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Is Hong Kong worth the long-haul flight and expensive airfare? Are you torn between flying the 14 hours needed to get to Hong Kong or skipping this crowded, energetic metropolis altogether?
I’m fortunate to have been visiting Hong Kong almost every year since childhood. I know exactly what makes Hong Kong unforgettable and what might make you wish you’d went somewhere else.
Imagine the constant flashing of neon lights, ultra-modern skyscrapers clashing with the humble, holy temples below, and the signature odour wafting off of Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong itself can be an assault on the senses. Some travellers might thrive in it; some might detest it.
In this guide, you’ll get my best travel tips Hong Kong visitors need to know. I share my favourite top sights every first timers should visit, must-try dim sum dishes, and tips on where to stay and shop.
I’ll also cover entry requirements and street-smart advice (including what to know about politics and counterfeit goods). By the end, you’ll know whether Hong Kong belongs on your bucket list or whether it’s a city you should admire in pictures only.
Know Before You Go
Some essential tips for travelling to Hong Kong to make your trip smoother.
Language: Cantonese Chinese.
Many locals can also converse in Mandarin Chinese and English is widely spoken in major places. Show your hotel name in written Chinese in case the taxi driver you get doesn’t speak English. Uber is widely used too. That’s another option you could use to avoid some language barriers.
Currency: the HKD (Hong Kong Dollar)
Voltage: 220 V. Make sure to pack an international adapter! See my post on Essential Items to Pack in your Carry-on for tips on what plug adapters to buy.
Major Train Station: The airport express drops you off at major stations that’ll connect you to the metro subway.
Major Airport: Hong Kong International Airport
How many days do you need to visit Hong Kong?
I say you need at least 5 days in Hong Kong to really soak it up. Depending on where you’re coming from, flight times can range between 14-16 hours from major cities in North America.
You’ll want 1 or 2 days to get over jet lag and to fully explore this incredible city. 5 days will give you just enough time to hit some major tourist attractions, indulge in some local cuisine, and to shop at some luxury stores or bargain hunt in the markets.
What are the entry requirements?
Most visitors will only need a valid passport. You may need a tourist visa depending on your country of origin. Be sure to check your local government’s travel website for entry and exit requirements to Hong Kong.
Macau, the gambling island, is also a popular destination for travellers to Hong Kong. If you plan to go, you’ll have to exit Hong Kong, cross customs at Macau, and cross customs again if you’re returning to Hong Kong.
Yes, it can get complicated, so please triple check all the travel documents you might need!
Avoid engaging in local protests
Hong Kong has seen some political unrest in the last few years. I strongly advise engaging in any political activity or spreading political content on social media while you’re in the country.
This isn’t to scare you off from visiting Hong Kong. It’s a marvellous city, but I’d recommend leaving politics out of your itinerary. Getting detained will definitely put a damper on your travel plans.
When’s the best time to visit Hong Kong?
The best time is March to April and October to December. The weather is much cooler and the air quality slightly better. I recommend you avoid visiting Hong Kong during the summer months if you can.
Summer is blistering hot and the pollution rate is high. The summer months are also ripe for typhoon season. There are usually heavy rains meaning your trip can be easily disrupted, especially if you plan on visiting other islands.
Hong Kong is a crowded place. I find the mix of intense heat and people in the summer months completely unbearable.
Which neighbourhoods should you stay in Hong Kong?
Some top neighbourhoods to stay in are Mong Kok in the Kowloon district, and by Central or Sheung Wan, on Hong Kong Island.
Mong Kok is like the equivalent of Times Square in New York. There are large neon signs everywhere with boutiques and restaurants galore. The Kowloon side by Tsim Sha Tsui area is where you get the magnificent view of Victoria Harbour.
Central and Sheung Wan areas are on the Hong Kong Island side where the British first settled. It’s got a bit more old-world charm (like colonial buildings and Anglican churches dotted here and there) clashing with the sleek skyscrapers.
I say choose Mong Kok if you want to be walking distance to Tsim Sha Tsui for the best views of Victoria Harbour. And not to mention all the shopping that’s available here.
