Hong Kong Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local customs in Hong Kong. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a bustling city located in East Asia, with a population of over 7 million people. It is a major financial hub, and also a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of traditional Chinese and modern Western culture.

List of Places to Visit in Hong Kong

Here is a list of the top attractions to visit in Hong Kong:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Hong Kong Museum of History
  • The Hong Kong Heritage Museum
  • The Hong Kong Science Museum
  • The Victoria Peak
  • The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
  • Wong Tai Sin Temple

Natural Attractions of Hong Kong: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
  • The Kowloon Walled City Park
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • Ocean Park Hong Kong
  • Victoria Harbour

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some recommended routes:

  • Dragon’s Back Hike
  • Victoria Peak to Central Hike
  • Lantau Island Hike
  • MacLehose Trail
  • Tai Mo Shan Country Park

Best Things to Do in Hong Kong: Activities and Tours

There are endless things to do in Hong Kong, here are some of the best:

  • Take the Peak Tram for scenic views
  • Attend a horse racing event at Happy Valley Racecourse
  • Enjoy a traditional Cantonese dim sum meal
  • Visit the night markets in Mong Kok
  • Explore the world-class shopping areas, such as Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui
  • Take a ferry and explore the outlying islands

Week-Long Itinerary for Hong Kong

If you have one week to explore Hong Kong, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Victoria Peak and Central District
2 Wong Tai Sin Temple and Kowloon Walled City Park
3 Disneyland or Ocean Park Hong Kong
4 Lantau Island Hike and Big Buddha
5 MacLehose Trail and Tai Mo Shan Country Park
6 Hong Kong Island Hike and Aberdeen Fishing Village
7 Causeway Bay Shopping and Horse Racing at Happy Valley

Food and Drink Scene of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise, offering an impressive range of international and local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dim Sum
  • Roast Goose
  • Sweet and Sour Pork
  • Wonton Noodle Soup
  • Hong Kong-style French Toast

Local Beverages

  • Hong Kong-style Milk Tea
  • Yuanyang (a mix of coffee and milk tea)
  • Red Bean Ice

Where to Stay in Hong Kong: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hong Kong offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some options:

  • Budget: YHA Mei Ho House, Yesinn @YMT, Hop Inn on Mody
  • Mid-Range: Hotel ICON, Butterfly on Prat, Cordis Hong Kong
  • Luxury: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

What to Buy in Hong Kong: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hong Kong offers a variety of local products that make perfect souvenirs, such as:

  • Chinese tea and teaware
  • Silk scarves and clothing
  • Hong Kong-style milk candy
  • Hand-crafted chopsticks and bowls
  • Herbal remedies and tonics

Local Culture and Customs of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a unique cultural blend of both Chinese and Western influences. Here are some customs and cultural practices to be aware of:

  • Greet others with a handshake or nod of the head
  • Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home
  • Use chopsticks when dining, but don’t point them at others
  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

The best time to visit Hong Kong is during the cooler months of October to February, when temperatures are mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hong Kong

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Hong Kong:

Do:

  • Carry a sufficient amount of cash, as some local shops may not accept credit cards
  • Bring comfortable shoes, as many areas are best-explored on foot or by public transportation
  • Try local delicacies, especially their famous dim sum and milk teas.

Don’t:

  • Do not jaywalk or litter in public areas, because fines could be issued by the authorities.
  • Do not tip more than 10% when dining, as is the norm in Hong Kong, as many restaurants already charge a service fee.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is generally safe, but it’s always best to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Watch out for scams and pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Health in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a good healthcare system, but medical costs can be high. It’s recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Hong Kong.

Getting to Hong Kong: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hong Kong

Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport, located on Lantau Island, but there are other airports in the region such as Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport which can also be used to reach Hong Kong.

Bus Stations Near Hong Kong

There are many bus stations throughout Hong Kong, offering services to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

Hong Kong also offers ferry services to nearby islands, as well as an extensive network of trains, buses, and trams within the city.

How to Get Around in Hong Kong

Public transportation in Hong Kong is efficient and affordable, with options such as buses, ferries, trams, and a world-famous metro system - the MTR.

Where to Go Next from Hong Kong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations and excursions easily accessible from Hong Kong, such as:

  • Macau, known for its historic sites, casinos, and cuisine
  • Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities, with a rich history and bustling markets
  • Shenzhen, a modern metropolis with attractions such as theme parks and shopping centers.

Conclusion

Hong Kong offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese and modern Western culture, with an array of attractions, food, and activities for visitors to enjoy. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and have an unforgettable time in Hong Kong.

