Hong Kong was formerly under British colonization until it was returned to China in 1997. Today it is officially recognized as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. From hiking mountainous terrains to exploring the neon glowing nightlife, Hong Kong has something to offer all types of travelers!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
HONG KONG VISA
U.S. Citizens visiting Hong Kong for not more than three months/90 days are not required to obtain visas. Hong Kong generally requires that visitors hold a U.S. passport valid for at least one month. Those wishing to stay in Hong Kong more than three months must obtain visas from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Visitors are not permitted to study or work (whether paid or not).
WEATHER
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate making it a popular year-round destination for all travelers.
Winter (December – February): Humidity is low and temperatures are cooler. It does not often snow in Hong Kong.
Spring (March – May): Humidity is mild and temperatures are warmer. Rain and fog is common.
Summer (June – August): The worst time to visit Hong Kong. Humidity is high and temperatures are hot. It is also typhoon season in Hong Kong so you can expect plenty of rain and thunderstorms.
Fall (September – November): The best time to visit Hong Kong. Humidity is low and temperatures are warm. It does not rain often and you’ll get plenty of sunshine.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Hong Kong’s main currency is the Hong Kong Dollar. At the time of writing the current exchange rate is 7.8 HKD/USD. You can find money exchanges in the airport and across the city. International ATMs will provide you with the best exchange rate but you will get charged ATM plus any additional bank fees. I highly recommend opening a checking account with a bank that waives all ATM transaction fees before you travel abroad. You could easily save hundreds of dollars.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Hong Kong. Hotels, large retail stores and modern restaurants will accept credit card but most mom & pop stores and markets are cash only.
ELECTRICAL SOCKET TYPE
In Hong Kong the power sockets are mainly type G (3-pin rectangular blades often found in UK). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you are coming from the U.S.A then you will need to bring a power plug adapter. Most laptop and cellphone chargers are dual voltage but you will need a voltage converter for appliances such as hair straighteners.
CELL PHONE DATA & INTERNET
If you have an unlocked cell phone then you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or in the city that includes internet data, local calls and text depending on your needs. You can also rent and share a pocket WIFI if you have multiple people in your group.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is not required but highly encouraged when traveling to a foreign country. Unforeseen accidents do happen and expenses can really add up. The most popular for all types of travelers is World Nomads. Their policies are created specifically with travelers in mind. It doesn’t hurt to Get a Free Quote and decide from there.
TRANSPORTATION
The best way to get around Hong Kong is by public transportation. I highly recommend purchasing an Octopus card as it is convenient and offers a slight discount. The rechargeable card requires a one time activation cost of HK$150, which includes a HK$50 refundable deposit and HK$100 travel credit. You can get a refund at the end of your trip plus any remaining balance at any customer service centers. The card can be used towards most public transportation such as the MTR, buses, and trams. You can also use the card to pay for purchases at fast food & retail outlets, convenient stores, the peak tram and other locations provided with an Octopus reader.
Uber and Taxis are also easily accessible at a higher cost but better convenience. The public transportation is extremely efficient, low cost, and easy to navigate making this my preferred method of transportation.
ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT (HKG)
If you’re anything like me, I am usually lost, confused and frustrated when I first arrive at an unknown airport. I highly recommend taking the airport express train. It is the quickest and direct way into the city making three stops at Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Hong Kong stations. Example Pricing: It will cost you HK$110 single journey to Hong Kong Station and HK$170 if you purchase a group for 2. You will receive a bigger discount depending on group size. Once you arrive at Kowloon or Hong Kong Station you can then take a free shuttle service that drops passengers off at select major hotel stops.
WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong is divided into two integral areas by the Hong Kong harbor. Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with Lantau Island containing the airport, Disney Land, and Big Buddha. You needn’t worry choosing between Kowloon or Hong Kong Island because the two areas are well connected by the MTR and Star Ferry. It only becomes a difficulty late at night when the only available options are night buses, taxis, or Uber. Both areas contain great nightlife scenes so you’re safe partying at either side. I recommend booking a place near an MTR for convenience. Listed below are some popular areas most travelers choose to stay.
