung Rock Pools, which in my opinion is one of the best waterfalls in Hong Kong .

Here you will find a huge natural river pool, and probably some daring teenagers jumping off rocks. Don’t do it though, because accidents are known to happen to those who try!

It is a magnificent place for a cool and refreshing dip in the Hong Kong heat, but once you’ve spent an hour there, there’s not much more to do.

• Cost: free HKD for food, or you can bring your own and pay nothing!
• How Long I Should Spend There? 1 hour
• Getting there: Hike from Sai Wan beach. The trail is only a 20 minute walk from the village.

2.00 PM – Ham Tin and Tai Long Wan Beach

If you’re not tired and want to see what I think is THE BEST beach in Hong Kong, continue hiking towards Ham Tin beach and Tai Wan Beach.

You can stop in Ham Tin if you’re tired, but if you can continue on to Tai Wan you won’t be disappointed.

By now, you would have done a lot of hiking, but this is the last stop, I promise!

Tai Wan beach is a long stretch of pure white sand beach with excellent surf. It’s usually very quiet, because it takes some effort to get to, but it is the cleanest and most picturesque beach in Hong Kong, hands down.

• Getting there: Hike from Sheung Luk Stream. It will take 30 minutes to Ham Tin beach and 45 minutes to Tai Wan.

5.00 PM – Boat to Sai Kung

There are two options to get back to civilization. One, the way you came. That means hiking all the way back to Sai Wan Pavilion and trying your luck with the bus.

Or, and the most popular choice is to take a boat back to Sai Kung pier.

You can catch the boat from either Sai Wan or Ham Tin, so if you’re at Tai Wan beach you should plan to get back accordingly. You can buy your boat ticket from the restaurants at Ham Tin or Sai Wan.

• Cost: around 120HKD for the boat
• Getting there: Hike from Tai Wan back to Ham Tin or Sai Wan Beach and wait for the boat. The boat takes roughly one hour.

7.00 PM – Rooftop dinner @ Wooloomooloo

For your last evening in Hong Kong, you must have a rooftop dinner to get the second-best view (after the views from the hike today) of Hong Kong. The best views are by far from a rooftop restaurant.

Now there are a lot of rooftop restaurants in Hong Kong, but a lot of them are really overpriced and a bit of a gimmick.

That’s why I always recommend people visit Wooloomooloo. Yes, it is pricey, but they serve the best steaks in Hong Kong! And the views are insaneeeeee.

There are two restaurants in Hong Kong, both are stunning. If you’re staying in Kowloon, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui branch, or if you’re staying on the Hong Kong island side, there’s a great one in Wan Chai. Ideally, try to book ahead as they tend to fill up quickly, though you can have luck with walk-ins too.

• Cost: depends on what you order
• How Long I Should Spend There? 2 hours
• Getting there: Take the MTR to either TST or Wan Chai and walk.

Aside from the itinerary, there are loads more stuff to do in Hong Kong. If you’re lucky enough to be spending three or more days in this exciting city, be sure to check out some of these exciting, quirky and memorable activities!

The Ocean Park in Hong Kong is so much fun, you really need an entire day to fully enjoy it! You’ll find adventure rides, bumper cars, a cable car, jumping castle, even wet rides. You would want to miss the chance to visit the many animal encounters, from koalas to pandas and marine animals, too!

To eat, there is a list of amazing restaurants, as well as food kiosks for a quick bite in between the fun!

You can get anything from traditional Hong Kong dishes to seafood. There are also some amazing desserts, cakes and other sweet dishes available from the several restaurants and bakeries.

Shopping is an experience on its own in the park! Check out the Waterfront Gift Shop and take an ocean-themed souvenir home with you, or go to The Panda Kingdom Shop and pick one of the many panda-related gifts on offer there.

The park is big on conservation! The seafood served in the restaurants is all sustainable, they encourage visitors to bring reusable bags, and charge for plastic bags to be taken when shopping or taking home doggy bags. They also offer conservation resources on their website and app.

• Cost:  An adult day ticket is $65USD
• How Long Should I Stay here?  4 hours
• Getting There?  There are 3 main options.  Take South Island Line and  get  off at  Ocean Park Station , Exit B. Take bus 48, 107, 629, or 973 to  Hong Kong   Ocean Park  directly. Take bus 71, 71P, 72A, 75 or N72 to Wong Chuk Hang. Then, you will see the  Park

Ferry over to Lamma Island

If you’re in Hong Kong for an extended period, a trip to Lamma Island is absolutely worth it! This fishing village-turned multicultural hub is home to many different types of people and offers some splendid sights.

You can hike the Lamma Island family trails or take a breathtaking cycle around the island. Fill up on a delicious lunch at the Rainbow Seafood Restaurant.

Then, make your way to the Lamma Fisherfolks Village where you can learn about this community and even take part in some of their fishing activities if you wish to!

You can spend a good 7.5 hours doing the sea kayaking and hiking tour around the island – a wonderful, active way to spend a day! Be sure, though, that you don’t leave the island before grabbing a coffee at the Book Worm Cafe. Sit down with a good book – read one of theirs or bring your own – and relax after a day of walking!

Other sights to see are the power station, the wind power station, and so many gorgeous picnic spots and beaches to relax in. Whether you visit the island for an entire day or just a few hours, it makes for a great break from everyday life! If you need to stay over, there are affordable and comfy spots to rent a room on the island as well.

• Cost:  Exploring is free, the ferry is around $30 HKD.
• How Long Should I Stay here?  4 to 5 hours
• Getting There?   Lamma is easily reachable by ferry from Central Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island and from Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Take a Tai Chi Class

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art, known for its health benefits. If you’ve never tried it before, doing a class in Hong Kong is a brilliant idea! Not only will you be learning from masters of the art, but the culture of the activity is well-preserved as well.

You can find many places to catch a Tai Chi class , most are free and open, taking place in public spaces.

Some of these will have numbers or emails where you need to book ahead of time, while others let you simply drop in and find a space! These will usually be in a public park, under the shade of a large tree or next to a calm body of water.

The carefully choreographed moves, along with the peaceful setting allow for a tranquil, yet energized experience! This truly is a rejuvenating activity for both body and mind.

If you prefer to learn in a more private setting, you can book one of the private classes on offer, which are not free but offer you some privacy in a smaller group.

This is actually something you can do on more than just one occasion, if you find the right spots, you can try and catch a Tai Chi class each morning of your stay.

• Cost:  Varies
• How Long Should I Stay here?  Classes are usually 1 hour
• Getting There?  Depends where it is

Hollywood Road

Hollywood road is one of the oldest, and most famous, roads you will find in Hong Kong. It is approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) long and features many cultural and historic landmarks.

Fun Fact, Hollywood Road was built and named in 1844, before the famously known Hollywood, California! Along this road, you will find art galleries, museums, and temples galore.

These show off the history of Hong Kong, and the culture that the state has preserved all these years.

Some attractions to look out for:

• Man Mo Temple
• Hollywood Mural
• Hollywood Road Park
• Liang Li Museum

Although not quite on Hollywood Road itself, you should definitely make a detour to check out the Alex Croft G.O.D  graffiti wall in Graham Street .

• Cost:  Free to explore – only pay for food and gallery/temple entrances where necessary.
• How Long Should I Stay here?  3 hours
• Getting There?   The metro from Lantau’s Big Budda takes around 1 hour 15 minute

Dragon’s Back

Hiking Dragon’s Back is thought to be the best way to start a hiking habit! The peak is easy to access and doesn’t require a very high level of fitness. The scenic views are well worth the climb as well, as from the top of the ridge you get to see a more natural side of Hong Kong.

The name, Dragon’s Back, comes from the shape of the spinal ridge.

The ridge is situated between the Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak.

The ridge is a 4-hour bus ride from Central Hong Kong. It is best to do the hike before it gets hot, so you’ll want to leave quite early in the morning or find closer accommodation for the night before. The bus will bring you right to the foot of the ridge, allowing you to start your hike without too long of a pre-walk!

There are different hiking options, ranging from 5 – 8 km, and will take around 2 to 3 hours. Finishing the hike will leave you either at the bus stop, where you can take a bus to Shek O Beach, or it will take you right to Big Wave Bay beach, depending on the route you decide to take.

Once the hike is done, you can enjoy the afternoon soaking up the sun on the soft beach sand. There are also some great lunch spots to fill you up for your trip back to your hotel.

• Cost:  Free!
• How Long Should I Stay here?  The hike may take 2 – 3 hours
• Getting There?   Take the metro to  Shau Kei Wan Station.  Then take the bus to  To Tei Wan, Dragon’s Back

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Hong Kong:

Tsim Sha Tsui

As one of the most central districts in Hong Kong city, it’s little wonder Tsim Sha Tsui receives so many visitors and we believe it’s the best area to stay in Hong Kong on a first-time visit. The nightlife, cafes, and markets might also have something to do with it.

• Kowloon Park – those keen to escape city life can take a wark in sprawling Kowloon Park which is home to greenery, plants and birdlife.
• The Avenue of Stars walkway beside Victoria Harbor is as famed for its static telescopes allowing you to admire the cities skyline and it also focuses on another type of star – those from the movies.
• Don’t miss the K11 art gallery and shopping center which displays exhibitions all throughout the year. Pick up some goods as you explore the installations.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

First things first, when is the best time to head down to this beautiful location? There isn’t necessarily a wrong time to visit Hong Kong, but each season has pros and cons of its own. The table below is pretty helpful.

Wherever you choose to base yourself in Hong Kong, you’ll have easy access to transport and accessing the attractions and sights on this itinerary. Taxis in Hong Kong come by often, and the Star Ferry shuttles crowds across from the main island to Kowloon and back often each day.

The Metro is perhaps the easiest way to get around as you can study the maps and announcements are in English. However, it gets very crowded. Busses can sometimes be faster and signs are written in English – still drivers do not speak much English and knowing where to get off can very confusing. As you only have 3 days in Hong Kong, wasting time getting lost may not be adviseable.

If you are visiting Hong Kong for the weekend then the business and financial districts will be quieter but the shopping areas and temples may be busier.

Planning a trip to Hong Kong is simple enough as many nationalities don’t need a visa to enter. The weather can be very hot and humid all year round. Even when it rains it can remain very stick out. Despite the tropical climate, people in Hong Kong dress very well usually donning a mixture of business/casual/fashionable attire. For this reason, flip flops and cargo shorts are not advisable – you will look ridiculous.

Instead, wear loose but nice clothes of thin material. If you must wear shorts make sure they are nice ones and dress them up at least. Most things a traveller will need can easily be bought in Hong Kong so if you do forget anything, don’t worry too much.

Hong Kong is relatively safe and violent crime is rare. There is a significant criminal underworld in Hong Kong but it is not a concern tourists or backpackers in Hong Kong need worry about. However, always travelers are encouraged to stay vigilant when in crowds and to keep valuables safe.

There is a high police presence all throughout Hong Kong, which creates a safe feeling for both locals and tourists.

The public transport in Hong Kong is relatively safe and reliable, and walking through the streets and parks shouldn’t be an issue! If you a female traveling alone, however, take the necessary precautions and try not to walk down secluded streets on your own, especially at night.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Hong Kong

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their ultimate Hong Kong itinerary.

How many days do you need in Hong Kong?

That depends on what you want out of your trip. 3-5 days are enough to cover top attractions, but you could easily spend up to 10 days exploring!

What should you include on a 3 day Hong Kong itinerary?

Make sure to include out these awesome Hong Kong hotspots: – Big Buddha – Victoria Peak – Sham Shui Po – Buddhas Monastery

What is the best month to visit Hong Kong?

February-April are the best months for sightseeing in Hong Kong, as these have the lowest chance of rain and smallest tourist crowds.

Where should you stay in Hong Kong?

Kowloon, Causeway Bay, and the Western Districts are some of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong for sightseeing.

Now, you can easily plan your trip to Hong Kong, knowing where you should go and what you should do when there! All there is to do now is book your trip and decide how long you have to spend there. Be double sure that you make time to try out Hong Kong’s food – as this is usually a large part of the enjoyment for visitors!

