If you put New York City on steroids, added Hawaii’s hiking and beaches, and threw it off southern China, you would get Hong Kong. I’ve grown to love this vibrant city over the past 7 years living here, and while it certainly has its flaws, it’s definitely worth a visit for its unique mix of dining, culture, nightlife, and nature. From feasting on dim sum to gazing at the endless neon lights and the best skyline in the world, to overlooking picturesque viewpoints and partying to the wee hours of the morning, keep reading to find out my top things to do in Hong Kong and favorite restaurants.
Hong Kong 101 and Basic Geography
First let’s start with the basics. Hong Kong is a former British colony and officially a Special Administrative Region of China, meaning it has its own legal system and currency, among other things. As it’s located off the southern Canton province of China, Cantonese is the primary language, though locals will respond (begrudgingly) if you speak to them in Mandarin. It’s divided into 3 main regions:
- Hong Kong Island – the historical, financial and governing center of Hong Kong. You can get by with English in most areas on this side
- Kowloon – the peninsula directly across from Hong Kong Island, separated by Victoria Harbour (yes that’s Harbour with a “u” thanks to the British influence), where you’ll find less English spoken and more crowds
- New Territories – the largest area of HK that is north of Kowloon and south of China, as well as the Outlying Islands, which are all the smaller islands that are outside of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The most scenic parts of HK are in the New Territories
Before you can do anything though, you need to get here. Hong Kong International Airport is a major airline hub, with endless regional and global airlines flying through it on a daily basis. If you’re doing a larger Asia trip, I highly recommend adding a few nights in Hong Kong to your itinerary as you can find a lot of cheap fares from surrounding Asian cities to Hong Kong due to the high number of Asian budget airlines – I recommend using SkyScanner as they usually have the cheapest flight deals for Asia.
Getting into the City from Hong Kong International Airport
The fastest and cheapest way to get to the city from the airport is if you’re traveling by yourself or with 1 other person is by taking the Airport Express train. Since it avoids traffic, it takes just 24 minutes to get to Central (less to get to Kowloon) and runs very frequently, and once you get to Hong Kong Station, you can either take the MTR (aka metro/subway), a complimentary hotel shuttle, or taxi to get to your final destination. If you have a long layover at HK airport, you can also easily take the airport train and come into the city to make the most of your time.
I recommend buying your tickets on Klook, which not only offers the fare at a discounted rate, but provides a QR code on your phone that you easily scan at the gates. Sign up with my referral code to get 25 HKD off your first purchase, and then go here to buy your Airport Express tickets (I get a tiny commission off your order – appreciate the support! 🙏🏽).
Depending on where you are staying and how many people you’re traveling with, it might be more cost effective and convenient to take an Uber to/from the airport. It’s only ~US$40 from the airport to/from Central, so if you have 3 people it works out to the same as taking the Airport Express. I’d recommend Uber over a taxi as there is often a long line waiting for a taxi at the airport.
Leaving Hong Kong, you can even check in at Hong Kong station up to 24 hours before your flight if you’re flying Cathay Pacific. This is great if you have a later return flight, so you can check out of your hotel in the morning, check in your bags at the Airport Express station and get your boarding pass, explore more of the city, and then take the Airport Express train and go straight to airport security. More info on In-Town Check-In can be found here.
Buy your Airport Express Tickets on Klook
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
Generally, October, November, March and April are the best times to visit Hong Kong. Outside temperatures average in the 70s F/ 20s C , and it’s not too humid so being outdoors is quite enjoyable. March is also Arts Month in Hong Kong, where Art Basel and Art Central converge and there are lots of events surrounding these festivals.
February is also a wonderful time to visit so you can experience the Chinese New Year festivities and displays, though I’d recommend visiting in the week prior or after and not DURING Chinese New Year itself, since local businesses might be closed for the holiday. If you like fall weather, then late November and December would be ideal. This is also the best time for hiking.
If you want to go to the beach, then aim for June when it’s warmer but not unbearable. Hong Kong has brutally hot and humid summers averaging 90 degrees F that start in July and end in late September (#NeverNotSweating). I would avoid coming in August or September, as this is also the peak of typhoon season where heavy rainfall and wind can leave you trapped in your hotel room or worse, stuck in the crowded umbrella death traps that are the sidewalks.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
The best area to stay in my opinion is Central/SoHo/Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island to be closest to restaurants, bars & nightlife and some of my favorite things to do while also having access to multiple train lines and the Airport Express. I recommend staying at The Jervois, Butterfly on Wellington, or Hotel Madera for mid-range hotels in this neighborhood, or you can ball out at the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental.
For the absolute best views, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon can’t be beat. My all-time favorite Rosewood Hong Kong is located here if you’re willing to splurge (note that the photo below was taken back when they still allowed dogs), though you can also check out the luxurious balconied rooms at K11 Artus and the understated elegance of the Regent Hong Kong.
I’m working on a more detailed hotel guide, but in the mean time I’d recommend making a Google Map of the activities and restaurants you’re looking to go to and just finding a hotel that is convenient and works with your budget. Since Hong Kong is quite small, it’s easy to take public transportation and taxis and usually takes 20 minutes or less to get around regardless of where you’re staying.
Next: Read my picks on the Top Things to Do in Hong Kong
[…] time!). Be sure to get your tickets through Klook to get them at a discount! Or read my ultimate Hong Kong travel guide for more […]