CENTRAL
Located on Hong Kong Island is the main hub of the business district filled with tall skyscrapers and expats. Expect to spend more as accommodations and restaurants tend to be more expensive. Popular nearby attractions include Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Park, and HK Zoo & Botanical Gardens. After sunset Lan Kwai Fong street becomes the hottest spot in Hong Kong Island for after-dark activities. Lined with restaurants and bars, you can easily find yourself mingling with expats, locals, and other travelers seeking a good time. Make your way over to a rooftop bar for a nice ambiance with a view.
WAN CHAI
Sandwiched between Central and Causeway Bay, this area is for those wanting to be in the center of the Hong Kong Island. Popular nearby attractions include the Golden Bouhinia Square and Hong Kong Convention Center. Lockhart road is popularly known as the red light district but also contains plenty of low key bars and restaurants.
CAUSEWAY BAY
Directly east of Wan Chai is shopping lover’s heaven. Home to mega malls such as Times Square, SOGO, and trendy Jardine’s Crescent Street Market, this area is perfect for those wanting to shop til they drop. You’ll also find the Hong Kong Stadium and Happy Valley Racecourse for some sports entertainment. This area is recommended for those coming to Hong Kong with a family.
SHEUNG WAN & WEST DISTRICT
Located west of Central, Sheung Wan hosts a large residential area. I’ve found many new trendy coffee shops and speakeasies scattered around this area. Man Mo Temple, Western Market, and the Sheung Wan Civic Center are just around the corner. There are many french expats living here so you’ll find many french inspired restaurants along with a mixture of other fusion cuisines. Gough street has developed into one of the coolest and hippest spot in Hong Kong. Stay here if you want a more relaxed and residential feel but still close to all the action in Central.
TSIM SHA TSUI (TST) AND KOWLOON AREA
Tsim Sha Tsui is situated south of Kowloon near Victoria harbor. This area is a popular tourist hub containing many shops and restaurants. It’s easier on the wallet for the budget travelers without sacrificing quality compared to Hong Kong Island. Popular nearby attractions include Symphony of Lights (8pm daily), Avenue of Stars, Kowloon Park, and museums. Keep heading north and you’ll run through Jordan and Mongkok area where you’ll find the famous Temple Street Night Market and many delicious local cuisines. Getting to Hong Kong Island is a short 10 minutes metro or ferry ride away. Knutsford Terrace street becomes the place to be when the sun calls it a night. I preferred staying in TST when visiting Hong Kong.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
1. The Luxe Manor – Situated perfectly in TST, this boutique hotel with quirky décor has the best staff. Popular attractions, restaurants, and the MTR are within walking distance.
2. Metro Park Causeway Bay – Convenient location in a quite neighborhood. Shopping malls are close with the MTR and trams nearby to swiftly take you into town.
3. Mandarin Oriental – Those looking to splurge can find this famous hotel located in Central on Hong Kong Island side. Perfect for those looking for a luxurious experience or traveling for business.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
VICTORIA PEAK
Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island with an elevation of 552 m (1,811 ft). It offers the best panoramic view of Central, Victoria Habour, Kowloon, and surrounding islands. There are several ways to reach the top but the recommended route is by riding the 10 minutes Peak Tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway. If you are contemplating visiting during day or night, why not both? Make you way over around sunset so you can experience the best of both worlds!
Address: No.1 Lugard Road, Hong Kong
MAN MO TEMPLE
The largest Man Mo temple in Hong Kong is located on Hollywood Rd in Sheung Wan. It was built to worship the Literature God, Man Tai, the Martial God, Mo Tai. Worshipers visiting will burn lots of incense to pray for success in their academic endeavors or to settle disputes. Clear your mind as you slowly walk through the lingering smoke creating a mythical and spiritual effect.
Address: 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
HONG KONG PARK
Situated right in the heart of the hustling and bustling business district of Central. This large park contains an aviary full of birds, fountains swarming with large kois, a blooming conservatory, and an outdoor amphitheater. It is the perfect place to be for a relaxing interlude. You will forget you are surrounded by giant skyscrapers next door!
Address: 19 Cotton Tree Dr, Central, Hong Kong Island
TIAN TAN (BIG BUDDHA)& PO LIN MONASTERY
Commonly known as the Big Buddha to outsiders, this large bronze statue of Buddha Gautama will leave you in awe. Nearby is the Po Lin Monastery which symbolizes harmony between man and nature, people and faith. Climb up the 268 steps to have a closer look at this remarkable statue!