We hope you found valuable information in this Hong Kong guide, and that you’re able to travel Hong Kong with the knowledge you need. Also remember that in between the larger, better-known attractions are tiny sights and scenes that are not often found in other parts of the world. Keep your eyes peeled and be sure to arrive in Hong Kong ready to learn and embrace all their culture has to offer you!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hong Kong Travel Guide 2024

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China , located on China's south coast and surrounded by the South China Sea is an international metropolis. Known as the Oriental Pearl, this harbor city has the coexisting culture of east and west. From the grand architectures to the passion of horse racing, the British influence still lasting, even the famous Victoria Harbor was named after the Queen Victoria. On the other hand, hidden in the modern atmosphere, there are ancient temples, museums, villages, natural parks, making it more like a historical Chinese city.

To be honest, it’s hard to define Hong Kong for its complexity and variety. From the high-end shopping malls, dim sum restaurants, colorful recreation venues to the awesome transport system, it lures tourists with its vibrancy. Walking along the Victoria Harbor bank and climb to the Peak to overview the cityscape, it gives you a sense of tranquility. No matter when you travel Hong Kong during the day or night time, it leaves you both deeply satisfied and hungry for more.

Why visit Hong Kong

• Convenient Transportation: linked by over 100 international airlines and running between over 40 mainland cities, Hong Kong is the best gateway for you to visit China.
• Shopping Paradise: from the fancy shop to street boutiques, there spreads a colorful mix of markets to meet all your shopping desire. What’s more, without tariffs, the prices are normally attractive to tourists.
• Food Heaven: under the mixed culture, Hong Kong has its typical HK styled cuisine to sever the locals and tourists. The HK seafood, wonton noodles, steamed dim sum, HK-Cantonese cuisine and various kinds of Western-style food are making you dazzled and mouthwatering.

Hong Kong SAR Visa Policy: Citizens of the specified 170 countries and people holding one of the appointed documents can entry and visit Hong Kong without visa and stay for from 7-180 days. Learn more about Hong Kong SAR Visa >>

Top Attractions

Tending to gravitate towards the modernization, Hong Kong shows its energy by the neon nightlife and boat-buzzed waterfront. While under the glistening steel-glass skyscrapers, the laneways, towering hills and incense-smoked temples like a reminder of this city to meet the old fashioned way. With more various attractions to show its combination of east culture and west life, check Top Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong and 15 Must-Visit Tourist Places to enjoy more.

taking the old-line peak tram up to the highest peak to overlooking the Victoria Harbor and cityscape. You must be amazed by the unbelievable experience!

Hong Kong Skyline, equipped with thickly dotted skyscrapers, is reputed as the Most Beautiful Skyline in the World. It resembles a colorful painting unfolding in Hong Kong

Being famous for “what you request is what you get” by kau cim, the incense-filled Wong Tai Sin temple is ideal to experience Taoist Culture as well as local traditions.

The largest island in Hong Kong and it features long winding coastline, harbor and bay as well as mountain and stream. Natural landscape and historical sites are both abundant to satisfy your eyes.

Avenue of the Stars

It is a shoreline promenade that mostly famed for the Bruce Lee's statue and the world-famous Hong Kong Skyline, also a great site to appreciate Symphony of Lights performance at 8pm every day.

Nan Lian Garden

In this elegant garden hidden in the towering buildings, you will meet with Chinese timber architecture, rocks and potted plants, soul-soothing lotus ponds, vegetarian restaurant and teahouse.

Po Lin Monastery

It is a Buddhist monastery in Lantau Island that most features the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), which is the second largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha in the world.

Hong Kong Museum of History

This museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon is the best place to seek for the culture, history as well as ancient stories of Hong Kong. Leave yourself for about 1-2 hours there if you have time.

Tai O Fishing Village

Tai o in the southwest corner of Lantau Island is about 7km away from Po Lin Monastery. Known as “Venice of the Orient”, it is famous for its traditional stilted houses and the legend of “pink dolphin”.

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is half the way up Victoria Peak in Sheung Wan of Central. Inside this small but elegant Taoist Temple, there are arrays of altars and god statues and dozens of giant incense coils.

Aberdeen Fishing Village

Though called a fishing village, it is not far from the bustling heart of Hong Kong. This place is where old Hong Kong meets new one. Rows of old junks and sampans are docking under the towering buildings there.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland must be the best place in Hong Kong to create happy memories with your kids. Hey, look, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are waving their hands to you. It’s time for games!

Another great place to have fun with your kids and family. There are roller coaster rides, climbing wall, cable cars, shows, grand aquarium, koalas, dolphins, and also adorable pandas.

Sky 100 Hong Kong

At 393 meters above sea level, Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is the only indoor observation deck in Hong Kong offering 360-degree views of the territory and its famous Victoria Harbour.

Top Activities

Aside from the attractions, are there any other activities you can enjoy in Hong Kong? The answer is obvious YES. Shopping, Horse Racing, Star Ferry Cruising, Global Cuisine Exploring… There are so many featured activities you can choose. You can check Activities in Hong Kong for more ideas.

Hong Kong has no sales tax so prices of goods there are generally attractive for visitors. No matter you are going to visit Hong Kong for several days or just a 2-4 hours short layover, leave yourself at least 2hours to do shopping! There are glitzy malls, vintage boutiques, and also makeshift street stalls you can choose.

Horse Racing

Though we don't think gambling is a good idea. Cheer on the stirring horse racing at Happy Valley is also a unique experience. Every Wednesday, huge crowds of locals and visitors will gather at Happy Valley to enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and beat their midweek blues away. Spending your Happy Wednesday with them if you have time!

Star Ferry Cruising

Hong Kong Star Ferry has a history of more than 120 years. By 1999, National Geographic Traveler listed the Star Ferry as an experience "of a lifetime." And now, enjoying a star ferry cruising is still a hot chosen experience in Hong Kong. There are several sailing routes, while the most recommended one is from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Savor Global Cuisine

As one of the world's top culinary capitals, Hong Kong, the global food paradise, has many kinds of cuisines to stimulate your taste buds. Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanese, French, no matter what style of food you are looking for, Hong Kong will meet your desire. Treat yourself with freshly steamed dim sum is our best recommended.

Weather & When to Go

With the indistinct seasons of neither intense heat of summer nor the chill cold winter, the weather in Hong Kong is gentle and ranges not much. Normally, the average annual temperature is about 23°C, and the hottest months are the July, August and September, with the highest temperature of 34°C, and the lowest is no less than 10°C, spreading in the December and January

With a comfortable weather in Hong Kong, you can visit the city any time of year, especially from October to November. Besides, from December to next March, called the fold season, is the great time for shopping.

Learn more about Hong Kong Weather & Seasonal activities .

Transportation

Getting to Hong Kong

Hong Kong as an international city is easily to get to by flights for its advanced airline system. Also you can take high speed bullet trains to West Kowloon Station from mainland China directly with comfortable ride. Besides, Hung Hom Station located in Kowloon serves trains from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan and nearby cities of Guangdong province.

Flights to Hong Kong: about 34 km away from downtown, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) connects 180 airlines, running through 48 mainland cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian ,Guilin, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc. Also the international flights are frequent through over 1000 daily flights to London, New York, Sydney, Bangkok and so on.

Bullet Trains to Hong Kong: at present, about 44 cities in mainland China have linked with Hong Kong by the bullet trains, so visitors can take the speedy trains from Guangzhou, Guilin, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Wuhan, Changsha, etc. to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station at Tsim Sha Tsui area. Learn more about Hong Kong high speed trains .

Useful Links:

>> How to Get to Hong Kong | >> From Beijing to Hong Kong >> From Guilin to Hong Kong | >> From Guangzhou to Hong Kong >> From Hong Kong to Macau | >> From Shenzhen to Hong Kong

Travel Hong Kong around

The transportation in Hong Kong city is full-scale and becomes one of the tourist attractions here. Featuring a various kinds of transports, from the different MRT lines that cover almost attractions and shopping venues, the tram bus which brings you to appreciate the street scene slowly, the tourist bus (H1 & H2) that offers sightseeing the cultural landscape and the vibrant city in different ways, the two-layer bus extending throughout city to take you traveling every corn even at night, to the local cruise to enjoy the night view of Victoria Harbor and more ways, Hong Kong has them all. By choosing different transportations, you can feel the different part of its culture and history. Check more about How to Get around Hong Kong and Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge .

Accommodation

From gleaming luxury five-star hotels to cheap budget hostels, Hong Kong has a bunch of hotels for you to stay in comfort. For the first timers, you can stay at TST (Tsim Sha Tsui), from where you can encounter with the most stunning skyline of Hong Kong in ease. If you are on budget and love street shopping and dining, you can choose a hotel in Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok, then you will be close to the most famous and busy shopping streets in Hong Kong, like Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market, etc. Looking for hotels near the most upscale clubs? Head to Central and you will find what you want.

Useful Hong Kong Maps

Before you travel to Hong Kong, we’d like to provide you some local maps of Hong Kong including Hong Kong Travel Map, Hong Kong tourist map, Hong Kong MTR Map,etc for you to have an intuitive and general feeling of this city. View more at Hong Kong Attraction Map | Hong Kong District Map | Hong Kong China Map | Hong Kong Asia Map | Hong Kong Macau Map | Hong Kong MTR Map | All Hong Kong Maps 2024

Hong Kong Macau Map

Hong Kong Attraction Map

Hong Kong MTR Map

Other Destinations in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area

Shenzhen is one of the four key cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area . Since it provides very well connection to other places of the area with some attractive traveling destinations, such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, Zhuhai, etc., you are highly recommended to travel extend to those top places to enjoy more highlights!

Other Destinations in China

Taking a side trip to the neighborhood of Guangzhou and Shenzhen from Hong Kong, you will experience quite different culture in such a near distance. As the harbor cities, both of them share the great convenience to transfer between each other and other mainland cities for your further depth china tour. You can also fly to Guilin to meet the incredible Karst Landscape. Shanghai is also an international worth visiting. Check all destinations in China .

Chinese Name: 香港

Chinese Pinyin: xiāng gǎng

Population: 7,071,576

Language: Cantonese, English

Tel Code: +852

Zip Code: 999077

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Currency: Hong Kong dollar ($/HKD)

Plan Your Hong Kong Tours

Featuring the vibrant cultural blend of East and West, the tourist spots in Hong Kong can be divided into cultural and modern. If you are interested in the cultural spots, making a Hong Kong day tour for one or two days is enough for you to visit the Victoria Peak, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Repulse Bay, Lantau Island and other essential sites. If you want to know more about the present of this city, there are various museums and recreation sites for you to spend more days.

Take a trip to Macau from Hong Kong are delighted to appreciate another fuse culture city with 16th century churches and historical site of Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, or visit Macau Casino to suck up the local life more.

Recommended Tours

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Hong Kong Travel Guide

South China

7.5 million

Welcome to Hong Kong!

Hong Kong is an amazing city in a little area and packs a big punch. Connected to the Chinese mainland and spread out over a couple of small islands, it’s a shopping and business mecca.

• Things to do
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• Around Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong is definitely Chinese, it retains enough of its English influence to feel very familiar to Western travelers. This also makes it remarkably easy to navigate as you’ll find English everywhere as well as amenities set up to support tourists.

One of the best things about Hong Kong is the cultural mix crammed into such a small area. It’s a city that has melded the east and the west to create something new, and the people, the food, and the traditions all reflect that harmony.

The people who live in Hong Kong are a mix of Cantonese, Shanghainese, British, Indian and Jews. This is an unusual combination and yet it works surprisingly well.

As a result of this inclusiveness, you’ll find that the locals are friendly, welcoming and open-minded. These qualities are what make Hong Kong a great way to experience a part of Chinese culture without getting overwhelmed by it.

Hong Kong has its own mix of cultures. Image by Photosforyou on Pixabay.

A typically busy street in the city. Image by Marci Marc on Pixabay.

Things to see and do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a great destination for tourists because it has something for everyone.

For kids, there’s Disneyland and the nature reserves, while adults will enjoy the vibrant nightlife and the great shopping. There are also amazing festivals and sporting events for visitors of all ages.

For such a small area, Hong Kong offers a lot of attractions. You might need more than a couple of days to explore this city!

1. Take the tram to Victoria Peak

Everyone who visits Hong Kong goes to Victoria Peak. It’s one of the many things that Hong Kong is known for .

