Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most busy metropolises and autonomous territory of China. Lush hills, huge shopping complexes, attractive architecture, mesmerizing skyline, and beautiful sandy beaches of Hong Kong attract millions of tourists each year. Majority of the population is Chinese and their official languages are English and Chinese.
Hong Kong Dollar is the official currency and its symbol is HK$. A trip to Hong Kong will not disappoint you as there is so much to discover in this wonderful island. However, before you plan your travel itinerary, check out these must-do things in Hong Kong so that you do not miss out the vital attractions.
Best Time To Visit Hong Kong:
You can visit Hong Kong at any month of the year as it has sub-tropical climate with cool temperatures. However, in the months of May to September, there are chances of occasional Typhoons and thunderstorms, so it is advisable to skip those months for traveling.
Winter season begins from mid December to February and in those months the climate is cool and mild. The temperature falls up to 10 degree Celsius, so walking in the afternoons for sight-seeing would be comfortable. Winters is also the best time for shopping in Hong Kong as there is a mega winter sale that is usually held during Christmas. Tourists even prefer visiting the city in autumn season that falls in the months of October to early December due to the pleasant weather.
Things To Do In Hong Kong:
Ocean Park, Hong Kong:
Ocean Park and Entrance To Hair Raiser
If you are traveling to Hong Kong with family, then a visit to Ocean Park would be the most memorable part of your holiday. It is an adventure park with innumerable thrilling rides, beautiful animals, hotels, shopping areas, and much more. Some of the exciting rides that you should not miss in the park are Flying Swing, Ferris Wheel, Hair Raiser, The Flash, and The Rapids. There are several restaurants and cafés too where you can enjoy a variety of Asian cuisines.
Ocean park – Mine Train and Ocean Theatre
For an entire day of adventure and fun at the Ocean Park, adults aged 12 and above have to buy tickets that cost HK$480 and children aged 3 to 11 have to spend HK$240. You can buy cheaper in advance here. Children under the age of 3 years can enter the park for free of cost. The admission fee includes most of the facilities, except coin-operated games and skill games.
The Peak:
The Peak Tram
Victoria Peak, which is locally known as The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. Being the highest point on the island, tourists visit the place for viewing spectacular cityscapes. The best way to explore the entire place is by booking your tickets here for the Peak Tram. Sadly, since 23th April 2019, the Peak Tram service is temporarily suspended for about 2-3 months. It is advisable to check their official webpage before making any plans. Alternatively, you can reach The Peak by taking a minibus or taxi.
The Peak at Sky Terrace 428
However, the Peak Tower and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will remain open for all. At the Peak Tower, you will find innumerable shops and restaurants. Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform at the Tower is the best way to get 360 degree view of the city. Also, you can book for a free shuttle bus from Victoria Peak to reach Madame Tussauds wax museum and meet celebrity stars.
Hong Kong Skyline:
Famous Hong Kong skyline during daytime
The first sight of Hong Kong skyline would certainly leave a lasting impression on you! The island is famous for having one of the highest numbers of skyscrapers in the world. Some of the notable buildings include the International Commerce Centre, which is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the Central Plaza, which is the highest church in the world. To view these mesmerizing skylines of Hong Kong, you can visit the Victoria Peak or the Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hong Kong Disneyland:
Hong Kong Disneyland
If you are traveling with kids, then Hong Kong Disneyland should be at the top of your itinerary. It is a magical kingdom, which has been inspired by fairytales. You can either select a 2-day fun package or a single day ticket, which start from HK$639. Disneyland is divided into seven amazing lands, which are Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Adventureland, Mystic Point, Grizzly Gulch, Tomorrowland, and Main Street. Some of the attractions are Liki Tikis, Rafts to Tarzan’s Treehouse, Cinderella Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and much more. You can even catch the famous Disney Characters on parade, amazing musical live shows, or simply enjoy a sumptuous Indian, American, Chinese, and Asian meal at the restaurants. My recommendation is to grab tickets before going there on Klook, and it will be much cheaper.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car:
Ngong Ping 360 is one of the world’s top ten cable cars and is extremely popular among travelers. The cable car journey connects Ngong Ping to Tung Chung and provides mesmerizing views of Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport, Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and 360-degree panoramic views of the city. The prices for a two-way ticket for an adult starts at HK$290 and the cable car services are open on all days.
