Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant destinations in East Asia with bustling streets, exquisite beaches, traditional fishing villages, forest-covered mountains, impressive hiking trails, world-famous temples and cultural sites, beautiful islands, and amusement parks.
The indescribable energy of Hong Kong is what drives hundreds of thousands of tourists to the state-city every year. You’ll find something new and unique in every corner of Hong Kong, ranging from ancient temples to quirky handicrafts shops. Whether you want to try local cuisine or celebrate cultural festivals or revel in the mesmerizing views of the city, Hong Kong caters to travelers of all stripes.
The fast-paced city has many sides: some of which are exactly what you’d expect, while some are completely surprising. The bustling, skyscraper-packed city-state is steeped with energy and glamor and features endless entertainment options. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Hong Kong:
How To Get To Hong Kong?
The fastest way to fly into Hong Kong is via a direct flight. Hong Kong is a major aviation hub serviced by over 120 airlines. While travelers have plenty of choices for flights, Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific provides direct connections to many major cities throughout the world. You can book a direct flight with Cathay Pacific from major cities.
Flights are most expensive during Chinese New Year holidays. However, as the region is popular throughout the year, there is no particular time for cheap flights.
The gateway to the city-state is the Hong Kong International Airport and all passengers arriving in Hong Kong are required to take a medical test for COVID-19 before clearing immigration and baggage collection.
When To Go To Hong Kong?
While Hong Kong is a year-round destination, the best time to visit the city is between late September to late December. The weather in Hong Kong is great during autumn and early winter. Outdoor activities are also at peak during this time.
Where To Stay in Hong Kong?
Central District, Sheung Wan, Soho, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan & Yau Ma Tei, and Mongkok are the most popular places to stay in Hong Kong. Each area has a distinct culture and features something unique and interesting for everyone.
You may want to stay in the Central District if you want the best of cosmopolitan life. The crammed district features Hong Kong’s most iconic skyscrapers, upscale restaurants, and luxury hotels. While hotel choices in the area are limited to the upper range, Central District is well worth staying if you want to stay close to popular tourist spots like Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong. Conrad Hong Kong and JW Marriott Hotel are two of the most luxurious and stylish hotels in the area.
Sheung Wan offers a perfect escape from the commotion of Hong Kong’s main business district. With a laid-back and down-to-earth ambience, Sheung Wan is a great place to stay if you want to have peaceful yet exciting holidays. The Jervois, Ibis Hong Kong Central, and iclub Sheung Wan Hotel are among the best hotels in Sheung Wan.
Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay are the best neighborhoods for shopaholics. Both areas feature multitudinous malls and shops. Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay and L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbor View are the best hotels in Causeway Bay. Tsim Sha Tsui features an eclectic range of luxury and budget hotels, such as Butterfly on Prat Boutique Hotel and Hotel ICON.
Jordan & Yau Ma Tei is where you’ll get authentic Hong Kong cuisine. The neighborhood features winding streets filled with tons of authentic eateries that dish out all local staples. If you want to explore the sensational architecture of Hong Kong, there is no area better than Mongkok. The area features a wide range of hotel choice including luxury, budget, and mid-range.
How To Get Around Hong Kong?
You can get around Hong Kong by taxi, ferry, rail, bus, or tram. The city has one of the safest and most efficient public transport systems in the world. You can pay for all major transport systems in the form of cash, e-Wallet, or Octopus card.
If you are staying in Hong Kong for a couple of days, you must get an Octopus card, an add-value card that facilitates cash-free travel on all major public transport systems. You can also use the card at convenience stores and some shops. The fastest way to get to and from the airport is via the high-speed Airport Express that takes around 25 minutes to reach Hong Kong island.
Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway system covers all major districts in the region, including stops at the border with Mainland China. If you want to do sight-seeing while traveling across the city, you should travel via double-decker buses.
Mini Buses with a seating capacity of 19 also operate along specific routes at fixed prices. Some mini buses run along random routes and passengers can get on and off anywhere along the route. Trams are also an inexpensive way to get around Hong Kong. The city’s street trams operate on Hong Kong Island’s north corridor through Wan Chai, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay, and North Point.
What To See & Do in Hong Kong?
Whether you are staying in Hong Kong for a few days or a few weeks, you can never get enough of this immense destination. If you are staying in the Central District, you must take a ride on the famous Star Ferry on your first day. It is the best way to explore the picturesque scenery of the city. The next day, you can take a tram to Victoria Peak, a hill on the western half of Hong Kong Island. Even if you are staying somewhere far from the Central District, you can’t leave Hong Kong without riding Star Ferry or seeing Victoria Peak.
Some of the must-visit places of Hong Kong include Man Mo Temple, The Markets, Tian Tan Buddha, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Nathan Road, Lan Kwai Fong, Golden Bauhinia Square, Hong Kong Disneyland, Happy Valley Racecourse, Ocean Park, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Lamma Island, Tai Kwun Center for Heritage and Arts, and Tai Long Wan Beach.
It may be a little hard to see all of these places on a single trip especially if you are in the city for only a couple of days. However, you can do it if you manage time well. You can spend your afternoons seeing architectural landmarks, temples, and parks and try one of the city’s 2,000 types of dim sum every evening.
Outdoorists can go hiking or kayaking in the morning. The best way to delight in the epic views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline is by taking an evening cruise aboard the Aqua Luna.