Take the tram and enjoy the views of the green spaces and skyscrapers along the way up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island.

The most famous view in Hong Kong. Image by Fabian Bölling on Pixabay.

From there, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and the waterways. And on clear days, you can even see as far as the green hills of nearby islands.

You can also take the trip at night for a stunning light show.

2. Visit the Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History is huge but it’s worth the effort if you want to learn more about the city.

Head to the museum if you want to learn more about the past. Image by WR studio on Shutterstock.

It has exhibits on natural and social history, archaeology, and more, so give yourself a couple of hours to wander through everything.

3. Eat dim sum everywhere

Dim sum is a collection of small, bite-sized dishes.

There’s an amazing variety of different dishes offered at restaurants all over the city, so make sure you try as many as possible and see which dishes you like best.

Dim sum is a huge part of Hong Kong food culture. Image by Alice Cheung on Pixabay.

For some specific places to eat, check out the section on food further down.

4. Have fun at Hong Kong Disneyland

Even if you’ve been to Disneyland in other countries, the Hong Kong location on Lantau Island is still worth seeing.

It’s classic Disney with a Chinese flair and will keep the kids happy for hours if not days.

Stay overnight at Disneyland in the park’s resort. Image by Russel Jhon Seares on Unsplash.

Lantau has a lot more to offer than a cartoon mouse. The island is filled with dense forest, small villages, and beaches as well as must-see cultural sites like the Wisdom Path and the Big Buddha.

So, make sure you take the time to get off the beaten path a little.

5. Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple

One of Hong Kong’s most famous temples, it’s said that the temple makes every wish come true.

This probably isn’t true, but what is true is that the temple is beautiful and located in stunning natural surroundings.

Burning incense at Wong Tai Sin Temple. Image by Paulo Evangelista on Unsplash.

Dedicated to Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, it’s also one of the most unique temples you’ll find in the city so make sure you check it out.

6. Catch the ferry to Macau

Macau is a Chinese self-governed island territory only an hour from Hong Kong by ferry.

It’s best known for its casinos, so of course you can spend some serious money there. But if you aren’t into risking a lot of cash, then make sure you visit for the culture.

Ruins of St Paul’s in Macau. Image by Kon Zografos on Pixabay.

Macau was a Portuguese territory until 1999, so it’s very different to Hong Kong. Make sure you check out the Portuguese architecture and try the local food too.

If you’re only going for the day, don’t worry about exchanging your money for the local currency, the Macanese Pataca. Most businesses accept Hong Kong dollars.

Check out the cool things to do in Macau if you plan on spending more time on the island.

7. Spend an afternoon on Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is on the Kowloon waterfront, one of the areas that make up Hong Kong.

It offers great views of the Hong Kong Island skyline as well as the best people-watching in the area.

Grab a bite to eat at Tsim Sha Tsui. Image by Eugene Production on Unsplash.

The promenade is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, so take your time and really explore.

And if you’re there after dark, then try some traditional Cantonese food at the outdoor market that springs up on the promenade.

8. See the Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is located on Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, only a short trip away from downtown HK.

Almost everyone who travels to Hong Kong sees the Big Buddha, so expect crowds of tourists during your visit.

Like the name suggests, the Big Buddha is huge. Image by Steve Webb on Pixabay.

And take a hat and sunscreen with you too, because it’s a long walk upstairs in the heat.

9. Relax in Nan Lian Garden

Located right in the heart of the city, this garden is a welcome surprise amidst all the concrete.

It’s a traditional Chinese garden created in the style of the Tang Dynasty, which stretched between 618 and 907 AD.

The serene Nan Lian Garden. Image by Adam Hill on Pixabay.

The garden is elegant, beautiful, and relaxing, with lots of water features, bridges, and wooden structures to explore.

Where to eat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known as one of the eating capitals of the world and for good reason.

There aren’t words to describe how good the food is in this city, so just sit back and forget about your diet.

And thanks to the cultural mix, you’ll find dishes that suit every palate.

Tim Ho Wan 添好運

Once called the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the world, Tim Ho Wan is the best place in Hong Kong to try dim sum.

It began its life as a tiny hole-in-the-wall eatery in Mong Kok. There are now several locations around the city, and the quality of the food hasn’t gone down with the new locations.

You can even find Tim Ho Wan restaurants in Asia, America and Australia, but you’ve got to try it where it originated – Hong Kong. You can find all the locations here .

Tim Ho Wan is eternally popular. Image by Min Jing on Shutterstock.

Make sure you try their baked BBQ pork buns while you’re there. They really are the best thing on the menu.

Yung Kee 鏞記

You can’t visit Hong Kong without trying some traditional Cantonese food and Yung Kee offers some of the best in the city.

Visit at lunchtime for their delicious roast goose with plum sauce right out of the oven.

Address: 32 Wellington St, Central

Kau Kee 九記牛腩

There are always locals queuing for a bowl of noodle soup from this restaurant, so you know that the food must be good.

Cheap, cheerful, and quick, this is fast food in delicious HK style! Make sure you try a bowl of their famous beef brisket soup for a tasty midday meal.

Address: 21 Gough St, Sheung Wan

Cheung Hing Kee  祥興記上海生煎包

This street stall was on the inaugural Michelin Hong Kong street food guide and it’s still one of the most popular stalls in the city.

With several branches in the city, they offer a black truffle sheng jian bao that you have to taste to believe.

It’s similar to a traditional steamed bun but made with thicker dough. But even if you don’t like truffles, there are plenty of other amazing dishes on the menu worth eating.

Address: 48 Lock Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

Check out some more Chinese street food here .

The best food markets in Hong Kong

There are a huge variety of markets of all kinds in Hong Kong and most of them are worth a visit.

But if you want to try the freshest and tastiest foods, you can’t miss out on these food markets.

Temple Street Night Market

This market is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, but the food stalls are still the star.

You can find everything here from traditional Chinese food to pizza, so you definitely won’t go home hungry.

Temple Street Night Market. Image by Florian Wehde on Unsplash.

In fact, it’s probably best if you fast for most of the day before a night in this market!

Mui Wo Cooked Food Market

If you like seafood, then you’ll enjoy this market.

Close to the Mui Wo ferry pier, it’s small but offers some of the best seafood dishes in the city.

Pei Ho Street Market and Cooked Food Centre

This is where you’ll find delicious classical Cantonese dishes.

It’s noisy and chaotic and a bit overwhelming if you aren’t used to Asian markets, but well worth the effort.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

There’s a huge range of Hong Kong accommodation options at every budget point.

Just remember that the accommodation may be a little different to what you’re used to back home.

For instance, the rooms can be very small, with lots of space-saving shortcuts that you won’t find in other Chinese cities. So, in terms of value for money, Hong Kong hotels may seem expensive.

A small hotel room in Hong Kong with basic view. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

And if you want a room with a view, you’ll have to pay more for that.

The Hong Kong Hostel is close to Metro station, Victoria Park, and some of the most popular shopping areas in the city.

It has private and group rooms with their own bathrooms and common rooms for socializing.

The Holiday Inn Express in Mong Kok is convenient to the Metro and to Temple Street and the Ladies Market.

With comfortable rooms and lots of amenities, this hotel balances convenience, comfort, and budget almost perfectly.

Hong Kong is a great city to go luxurious in if you have the cash, and this swish hotel is part of the reason why.

The K11 Artus has a restaurant, indoor pool, sauna, and sun terrace and is just steps from attractions like the Avenue of Stars. The rooms are fairly large for Hong Kong as well.

Transport in Hong Kong

Transport in Hong Kong is fast, modern, readily available, and relatively cheap as well.

Best of all, most of the signs are in English, so you shouldn’t have any trouble moving about.

Air transport

Chances are you’ll arrive in Hong Kong by plane.

Hong Kong International Airport ( HKIA ) is big, modern, and offers great connections around China and to the rest of the world.

It’s pretty easy to get from the airport into the main part of the city. You can take the train, which takes about 25 minutes to get into town, or you can take one of the shuttle buses.

HKIA is one of the busiest airports in Asia. Image by Falco on Pixabay.

Big hotels also have their own shuttle buses, though they may not be as frequent.

If you’re planning to use public transport while you’re in the city, then get an Octopus Card at the airport. Or, just wait until you’ve settled in to your hotel and then pick up a card at one of the many  convenient Oyster Card outlets  such as 7-Eleven.

You use it like a debit card – load it with cash and tap the card to use public transport.

High speed train

The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link opened in 2018 and connects Hong Kong with more than 40 big cities in China. This includes Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Xi’an .

It’s a fast, modern, and relatively inexpensive way to travel from Hong Kong into the bulk of China.

The Mass Transit Railway, or MTR for short, is the best and easiest way to get around the city with your Octopus Card.

It connects all of Hong Kong’s islands and is fast, fairly easy to navigate, and relatively cheap. Just try to avoid the train at peak hour, because it gets incredibly crowded.

The MTR is a great way of getting around. Image by Andy Leung on Pixabay.

You can plan your journey and get the latest fare information on the MTR website .

Taxi and rideshare

Taxis in Hong Kong are plentiful, safe, and cheap. Red taxis service the urban areas, Lantau Island uses blue taxis, and the New Territories have green taxis.

Your driver will use the meter and will probably speak quite good English, but have your destination written down in Cantonese just in case.

Catch one of the classic taxis or a rideshare in HK. Image by Lukas Kurucz on Unsplash.

The fares are a little strange in Hong Kong, with lots of extra charges like baggage and underground tunnels, so ask questions if you’re unsure about what you’re paying.

There are also more than 14,000 Uber drivers (and their equivalent) all over the city.

Bus routes in Hong Kong cover almost all of the urban area and the islands. They’re popular among the locals, but you won’t feel out of place if you decide to grab the bus somewhere.

You can pay for buses by cash but remember to have exact change as the driver won’t give you any.

If you don’t like using cash, get an Octopus Card as it will make things a lot easier.

Double-decker trams run up and down northern Hong Kong Island.

Locals call the trams ‘ding dings’ for the iconic sounds they make, and tourists love taking photos of them. Sit on the upper deck for the best views!

An old-school Hong Kong tram. Image by Andy Leung on Pixabay.

The fares are cheap, and the sights are interesting, so make sure you take a ride once you’ve got your Octopus Card (or pay the exact amount in cash).

Just remember to get on the tram at the back and then pay the fare at the front when you’re getting off.

The Star Ferry travels between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and has been running since 1898. Along the way, it offers amazing views of the harbor and the skyscrapers, so is well worth the trip.

Make sure that you get a ticket on the upper deck for fresh air and sea views. The lower deck is cheaper, but you probably won’t enjoy the trip as much.

View from the Hong Kong ferry. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

The ferry runs from very early to late and the trip across the water only takes about 10 minutes.

Outside Hong Kong

Most people spend all their time in the center of the city and forget that there is more than Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to explore.

If you have the time, there are lots of day trips you can take from the city if you want to see something a little different.

Cheung Chau

Just 40 minutes from Hong Kong by ferry, Cheung Chai is an island that has great beaches, historic attractions, and amazing seafood restaurants.

Picturesque Cheung Chau. Image by Paulo Evangelista on Unsplash.

If you want to get away from the city and relax on the sand, this is definitely where you should do it!

Mai Po Marshes

You probably don’t think of Hong Kong in connection with nature, but this day trip will change your mind.

Just 40 minutes from the city by car, the marshes are run by World Wildlife Fund and you will need to apply for a permit a few weeks before your trip to make sure that you’re allowed in.

Mai Po Marshes. Image by Karen.T on Shutterstock.

Once there, you’ll see one of the best nature reserves in southern China, with a wide variety of bird species, mammals, and reptiles.

You can get a special visa allowing you to spend up to six days in Shenzhen (mainland China).

Catch the train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and apply for your visa on arrival, or go on an arranged tour from Hong Kong and the tour company will sort out the visa for you.

Just keep in mind that navigating the border can be a little crazy, as Fiona writes about here .

Shenzhen is enormous and not far from HK. Image by Darmau Lee on Unsplash.

Shenzhen is China’s Silicon Valley and the city is booming, so there are plenty of things to see and do there. The city is different to Hong Kong though and you may even get a bit of a culture shock.