Address: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
WISDOM PATH
A short wak from Tian Tan Buddha is the Wisdom Path. It traces a series of 38 large wooden columns containing verses from the centuries-old Heart Sutra. They are planted in a figure-eight symbolizing infinity. A blank column located at the highest point of the hill represents emptiness (Sunyata), a key theme in the Heart Sutra.
Address: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
NGONG PING 360 CABLE CAR
The 25 minutes ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping Village is an attraction on it’s own. Riders will get panoramic views of the North Lantau Country Park, the South China Sea, Hong Kong International Airport, the Tung Chung valley, and Ngong Ping Plateau along with surrounding areas. To add some extra flare, book the crystal cabin for a car with glass flooring!
Address: 11 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
TAI O FISHING VILLAGE
Nicknamed the Venice of Hong Kong, Tai O is an authentic and charming village where people still live in stilt houses projecting out of the water. It was an important trading and fishing port before the younger generations left for better opportunities and the tourism industry took over. Cherish the timeless moments here as Tai O is the last remaining village of it’s kind in Hong Kong and is quickly decaying.
Address: Tai O Fishing Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
THE AVENUE OF STARS & SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS
The Avenue of Stars (closed for renovation until Feb’19) honors celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Conveniently located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, this area is also the most popular vantage point to watch the Symphony of Lights. The free multimedia show starts at 8pm daily and lasts for 10 minutes. Lasers, LED, and other powerful lights dance in rhythm from participating buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour to showcase the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Address: No.20 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET
Test out your haggling skills at the Temple Street Night Market filled with hundreds of colorful stalls selling goods ranging from clothing to second hand items. Indulge yourself with the wide selection of street foods, the spicy chili garlic crab being one of the most popular.
Address:Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
- Take your family or inner child to Hong Kong Disneyland
- Take a stroll at Kowloon Park
- Hike Dragon’s Back
- Take a 1hr ferry to Macau
- Shop at the giant malls. Fun Fact: Langham contains the longest escalator within a mall!
- Visit picturesque places within the city e.g. Montane Mansion, Choi Hung Estate, any neon streets at night!
WHERE TO EAT IN HONG KONG
TIM HO WAN
World renowned as the cheapest Michelin Starred restaurant. Tim Ho Wan’s claim to fame secret is to make everything the day it is served. The baked BBQ pork buns were life altering but everything else can be found equally or better elsewhere. Nevertheless, this place hits two birds with one stone being an excellent Michelin starred introduction to yum cha (dim sum) in Hong Kong at a very generous price.
What to Order: Baked BBQ Pork Buns
Mongkok Address: Shop 72, G/F, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, Tai Kok Tsui | Olympian City Mall, Hong Kong
Sham Shui Po Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
Causeway Bay Address: 2-8 Wharf Road, Seaview Building, North Point | Shop B, C, & D, G/F, Hong Kong
DIMDIMSUM DIM SUM
A recommendation by my cousin in HK, this restaurant has garnered several awards including “101 Best Places to Eat in the World.” With a closing time of 1am, we walked over to the Jordan location for a late night dim dim sum dinner. Double the dim for double the yum! The food was top notch and the pricing was fair. This would be my dim sum recommendation to first time visitors in Hong Kong.
What to Order: Piggy Salted Egg Custard Bun
Jordan Address: 26-28 Man Wui St, Jordan, Hong Kong
Wan Chain Address: 7 Tin Lok Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Mongkok Address: 112 Tung Choi St, Mongkok, Hong Kong
DIM SUM SQUARE
A small dim sum restaurant with a big local vibe. The long line of people out the door is a symbol of freshness as there probably isn’t any leftovers at the end of the day.
What to Order: Glutinous Rice with Assorted Meats in Lotus Leaf
Address: 88 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
MAK'S NOODLE
Earning a Michelin star and even praised by Anthony Bourdain. I personally have not been a fan of most Michelin starred restaurants but this is one place I would consider returning to. Hungry visitors are often disgruntled about the small portion to price but you’ll easily forget about that after the first bite.
What to Order: Beef Brisket Wonton Noodles
Address: 77 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
TSIM CHAI KEE
Located directly across the street from rival Mak’s is another Michelin praised Wonton haven. Take everything I said about Mak’s and multiple it by two. The bowls here are nearly twice the size, cheaper, and in my opinion more delicious. You can really taste the ingredients of dried flounder and shrimp here.
