Hong Kong
Hong Kong Travel Guide
Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is a dynamic city on the south coast of China, bordered by Guangdong Province to the north and the South China Sea to the east, south, and west.
It consists of four main areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the Outlying Islands.
Hong Kong has an estimated population of 7.5 million people. Hong Kong operates under a Chief Executive system. It is a special administrative region of China with its own legal system and government. International trade is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy, the region serves as a major financial center and trading hub in Asia. Its economy is closely tied to China, benefiting from low production costs and access to the Chinese market.
Things About Hong Kong Before Visiting
- Tipping is not expected
- Cantonese is the main language, not Mandarin
- The weather can be extreme
- Haggling is acceptable in markets
- The city has one of the best public transportation systems
- Avoid major holidays for crowds
- Tap water is not drinkable
- Enjoy the natural scenery
Best Hotels In Hong Kong
Here is a table showcasing some of the best hotels in Hong Kong across different categories:
Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong | Wan Chai | Luxury | Iconic 5-star hotel with stunning harbor views, award-winning restaurants, and exceptional service |
The Peninsula Hong Kong | Tsim Sha Tsui | Luxury | A historic 5-star hotel known for its classic elegance, fine dining, and unparalleled hospitality |
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong | Central | Luxury | Renowned 5-star hotel offering luxurious accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a world-class spa |
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong | Kowloon | Luxury | Occupying the top floors of the ICC building, this hotel boasts breathtaking views, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an infinity pool |
Rosewood Hong Kong | Tsim Sha Tsui | Luxury | Sophisticated 5-star hotel with spacious rooms, a variety of dining options, and a focus on wellness and sustainability |
Kerry Hotel Hong Kong | Tsim Sha Tsui East | Mid-Luxury | Designed as an urban lifestyle resort, this hotel offers harbor views, a Club Lounge, and a deluxe fitness center |
Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel | Wan Chai | Mid-Luxury | Conveniently located near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, this hotel provides comfortable accommodations and harbor views |
Park Hotel Hong Kong | Tsim Sha Tsui | Mid-Range | Affordable 4-star hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a convenient location near the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station |
Silka Tsuen Wan Hong Kong | Tsuen Wan | Budget | Budget-friendly hotel offering basic amenities and a location near the Tsuen Wan MTR station |
Ashoka Hostel Hong Kong | Tsim Sha Tsui | Budget | Inexpensive hostel option with shared dormitories and a central location in Tsim Sha Tsui |
Where Is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is located in Southeast Asia along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. It is situated on the southern coast of China, 60 km east of Macau, on the east side of the mouth of the Pearl River estuary.
Best Areas To Stay In Hong Kong
Here are some recommended areas:
- Central to Causeway Bay: this area is known for its high-end shops, restaurants, and luxurious accommodations.
- Mong Kok: it is a bustling area known for its vibrant street markets, neon signs, and affordable accommodations.
- Yau Ma Tei: It is a historic district where you can experience traditional teashops, street food stalls, and antique markets.
- Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun: these neighborhoods offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling city center.
Find all the best hotels in Hong Konghere!
Top Attractions In Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit in Hong Kong:
- Victoria Harbour: Known for its stunning skyline, Victoria Harbour is a must-visit for its iconic views of the city.
- Hong Kong Disneyland: A popular theme park for families, offering a variety of attractions and entertainment.
- Ocean Park: A marine theme park with thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and stunning views of the South China Sea.
- Avenue of Stars: A tribute to Hong Kong's film industry, featuring sculptures of local legends and handprint plaques.
- Tian Tan Buddha: A large bronze statue of Buddha located on Lantau Island, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel: A 60-meter-tall observation wheel providing panoramic views of the city.
- Hong Kong Park: A 19-hectare park with a variety of attractions, including a bird aviary and a wedding registry.
- Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower: A historic landmark and a symbol of the city's colonial past.
- Lan Kwai Fong: A popular nightlife district known for its bars, clubs, and lively atmosphere.
- Rainbow Lodge: A boutique hotel offering spacious rooms and spectacular views of Victoria Harbour.
Is Hong Kong Safe?
Hong Kong is generally considered safe for travelers, it is essential to remain cautious, especially in crowded areas and during civil unrest.
Is Hong Kong Expensive To Visit?
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities to live in, but visiting as a tourist can be manageable with careful planning and budgeting. By choosing accommodation wisely, exploring affordable dining options, utilizing public transportation efficiently, and selecting activities based on personal preferences and budget constraints.
Hong Kong Currency
The official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), which is subdivided into 100 cents or 1000 mils.
Language of Hong Kong
The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English.
Time Zone Of Hong Kong
The time zone of Hong Kong is Hong Kong Time (HKT), which is observed at UTC+08:00 all year round. Hong Kong Time does not observe the Daylight Saving Time (DST), so the time remains consistent throughout the year.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Hong Kong?
The ideal number of days to spend in Hong Kong is 3 to 5 days. This is a perfect length for a first-time visit to Hong Kong, allowing you to explore the main attractions.
The Best Time To Visit Hong Kong
The best time to visit Hong Kong is between October and December, as this period offers comfortable temperatures and reasonable room rates. However, it is advisable to avoid the first week of October when mainland Chinese tourists flood the city during a national holiday.
What To Pack For Your Visit To Hong Kong?
Here's your packing list for Hong Kong:
- Universal Travel Adapter
- Portable Charger
- Cash—Hong Kong Dollar
- Comfortable Clothing
- Daypack
- Umbrella
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Travel Insurance
- Travel Documents
Popular Dishes Of Hong Kong
- Sweet and sour pork: it is a classic Cantonese dish featuring crispy, deep-fried pork pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
- Wontons: Wontons are delicate dumplings filled with seasoned minced meat, typically pork or shrimp, wrapped in a thin dough wrapper.
- Roast Goose: The roast goose is a succulent and flavorful dish that involves marinating the goose in a blend of spices and then roasting it to perfection.
- Wind Sand Chicken: Wind sand chicken, also known as “Feng Sha Ji,” is a traditional Cantonese dish where chicken is marinated in a special blend of spices and then deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining juicy and tender meat inside.
- Shrimp and Chicken Balls: Shrimp and chicken balls are savory morsels made from a mixture of minced shrimp, chicken, and water chestnuts and seasonings.
- Beef Brisket Noodles: Beef brisket noodles feature tender chunks of slow-cooked beef brisket served with springy noodles in a rich broth flavored with aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon.
- Steamed Rice Rolls: Steamed rice rolls, or “cheong fun,” are delicate rice noodle rolls filled with ingredients like shrimp, beef, or char siu (barbecued pork), then steamed until soft and silky.
Nightlife In Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers a vibrant nightlife scene with various options for entertainment and socializing. The city has three major nightlife hubs:
- Lan Kwai Fonga: a small square lined with bars, pubs, and clubs, frequented by tourists for clubbing, drinking, and eating.
- SoHo: Neighboring Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo is a more sophisticated area with fine-dining restaurants, posh bars, and high-end retail shops.
- Wan Chai: Cheaper compared to the other two, Wan Chai is filled with colonial-style pubs, sports bars, and music venues, also known for housing Hong Kong's Red-light district.