Avoid Lo Wu Shopping Mall – often visited on package day trips from Hong Kong – unless you’re into poor-quality goods.

Videos about Hong Kong

Get a visual taste of Hong Kong before you visit!

Take a look at extreme high density apartment living in this interesting video. The complex is now known as the Monster Building after it shot to fame in the movie, Transformers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-Usr7cLxg Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The reality of living in Hong Kong's densest apartments | Instagram Famous "Monster Building" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-Usr7cLxg)

And in this video, experienced traveler Mat helps you decide what to do, where to go, where to stay, and what to eat in Hong Kong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFEg0ngl50o Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: 13 Tips for an AWESOME Trip to Hong Kong (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFEg0ngl50o)

Need help with your travel bookings?

Going on a tour in China is a great idea, especially if you can’t speak Mandarin.

You can refer to this list of China travel agencies who can help put a plan together for you.

Or, to book your own flights, tours and hotels, we recommend Trip for amazing choice and value. Trip is one of the leading travel companies in China.

Don’t forget…

It’s easy to forget a thing or two before you head to China.

So, here are some reminders for you:

• Travel insurance – things can go wrong, even in places like Hong Kong, so get cover .
• The right visa – if you plan on heading into mainland China, be aware of the visa requirements .
• VPN app – if you want access to all your favorite websites and apps in mainland China, you’ll need to download a VPN before you leave HK. Get a VPN that works in China .

Have a wonderful time in Hong Kong!

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Questions and comments.

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HELPFUL ARTICLES

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Page last updated 26 October 2023. Main image credit: Marci Marc on Pixabay. Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms  for more info.

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Hong Kong Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing hong kong.

backpacker31

For the first-time visitor to Hong Kong, this compact, densely populated vertical metropolis may seem intimidating. However, boasting one of the world's best urban transport systems, a wide range of accommodation options, an international and regional array of culinary delights to fit every budget and countless activities and sights. Hong Kong is perfect for both the novice traveler as well as the seasoned globetrotter.

TassieTravellers99

Hong Kong is a multicultural metropolis. Being a popular stopover destination for many airlines that use Asia as a connection point makes this city an excellent one night stop over or for a longer five to seven day stay. There is a wide range of activities for all the family, interesting history, food, and shopping and plenty of green space and quiet natural areas to get away from the crowds.

Although it is best known for its towering skyscrapers and booming city life, Hong Kong also has beautiful beaches and tropical paradises, just waiting to be explored!

What is the best way to get there?

Major airlines fly into Chek Lap Kok Airport and the quickest way to get to downtown Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport Express, taking approximately 24 minutes. Taxis also offer a door to door service to and from Hong Kong International Airport. Hong Kong taxis are color-coded according to their operating areas.

Learn more about  arriving in Hong Kong here .

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Hong Kong from overseas, visit the  Hong Kong Immigration Department website  to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Dry season (November to April): Generally speaking, Hong Kong's weather is mainly hot and humid. For this reason, many feel the best time to visit is from November to April during the cool and dry season. Average temperatures range from 20-23°C (68-73°F), usually with lots of sunshine. There is less rain and the humidity levels are lower, making it a more pleasant time of the year to visit. Learn more about Hong Kong’s weather and  what to expect here .

bus, train, and ferry

Public transport in Hong Kong is excellent. There are bus routes covering most of the island, frequent ferries between the islands making up the region (The Star Ferry connecting Kowloon to Hong Kong island is a 'must see'), trains into mainland China and the superb MTR underground railway.

If you are staying in Hong Kong for a few days, and you intend to use the MTR or other public transport as your primary mode of transportation, consider getting an "Octopus" card.

Learn more about  getting around Hong Kong here .

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Hong Kong Standard Time (GMT +8 hours).

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Wall outlets accommodate plugs with either three round pins in a triangular pattern or three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

What is the currency?

The Hong Kong dollar.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted, how much do i tip.

Tipping is not part of the culture of Hong Kong and you will not see locals or mainland Chinese tipping. However, taxi drivers will usually round up to the nearest dollar amount as a tip to themselves.

For more information about tipping and etiquette in Hong Kong,  see here .

Are there local customs I should know?

The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

If you’ve ever been to a dim sum restaurant, you might be wondering why so many Hong Kongers like to tap the table when tea is being poured for them. This light tapping of two fingers on the table is a gesture of appreciation. Think of it as a discreet way of saying "thank you" without actually saying it.

For more information about the culture in Hong Kong generally,  see here .

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Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading cities in banking, finance and trade. It’s also a cultural hotspot that attracts many foreign visitors due to the fact that the majority of its citizens speak Cantonese and English. A former British colony, it returned to China in 1997.

Tours and activities in Hong Kong

There’s no other city quite like Hong Kong and if you want to see the best of it, you’re going to need some help. Taking organised tour packages is a great idea if you want to get the best of what the city has to offer. Whether you need to book bargain tickets for Disneyland or want to take a guided tour of the city, our tour packages can help.

Local guides can give you some ideas for places that other tourists might not be aware of, letting you get more of a flavour for local culture. With outstanding English skills and low priced rates, you can maximise your time in Hong Kong, and your experience.

Best time to visit

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. Springtime is warm and humid, summer is hot and wet, autumn is cool and bright and winter is cool and dry. As the climate is fairly mild all-year-round, you can really visit any time of the year. However, be aware that between May and November there are chances of tropical cyclones and squally thunderstorms, but these are relatively rare.

Top Attractions in Hong Kong

For a grand bird’s-eye view of the city that is especially enjoyable at night, a good way to start your visit is with a trip to Victoria Peak. Sitting high above the harbour and the city itself, the Peak is accessible by trolley in only eight minutes.

Once at the top, there’s plenty to do – Madame Tussauds Hong Kong contains over 100 celebrity waxworks, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a museum to bizarre exhibits from around the world.

One of the largest museums in Hong Kong is the Museum of Coastal Defence. It covers a period of history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), with a series of fantastic themed historical exhibitions. You can follow the historical trail that takes in former battlefields, as well as see military installations and an ammunition depot.

Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s biggest attractions and is one of the largest sea parks in the world. It has marine themed areas with a Grand Aquarium that is three storeys tall, with over 5,000 fish inside.

Every night, the fountain show Symbio dazzles audiences as clowns, acrobats and jugglers perform for the crowds. The park is huge, taking in all kinds of wildlife, and the jewel in the crown is Ocean Theatre, an open-air theatre where you can watch sea lions and dolphins perform in a massive pool.

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids enthralled while in Hong Kong, you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the world’s newest Disneyland. As with other global examples of this famous resort, Disneyland does a surprisingly good job of mixing the familiar cartoon characters and legends with local culture.

If there’s one thing that’s plentiful in Hong Kong, it’s shopping. The city’s status as a free port means that there are products for sale from all over the world. There are numerous malls across the city which often have a more relaxing air than you might be accustomed to, with cafes and restaurants for some well-earned chill out time.

Designer labels and technology are popular here – and tariff-free. However, you can also pick up items that are native to China, including antiques and seafood. Bargaining is recommended, but be careful to shop around and ensure that you check warranties on high-priced items like electricals.

Hong Kong has more festivals than you could keep track of, which means that no matter what time of year you visit, there’s likely to be some kind of celebration to experience.

The Dragon Boat Festival takes place in May or June (depending on the year) and have colourful dragon boat races accompanied by drummers, as well as a host of other activities.

The Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern carnivals usually take place around September or October and are a wonderful experience, similar to American Thanksgiving. Beautiful coloured lanterns are lit and performers, dancers, singers and Kung Fu masters put on incredible shows. All of these activities are free, too.

Getting here and getting around

Hong Kong is an excellent location for travel from all parts of the world, and also to the rest of China. Hong Kong International Airport is the fourth busiest international airport in the world, with international and domestic flights leaving regularly every day.

If you’re travelling by train, you can easily get to and from Beijing, Shanghai and other cities. Intercity prices here are cheaper than air travel, making rail the choice of most travellers.

As a modern, thriving city, getting around Hong Kong is easy. Whether you’re on foot, taking the subway or riding the bus, signs are clearly marked in English making it more accessible to visitors than many Chinese cities. The city has a modern Mass Transit Railway (MTR) that is fast and the best way to get around.

The MTR network includes an express line to the airport, a light railway system, 10 subway lines and a tourist cable car system.

Public buses run across the city and are often air conditioned and cheap, however it’s advisable to carry a route map if you don’t know the area well. There are also trams. You can easily flag down taxis too.

Eating and drinking

As a free port, the world is your oyster as far as dining in Hong Kong goes. With influences from all over China and Asia, as well as plentiful Western outlets, there’s really something for every taste here. From street food to gourmet dining, you can sample both local and international cuisine, whatever your budget.

Some specialities to try include seafood, Tsinghai porridge, spicy fish balls and Hong Kong-style soup. Due to the wealth of choice on offer, the local Tourism Board is a good bet – they provide recommendations for travellers.

A good bet for seafood is to try Jumbo Kingdom, which has a famous Jumbo Floating restaurant, or Lei Yue Mun, which is situated between Junk Bay and Victoria Harbour.

Getting a good night's sleep

It can’t be said enough that Hong Kong is truly packed with variety and that includes accommodation, with somewhere for every taste. However, for 5-star luxury, you can’t beat The Upper House. This fantastic hotel has panoramic views across the city and has exquisite rooms, a fitness centre and free yoga classes at the weekend. The building is also wonderfully unique.

The Coming Inn is a mid-priced hotel that scores higher than any 5-star spot in the city. Conveniently-located for popular tourist sites, this scores highly on comfort, value for money and the friendliness of its staff.

If you’re travelling on a budget, take a look at J’s Inn. Not only is it superbly priced, it also scores incredibly highly from independent travellers. Rooms are well-equipped and the hotel is located bang in the middle of a prestigious shopping area.

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Fodor's Essential China Ready to experience China? The experts at Fodor's are here to help. Fodor's Essential...

An enigma wrapped in a mystery, Hong Kong is a city of extremes, whose stratospheric rise as an international power hub matches the upward trajectory of its ever-expanding skyline. Give the city its full name—Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China—and the curious case of an Asian megalopolis and its contradictions begin to make sense. Governed by China but independent under the principle “one country, two systems” since its return from British rule in 1997, Hong Kong is a true world city, an intriguing mix of international expats, Chinese mainlanders and native Hong Kongers who all contribute to the incredible food, limitless shopping opportunities, awesome nightlife, and cultural happenings interwoven within its inimitable atmosphere.

Famed for a financial sector that rivals many world cities, there’s no denying that Hong Kong is fond of the dollar, but business is just one part of the city’s fabric. Behind the financial bluster, there are myriad perspectives to Hong Kong that contribute to its status as an exciting, diverse city of epic urban and natural beauty. Explore its neighborhoods and the awesome natural habitat that surrounds it and you’ll discover the diversity firsthand.

Any visit here starts with shopping, one of the city’s favorite pastimes, which can take you from the flagship designer stores of Causeway Bay to the hip boutiques of Tsim Sha Tsui and onto the markets of Mong Kok after dark. Haggling is a sport here when it comes to markets, so pack your poker face on any trip to Ladies Market and get ready to barter. In a city as humid as Hong Kong, indoor air-conditioned shopping is the key to staying comfortable, which partly explains the propensity for malls. From the luxury of Elements Hong Kong to low-rise independent street malls selling anything from electronics to tangzhuang jackets, there’s a mall for everyone in Hong Kong.

When you’ve built an appetite shopping, next it’s time to eat and in Hong Kong that means anything from traditional Cantonese classics to haute cuisine from international chefs. Whatever your tastes, dim sum is a must—preferably on a Sunday afternoon over newspapers and tea, the way it’s been enjoyed here for decades. In Hong Kong you can even combine bargain dim sum with gourmet quality, like at the one Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan at Sham Shui Po on Hong Kong Island where the dumplings rule.

After dark, nowhere does nightlife like Lan Kwai Fong where the bars and clubs dotted around Wyndham Street create a frenzied strip of entertainment that goes all night long. For a glimpse at laid-back Hong Kong nightlife, away from the crowds of Lan Kwai Fong, head to the up-and-coming Kennedy Town on the west of the Island. Home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, Little Creatures Brewery and Bar is one big reason to head to the quaint residential hood out west.

