If you’re traveling to Hong Kong for the first time or spending a few days in Hong Kong, these Hong Kong travel tips are essential to making your trip a breeze. Hong Kong can be overwhelming for first-time visitors and not knowing all of these Hong Kong insider tips can really add up.

Visiting Hong Kong for the first time can be quite intimidating. Hong Kong is huge and several of the more important sights lie quite far outside the city. Luckily, if you are a native English speaker it’s not hard to find someone to help you get from point A to point B. Furthermore, almost all signs are bilingual (Cantonese, English). I’ve been to Hong Kong 3 times and in this post, I’m going to share all my Hong Kong insider tips with you, so you won’t miss out on the best things to do in Hong Kong.

Insider Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Going To Hong Kong

Hong Kong At a Glance

Hong Kong is a destination like nowhere else. It is an exciting, busy melting pot where you can rub shoulders with folks from all nations. As well as one where you will see the local Chinese work ethic. Hong Kong works because its population works. There is a ‘can do’ ethos. You will find few idle people in Hong Kong and it is truly a city that never sleeps.

Calling Hong Kong a ‘city’ is a little misleading, for it is far more than that. The familiar photogenic landscape of high-rise buildings on a stunning natural harbor is just one facet of the territory.

‘The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China‘ (HKSAR) includes Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula across the harbor. But there are also nearly 1000 square kilometers of the New Territories – the area, which abuts mainland China. It includes New Towns, Fishing Villages, Country Parks, islands, and even farmland.

There are many opportunities for wandering off the beaten track and exploring the lesser-known destinations. There is even a 100 kilometer moderate to strenuous walking track – the Maclehose Trail – which transverses the New Territories from East to West.

How to Get to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is within a twelve-hour flight of more than half of the world’s population. And it has one of the busiest and most efficient airports in the world. Chek Lap Kok International airport was opened to great acclaim in 1998. The year following the historic handover of the territory from Britain to China. It regularly wins awards for efficiency and passenger care and is a regional hub for both traveler and freight.

If you’re traveling to Hong Kong for the first time you may not know that Hong Kong International airport has a convenient connection to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The city’s MTR is a super easy and will take you, via its twelve color-coded lines, all over the territory. Depending on your country of residence, you should log on to the website of the Immigration Department to check whether you are eligible or require a visa. Hong Kong offers visa-free entry for a period ranging from 7 days to 180 days.

Once you have passed the customs control get on the train right at the airport. Tickets are readily available at the airport, but every time I went there was a long line. What I love about MTR Airport Express is that there is always an option to book a ticket online. Purchasing tickets online not only saves time, but also money. Yup, it is often cheaper to book online too.

You’ll find MTR stations all over the city. They even allow you to reach the boundary with Mainland China within a matter of minutes. When traveling from the airport, it takes about 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Island and is the fastest way to get between the city and the airport.

Getting Around Hong Kong

You should know that Hong Kong has a dense population and its roads can get very congested. But fortunately, many residents prefer public transport as car ownership is prohibitively expensive. In Hong Kong, you’ll find double-decker buses, minibusses, trams, ferries, taxis and by the famous metro system the MTR (Mass Transit Railway).

Surprisingly parts of the MTR are more than forty years old. The local population obeys the rules of no eating and drinking and the system is spotlessly clean, as well as having a very high standard of efficiency.

Taxis in Hong Kong are plentiful and the standard of driving (on the left) is generally good. Many drivers can communicate in Basic English but to be doubly sure, ask your hotel concierge to write your destination in Chinese if you intend to use them.

Because of the ever-worsening problem of traffic congestion I generally don’t recommend taking a taxi during rush hour, or in general, places that are easily accessible by the MTR. Taxis in Hong Kong are really cheap so you will pay less than $22HK for the first 2 kilometers and an additional $1.60 HK for every 200 meters.

Uber is in Hong Kong too, but I found its timing way less accurate than the red taxis have. On my third day in Hong Kong, it took around 30 minutes for the taxi to arrive. Uber is also more expensive than an ordinary taxi when it comes to moving within the main urban areas.

For all public transport (except taxis where you will need cash or phone) you can purchase a rechargeable Octopus card (you can use your card to pay for your food at fast-food restaurants). While the Octopus card is basically a prepaid debit card, you can add value to it at any Add Value Machine at all MTR stations, customer service counters, the Airport Express.