Map of Hong Kong Map of Hong Kong Boundary Stone along the Victoria City Boundary at Old Peak Road Boundary Stone along the Victoria City Boundary at Old Peak Road View from Tsim Sha Tsui View from Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong skyline at night Hong Kong skyline at night Dragon Boat on the beach at Silver Mine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Dragon Boat on the beach at Silver Mine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Dragon Boat Racing, Tuen Ng Festival Dragon Boat Racing, Tuen Ng Festival Lion dancing: a dramatic spectacle at Chinese New Year. Lion dancing: a dramatic spectacle at Chinese New Year. Visa policy of Hong Kong Visa policy of Hong Kong An Entry Permit of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region An Entry Permit of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Hong Kong International Airport at night Hong Kong International Airport at night West Kowloon station West Kowloon station High speed train from West Kowloon station to Guangzhou South station High speed train from West Kowloon station to Guangzhou South station A TurboJet catamaran A TurboJet catamaran The ''Star Pisces'' at Ocean Terminal The ''Star Pisces'' at Ocean Terminal Blake Pier at Stanley Blake Pier at Stanley Shuttle buses between Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macao Shuttle buses between Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macao MTR system map MTR system map A typical MTR Station entrance; its symbolic red circle icon is easily recognisable. A typical MTR Station entrance; its symbolic red circle icon is easily recognisable. Peak Tram entering Victoria Peak terminus Peak Tram entering Victoria Peak terminus Geographically accurate map of the Light Rail network Geographically accurate map of the Light Rail network A New World First Bus double decker bus. A New World First Bus double decker bus. A typical green public light bus A typical green public light bus Star Ferry and the Island skyline Star Ferry and the Island skyline Crew using billhook to catch mooring rope. Crew using billhook to catch mooring rope. A kai-to operating between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau A kai-to operating between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau Red taxis in Kowloon Red taxis in Kowloon A map of Routes of Hong Kong. Note that the map doesn't include the newly built Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok Link A map of Routes of Hong Kong. Note that the map doesn't include the newly built Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok Link Stilt Houses in Tai O Stilt Houses in Tai O Murray House Murray House Tian Tan Buddha Tian Tan Buddha Tai Mei Tuk country park, looking south towards Shatin town, north eastern Hong Kong. Tai Mei Tuk country park, looking south towards Shatin town, north eastern Hong Kong. Fireworks at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Fireworks at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Ngong Ping 360 Ngong Ping 360 A colourful tram A colourful tram Retro tram passing the wet market at Chun Yeung Street, North Point Retro tram passing the wet market at Chun Yeung Street, North Point Pui O beach is a great destination for campers at Sai Kung East Country Park Pui O beach is a great destination for campers at Sai Kung East Country Park Main building of the University of Hong Kong Main building of the University of Hong Kong International Commerce Centre, Kowloon International Commerce Centre, Kowloon At 415 metres or 88 stories tall, the IFC is among the world's tallest buildings and home to one of Hong Kong's most prestigious shopping centres. At 415 metres or 88 stories tall, the IFC is among the world's tallest buildings and home to one of Hong Kong's most prestigious shopping centres. Stanley Plaza Stanley Plaza Ornaments Shopping in Stanley Hong Kong Ornaments Shopping in Stanley Hong Kong Mong Kok Ladies' Market Shoes Mong Kok Ladies' Market Shoes Hot and iced Hong Kong tea Hot and iced Hong Kong tea Cantonese fast food: winter melon soup (冬瓜盅) with steamed beef cake (蒸牛肉餅), rice and tea Cantonese fast food: winter melon soup (冬瓜盅) with steamed beef cake (蒸牛肉餅), rice and tea Seafood Street in Sai Kung, Hong Kong/New Territories Seafood Street in Sai Kung, Hong Kong/New Territories Live seafood tanks, Sai Kung Live seafood tanks, Sai Kung A selection of ''dim sum''. Clockwise from top left: shrimp dumplings (蝦餃 ''har gau''), chicken and vegetable congee (粥 ''juk''), jasmine tea, steamed dumplings, barbecued pork buns (叉燒包 ''char siu bau''), rice noodle rolls with soy sauce (腸粉 ''cheong fun'') A selection of ''dim sum''. Clockwise from top left: shrimp dumplings (蝦餃 ''har gau''), chicken and vegetable congee (粥 ''juk''), jasmine tea, steamed dumplings, barbecued pork buns (叉燒包 ''char siu bau''), rice noodle rolls with soy sauce (腸粉 ''cheong fun'') Seafood Seafood Lan Kwai Fong at night Lan Kwai Fong at night Typhoon warning 1 announcement Typhoon warning 1 announcement Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre Phone shop in the Sha Tin Plaza mall Phone shop in the Sha Tin Plaza mall


    Central
    Eastern District
    Lantau
    New Territories
    Outlying Islands
    Southern District