With a vast percentage of the city limits given over to public parks and mountain terrain, Hong Kongers know how to enjoy the nature on their doorstep. From the hiking trails of Lantau Island to Aberdeen Country Park, the beaches of Shek O to the alpine beauty of the Victoria Peak, there is more outdoor adventure available here than you could ever hope to cover on a single trip. In fact, it’s not just the natural wonders of Hong Kong that won’t fit into just one visit, we haven’t even mentioned the Lantau Big Buddha, the Peak funicular railway, Stanley market, the pink dolphins of Tai O fishing village, the heart racing Happy Valley racetrack, the incredible Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong Disneyland, the Hong Kong Museum of Art or the laid back, multicultural community of Lamma Island. Oh well, this is a city that waits for no one, you’re just going to have to extend that trip…

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The Best Hong Kong Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with interesting geographical layout, versatile entertainment and futuristic cityscape. Hong Kong though being such a small city it is jam packed with tourist attractions, temples, theme parks and more.

As a tourist you will find it fascinating how developed and diverse the city and its people are. Due to the beautiful skyline and high skyscrapers of the city and being located on the South China sea it is also called the “Fragrant Harbour” . It has two main divisions mainland Hong Kong and Hong Kong Island, and both are equally glamorous and scenic.

To make sure your itinerary is packed with all the best things to do in Hong Kong, check out this comprehensive Hong Kong Travel Guide .

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Hong Kong Travel Guide: Topmost Attractions

The two main areas of the region are divided by the scenic victoria harbour. As a tourist it is always advised to start your tour from mainland Hong Kong to cover most of the top-tier landmarks and attractions. 

Victoria Peak:

Victoria peak is the most popular hill in western islands of Hong Kong, and it is also known as “The Peak”. The peak offers a viewpoint for the panoramic view of the city. The peak stands at a height of 552 meters from sea level. You can either hike up to the top or take Peak team, the funicular railway. The funicular railway has been operating there since 1988 and the scenario visible while going up is worth the visit.

For hikers, there is the Peak circle walk which is easy and enjoyable. At the summit you will see Peak Tower and Peak Galleria. There you will find a variety of shopping and dining and entertainment options. There is also a Madame Tussauds gallery.

The observation deck is located at the top of the Peak Tower and is called Skyscraper 428 from where you will get a beautiful view of the mighty city. The nighttime view from the deck is quite spectacular. You can come here for dinner and visit the beautiful city. 

Opening Hours: The observation deck and the path to the peak is open from 7 AM to 12 PM for all 7 days of the week. 

Hong Kong Disneyland:

Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the first opened Disneyland resorts in Asia and is quite entertaining and amusing. Disneyland is located in Lantau island and was established in 2005. The different themelands like main street, U.S.A, Toy Story Land fantasyland, Grizzly Gulch, Tomorrowland, Mystic Point will amuse any disney lover. Disneyland takes a full day to cover. The Main street USA is a 20-th century America’s layout and it’s the beginning point of the park.

After that, Head straight to Fantasyland where you can meet Donald, Mickey, Cinderella, Goofy, Winnie and other beloved Disney characters. From there go on exploring different worldwide attractions in adventure land and futuristic high-tech fun elements in tomorrow land and so on. You will also see a lot of parades and shows like the “Festival of the Lion King”, “Disney Paint the Night” and more.

You can also plan your trip to see seasonal celebrations like Chinese New Year, and Christmas. There is zodiac signed merchandise stores, Disney merchandise stores and delicious Chinese foods and fast-food stalls. There are also eight restaurants in the theme park for fine dining.

Opening Hours:  Hong Kong Disneyland is open from 10 AM to 8:30 PM 7 days a week.

Tickets & Entry Fee: You may buy 1-day, or 2-day Disneyland tickets and the one- day tickets come at HK$759- and two-day tickets for HK$ 789 for adults. The fare for children between the age of 3 to 11, the ticket prices are $596 for two-day tickets. 

How to reach Hong Kong Disneyland?

You can easily reach Hong Kong Disneyland through the MTR line that runs from Sunny Bay to Hong Kong Disneyland. And the Sunny Bay station is connected with other lines like Tun Chun, Tsuen Wan and others. For adults the train tickets cost around HK$21.

Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery:

Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery , this famous Buddhist monastery is located in Sha Tin and has numerous Buddha statues, made in the 1950s. The name reflects the huge number of statues as well as the presence of vast numbers of statues with various poses, showing the teachings of Buddha.

The monastery has several buildings and halls like the main hall, meditation halls and at the entrance you will see the nine-story pagoda. You can also see the shrines inside with Chinese decoration and old architecture. To reach the monastery you will have to climb the four hundred thirty-one steps along the way. There is no entrance fee to the monastery. 

Opening Hours: The Man Fat Tsz monastery is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00PM.  

Lan Kwai Fong:

If you want to taste the finest Chinese dishes and enjoy the nightlife of Hong Kong, you must not miss Lan Kwai Fong . It’s a vibrant neighborhood with clubs, pubs, breweries along with two beautiful art galleries. It’s home to a vibrant and energetic neighborhood with over 90 bars and restaurants.

In Lan Kwai Fong you can also see street parties, music festivals, and holiday decorations throughout the year. Lang Kwai Fong is most crowded during the new year’s. You can go to the area by public buses, MTR central station by metro. 

Nan Lian Garden & ChiLin Nunnery:

Nan Lian garden is a picturesque public garden where you can take a stroll, visit beautiful architecture, pavilion and botanical collections. Nan Lian garden is meticulously designed with Chinese architecture including pavilions, halls, bridges and structures. Nan Lian garden is mostly known for its impressive collection of Bonsai trees.

At the center of the garden there is also a lotus pond and beautiful rock formations. While visiting the Nan Lian Garden, don’t forget to visit the Chinese tea house where you can enjoy traditional Chinese tea and sweets. Adjacent to the Nan Lian Garden, you can visit the Chi Lin Nunnery where you can see the Tang-dynasty style architecture.

Ding Ding (Hong Kong Tramlines):

The Hong Kong tram line or commonly known as ding ding because of the sound of its bell is one of the heritage transport mediums of Hong Kong city.

It is one of the oldest tramlines continuing to operate. Take a tram ride across the city and enjoy the slow ride from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east. During the ride you can see the iconic Victoria peak, wan chai, north point, in the urban landscape of Hong Kong. 

Siksik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple:

Wong Tai Sin temple is located in Kuwoon and it’s a temple of the Taoist god Wong Tai Sin. The temple practices beliefs of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs. You will see complex traditional Chinese architectural elements, like the vibrant colors along with ornate roofs, intricate carvings. The architecture and design are visually striking and hold cultural significance.

You will see an old form of fortune telling practiced in Siksik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple. The temple celebrates different festivals throughout the year, especially the Taoist holidays. The Wong Tao Sin festival is the biggest one among them and it is on the eighth day of the lunar month. 

Lantau Island:

Lantau Island is located to the west of Hong Kong Island, and you can get there easily by the MTR, or ferry or bus. Lantau Island’s topmost attractions include Tian Tan Buddha, Po Ling Monastery, Lantau Peak along with beautiful hiking trails and other options. Lantau island has beautiful challenging trails for hikers and monasteries. Keep aside one day to tour Lantau Island. The main attractions of Lantau Island are:

• Ngong Ping 360
• Lantau Peak & Lantau Trails
• Po Lin Monastery
• Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach

How do you reach Lantau Island from Hong Kong?

To reach Lantau island you can take the easiest way, that is by taking a ferry from Central to Mui Wo or Discovery Bay. You can also take public buses and trains that go to Tung Chung via the Tsing Ma bridge. A single ferry ticket costs HK$ 25.50 for adults and HK$13 for kids.

Tian Tan Buddha:  

Tian Tan Buddha or big Buddha is one of the most celebrated and famous statues in Lantau Island. Tin Tan Buddha is a 112-feet buddha statue over the top of a hill from where you can see Nnog Ping, and you can visit the panoramic view of the whole island. You can visit the statue between 5AM to 10PM.

You have to take a flight of 260 stairs to reach the top. It is always recommended to buy the tickets in advance. 

Victoria harbour:

Victoria harbour is a natural harbour located between Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong Island. The victoria harbour looks very beautiful on the brink of Hong Kong with its beautiful skyline, with modern skyline and more. On the Tsim Tsa Tsui side of the harbour you will find a beautiful promenade called the Avenue of Stars.

The harbour is the most vibrant place with cultural fun activities like dragon boat races, firework displays, and lantern displays during the mid-autumn festivals and on other occasions. 

Ocean Park:

Ocean Park is a marine theme park and indoor aquarium located in Hong Kong. It’s the perfect place for a day out with kids. The theme park has a lot of water rides in the Thrill Mountain, Aqua City, Amazing Asian Animals, Polar Adventure, and Rainforest sections of Ocean Park. You will see a diverse display of animals there including conservation for giant pandas and red pandas.

There are dolphins, penguins, sea lions, Chinese sturgeons and other marine life. You can also buy tickets to the shows displayed there like the animal performances, educational demonstrations and more.

Tickets:  The tickets to the ocean park are HK$388 for adults and HK$233 per child.

How Many Days Are Required for a Hong Kong tour?

Hong Kong has a lot to offer being this vibrant and bustling city. From mountain peaks to beaches and harbours along with the temples the city has endless entertainment and attractions. Depending on your interests the time for the tour may vary.

For visiting only, the highlight attractions of the city it will only take you 2 to 3 days. Within 3 days you can cover the Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and a few key shopping districts. 

But if you extend your vacation to 4 to 5 days you can explore a lot more of the city. You can spare one or two more days if you wish to visit the disneyland, ocean park, monasteries, street night market and the outlying islands specially Lantau. 

If you are planning outdoor activity trips or cultural heritage trips, the recommended time would be at least 7 days. With 7 days in hand, you can plan hiking, boat races and other adventurous activities. Hong Kong is such a beautiful and affordable city that you cannot miss this out on your trip to China.

You can also plan the vacation in such a way that you also visit the nearby districts and cities like Macau or Shenzhen after visiting Hong Kong.

Hong Kong City Tour: Details, Timings, Budget

Hong Kong city tours are divided into a few aspects from which you can choose from based on your interests and set the itinerary like that. Hong Kong city tours can be family centric, cultural or active and fun.

You can look for local trip operators if you are not familiar with planning your own trips. But a little bit of research will help you save a lot of money and get the most out of your trip. You can find attractive Hong Kong vacation packages from global and local tour providers like Klook .  So, here’s a breakdown of the expenses in Hong Kong city.

Hong Kong Transportation Cost:  There are few ways you can get around the city. Most convenient is an available octopus card which gives you access to MTR, bus and ferry. Otherwise, MTR single trips generally cost around HK$4. The typical public bus travels may cost you around HK$4.50 to HK$15. The infamous Ding Ding ride or metro fare is HK$2.60 only.

And, if you are going to the nearby islands the Star ferry will cost you around HK$2.9 to HK$6.5 to go to Tsim Sha Tsui. And the night tour or Victoria tour on ferry will cost you HK$200 for an hour trip.

Accommodation Cost: Depending on the area you are staying in and the season you are travelling the cost for hotels, resorts, hostels may vary. But you will easily find multiple options for cheap stay as well as luxury hotels . You will also get serviced apartments for longer stay in Hong Kong. The cheap hotels start from HK$400 to HK$600 per night.

Hong Kong Food Cost: An average meal in Hong Kong generally costs around HK$60 to Hk$90. On an average you can expect to spend around HK$200 to HK$250 per person. Hong Kong food is generally very cheap.

Best time to visit: Generally, the best time to visit Hong Kong is in Spring or Autumn and Winter. You can enjoy the city’s vibrant life any time of the year. Also, going on this trip expect to see a variety of different foods including some bizarre items.

Hong Kong is a melting pot of culture and an affordable city for travelers. Make Hong Kong the next spot on the bucket list .