If you prefer to be closer to some tourist attractions like The Peak or ultra-luxury shopping malls (like The Landmark), then staying by Central could be a great option.
Both districts have easy access to major attractions. The MTR subway and buses will get you anywhere you’d like to go.
Don’t stay in Chungking Mansion
I’m someone who prefers to be safe than sorry. Chungking Mansion is a famous, law-less building filled with unlicensed hostels, restaurants, and medical services. They will advertise CHEAP accommodations for unsuspecting travellers.
But I’ve read too many news reports of unsavoury things happening there. So feel free to visit the building during the day, but I highly discourage anyone from staying there.
How to get around Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known for its efficiency in transport. The MTR subway will get you anywhere you need. Make sure to get an octopus card when you arrive. You can buy one, load it with funds, and use it to tap on at any station or bus.
The octopus card is sort of like a debit card. You can tap it to pay for purchases wherever the octopus card is accepted (which is sort of everywhere). You can even return it before your departure and get any leftover funds back.
Taxis still only take cash. Uber is widely available too. Trams and mini buses serve local routes, but most mini buses will require you to shout your stop in Cantonese. Again, have that Google Translate ready if you need help.
What are some top things to do for first timers?
There are a few top of the top landmarks in Hong Kong you must visit as a first timer.
Stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui to view Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is one of the most famous skylines in the world. There’s something romantic about the towering skyscrapers across the harbour glittering at night.
Avenue of Stars is a boardwalk that runs alongside the harbour of Tsim Sha Tsui. The best part is that it’s free to walk but there will be lots of tourists around.
Definitely come here in the evening to view the skyscrapers. All the towers are lit up at night and they flash advertising and play funky animations.
It’s a great chance to get some night time photos. Walk down a bit further to view some celebrity handprints and the golden statue of Bruce Lee.
Catch a birds-eye view of Hong Kong from The Peak
The tram, leading up The Peak, has been operating for over 130 years. Take this tram up over 1300 feet to get an impeccable view of both sides of Hong Kong.
The mountain is steep and it’s incredible seeing Hong Kong from a 45 degree angle while you’re heading up. Once at the top, make sure to head to the Sky Terrace for the view. It gets pretty windy up there so watch your belongings.
If you don’t want to wait for the tram, you can take the bus instead that winds up to the top. It takes a little longer though because it does stop at all the residential stops.
Admire the Big Buddha on Lantau Island
Lantau Island is home to the giant bronze Buddha. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up over water and mountains to land at the historical village leading to the Big Buddha.
The entire cable car ride takes about 15 minutes. During your ride, spot the airport island and you can see planes taking off. You’ll also be able to see the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge. It’s a 55 km bridge leading from Hong Kong to Macau.
Once at the top, climb up several stairs to reach the Buddha and spot the lovely monastery in the distance.
Tour the infamous Man Mo Temple
Man Mo temple in Sheung Wan is dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War. There are magnificent incense coils hanging from the ceilings and beautiful, but ghostly, hand-carved wooden gods on the altars.
The temple offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s quite intimate and even feels haunted at times, but it’s quite the sight to see.
I have a curated list of top things to see in Hong Kong if you need more inspiration.
What are the best shopping spots?
Hong Kong is famous for all the shopping spots it offers. Think of Hong Kong as shopping in New York, Milan, or Paris combined and on steroids. You will never run out of things to buy here.
But avoid buying counterfeit products!
First thing first, I urge you to avoid buying counterfeit luxury items. Hong Kong’s markets are filled with pretty good imitations of fake Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel and the like.
But countries are more strict about seizing counterfeit items at the border. Transporting counterfeit goods could seriously hamper your travel plans if you’re caught with them at security.
I say splurge on the real thing if you really want to buy a luxury item. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Bargain hunt at Ladies Market
Ladies Market has an eclectic mix of stuff to bargain for. There are usually no price tags on the items. You’ll have to ask the shop owners what they’re selling it for and then try your skills at bargaining if you want a lower price.
