Hong Kong China

A Comprehensive Guide to Travelling in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a vibrant city-state nestled on the southeastern coast of China, is a captivating blend of East meets West. From its towering skyscrapers and bustling markets to its serene temples and stunning natural landscapes, Hong Kong offers a diverse and exciting experience for any traveller. This guide aims to be your one-stop resource for navigating the wonders of this dynamic city.

Getting Around:

Hong Kong boasts an incredibly efficient public transportation system, making it easy to explore even without a car. Here are some options:

  • Octopus Card: This rechargeable card is a must-have for getting around on the MTR (subway), buses, ferries, and even some convenience stores. It’s convenient and saves you money compared to buying individual tickets.

  • MTR (Mass Transit Railway): The “Octopus Card” can be used on the subway, which is the fastest and easiest way to get around Hong Kong.

    • Purchase: You can buy an Octopus card at convenience stores or MTR stations.
    • Value: The card acts as a local travel pass, usable across all public transportation. It’s like Hong Kong’s version of a universal transit card.

  • Hong Kong Buses: A comprehensive network crisscrossing the city, perfect for exploring different neighborhoods and reaching further destinations.

  • Trams: Take a ride on one of Hong Kong’s iconic double-decker trams through the city.

  • Buses: Explore the city by bus, offering affordable and convenient transportation across Hong Kong.

Things to Know:

  • Language: Cantonese is the official language but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the local currency. US dollars are also commonly accepted.
  • Weather: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for heavy rain and typhoons during the wet season (May-September).

Where to Stay:

Hong Kong offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

  • Luxury Hotels:
    • The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
    • The Peninsula Hong Kong
    • Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
    • Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
  • Boutique Hotels:
    • The Upper House
    • The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
    • The Pottinger Hong Kong
    • Hotel Madera
  • Hostels:
    • Chungking Mansion (budget-friendly and known for its unique atmosphere)
    • Hong Kong Youth Hostel Association (various locations, clean and safe)
  • Budget Hotels:
    • Hotel Panorama
    • The Kowloon Hotel
  • Airbnb: Look for apartments in popular areas like Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Mong Kok for a more local experience.

Accommodation Options Explained:

  • Luxury Hotels: These hotels offer the highest level of comfort and service. Expect amenities like swimming pools, spas, fine dining restaurants, and stunning views.
  • Boutique Hotels: Experience stylish and trendy accommodations with unique design elements and personalized services.

What to Do in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, offering a vibrant mix of attractions:

  • Explore the City:
    • Hong Kong Island: Hike up Victoria Peak for breathtaking views, wander through the bustling streets of Causeway Bay, or visit historical sites like the Man Mo Temple and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
  • Discover Cultural Treasures:
    • Temple Street Night Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this night market, known for its fortune tellers, street performers, and unique souvenirs.
    • Wong Tai Sin Temple: Experience the power of faith at this popular temple dedicated to the Taoist deity Wong Tai Sin.

Where to Eat:

  • Dai Pai Dongs: These open-air food stalls offer delicious and affordable Cantonese cuisine, a must-try for any foodie exploring Hong Kong.

  • Dim Sum: Indulge in this traditional Cantonese brunch, featuring a variety of small steamed dishes served with tea.

  • Michelin-starred restaurants: For the ultimate culinary experience, try a Michelin-starred restaurant (Hong Kong is known as “Asia’s Culinary Capital” and boasts numerous options for every taste and budget)

Food Markets:

  • Mong Kok Market: Experience the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s largest wet market.
  • Graham Street Market: Enjoy a variety of local delicacies, from steamed buns to roasted duck, at this traditional market with a focus on fresh food.

Culture & History:

  • Explore the city’s rich history: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene and explore Hong Kong’s colonial past at historical sites like the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens or the Hong Kong Museum of History.
  • Discover traditional Cantonese culture: Immerse yourself in local life by visiting temples, markets, and experiencing cultural performances

Food Stalls:

  • Learn about the history of the dim sum tradition: Experience the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s history and culture through its vibrant street food scene.

Things to Eat:

  • Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): Enjoy these fluffy, steamed buns filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork filling.
  • Cantonese Roast Meats: Sample the famous roasted meats like goose, duck, and chicken from a local eatery.

Things to See:

  • Hong Kong Island: Explore the bustling streets of Central, Hong Kong’s central business district, and enjoy the stunning views from Victoria Peak.

  • Victoria Harbour: Take a ferry ride across this iconic harbor for breathtaking cityscape views and a glimpse of the city’s maritime history.

  • The Peak Tram: Experience the unique charm of riding the historic peak tram to the top of Victoria Peak.

Hong Kong Island (continued):

  • Hong Kong Museum of History: Dive into Hong Kong’s past from its archaeological beginnings to modern times.

  • Temple Street Night Market: Browse the stalls for a variety of local delicacies, from sizzling skewers of BBQ pork and meat-stuffed buns to fresh seafood and sweet desserts.

  • Street Markets: Explore vibrant street markets like the Ladies’ Market and Stanley Market for their unique charm and fantastic bargains on everything from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and local snacks.

Food & Drink:

  • Temple Street Night Market: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this iconic market while sampling some delicious street food.

  • Dim Sum: No trip to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in dim sum, a culinary tradition that will tantalize your taste buds.

  • Hong Kong Disneyland: Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with themed rides and attractions.

Things to Eat (continued):

  • Enjoy delicious street food: Try local specialties like egg tarts, pineapple buns, and fish balls.

  • Explore Cantonese cuisine: Sample dim sum, noodles, roast meats, and seafood dishes.

  • Street food vendors: Offer a variety of other tasty treats as well, including:

    • Hong Kong-style milk tea: A strong, black tea with evaporated milk and sugar.

    • Street food snacks: Enjoy the vibrant street food culture and sample things like egg waffles, curry fish balls, and stinky tofu (a local delicacy that’s not for everyone!).

Where to Stay:

  • Hong Kong Island: Offers a range of luxury hotels with stunning harbor views.

    • Hong Kong Island Hotels: Enjoy upscale amenities and accommodations

    • Kowloon Hotels: Experience the bustling nightlife and shopping scene

  • Boutique Hotels:

  • Airbnb: Explore unique and affordable apartments in vibrant neighborhoods like:

    • Soho: Find stylish apartments close to the action.

    • Tai Kwun: Enjoy a mix of modern and historic accommodations.

Things to Do (continued):

  • Enjoy the nightlife: Hong Kong’s nightlife is diverse and exciting, with options for every taste.

  • Visit the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens: Discover the diversity of wildlife and plants in this urban oasis.

    • Explore the city’s parks:

      • Victoria Peak Garden: A beautiful garden with stunning views of the city.

    • Hong Kong Island: Enjoy a range of activities, from shopping and dining to hiking and visiting museums.

  • Experience the vibrant street food scene: Try a variety of local dishes, such as:

    • Cha Chaan Tengs: These traditional Hong Kong cafes are a great place to try local cuisine like pineapple buns and milk tea.

    • Street Food Stalls: Explore the variety of local delicacies available at these stalls.