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Hong Kong Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Written by Becca

Updated on March 11th, 2024

What’s there to see and do in Hong Kong for a first-time visitor? Here’s my favorite sights and local neighborhoods for the traveler who likes things off the beaten path.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

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Table of contents

• Hong Kong Island
• Kowloon Peninsula
• The New Territories
• Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands
• Leaving Hong Kong for Macau or Mainland China

Welcome to Hong Kong, one of the greatest cities in the world and certainly one of my favorite cities in Asia.

It’s safe, it’s crowded, it’s full of nature and it’s gorgeous.

Hong Kong is like nowhere else in East Asia. Its blend of East and West, of old and new, of urban and rural and of mountain and beach is incredible.

I’m always going to be so glad I chose to spend some of my college studies in Hong Kong. It was an unbelievable way to experience a city, meet and stay friends with locals, pick up some Cantonese and learn more than I ever imagined I could about this special metropolis.

After leaving Hong Kong, I returned more than ten times over two years when I lived in Shanghai. I told everyone that Hong Kong was my first love, if it came down to choosing a city that was my second home. The energy in Hong Kong is contagious — when you arrive, you’ll see why.

For visiting, you’ll need a bit of background: Hong Kong’s main geographic areas are Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) on the Kowloon Peninsula (I recommend reviewing a map), Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. With a short trip, you’ll probably stick to Kowloon’s most populous areas, Victoria Harbour and a bunch of Hong Kong Island like Central and Causeway Bay.

Here is the list of things I’ve been recommending (since the first time I spent time in Hong Kong in 2009!) that visitors do for their first trip to HK. I am so excited for you to check it all out!

As Hong Kong typically has a tropical and humid climate, it’s one of my favorite destinations for escaping winter because it’s warm during winter months. In summer, it’ll be hot, humid, steamy and potentially rainy. I’ve been to Hong Kong both during winter and spring, as well as in fall and summer. If you are in HK during the summer, be prepared for relentless heat!

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is diverse, which is hard to figure out if you only go to Central and Sheung Wan. The island itself has HK’s urban centers, and on the other side, beaches, mountains, nature and small villages.

Hong Kong Island is serviced by the blue MTR Line, the Island Line. I suggest buying an Octopus card and then keep loading it up to take the MTR as well as make any purchases at any 7-Eleven, and most grocery stores. It’s super convenient!

You can read more about it here.

A tip that locals know: if you return the Octopus card at the MTR customer service area when you are leaving Hong Kong on the last day of your trip, you’ll get all your unspent money back!

Get a clear view of Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is the waterway between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and it’s where you’ll be able to see the two skylines from both sides, depending on where you are. I like going in the morning for a clear view of the skyscrapers, which are sometimes shrouded in clouds. With a “key” to which building is which, you can learn about all the banks and other massive corporations that call Hong Kong their headquarters and homes.

For a different view of Hong Kong, try a “junk boat trip.” Junk boats are based on traditional Chinese sailing boats and are very distinct-looking. Here’s a photo gallery of our junk boat trip with friends — this is something that groups of locals like to do on weekends. The boats will go out of the city and will park for an hour or two so that everyone can jump into the water, and swim.

See the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF)

Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s bar district. Most nights of the week, people will be crowding the streets and going in and out of bars, restaurants and clubs in this part of the city! Find it here on Google Maps .

If you’re low on travel funds, you can famously just get beers from a 7-Eleven or convenience store and hang out in the streets with everyone else. To get there, take the Blue Line to the MTR Central station, and choose exit D2.

Walk around Central’s skyscrapers

Stroll Central (Hong King’s main financial district) to see the tall buildings and the HK Botanical Gardens, which is a hidden gem! Start at the Central MTR station .

Hong Kong Park is also a beautiful place to spend some time. Many visitors overlook this park, but it is a local favorite and worth every minute spent walking there!

Walk up steps whenever you see steps in Central. Take the Midlevels Escalators , the longest outdoor escalator system in the world. It leads to SoHo, where you can find a lot of upscale dining options and international restaurants.  

Hollywood Road is cool for Chinese-esque antique markets and the  Man Mo Temple  is up there, too. 

To get to all these locations, take the Blue Line MTR to Central, and choose your exit based on your choice of destination at the maps near the info booths.

Marvel at the view from Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is the top of the mountain on HK Island where, from above, you can see the incredible Hong Kong skyline.

Go in the late afternoon and stay for sunset, because then you get to see everything lit up!

Take the peak tram there, and then take the public bus going down (it will be ten times cheaper, but the tram going up is pretty special!

To start the journey, take the MTR to Central.

Wind through Causeway Bay on HK Island

I love Causeway Bay . It’s always bustling, and has great old vs new character among its older streets and dazzling shopping malls.

For just some more Hong Kong streets, scenes, walking around, street food (waffles!), alleys with graffiti, bubble tea joints, upscale shopping, the huge Times Square Mall and boutiques near Victoria Harbour, make it a stop in your itinerary.

Take the MTR to Causeway Bay , to get there.

Stop in a CircleK convenience store or 7-Eleven for fun drinks. Stay hydrated, as summer gets hot and sweaty in Hong Kong!

Walk up the Olympic Bridge Staircase

Causeway Bay is home to a cool set of staircases that are painted with the names of all past Olympic cities and the years in which they hosted the Olympics. This is something so special to either come across by happenstance, or weave through the crowded streets to!

Go to the top of IFC in Central

IFC has a beautiful indoor shopping mall in its lower floors, and this provides a cool escape from the HK heat during most of the year!

The deck floor has a nice view of Victoria Harbour on a clear day, as it’s right next to the water!

IFC is a gorgeous mall, and if you just keep going upward and you’ll reach the top level patio.

The MTR stop is conveniently also Central (red/blue lines), but “ Hong Kong station ” is where you have to exit for IFC.

Visit the lovely Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park is supposedly one of the more unique parks in the world. It has an aviary (birds!) and a lake with coy fish. It’s nice for a picnic (on a bench, because HK is very clean).

Day trip to Stanley & Stanley Market

If you’re getting adventurous, go see the areas on the south of Hong Kong island like  Stanley  or Big Wave Bay. Take the bus there for a local experience. You can pick up bus number 6 or 6X from Central Bus Terminal.

Take bets at Happy Valley Racecourse

Check out Wednesday nights at  Happy Valley Racecourse in Causeway Bay for the horse races! There are tons of expats who go to this, and the bottom level near the beer stands look like a college tailgate. For getting there, take the Blue Line MTR to Causeway Bay. You may need to take a trolley to go further to get to the racecourse.

As a little tip, go after halftime for free admission. Take bets! The cheapest bets are cheap, and winning is fun. (Note: the season ends in mid-July).

Have a beach day at Repulse Bay

If you thought Hong Kong didn’t have great beaches, think again!

Repulse Bay Beach is located on the south of HK Island. You need to take a bus to get there; however, it gets very touristy. I prefer Big Wave Bay and Shek O (detailed below).

Ride the sky ride at Ocean Park

Ocean Park is also an amusement park on the south-east side of HK Island.

By western or American standards, the rides are nothing special, but the park does have pandas in the zoo and a skyride/skycar that goes over the water, which can be thrilling.

Stroll through authentic Fortress Hill

Fortress Hill is a more “local” neighborhood to the right of Causeway Bay on the Island Line, with fewer tourists. Honestly, you won’t find many visitors with Fortress Hill at the top of their Hong Kong to-do lists, but I think it’s a nice area to beat the crowds and grab some food.

I have friends who lived here near the market near the MTR, Exit A2. If you want to escape tourists, see what life’s like in this authentic Hong Kong neighborhood.

Trek out to Shek O Beach

Shek O Beach is on the south of HK Island and can be reached by minibus! It’s a fun place where I have camped on the beach with friends when I was in college and doing my exchange program.

Snap photos at “Instagram Pier”

This industrial pier (technically named the “Western District Public Cargo Working Area or 西區公眾貨物裝卸區 in Chinese) is located past Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island gained popularity during the start of the rise of “Hong Kong’s photo spots” in 2017-2018. Find it here on Google Maps .

It received its name as a place where young Instagrammers would go for sunset, as there’s a view of the Kowloon skyline and some big shipping containers to take photos at.

Wondering what it is like to go to Instagram Pier? Check out our photo gallery of sunset and twilight at this picturesque spot.

Look up in Quarry Bay

Quarry Bay is a neighborhood with a social-media famous public housing development called Montane Mansion in English. This huge apartment complex is unique for photos because of its four-sided “towering” feeling.

Keep in mind that there are residents who call this place home, so while it is possible to take photos, it is important to be respectful.

Kowloon Peninsula

Kowloon Peninsula meets Hong Kong Island at Victoria Harbour. The peninsula is home to the busy shopping centers of Tsim Sha Tsui , Mong Kok and quite a bit of nature, as you head up to the areas past Kowloon Tong. Check out my favorite things to do in Kowloon here.

Heighten your senses in Mong Kok

Grab your camera and walking shoes and take the MTR to Mong Kok station , on the green/red MTR line in Kowloon.

This is the quintessential Hong Kong scene — I mean that! You will see that people are everywhere, and so are the stores, crowds and places to eat, drink and shop. Choose to follow your map or simply own the idea of getting lost and wandering in the madness.

Test your bargaining skills at the Ladies’ Market , which is hard to miss, for spanning four long blocks. Hunt down the whiff of stinky tofu, and you’ll be close.

Also, in the ladies market in Mong Kok, if you go BEHIND the market stalls into the alleys, you’ll find less pricy Thai and Chinese food joints.

Wondering what it looks like to wander through Yau Ma Tei, Jordan and Mong Kok? We have a photo gallery you can peruse to try to create the same type of sensory overload.

Lastly, if you need a break from the heat, or a rainstorm, head to the shopping mall right above the Mong Kok MTR station.

Get starstruck at Avenue of Stars in TST

At 8pm every night of the week, head to the  Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars promenade.(MTR stop: Tsim Sha Tsui). The buildings light up on Victoria Harbour during the nightly light show, the official name of which is a Symphony of Lights. It’s unique, and even though it sounds kitchy, it’s well-orchestrated and special.

To see some photos of that, hit up our photo gallery of Hong Kong at night .

Go to the Avenue of Stars during the day if its nice out, for a view of the entire skyline, and don’t forget to stop in the Peninsula Hotel across the street for some charm.

Pose at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Take photos at this unique building right near the water! The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a big performance space with theaters inside. Most importantly, it’s a great place to take some unique photos with its pinkish 80s-style mod architecture.

Adventure into ChungKing Mansion

ChungKing is a building on Nathan Road in TST in Kowloon. You’ll feel like you’re in an action movie, weaving through the first-floor market, and then taking the dodgy lifts up to the higher floors, where you can find some incredible Pakistani and Indian food at “mess halls.”

ChungKing Mansion is also where you’ll see the true diverse side of Hong Kong, as it’s a gathering place for South Asian immigrants and HK residents from India, Pakistan and other places in the region.

ChungKing Mansion will be on the left side of the road if you’re walking toward the Harbour down Nathan Road.

See neon in action on Nathan Road

Nathan Road is famous for its hustle and bustle, and this main thoroughfare in Tsim Sha Tsui is where you’ll walk by bright businesses and quintessential neon signs.

Sweat in the streets of Jordan Night Market

At Temple Street Night Market in Jordan, look for the places that sell ‘king crab,’ and eat on the street! This is a great (and usually sweaty) experience. It’s not cheap like street eats in Mainland China, but you can get some beers, crab and seafood for less than a nice restaurant would cost you.

There is also a small temple called Tin Hau Temple , which is worth checking out. It’s near the  Yau Ma Tei Station and it’s a local secret.

Hit the markets in Yau Ma Tei & Jordan

Check out the back streets of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. These streets tend to be very “local,” and less influenced by Western culture and big snazzy chain stores.

There are cheap Hong Kongese-style places to eat at, and this will be adventurous for visitors who don’t mind menus with little or no English.

One of two unique markets I found when I was living in Hong Kong is the goldfish market , between the Prince Edward MTR stop and the Mong Kok MTR stop.

There is also the Mong Kok flower market right a few blocks from the Prince Edward MTR station. It’s a refreshing market to visit if you’ve been constantly in markets with stinky tofu and knock-off handbags.

Visit CityUHK (City University of Hong Kong) and Festival Walk

For those interested in educational institutions and also seeing an accessible Hong Kong-style university, check out the college where I did my student exchange — City University of Hong Kong ! The MTR stop is Kowloon Tong  on the green line.

