Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most desired cities that will definitely surprise you time and time again. I have been visiting Hong Kong since there was no underwater tunnel between Kowloon and Hong Kong, no MTR running in between, and the only way to commute was to take the Star Ferry. However, Hong Kong has come a long way, and now it’s one of the best cities in the world, well known for its vibrant atmosphere and a gateway to China – it has become a city that never sleeps in the east. Eventually, I fell in love, and every time I visit Hong Kong and places like Tsim Sha Tsui, Cheung Chau Island, and Lantau Island, it makes me feel like going back again.
Helpful Information
Best Time To Visit
Best Time To Visit – Hong Kong has a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate. It is mild for more than half the year. As a result, there are mild, relatively dry winters and hot, humid, and wet summers. I’d recommend visiting Hong Kong anytime between March – April and October – December when the temps are pleasant, cool, and mostly sunny, and tourists haven’t completely swarmed the city. Plus, hotel rooms should be cheaper (besides Easter).
Summer in Hong Kong is hot between June and August, typically bringing higher temperatures of the year. During the day, the temperature usually exceeds 30º C, the hottest and most humid month of the year. Therefore, it is considered the peak season for travelers.
How To Get There
The best way to get there is by air or by road from neighboring countries.
Airport Express From Hong Kong Airport
The best way to take the Airport Express to the city is from the airport. This AE train will take to Kowloon Station in just 20 minutes and Hong Kong Station in 24 minutes, and the cost is HK$90 per adult and HK$100, respectively. Children ride for less.
Once you get off at Kowloon station, you can use the MTR complimentary shuttle buses to get to Tsim Sha Tsui district or take a taxi to your hotel. Similarly, from HK station taxi or tram is available.
Ferry From Macau to Hong Kong
There are plenty of ferries from Macau Outer Harbour (City Center) or Taipa Terminal (close to Macau International Airport) to Kowloon, Hong Kong (Sheung Wan), and Hong Kong International Airport (Skypier). In fact, a total of 155 sailings per day. The ride is about an hour, and the cost runs between US$23 – US$ 35, depending on your itinerary.
Ferry from Guangzhou, China, to Hong Kong
There is a ferry service from Guangzhou (Liangzhou Ferry Terminal) to Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal). The trip is only 80 minutes to cover 61 sea miles.
Getting Around in Hong Kong
There are many ways to get around Hong Kong, such as Aiport Express, MTR, Taxis, Buses & Minibuses, Ferries, Trams, and the Peak Tram. As a result, the city maintains one of the world’s safest, most efficient, and most frequent public transport systems.
By MTR, Ferry and Trams
MTR is modern, easy to use, clean, and much faster and efficient modes of transportation in the city. Star Ferry and trams is also very popular and sometimes gets crowded.
The eight minutes ride crossing the Victoria Harbor boarding one of those fascinating Star Ferry will definitely be one of your most memorable moments. The cost is just a couple of Hong Kong dollars, but the excitement would be tremendously rewarding.
By Bus
The British style double-decker buses are fun to ride. It is one of the popular mode of transportation in Hong Kong, parts of Kawloon and the New Territories.
By Taxi
Taxies are reliable and available from the designated taxi stand outside the arrival hall in Hong Kong. Taxi in Hong Kong is reliable and fairly honest.
Rental Car/Self Driving
Please stay away from renting a car in Hong Kong; it is difficult driving around in jam-packed traffic conditions in Hong Kong. You will simply waste your valuable time and get agitated and stressed instead of enjoying your vacation.
Hong Kong is a vast spread-out city with multiple islands; therefore, finding a suitable area to stay in requires prior experience or expert recommendation.
One popular tourist spot is the Tsim Sha Tsui area, located in the southern part of Kowloon island.