Hong Kong has the only double-decker electric tram system in the world. So for about three Hong Kong dollars (about 50 US cents), you can trundle at a leisurely 11kph along the lines which run parallel to the waterfront on the north side of HK Island. Sit upstairs, at the front for a bird’s eye view of some of the most densely populated streets in the world.

Essential Tips for First-timers in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island is only one of more than 263 outlying islands that make up Hong Kong.

This is one of the most important things to know about Hong Kong. There are countless things to do in Hong Kong and getting off the beaten path is the best way to appreciate the enduring charm of the city. Hop on a ferry to explore the most popular outlying islands of Lantau, Cheung Chau, Lamma, and Peng Chau. While these islands are perfect for a weekend getaway, they also make for a great day trip for hikes, seafood dinners, and beach enthusiasts.

What Languages Are Spoken In Hong Kong

Because of Hong Kong’s historical status as a former British colony, most Hong Kongers can speak English fluently. Particularly in the main tourist areas such as Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui. However, the street language (understood by more than ninety percent of the population) is Cantonese. This is a different dialect from Mandarin, which is the Chinese of Beijing and most of Mainland China.

Do residents speak Mandarin? Yes, they do, just not as fluent as the Chinese. Will Hong Kongers understand your Mandarin? They definitely will even in the working-class neighborhood of Sham Shui Po. I’ve been to Hong Kong 3 times since 2014, and my friends frequently used Mandarin while ordering food or communicating with taxi drivers. No issues so far.

Cantonese is used in the major Southern city of Guangzhou (formerly Canton) and the rest of neighboring Guangdong Province. It is a difficult language to master with eight distinct tones, but many visitors can pick up a few phrases.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate and the summers become very hot and humid. The months between May and mid-September are the least comfortable and the temperatures can soar to 34 degrees Celsius (94 Fahrenheit) with more than 90 percent humidity.

Nearly all shopping malls and public buildings use an air conditioning system but beware as it can be a little too efficient. Visits to the theater or cinema can be uncomfortable without a light sweater or shawl – despite the boiling outside temperatures.

It rains often in Hong Kong so it’s best to prepare for some kind of precipitation during your stay. I’d suggest bringing along a portable and packable umbrella in case a storm flare-up. Wish I would have known some Hong Kong travel tips before my first trip, I got caught in the rain several times.

Hong Kong is a busy tourist destination all year round but for the most comfortable temperatures, consider visiting during October and late November or from March through early June.

Where to Get the Best Views of Hong Kong

Of course, there are a plethora of interesting things to do in Hong Kong. Thus, it would be foolish not to cross the harbor on the famous ‘Star’ Ferry. I hopped on a ferry to Tsim Tsa Tsui waterfront on the mainland (Kowloon) to take mind-boggling pictures of the spectacular light and sound show at Victoria Harbour. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the waterfront to see The Symphony of Lights but I was able to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the skyline.

Or, you can board the Peak Tram for the incredible views of one of the most photogenic landscapes in the world. Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island with several viewpoints atop the mountain including the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria. This is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. However, there is always a dilemma about whether to visit during the day or at night. My suggestion, see both and decide for yourself.

Hong Kong travel tip: you can also reach Victoria Peak via the 15 bus route. It takes you right to the top and drops you off in the bus terminal next to the Peak Tower.

Best Off The Beaten Path Things to Do in Hong Kong

Aside from observation decks, there are other less well-known delights. I enjoyed visiting the Temple Street night market (near Yau Ma Tei MTR station) and was happy to see historic Cantonese Street Opera performances accompanied by traditional Chinese musical instruments. You can also watch fortune tellers in action – including palm and face readers, astrologers. And if you are lucky enough, the gentleman who owns a little bird who will pluck your destiny from an array of fortune cards.

If you are adventurous, you can go to the walled village of Kat Hing Wai. You can find it just a bus ride from Tai Po MTR station in the New Territories. Here you will find a five-hundred-year-old fortified village, in existence long before the British arrived. It is the place where all the residents have the same surname (Tang) and the old ladies still wear the traditional black fringed straw hats. They will happily pose for your photographs (for a small consideration!).