Big Buddha At Ngong Ping
After having an amazing experience in the cable car, you can explore the nearby areas at Ngong Ping Market like the Po Lin Monastery, Baolian Temple, and Ngong Ping Plaza to understand the traditional culture of Hong Kong. To reach the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, you can either use the metro, bus, taxi, or drive by car. In case you are carrying a heavy baggage with you, then you can keep them at the luggage storage counter for HK$100 per piece. Bags that are smaller than 48cm x 34cm x 23cm and weigh less than 4kgs are allowed to be carried.
Shopping In Hong Kong:
Hong Kong offers innumerable varieties of products that can be purchased for a reasonable price. As there is no sales tax and import tax, goods available in the markets can be purchased for very low prices. So, shopping for expensive items such as Gold and Diamonds can be considered. Usually, travelers do not prefer spending money on jewelry during holidays. This mindset should be changed while traveling to Hong Kong. Similarly, buying electronics like digital cameras, laptops, MP3, iPod, mobile phones, etc. from reputed chain stores can be a good idea.
Shopping In Hong Kong
You will even come across several designer boutiques in shopping complexes; like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Prada, and more. Here, you will find designer items for sale at a reasonable price in comparison to other branded shops across the world. Locals of Hong Kong prefer getting suits tailor-made as per their choices. You can get in touch with a tailor who will stitch a suit for you within 24 hours. Some more things that Hong Kong is famous for is antiques, watches, Chinese goods, cosmetics, and much more. So, ensure that you come prepared with a shopping list, a spare bag, and plenty of time to shop.
Nightlife In Hong Kong:
If you are looking for a quiet evening or a wild night out, Hong Kong has something for everyone to enjoy. To explore the nightlife in Hong Kong, you can visit numerous restaurants, pubs, dance clubs, discotheques, karaoke bars, and more. Most of the bars and nightclubs are open throughout the night, so you will never be disappointed.
Usually, in the nightclubs, you will find several local artists singing, dancing, Opera, etc. Some of the most popular nightclubs are located in Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. The clubs provide various kinds of cuisines as well as local beers and wines for travelers from different parts of the world. Few places that look awesome after the sun goes down are Victoria Harbour, Sky Lounge, and Cyber 8 Disco Pub. If shopping is in your to-do list, then visit the Temple Street Night Market to buy electronics, antiques, watches, clothing, and much more.
Where To Eat Cheap Meals In Hong Kong?
Food in Hong Kong is quite diverse, but is mainly inclined towards Chinese and sea food. Your trip to Hong Kong would be incomplete if you do not try their Dim Sums, which are served everywhere on the streets as well as in high-end restaurants. There are several restaurants and cafés that provide various cuisines; however, having a couple of traditional dishes is of utmost importance. In some dedicated seafood restaurants, you can pick your favorite live seafood from the tanks and have the chef cook it for you as per your desire. Seafood lovers should not miss this opportunity at all!
Dim sum Traditional Dish
Some of the popular restaurants are ABC Kitchen at Queens Street Cooked Food Centre for Italian food and Shek Tong Tsui Market for Sichuan food. Alternatively, you may even have the world famous burgers and fries from McDonalds, the classic fast-food chain. There are more than 200 McDonald’s in Hong Kong, so you would find them in every corner. Remember that you are supposed to leave some food on your plate at the end of each meal as it denotes that you were happy with the meal and the host offered you enough to eat.
Hotels And Hostels In Hong Kong:
Travelodge Central, Hollywood Road – My Choice:
If you want to stay in a place that is beaming with modern art galleries as well as antique dealers then you should book a room at Travelodge Central, which is located at Hollywood Road. The hotel is about 8 minutes away by walk from Sheung Wan MTR Station, so traveling to various other places of attractions becomes easy. The Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal is also close by as it is about 750 meters away. You can select a superior room, deluxe room, or premier room depending on your preferences and have a comfortable stay.
Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong:
To have a lavish stay in Hong Kong, you should book a room at the Grand Hyatt. It features 542 luxurious suites and most of them are facing the popular Victoria Harbour. Spa, pool, free internet, and fitness center are some of the amenities provided by them. You can enjoy traditional Asian cuisine or international dishes at one of their world-class nine restaurants and bars. Your stay at Grand Hyatt would truly be an exceptional one!
Shanghai Hostel, Hong Kong:
The Shanghai Hostel HK is the finest guesthouse for budget travelers. As it is located at Tsim Sha Tsui; sightseeing, shopping, dining, and traveling around becomes very convenient. The air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms are absolutely clean and comfortable. Fresh bed sheets and towels are provided everyday to guests. Depending on your requirements, you can book a private single bed, double bed, or triple bed for three persons.
Traveling In Hong Kong:
Bus:
Bus services are available throughout the island. Especially for travelers, the open-top sightseeing bus is the most convenient way for traveling to famous hotspots. Locals usually travel in the red-and-green light mini buses as they are found in plenty on the Hong Kong streets. It is one of the most affordable modes of transport for all.
Metro:
MTR is the metro system of Hong Kong that covers most of the regions. Metro is the most convenient and quick way to reach major tourist attractions in the city. Usually, there is no more than a two-minute wait between each train, so it is the fastest way to reach any destination. The Hong Kong airport is linked to several areas in the city through Airport Express, an efficient train service. You can use these services after landing here to visit nearby places. I bought roundtrip with Airport Express here a few days before and it was very convenient!
Taxi:
Hong Kong Taxi
Taxis are quite cheap out here and plying one is easy! All taxis work on meters and you can hop into them from any street to reach your destination. However, you may come across several taxi drivers who will not pick you up as they choose their passengers depending on the destination of their liking. Alternatively, Uber is a better choice in Hong Kong, but is a bit expensive than taxis. However, the cabs are of better models, they provide amazing services, and it is convenient to book them by using their app.
Octopus Card:
If you are planning to stay in Hong Kong for more than two days, then I would suggest you to purchase the Octopus Card. It is a smart card, which is widely used as a payment system for all public transport in Hong Kong, most of the supermarkets, petrol stations, car parks, restaurants, and more. All you need to do is scan the card and the payment is deducted from your prepaid stored value. To add value to your card, you can use any Add Value Machines that are available at all MTR stations. You can purchase the card at the Airport Express station, right after landing, so that you do not have to fumble for change anywhere, or even the best is to buy it online before even going.
Before Traveling To Hong Kong, Read These Tips!
- If you have planned for a long vacation to Hong Kong then ensure that you explore the nearby islands too, which are about 30 to 60 minutes away by ferry. And, let me tell you that all these islands offer different experiences! For instance; the Cheung Chau is famous for seafood, Lamma Island has several popular beaches, etc.
- You may even consider planning a trip from Hong Kong to Beijing in high speed trains that run every day. It would take about 9 hours to reach Beijing and your journey in bullet train would certainly be a memorable one. Alternatively, if you want to explore the bullet train journey for a shorter distance then you can travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, which would take about an hour to reach the destination.
- The weather can be quite unpredictable in Hong Kong. So, in whichever months you are traveling, it is advisable to carry an umbrella with you. There are several two-fold and three-fold umbrellas available that would fit into your purse or bag easily.
- If you want to try all the amazing activities in Hong Kong, use the Klook website, it’s the most convenient and easiest way to experience all of them.
Is Hong Kong Safe?
Absolutely! Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world. However, being cautious and smart during your trip would certainly help. Instead of carrying everything with you, keep all your important documents and passports in the locker that is been provided in the hotel. The locals try to con tourists by selling fake items or by offering cheap foreign exchange. Don’t fall prey to them! Also, stay alert while walking in crowded markets as pickpockets are common. Overall, the law and order is strictly controlled by the police, so crime rate is low. Hong Kong is safe for women travelers too as they can walk alone in the middle of the night without any worries.
To conclude, Hong Kong offers so much, that a single trip would not be enough to explore the entire area. Also, the love that you would get here would make you come back! So, pack your bags and get ready for some fun time!