On Hong Kong Island, Sheung Wan is another location where you will find many budget-friendly hotels. It’s only one stop west of the Central MTR station. Here are a few hotels where I stayed:
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, 3 Canton Road, Harbour City Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon
For a great view of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Skyline
Regal Oriental Hotel, 30-38 Sa Po Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
The Imperial Hotel, 32 – 34 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Search Hotels in Hong Kong
Visa Requirement
Visa Requirement – Hong Kong visa is not required for tourists from more than 160 countries. A stay ranging from 7 to 180 days is granted according to nationality. For more on Hong Kong visa requirements, click here.
Check out iVisa for visa services
Things To Do In Hong Kong
Ride on The Star Ferry
The eight minutes ride crossing the Victoria Harbor boarding one of those fascinating Star Ferry will definitely be one of your most memorable moments. The cost is just a couple of Hong Kong dollars, but the excitement would be tremendously rewarding.
A Tram Trip in Hong Kong Island
The best way to explore Hong Kong island is to hop on to one of those iconic trams. The tram line runs 30 kilometers from Shau Kei Wan on the island’s eastern end to Kennedy Town on the western line.
It’s also known as ‘ding ding’ among locals, and it’s as easy as it can get for the tourists, just Board through the rear door and, exit through the front, pay while exiting.
Follow The Central Walkways for Miles
Soon we got off the historical Star Ferry; we walked on this world’s longest open-air covered escalator system for about a mile. It was fun as there was no traffic light and no street to cross, but I still could enjoy the bustling view of Hong Kong from the top. This elevated walkway is a huge footbridge network spanning over 2,600 ft (800 meters).
Visit The Peak For A Birds Eye View
Buy the Peak Tram Sky Pass to make the most of this thrilling peak adventure. Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride on the one-of-a-kind Peak Tram, ascending to great heights while marveling at the magnificent Hong Kong skyline and the glistening harbor from the Sky Terrace 428. But here’s a secret tip: time your visit to coincide with the bewitching hours of sunset. As you reach the Peak, a feast for the senses awaits you at the delightful restaurants overlooking Hong Kong. Indulge in a delectable meal while being treated to a breathtaking laser light show, adding a touch of magic to your dining experience. Prepare to create treasured memories that will last a lifetime amidst the enchanting atmosphere of the Peak.
Explore The Kowloon Water Front
Along Victoria Harbour, the longest waterfront promenade in Hong Kong, is one of the places that should not be missed. The beautiful waterfront is located on the reclaimed land just west of Kwun Chung on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong, from where you can enjoy the awesome view of Hong Kong’s dazzling cityscape. Every evening tourists and locals gather to enjoy the world’s most spectacular Symphony of Lights laser show. According to Guinness World Records, the beautiful light shows are also known as the world’s largest living light and sound show.
Cruise In Victoria Harbor – Junk Boat
Nothing can be more natural than taking a Junk boat to enjoy Hong Kong’s impressive skyline and coastlines. So planning a junk trip should be on your wish list without a second thought. It’s a great way to experience Hong Kong’s glossy ultra-modern skyscrapers from the slow-moving junk and in the evening, especially when the world-famous Symphony of Lights laser show comes to play. Different companies offer their tailored itinerary; select one based on your preferences. You can access them from Tsim Sha Tsui public pier 1, Kowloon, or Central Pier 9, Hong Kong.
North Point Wet Market, Hong Kong
Hop on an eastbound tram and get off at Chun Yeung Street, North Point. You can’t miss the old narrow street, the only segment of the tram line that runs through the middle of a crowded, wet market. It is fun to experience the scene of the old-school market. Often shoppers dodge the trams, and buzzy stalls on both sides are extended onto the street, selling fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Day Trip To Macau from Hong Kong
Macau is a great day trip location from Hong Kong. Take an early morning Ferry from Hong Kong, and you will be there in an hour. You got the entire day to explore and big casino hopping. It got 5 of the world’s 10 largest casinos of the world. Also, UNESCO World Heritage sites San Ma Lo and Guia Fortress are worth paying a visit to. I have traveled multiple times to Macau and have never been disappointed, even though I am not a casino enthusiast.
Visit Causeway Bay for shopping
This area has a broad collection of goods, from high-end brands to streetside markets. If you are into shopping, you definitely need to check out SOGO, Lee Gardens, Hysan Place, Times Square, and for bargain hunters, the street called Jardine’s Crescent.