Another less known destination is Tai O fishing village. You can find it on the far side of the outlying island of Lantau. Expect to use both a ferry and bus to reach it. Here you will find old stilt houses in a tranquil village. It has a sinister history closely associated with smuggling and piracy.

If you are interested in museums, Hong Kong has a great selection. But for those with a specific interest in military history and the occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese in World War II, try the Museum of Coastal Defence at Lei Yu Mun. Here you can see some unique footage of the invading Japanese army from 1940.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

Before going to Hong Kong, it’s important to know that Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are the two integral parts of the city. No side is better than the other and both offer plenty to see and do, but at some point, you’ll have to cross the iconic Hong Kong harbor to visit the other side. These tourist attractions are easily accessible by MTR, ferry, or taxi.

Before choosing the best areas in which to stay in Hong Kong, it’s best to do some research on things that interest you most in the city and picking the accommodation that’s convenient for your itinerary. Keep in mind that Hong Kong Island is the financial and entertainment hub of the city. This part of Hong Kong boasts some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, while the Central district is home to the swankiest shopping malls and finest boutiques.

If it’s your first time in Hong Kong and you want to save money take a closer look at the cheaper neighborhoods, such as the industrial area of Chai Wan and areas out past North Point. Most visitors looking for cheap accommodation opt to book hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay for the best value for money. I spent half my time in Kowloon hotels and the other half in Hong Kong Island hotels. Here’s my pick of coolest hotels in Hong Kong:

Budget Hotels in Hong Kong:

Rainbow Lodge HK
Cosco Hotel
Homy Hotel Central
JJ Hotel

Mid-range Hotels in Hong Kong:

Eaton HK
Bishop Lei International House
Butterfly on Wellington
Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong:

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
The Pottinger Hong Kong
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Backpacking Hostels in Tsim Sha Tsui:

Ashoka Hostel
Urban Pack Hostel

Budget Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui:

Best Western Grand Hotel

Mid-range Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui:

The Perkin Hotel
The Luxe Manor
Bay Bridge Lifestyle Retreat
L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui:

The Peninsula Hong Kong
InterContinental Hong Kong

Backpacking Hostels in Admiralty & Wan Chai:

Pandora After 80s
Yesinn Causeway Bay
Causeway Corner
Check Inn HK

Budget Hotels in Admiralty & Wan Chai:

Mingle by The Park
Walden Hotel

Mid-range Hotels in Admiralty & Wan Chai:

Empire Hotel Wan Chai
Kew Green Hotel
Kew Green Hotel Wanchai
OZO Wesley

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Admiralty & Wan Chai:

Conrad Hong Kong
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
The Upper House
JW Marriott Hotel

What to Eat in Hong Kong

Indulging your taste buds is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. That said, no visit to Hong Kong would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The Cantonese are great lovers of their own cuisine. But in Hong Kong, you can try foods from all over the world. In Lan Kwai Fong or in the SoHo area of Mid-levels you will find a plethora of restaurants for all tastes.

The best thing you can do to unleash your inner foodie is to go on a food tour. I went with this Hong Kong Foodie Tour where I gained cultural insights, heard stories behind them, and created tasty memories.

Chinese eating establishments of all types are in abundance, from the local. Cantonese Dim Sum restaurants to Dai Pai Dong street food stalls, spicy Sichuan restaurants, and of course the famous Pekingese. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, smaller eateries offer a wide range of local cuisine to choose from. Aside from Dim Sum, you can also find some awesome French toast, roast pork, wonton noodle soup, bubble tea, egg waffles, etc.

For an authentic local experience of one of the latter restaurants try the Spring Deer in Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Pekingese duck eaten in doughy pancakes with spring onion and plum sauce is the signature dish. The waiters can be grumpy but the place is always packed with locals – a sure sign of the excellence of the menu.

Hong Kong is truly a special place – it will not disappoint.

So there is my list of things to do in Hong Kong! Still have doubts about how to arrange a trip to Hong Kong, what to do, and where to stay? Don’t be shy, leave a question in the comments below. And don’t forget to book your hotels and tour through my links, doing that you help me with running MindTheTravel and writing great travel tips!

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