Ladies Market is filled with cheap clothing, Korean and Japanese accessories, and trinkets of all sorts. Note that you’re buying things more for looks than for quality here.
It can be pretty fun haggling with the shop owners. Simply walk away with your head held high if you don’t like their prices.
Boutique shop on Park Lane
Park Lane is literally a long lane of boutiques on Nathan Road. The shops here sell higher quality clothing and accessories. The prices here are fixed (like at most places); so no bargaining here unless you want to get nasty looks from the shop owners.
The boutiques sell trendy outfits and I think this is a great place to get some ready-to-wear fast fashion. You’ll find everything from trendy fashion, to shoes, to jewellery, to electronics. A lot of it is inspired by Korea or Japan.
Antique hunt on Hollywood Road (Sheung Wan)
First timers should definitely visit some antique stores on Hollywood Road. You’ll find endless stores selling Chinese antiques here. Some are quite impressive to see (like antique Persian rugs or giant jade sculptures of Buddhas and elephants)!
Now, I’m not really sure how to tell if many of the products are authentic Chinese antiques or not. Some places are a bit more reputable, but definitely do your research if you’re serious about buying antiques. My personal recommendation is to assume you’re buying a nice piece of artwork versus an authentic piece of history.
I say simply appreciate the craftsmanship of the piece for what it is. You can absolutely bargain about the price and pay what you’re comfortable with—or walk away if the price sounds too absurd.
Shop luxury at Ocean Terminal
If you want to splurge on luxury name brands, then this mall is one of the best places to do it. The mall itself isn’t all that interesting, but it’s great if you want authentic luxury products (like MaxMara, Boss, etc,).
I personally liked visiting the MoMa design store where I found some lovely pop-up postcards. You can also take a break at the rooftop bar if all the shopping gets too exhausting.
Where are the best places to eat dim sum for first timers?
Dim sum are like the tapas of the east. They’re small plates meant to be shared. Dim sum literally means that which touches the heart. Trying a few of these dishes hopefully leaves you satisfied, but also heart-warmed.
And you must try the most famous barbecue dish of the Far East: char siu. This tender, intensely red, honey soaked, barbecue pork is THE dish to try when you’re in Hong Kong.
Head to Lei Garden for traditional dim sum
Must-try dishes include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (meat dumplings in yellow wrappers), char siu (barbecue pork shoulder either on its own or inside a bun). Lei Garden is a very local joint; the dim sums are traditionally hand-made.
The flavours are what I remember from my childhood: savoury and intense. If you want a local joint for dim sum (and be prepared to use Google Translate), then this is for you.
Need your tea pot refilled while you’re at the dim sum restaurant? Simply take off the lid and put it to one side and someone will head over right away to refill it.
And if someone pours tea into your cup for you? Put your index and middle together and lightly tap the table. You’ve just politely said thanks to the person who poured your tea.
Indulge in refined char siu (BBQ pork) at The Ritz-Carlton
Splurge on one of the most refined char siu dishes at The Ritz-Carlton. Ride the elevator up to the 103rd floor and order the char siu dish made out of iberico pork.
It is one of the most tender, savoury, juiciest pieces of barbecue pork ever. And let’s say the view of Hong Kong from the 103rd floor is hard to beat. The ships and buildings look like Lego toys below.
Is it worth visiting Hong Kong then?
Hong Kong should absolutely be on your bucket-list if you admire engineering feats of architecture, endless cultural dishes to try, and infinite choices when it comes to shopping.
But the city can be overwhelming, noisy, crowded, and stimulating at every turn. It’s one of the great charms, and curse, of Hong Kong. In a way, the energy of the city stays with you long after you’ve flown home. And it’s an energy few other cities exude.
So if you’re ready to trade daydreams for boarding passes, then map out your Hong Kong adventure with my 1 day guide to Hong Kong or my 3 day guide to Hong Kong for itinerary inspirations.
And before you book your flight, grab my free travel planner so you can spend your trip exploring, instead of stressing out.