Day Trip to Lantau Island
Lantau Island is a rewarding day trip location from the City. There are many attractions such as sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, appealing villages, beautiful scenery, and Disneyland Theme Park. Lantau is “broken head” in Cantonese, the largest island in Hong Kong. Northeast is dominated by the new airport, multi-lane highway, high-speed railroad, Tung Chung, Tsing Ma Bridge, and the Disneyland Theme park. The center of Lantau is dominated by towering mountains, Lantau peak (3,064 ft/934 m), Sunset Peak (2,852 ft/869 m), and a number of Buddhist monasteries.
Once in Lantau, Visit The Tsing Ma Bridge
The sceneries of Tsing Ma Bridge are magnificent day and night though visitors cannot walk on the bridge as there is no pavement. It is suggested to overlook the grand steel-constructed Tsing Ma Bridge at Tsing Xin.
Climb Atop Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha)
Lantau’s best know attraction is located up on the mountain, famous for its 72 ft world’s largest outdoor bronze statue of a seated Buddha. A long stair of steps leads up to the statue, with fantastic views from the top. Ngong Ping Cable Car is a visually spectacular 5.7 km bi-cable ropeway. The cable car journey begins from Tung Chung, crossing Tung Chung Bay to reach the Airport Island angle station and turns about 60 degrees in the air towards North Lantau. Take the MTR (orange line) to Tung Chung to get to the cable car. From there, it’s less than 5 minute walk to the cable car station.
For a Spectacular View, Take The Cable Car Ngong Ping 360
Link Tung Chung with the Monastery. The vistas of the distant and vast South China Sea and the rolling grassland slopes of North Lantau Country Park from the cable car slowly take over from the hustle and bustle of the city. The journey also offers a breathtaking panorama of the Hong Kong International Airport, the verdant, mountainous terrain of Lantau Island, Tian Tan Buddha, and the 360-degree view of Ngong Ping Plateau.
Visit a Beach in Mui Wo (Solver Mine Bay)
Lantau is understandably famed for the long, smooth, and often empty beaches that line much of its southern coastline. The most popular and crowded beach is at Silvermine Bay (Mui Wo). There are numerous Chinese restaurants, either cheap or moderately cheerful, at the Mui Wo Cooked Food Market by the ferry pier.
A Ferry Trip To Cheung Chau Island
Cheung Chau is “Long Island” in Cantonese and is the most densely populated in outline islands. The curving waterfront promenade, the playa, is one of the most exciting places in Hong Kong, particularly after sunset when its alfresco restaurants burst into life only yards from the fishing vessels docking at anchor.
Catch a ferry from Central Pier 5 (get out from MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1 and walk through IFC mall). 10 kilometers (approx. 6.2 miles) southwest of Hong Kong Island lays Cheung Chau Island. The fast ferry takes about 35-40 minutes; the slow one takes about 1 hour.
Traditional Food and Drinks
Serenade Chinese Restaurant, 2/F, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
For great Cantonese dim sum, visit this place. While having your food, you can enjoy the breathtaking Victoria Harbor. One of the highlights is the Goldfish Dumplings, Squid-shaped Red Bean Buns, and more.
If you are in Hong Kong, you definitely got to try dim sum!
Tim Ho Wan Restaurant, Hong Kong Station (Podium Level 1 IFC Mall) Shop 12A, Hong Kong
The food is superb at affordable prices, so Tim Ho Wan is often called the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world! Not a fancy-looking chain and the service is minimal, but sometimes there could be over an hour to get a tiny table. I got to try things to know why.
Our favorite soup dumpling in Hong Kong
Yung Kee Restaurant, 32 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Cantonese-style roast goose is a symbolic dish in Hong Kong’s fabulous cuisine. Nothing can beat the taste of crispy, crackling goose skin and delicious meat if done correctly. Try their family recipes for charcoal-grilled barbecue meats and classic Cantonese meals.
Book your Sightseeing Trip
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