What to Order: Three Toppings Noodle (Wonton, Fresh Minced Fish Balls, Fresh Sliced Beef)
sAddress: 98 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
HAO DE LAI XIAO LONG BAO
Hands down the best xiao long bao soup dumplings i’ve come across in Hong Kong. Yes, that includes Din Tai Fung. We arrived fairly late in Hong Kong and went food searching without any prior knowledge of the area. The two things that made me pick this place was one, there was a lot of locals eating inside and two, the name contained xiao long bao. We had to resist coming back here again. The bottled water served here was also mind blowing. Don’t ask, just order it. You’ll forget what Fiji water is.
What to Order: Xiao Long Bao (Shanghai Soup Dumplings)
Address: Shop A 1 Tak Ying Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
HING NOODLE
Another hidden gem for Shanghai soup dumplings. My cousin works near here and this is her go to spot for delicious soup dumplings during lunch. It’s a very small and cozy place but the food is superb and the workers are friendly.
What to Order: Xiao Long Bao (Shanghai Soup Dumpings)
Address: Shop J, G/F, 2 Kok Cheung Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Hong Kong
DIN TAI FUNG
A highly recognized restaurant worldwide with Hong Kong’s branch receiving their first Michelin Star. Often said to serve the best xiao long baos. I saved my first visit to a Din Tai Fung for my cousin in Hong Kong. We tried every selection of xiao long baos and found the black truffle to be the tastiest. Though not horrible, I found this place to be extremely over hyped with an unjustified price tag. Perhaps they should start shifting their focus elsewhere rather than perfecting 18 folds on each dumplings.
What to Order: Black Truffled Xiao Long Bao Dumplings
TST Address: 3/F, Silvercord, No.30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Causeway Bay Address: No.68 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
YUNG KEE
Once holding a Michelin star, this Michelin recognized restaurant is famous for their “Flying Roast Goose.” The old and famous restaurant had gone through a series of family feuds probably leading them slightly downhill. We ordered the roasted goose and BBQ pork combination and found the BBQ pork to be the favorite. No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without trying roasted goose. Unfortunately this place did not impress us along with their premium price tag.
What to Order: Char Siu BBQ Pork
Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
KAM'S ROAST GOOSE
This Michelin starred restaurant was started by Mr. Hardy Kam, grandson of the late Mr. Kam Shui Fai, who founded Yung Kee Restaurant. We did not get a chance to try this place but it’s been said this place is one of the best. Perhaps that’s where the magic moved onto from Yung Kee.
What to Order: Roasted Goose Leg
Address: G/F, Po Wah Commercial Centre, No.226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
DONG KEE (SHEUNG WAN MUNICIPAL)
Saving my most memorable meal for last. I am a huge fan of unknown hidden gems and this one topped my list in Hong Kong. I stumbled upon this place while walking around the meat market in Sheung Wan Municipal Services building. My girlfriend was getting hangry so I suggested checking out the food court level. The place was swarming with locals who looked to be on lunch break. Most of the menus and signs around were in Chinese but luckily a very sweet lady walked up to us and recommended we try her restaurant. FYI I can speak but cannot read Chinese/Cantonese. The cooking here reminded me of my parent’s delicious home cooked meals. It was so familiar I had to give the sweet lady the biggest hug before we left.
What to Order: Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard & Rice
Address: Shop CF9, Cooked Food Centre, 2/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building And Civic Centre, No.345 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
HONG KONG NIGHT LIFE
LAN KWAI FONG
Located near Central in Kong Kong Island. This is the most popular nightlife spot in Hong Kong. You’ll find all sorts of locals and foreigners dancing, socializing, and having fun at the bars & clubs. Many people choose to buy beer at a nearby convenient store and hang out on the vibrant streets.
Address: Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong
KNUTSFORD TERRACE
A popular nightlife spot situated in Tsim Sha Tsui area. You’ll find a similar LKF atmosphere but in a smaller and cozier setting.
Address: Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
MOST IMPORTANTLY, GET LOST & EXPLORE!
Loved watching your video and seeing Hong Kong through your eyes! It’s definitely on my bucket list of places to visit and this guide is super helpful!
Thanks, Samina! I am glad you found this post helpful and enjoyable. Feel free to contact me anytime for any questions!