Kowloon Tong is a great neighborhood to go jogging in because it’s not so congested, and it has huge hills!

For cooling off in AC, grabbing a bite and doing some shopping, Festival Walk is a fantastic mall and a good place to eat is EXP. They have afternoon tea sets and there is even an ice skating rink. The grocery store Taste in the basement level has fresh sushi every day, and lots of good foods (imported bagels, an international specialty!). There is an entrance directly to the MTR for Festival Walk.

Dodge monkeys at Kam Shan Country Park

Monkeys. There are monkeys in Hong Kong. If you’re up near Kowloon Tong or Sham Shui Po, get in a cab and ask the driver to take you to the monkeys in Kam Shan Park .

You can ‘hike’ here (walk up steep hills) and see monkeys literally hanging out. Do not feed them.

Keep walking for a view of Victoria Harbour and skyline from up above. Do not stay past dark. There are no lights. Have you seen Planet of the Apes? It could turn into that.

Go back in time in Sham Shui Po

Sham Shui Po is one of my favorite old-school HK neighborhoods. Actually, I think it is my number one favorite.

It has another local market, with people selling everything from violins to Hello Kitty watches, to pots and pans. If you have time and want to see local life, go here.

Sham Shui Po was also once very famous for handwritten business signs that jutted out vertically into the street, much like the ones in TST on Nathan Road, but hand-painted and without the neon. They’ve since been declining as an art and as a style, so go admire them before they’re extinct!

Take it slow at Chi Lin Nunnery

The  Chi Lin Nunnery is on the green line MTR to the east, after Kowloon Tong, in Diamond Hill.

The neighboring garden is really nice and recently redone in traditional Chinese style. It’s nice to see this temple/nunnery juxtaposed against the Kowloon high-rises in the background, and against the mountains. It is one of my favorite places in Kowloon for photos.

The New Territories

This is the area of Hong Kong past Kowloon, or rather, between Kowloon and the border with Mainland China.

It’s more sparsely populated and is serviced by the KCR light rail trains rather than the MTR metro lines, mostly. The KCR is an above-ground train that is easily transferable to from the MTR.

Hike up Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin)

In short, the  10,000 Buddhas Temple in Sha Tin is worth the trek.

Once you get to Sha Tin, there’ll be signs for the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery. Get your camera ready and bring a water bottle for all the step-climbing.

Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands

Most people don’t know it, but Hong Kong is made up of hundreds of islands. Hundreds!

Here are some tips for the cool stuff you can get into on the ones that are inhabited and accessible. They really feel worlds away from Central and TST.

Admire the Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping

Ngong Ping is the location of the ”BIG BUDDHA,” which is the world’s largest sitting bronze Buddha.

The Tian Tan Buddha is actually gigantic and weighs many, many tons.

To get there, take the yellow MTR line to Tung Chung , and then you’ll see directions to the cable car through the mountains (which has awesome views); this is another attraction and is what everyone goes there for.

Wear good shoes because there are several hundred steps up to the Buddha itself, and from the top, there’s (once again!) a cool view of mountains and the island scenery. There’s also a monastery with a vegetarian cafe (cool for vegan and veggie travelers !).

Go back in time in Cheung Chau

If you have tons of time, another ‘outlying island’ is  Cheung Chau , which is a nice island with no cars and a mountain to walk up. 

It’s famous for its pedestrian-friendly streets, seafood restaurants and Hong Kongese island vibes. Don’t miss the local temple!

You can take a nice ferry ride to get here.

Take the ferry to Lamma Island

Lamma Island is the best known of the outlying islands. You can see HK Island culture and feel like you’re miles away from the city and urban life.

Ferries depart from the Central Ferry Pier and are cheap, but stop at midnight-ish. There IS accommodation here, and lots of seafood, and even a lot of expats that have chosen to live there. It’s also popular to camp on the beach.

Visit a new Disney at Hong Kong Disneyland

Disneyland in Hong Kong! I’ve never been to this one, but many of my friends have!

If you’re the type who likes to visit a Disney everywhere you go (California, Paris, etc) then this is your chance! The website is here .

Leaving Hong Kong for Macau or Mainland China

When visiting Hong Kong, keep in mind that it is a special administrative region (SAR) of Mainland China. There are many cultural and political variations between Hong Kong and China to this day.

In leaving Hong Kong, a visa is required for entry to Mainland China, for foreign visitors. When going to Macau, I would recommend that you check visa requirements for your specific passport .

Macau is a special place, with a mix of Portuguese and Chinese culture! Like Hong Kong, it is a special administrative region of China, and much smaller than Hong Kong.

To get to Macau from Hong among, you will need to take a ferry there from Central. The ferry is a catamaran, rather than a basic urban ferry.

I have been to Macau about five times to take flights out of there and back, because flights into Macau from Thailand and some other parts of Southeast Asia are sometimes half the price than to Hong Kong. 

If you’re going to Macau for a day trip or for a night, go to the Venetian! And for gambling (which Macau is known for), a good thing to know is that you’ll find it’s not exactly Vegas or Atlantic City. Bets start higher, and there are a lot of high-rollers from Mainland China spending the night in the casinos.

To get to the Venetian, you can take a taxi from the main island (Macau is made up of three small islands). Macau is really cool because you can see all the Portuguese influence in everything. The signs are in Portuguese, Chinese and English. The cuisine is a mix of Portuguese and Chinese cuisine. It’s fascinating.

I like visiting the Portuguese ruins of St. Paul. It’s so unique to be at European church ruins on an island next to China.

Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen is the gateway to Mainland China, and for many, a stop on a business trip.

To get to China, originally the most direct way was to take the KCR light rail to either of the port entries into Shenzhen. I have been to Lok Ma Chau and the other, Lo Wu.

Recently, a new high-speed rail (bullet train) system has opened, with Kownloon Station as the terminus. In a very brief 18 minutes, you can get from Kowloon all the way to Shenzhen, which is incredible. For longer-haul routes, this train can take you all the way to Dongguan and Guangzhou. Check out the High-speed rail system website . Tickets cost around USD 10. Keep in mind that if you wish to go all the way to Guangzhou, visit the timetable, as those trains depart fewer times per day.

When taking the KCR to China, you’ll arrive at the end of the train line, and everyone gets off. There are some places to get tea and buns and other light snacks. Then, you can proceed through immigration into the People’s Republic of China. Keep in mind that after crossing into China, apps like Facebook, Gmail, Twitter and Google will not work, and all Chinese laws such as censorship and government regulations will apply.

Also note: VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR CITIZENS OF MOST COUNTRIES . See our article all about getting a visa required for travel .

Schedule your Chinese visa in advance in order to not get turned away at the border.

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China Itineraries from Hong Kong for 1 Week to 3 Weeks

Hong Kong is a favorite tourist spot and China's crucial entry point, making it an ideal starting point for international travelers. This article outlines popular 1- to 3-week China itineraries from Hong Kong to various sought-after destinations.

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• Around 1 Week
• Around 2 Weeks
• Around 3 Weeks

China Itineraries from Hong Kong in Around 1 Week

A week or so (7-10 Days) might not seem sufficient for a comprehensive China tour, so we recommend focusing on the country's must-see attractions, especially if it's your first visit.

Alternatively, you could choose to explore the cities around Hong Kong to maximize your itinerary.

Option 1: "Essence of China" Itinerary

This suggested itinerary is perfect for those who are visiting China for the first time. It covers the highlights of major cities, giving you an immersive experience of Chinese culture.

• Days 1–2: Explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong, including must-visit sites such as Victoria Peak , Aberdeen, where you could witness the local fishing village customs, Stanley Market, and Lantau Island .
• Days 3–6: Visit Beijing to see iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, as well as immerse yourself in the local culture with a fascinating hutong walking tour, allowing you to observe the everyday life of local residents.
• Days 7–8: Experience the wonders of Xi'an, including the remarkable Terracotta Warriors, a stroll along the ancient city wall, and visits to museums and pagodas, providing insight into the rich history of the region.
• Days 9–10: Go to Shanghai, taking in the stunning views from the Bund, ascending the tallest building for a panoramic experience, and allowing free time to discover the city at your own pace.

This itinerary not only allows you to visit the most renowned attractions in these significant Chinese cities but also offers you the chance to delve deeper into Chinese culture. For example, engage in a hands-on activity of crafting a mini clay warrior in Xi'an, and embark on food tours to discover the diverse range of delectable and intriguing Chinese cuisine.

All our tours can be adjusted based on your interests and requirements. Just contact us .

Option 2: Recommended for Families

This itinerary provides a relaxed pace , starting from Hong Kong to Guilin, a family-friendly scenic city, and finally going to Beijing to see the iconic Great Wall and have some interesting cultural experiences.

• Days 1–2: Explore Hong Kong (Victoria Peak, Ocean Park , Repulse Bay Beach, etc)
• Days 3–6: Visit Guilin. Explore fascinating caves, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Li River, experience the thrill of a bamboo raft ride, and take part in cooking classes to learn the secrets of local cuisines.
• Days 7–10: Beijing exploration (the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, a hutong walking tour, etc)

Throughout this itinerary, you would have many opportunities to create warm and fun memories with your children .

Watch the mesmerizing sunset together while cycling in the fields of Guilin, engage in a hands-on dumpling-making experience at a local family's home in Beijing, and have a blast at Ocean Park in Hong Kong.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Option 3: Exploring the Vibrant Greater Bay Area

The vibrant Greater Bay Area would take you through dynamic cities and offer a taste of authentic Cantonese culture .

• Days 1–2:Begin your journey in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, where you could immerse yourself in the vibrant city streets, visit iconic landmarks, and experience the rich blend of cultures.
• Days 3–4: Explore Guangzhou. Indulge in Cantonese morning tea, stroll through vibrant markets, visit ancient temples, and marvel at the city's architectural wonders.
• Days 5–6: Venture into the innovative city of Shenzhen. Enjoy a visit to intriguing theme parks, explore captivating museums, and marvel at the impressive skyline adorned with futuristic skyscrapers.

If you want to travel around Hong Kong, then Guangdong is definitely the first choice.

Beyond the major cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, you could experience more authentic Cantonese culture in cities like Chaozhou, Shantou, and Foshan.

See our 3-Day Chaozhou and Shantou Tour and 3-Day Kaiping and Foshan Tour .

China Itineraries from Hong Kong in Around 2 Weeks

With a travel duration of approximately two weeks, you would have the opportunity to explore not only the major cities but also visit unique destinations such as Chengdu, the hometown of pandas, Tibet, and Zhangjiajie, whose national forest park is said to be the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains.

All our itineraries can be personalized for you or your family's travel goals, available travel days and dates, and other requirements. Just contact us .

Option 1: For Natural Charms

If you seek to go beyond the renowned historical landmarks and want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying outdoor experiences, this itinerary is recommended.

• Days 1–2: Hong Kong
• Days 3–6: Beijing
• Days 7–8: Xi'an
• Days 9–11: Zhangjiajie
• Days 12–14: Guilin
• Days 15–16: Shanghai

Zhangjiajie and Guilin are emblematic of China's most picturesque cities, offering captivating natural beauty. In Zhangjiajie, you could embark on exhilarating mountain adventures, such as walking across the world's longest glass bridge and witnessing the breathtaking sight of majestic peaks rising before your eyes.

On the other hand, Guilin presents a distinct style of scenic splendor. There, you could indulge in a tranquil and charming countryside setting, perfect for spending quality time with your family members. Explore the fields by bike, relish a serene bamboo raft ride along the river, and savor a romantic dinner by the riverside.

Option 2: Encounter with Pandas

Chengdu cannot be missed if you want to see those adorable pandas. Here goes the itinerary suggestion for a panda tour from Hong Kong:

• Days 1–3: Hong Kong
• Days 4–6: Guilin
• Days 7–8: Chengdu
• Days 9–10: Xi'an
• Days 11–14: Beijing

Most travelers would go to Chengdu Panda Base to see pandas. It houses the largest population of pandas. There you could also see many lovely panda cubs.

If you want to have a closer encounter with those cute creatures, we could help you arrange a panda volunteer program. In the program, you could make panda cakes, clean their enclosures, watch them being fed at a closer distance, and get a volunteer certificate.

