Hong Kong travel guide

Hong Kong Tourism | Hong Kong Guide

You're Going to Love Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the land of contrasts, with a culture that mixes its Chinese origins with colonial influences.

Shopping and museums will keep you as busy as exploring Hong Kong's foodie scene, diverse and mouthwatering.

What to do in Hong Kong

1. Take the Star Ferry

One of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong is taking the Star Ferry from the Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island and seeing the city from the water.

2. See the View from Victoria Peak

Known by locals as "The Peak," this is the best spot in Hong Kong to see the city from the top.

3. Visit Hong Kong Disneyland

Despite the much smaller scale than the other theme parks around the world, Hong Kong Disneyland still boasts the same magic that enchants both children and adults.

4. Shop at Street Markets

No experience in Hong Kong is as memorable as shopping around the street markets. Look for bargains and street food, but most importantly, observe the local atmosphere.

5. Experience the Temple Street Night Market

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without an evening at the Temple Street Night Market. It's the place to improve your bargaining skills and indulge in local food.

1. Take the Star Ferry

One of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong is taking the Star Ferry from the Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island and seeing the city from the water.

2. See the View from Victoria Peak

Known by locals as "The Peak," this is the best spot in Hong Kong to see the city from the top.

3. Visit Hong Kong Disneyland

Despite the much smaller scale than the other theme parks around the world, Hong Kong Disneyland still boasts the same magic that enchants both children and adults.

4. Shop at Street Markets

No experience in Hong Kong is as memorable as shopping around the street markets. Look for bargains and street food, but most importantly, observe the local atmosphere.

5. Experience the Temple Street Night Market

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without an evening at the Temple Street Night Market. It's the place to improve your bargaining skills and indulge in local food.

When to visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong in June
Estimated hotel price
S$ 162
1 night at 3-star hotel
Hong Kong in June
Estimated hotel price
S$ 162
1 night at 3-star hotel

The more comfortable weather in Hong Kong is from October to December, but you'll be missing out on the top events.

If you're ready to face the summer heat and the rains, one of the top events in Hong Kong takes place in August: the Hungry Ghost Festival.

How to Get to Hong Kong

Entry Requirements

Nationals from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa, as long as they're not traveling onward to other destinations in mainland China.

British citizens can stay for up to 180 days. Citizens from other countries are allowed to stay for up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality. Overstaying is considered a serious crime in Hong Kong that could lead to up to three years in prison.

Plane

Flights to Hong Kong land at the Hong Kong International Airport, a hub for the airline company Cathay Pacific. The airport is connected to the city center by shuttle bus and a dedicated express train line.

Train

Hong Kong is connected by high-speed train to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai in mainland China. Tickets can be purchased online.

Bus

There are regular bus connections between Hong Kong and several destinations like Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

Buses are operated by CTS Express Coach and Eternal East Cross Border Coach.

Boat

There are regular ferries connecting Shekou (30min), Zhuhai (1h 10m), and Zhongshan (1h 10m) to Hong Kong.

Entry Requirements

Nationals from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa, as long as they're not traveling onward to other destinations in mainland China.

British citizens can stay for up to 180 days. Citizens from other countries are allowed to stay for up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality. Overstaying is considered a serious crime in Hong Kong that could lead to up to three years in prison.

Plane

Flights to Hong Kong land at the Hong Kong International Airport, a hub for the airline company Cathay Pacific. The airport is connected to the city center by shuttle bus and a dedicated express train line.

Train

Hong Kong is connected by high-speed train to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai in mainland China. Tickets can be purchased online.

Bus

There are regular bus connections between Hong Kong and several destinations like Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

Buses are operated by CTS Express Coach and Eternal East Cross Border Coach.

Boat

There are regular ferries connecting Shekou (30min), Zhuhai (1h 10m), and Zhongshan (1h 10m) to Hong Kong.

Popular airports in Hong Kong

Popular airlines serving Hong Kong

Lufthansa
Good (7,112 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,348 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,655 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,828 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,616 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,919 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,107 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,441 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,801 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,510 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,655 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (800 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,326 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,288 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,524 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (853 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,334 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,878 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (782 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Hong Kong

Air conditioning is common in all rooms, regardless of the type of accommodation you choose. Only the most inexpensive rooms won't have private bathrooms.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hong Kong

Most booked hotels in Hong Kong

Royal Plaza Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 173+
The Salisbury - Ymca Of Hong Kong
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 154+
Harbour Grand Hong Kong
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 201+
Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 188+
The Royal Garden
5 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
S$ 189+
ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 132+

How to Get Around Hong Kong

Public Transportation

Hong Kong is served by the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Fares are approximately HK$5-55 ($0.60-7) depending on distance traveled. The network operates a mix of overground and underground trains, including a Light-Rail service.

Trams

Hong Kong's famous double-decker trams are one of the cheapest ways to get around, though slower than the MRT. A one-way ticket costs a flat fee of approximately HK$2.60 ($0.35) per person.

Bus

Bus is primarily used in the south of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, and the New Territories, considering the north of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are already well-covered by the MRT.

A one-way ticket starts at around HK$4.50 ($0.55) per person. Pay with exact change or consider purchasing an Octopus Card.

Car

Drive on the left side of the road and carry an International Driving Permit, even though most car rental companies will accept your country's driver's license. You must be at least 25 years old to rent a car.

Public Transportation

Hong Kong is served by the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Fares are approximately HK$5-55 ($0.60-7) depending on distance traveled. The network operates a mix of overground and underground trains, including a Light-Rail service.

Trams

Hong Kong's famous double-decker trams are one of the cheapest ways to get around, though slower than the MRT. A one-way ticket costs a flat fee of approximately HK$2.60 ($0.35) per person.

Bus

Bus is primarily used in the south of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, and the New Territories, considering the north of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are already well-covered by the MRT.

A one-way ticket starts at around HK$4.50 ($0.55) per person. Pay with exact change or consider purchasing an Octopus Card.

Car

Drive on the left side of the road and carry an International Driving Permit, even though most car rental companies will accept your country's driver's license. You must be at least 25 years old to rent a car.

The Cost of Living in Hong Kong

Meals average from around HK$60 ($7.60) at a food stall to HK$800 ($100) at an expensive local restaurant. Cash is preferred and ATMs are widely available, although debit and credit cards are accepted in most chain hotels and bigger restaurants. One week of groceries costs approximately HK$300 ($38).

Popular cities in Hong Kong