Option 3: A Trip to Tibet

Tibet is one of the destinations on many people's bucket lists. Here is the suggested itinerary from Hong Kong including a trip to Tibet:

• Days 9–13: Tibet
• Days 14–15: Shanghai

Lhasa serves as the main destination for this journey in Tibet. You could explore the sacred Potala Palace, catch a glimpse of the buzz of local Tibetan life and see devout Buddhists praying in Barkhor Street, enjoy a picnic by Lake Yamdrok, and visit renowned monasteries to gain insights into the region's religion.

If you want to go to Everest Base Camp, it is advisable to allocate an additional three or four days to your itinerary. All our tours can be customized based on your requirements. Just contact us .

Tibet Entry Permits, which are a must for foreign travelers, are best applied for 2 weeks in advance. We can handle it for you when booking a tour with us.

China Itineraries from Hong Kong in Around 3 Weeks

A 3-week trip offers many possibilities.

You could combine popular destinations from the aforementioned 1- and 2-week itineraries, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Tibet, and Shanghai.

Alternatively, you could opt for a more off-the-beaten-path route and visit destinations such as the Silk Road and Yunnan.

Option 1: China Tour of the Silk Road

In contrast to the elegant scenery and modern urban style found in the top cities, embarking on the Silk Road journey reveals a mystical side of China with awe-inspiring desert landscapes, ancient grottoes adorned with intricate artwork, and diverse and exotic ethnic cultures.

• Days 9–10: Zhangye
• Days 11–12: Dunhuang
• Days 13–18: Xinjiang
• Days 19–20: Shanghai

Traveling along the Silk Road, you would be treated to a diverse range of breathtaking views, from the otherworldly and vibrant Zhangye's Danxia landforms, also known as the "rainbow mountains," to the pristine expanses of desert in Dunhuang.

A visit to Dunhuang's Mogao Caves provides an opportunity to witness the fascinating history of Buddhism's entry into China. The intricate murals and Buddha figures displayed within these caves offer insight into the rich artistic and religious heritage of the region.

Another highlight of the Silk Road journey is the chance to experience the captivating Uygur culture in Xinjiang. Visit China's largest mosque, explore the ancient and ingenious Karez Well System, a remarkable underground water project, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local bazaars, where you can witness the exotic and bustling life of the city.

Option 2: A Classic Itinerary with Yunnan

Nestled in the southwest of China, Yunnan offers a captivating blend of romantic landscapes, tranquil ancient towns, and vibrant minority cultures.

• Days 9–11: Guilin
• Days 12–19: Yunnan
• Days 20–21: Shanghai

Yunnan's top cities to visit include Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, with each city typically requiring 2 to 3 days.

In Kunming, you could venture into the unique and mesmerizing dark karst landscapes of the Stone Forest, where you would also have the opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life of the people residing there.

Dali offers a more relaxed experience, where you could enjoy a leisurely tour along the lakeshore of Erhai Lake. Take the time to visit the traditional houses of the Bai minority in Xizhou Village, and perhaps learn to make Yunnan's famous flower cake at a flower farm.

In Lijiang, a trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a must. Take a stroll around Lijiang Ancient Town. You could further immerse yourself in the mysterious Naxi culture by visiting a shaman's house.

Explore the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the world's deepest and most marvelous gorges in Shangri-La. Immersed yourself in the holy religious atmosphere of the unspoiled Songzanlin Lamasery.

Tour China with Us

Our private tours are customized . We would create an itinerary according to your travel length, interests, and any other requirements.

• 15-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Kunming – Guilin – Hong Kong
• 17-Day Hong Kong – Beijing – Shanghai – Xi'an – Yunnan
• 15-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Huangshan – Shanghai – Guilin – Hong Kong
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• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Hong Kong’s Hidden Travel Gems By Correspondent Kate Springer

April 8, 2024

A dynamic destination like Hong Kong always has something new to discover. Even if you’ve visited a dozen times, the city will surprise you with its rich cultural experiences, hidden bars and stunning natural scenery. 

If you’ve already explored the usual sights and activities — or simply want to see another side of things — dig deeper on your next visit with seven of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. 

Plan a one-of-a-kind dinner date 

In Central, dine like culinary royalty at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Krug Room , hidden inside the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong . It’s the only one outside France, and you’ll need help finding it.

A few minutes before your reservation begins, meet your server at The Chinnery then follow him through a swinging door and down a hallway lined with candles. Turn a corner, and an elegantly designed space that feels like an Old World train carriage appears out of nowhere. Offering a view of the buzzing hotel kitchen, the white marble table has just 12 seats. Book a few spots or the whole room to enjoy 10 to 14 artistic courses by executive chef Robin Zavou paired with Krug champagnes. Each multi-sensory course arrives with dramatic presentations and storytelling to delight your taste buds and spark your imagination.

If you can’t snag a dinner reservation, check out the Krug-tasting sessions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with delicious snacks from Zavou.    

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Travel back in time to Lai Chi Wo 

Originally home to a community of Hakka people, an ethnic group that migrated from northern China, this 350-year-old walled village is one of the oldest and largest settlements in Hong Kong. Inside Lai Chi Wo , you’ll find more than 200 well-preserved houses, temples and ancestral halls, some of which have been remodeled into shops and cafés. 

After admiring the architecture, follow the short Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail to explore the surrounding “fung shui” woods, farmlands and coastal mangrove forests. Fair warning: It’s a trek. The village is accessible via a scenic 10-mile hike or a 1.5-hour ferry service (from Ma Liu Shui Public Pier, about 30 minutes from Central), so plan your day trip in advance.   

Weave in some textile history 

If you’re a culture maven, you’ll undoubtedly have hot spots like Tai Kwun , PMQ and the West Kowloon Cultural District — home to M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum — on your radar. But if you’re keen to venture off the beaten path, head over to The Mills in Tsuen Wan, about 30 minutes on the MTR from Central. At this destination for heritage and innovation, industry giant Nan Fung Textiles Limited transformed its former cotton-spinning mills into a creative revitalization complex devoted to Hong Kong’s fashion and textile industry. 

In addition to exploring fascinating relics, seasonal exhibitions, beautiful murals and architectural details at the textile heritage museum dubbed CHAT ( Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile ), you can partake in hands-on workshops and tours. Afterward, enjoy a meal at one of the artisanal restaurants or shop for eco-conscious lifestyle products and indie fashion on The Mills Shopfloor. One of the boutiques, Fabrica X , features creations from The Mills Fabrica, an accelerator for sustainable fashion technology and agri-food startups.  

Take home a piece of porcelain  

For Hong Kong souvenirs that you’ll treasure forever, find your way to Yuet Tung China Works. Concealed in a commercial building in Kowloon Bay, this treasure trove of hand-painted ceramics overflows with racks of high-quality porcelain, from decorative tableware to vases, lamp bases and even children’s cups and bowls. 

Specializing in guang cai (a style of overglaze decoration dating to the Qing Dynasty), the family-run company was established nearly 100 years ago in 1928 and is one of the last of its kind in Hong Kong. Amid the store’s narrow aisles and jam-packed shelves, you’ll likely see an artist at work, hand-painting tiny flowers and animals onto delicate pieces.  

Catch a delicious pop-up  

Looking for a low-key night out? Don’t miss a chance to experience a pop-up dinner at Test Kitchen . Located in a cool, loft-style warehouse in Sai Ying Pun, a vibrant neighborhood west of Central, this experimental space invites chefs worldwide to showcase their limited-time menus. 

Past experiences have included everything from a Danish pastry journey and Balinese feast to a farm-to-table menu by influential Hong Kong chef Devon Hou , who has worked at Five-Star establishments such as Amber and the Mandarin Grill + Bar . 

Track down killer cocktails 

Whether tucked away in nondescript commercial buildings or hidden behind playful facades, Hong Kong bars are fun to find. The city’s first speakeasy-style lounge, 001 , recently moved from its original location amid the bustling market stalls on Graham Street to an even harder-to-find spot in Tai Kwun. Wander deep into a converted prison and navigate a maze of hallways, stairwells and seemingly identical black prison doors until you spot a discreet vintage doorbell — your ticket inside. Once you’re in, sip on a signature Earl Grey Martini, reminiscent of a gin sour, at this jazzy, jewel-toned cocktail bar.  While the night’s still young, slink over to Five-Star The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong . Head up the stairs and step inside the vintage phone booth at the back of MO Bar . Push any button to enter PDT (Please Don’t Tell) — a collaboration with the famed New York cocktail bar. With just 25 seats, the intimate, wood-clad space feels a world away from the busy streets of Central.

Savor a Benton’s Old Fashion, a locally inspired gourmet hot dog (like the Typhoon Shelter Dog) and “Cheung Fun” tater tots to get the full experience. Alternatively, you can join one of the Sunday School cocktail masterclasses for a spirited day out. 

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Make a secret splash 

If you love a great hike with sea views, plan a day trip to the Ap Lei Pai tide pool to see another side of Hong Kong. Take the MTR down to the South Side, near Aberdeen, and hop off at Lei Tung station (Exit B) on Ap Lei Chau island. Walk south on Lei Tung Estate Road until you see a McDonald’s on the left. Straight ahead, two yellow booths mark the start of the hidden trailhead. From there, follow the short but challenging 2.2-mile coastal loop. Steep concrete steps will take you up the hill, past a playground and onto a dirt trail over Mount Johnston, then across a narrow sandbar onto Ap Lei Pai island. 

You’ll spot the white Mount Johnson Lighthouse at the island’s southern tip. Continue around the coastline, and you’ll find the tide pool about 350 feet to the right. Clamber down the rocks into the pool, soak up the serene atmosphere, then hire a local sampan boat or hike back to Aberdeen. There’s little shade on this hike, so we’d recommend going on an overcast day or early in the morning. Be sure to pack lots of water, gloves, shoes with good grip and sun protection. 

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Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

• The hotel is home to Ozone, the highest rooftop bar in Hong Kong, which is on the 118th floor with a breathtaking view of the entire city by night.
• You’ll find a stellar selection of restaurants at the hotel, but the premier place to dine is Tin Lung Heen. Make a reservation for this outstanding Chinese restaurant and experience firsthand why it’s so deliciously deserving of its reputation and international awards.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is very kid-friendly. You’ll find high chairs in every restaurant to welcome little ones, and children will find a variety of foods among the buffet spread at Café 103.
• With crystal chandeliers in bold colors that glitter and bling in contemporary style, each part of Hong Kong hotel, from the rooms to the restaurants, have their own chic style.
• There’s special something about the way the staff at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is always happy to assist guests. No task is too small or menial and it’s done with a smile.
• It’s hard to complain while working out on the 118th floor with advanced Technogym equipment that does things like count reps for you.
• There’s a sitting area with sweets on the ninth floor of the building housing the Four-Star hotel. We suggest you pop down to the ground floor entrance of the building to enjoy a bite.
• Each night, you’ll feel special to find your room prepared for sleep and a tiny box with good night chocolates. What’s not to like?
• Rooms are done in soothing neutral tones of beige and cream, accented by natural wood surfaces and expanses of marble in the bathrooms.
• Black lacquer pieces, woven fabrics and ikebana-inspired fresh flowers add a subtle Asian feeling, while spacious rooms and multiple closets make settling into your room easy.
• The centerpiece of the room is the bed, topped with high thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, four fluffy feather pillows and an abundance of silky throws.
• Every bathroom at the hotel is appointed with cool, gleaming marble, which immediately sets a classic and luxurious tone. Bath lovers will rejoice in the deep tub with a shower spray accompanied by a dish of scented bath salts.
• You can get Cantonese cuisine without leaving the Hong Kong hotel at Tin Lung Heen, which serves up items like dim sum and tea, and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
• For Western world delicacies, Tosca di Angelo serves up Italian food from an open kitchen daily for lunch and dinner, plus Sunday brunch.
• And then there’s Café 103, which serves a lunch and dinner buffet and chocolate afternoon tea.
• With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a sensational view of the Hong Kong city skyline, The Lounge and Bar offers all-day dining, traditional afternoon tea, an organic salad bar, an à la carte menu and cocktails in the evening.

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