Heading to Hong Kong? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- Located on China’s southern coast, with a population of around 7.6 million.
- Became a British colony following the victory of the United Kingdom over the Qing Dynasty forces in the 1839-1842 Opium War. Occupied briefly by Japan during World War II, Hong Kong was taken back by the British and remained a colony until 1997.
- One of the leading global financial hubs, Hong Kong is internationally known for its economic/trade freedoms, high quality of life, and superior levels of education.
- Has the most skyscrapers (1,223) of any city in the world.
- Nicknames: Pearl of the Orient, Golden Egg, City of Life.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
- Spoken languages: primarily Cantonese. Mandarin and English are widely understood. Note: Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most accessible cities, and it is entirely possible to get by with just English (most signs are in English and Chinese).
- Best time to visit: from March to May for warm, dry weather. The peak season runs from September to December (advance booking recommended for hotels).
– Come in autumn (September–November) for festivals like Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and cooler hiking weather.
– If visiting in the hot summer months, bring very light clothing and a hat for sun protection! - Visa-Free access: Most nationalities (including EU, US, Australia) receive 90-day visa-free entry.
– Update: No quarantine or testing required as of 2025. Digital health declarations (via the “HK Arrival” app) streamline airport immigration. - Arriving via airport: the Airport Express is a high speed train which will get you downtown (to Central Station) in 24 minutes.
– Tickets are available from the Airport Express booth in the Arrivals Hall – a return ticket costs $205 HKD.
– A taxi ride to Central will cost around $375 HKD. - Emergency numbers: 999 (police), 1878 (tourist hotline). Download “HK SOS” app for real-time alerts.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Hong Kong: Check Inn HK.
– While there are cheaper places on the Kowloon side, the draw here is the location: right in Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island.
– Covers the basics: clean, safe, fast Internet. Not much of a social atmosphere – but that’s what Hong Kong is for.
– Steps away from live music, delicious food, and good bars/karaoke.
– Book ahead to reserve your spot as accommodation in HK fills up fast! - Hotels can be found all over the city, and prices range from affordable to extravagant. Keep in mind that Hong Kong has a very high cost of living, and it is reflected in its accommodation prices.
- Backpackers will likely find themselves staying on the Kowloon Side, in Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui (where the infamous Chungking Mansions can be found). Those looking for more upscale hotels should look on the Hong Kong Island side, in Wanchai, Causeway Bay, or Central districts.
- Typical prices:
– Hostels: HKD 200–400/night
– Mid-range hotels: HKD 800–1,500/night
– Luxury (e.g., The Peninsula): HKD 3,000+/night
GETTING AROUND
- Hong Kong has one of the most advanced and efficient public transport systems in the world, with interconnected subway, bus, tram, train, and ferry networks. If you’re in town for more than 48 hours, consider getting an Octopus Card.
- The Octopus is a stored-value card available at any MTR (subway) station (and at the airport). It costs just $50 HKD (refundable), and is accepted on all public transport, as well as in convenience stores and some fast food restaurants.
– Update: Contactless Mastercard payments now accepted on all public transit. Octopus still ideal for small vendors (top-up via 7-Eleven or MTR kiosks). - Star Ferry crossings (Central–TST) now HKD 4.50 with Tourist Octopus Card.
- HK’s subway and bus systems are extremely efficient, and are the preferred methods by which to get around. The cost of a ride depends on distance traveled, and will rarely exceed $8 HKD (~$1 USD) as long as you are traveling within Hong Kong Island or Kowloon.
- Taxis are available all over Hong Kong and are clean, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. Start at HKD 25 (red urban taxis), with average cross-island rides HKD 60–90.
– Use HKTaxi app for advance bookings
– Tipping: Not expected, but round up taxi fares (e.g., HKD 68 → HKD 70). - There are three types of taxis available in Hong Kong: Red Taxis work the territory of Hong Kong (except Lantau Island and Tung Chung Road), Green Taxis can only service the New Territories, while Blue Taxis only run on Lantau Island.
- Uber is available, but isn’t really necessary as taxis are cheap, safe, and literally everywhere. Uber could be useful if you find yourself in a remote area.
- Car rentals are almost unheard of in Hong Kong, and can actually be hard to find. Aside from the cachet value, there is little reason to own your own car in Hong Kong.
HONG KONG NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, no official last call (most bars close at 2 AM).
- The main nightlife scene is in Lan Kwai Fong (Central District), where foreigners, locals, and tourists all come together to party. Bars, pubs, dance clubs, restaurants – LKF has it all. For even more options, head up the stairs to SoHo.
- Great bars to start your night in Central: The Wise King, Whisky & Words, Tell Camellia (cocktails), Stockton, and The Old Man.
– Trending: COA (Central): Award-winning mezcal bar (cocktails HKD 120–180). - Trending: The Aftermath (Sheung Wan): Rooftop speakeasy with harbor views (cover: HKD 150 weekends).
- For a slightly calmer (and grittier) scene, check out the bars and clubs in Wanchai. Also popular with foreigners. Top picks here: The Wanch (live music), Delaneys, and Bar Amazonia.
- The Kowloon side has more affordable options, and is more popular with locals. Check out the bars on Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui, north of Kimberley Road. Start at the Funky Monkey or PONG Knutsford.
- Note: while alcohol is available all over HK, public intoxication is strongly frowned upon.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Hong Kong is a truly vertical city, and no visit is complete without a look at the city’s most prominent skyscrapers. Of particular architectural significance:
– HSBC Building (architect: Norman Foster),
– International Finance Center (César Pelli)
– Bank of China Tower (I.M. Pei)
– Convention and Exhibition Centre (Larry Oltmanns)
– An urban photographer’s dream! - Check out the Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha, the world’s largest Buddha status (34 meters tall and weighing 250 tons), located on Lantau Island.
– There are two ways to get there, and both will be interesting to the first-time visitor.
– The fast way is to take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, and then to ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car all the way to the Monastery.
– Alternatively, take a turbo ferry from Pier #6 in Central to Mui Wo (Lantau) – from there, take the #2 bus to Ngong Ping.
– Tip: Dress modestly at Po Lin Monastery (Lantau). Donate HKD 10–50 at incense trays.
– Round-trip Crystal+ cabin tickets now cost HKD 395 (adults) and HKD 260 (children). - Horse Racing (and gambling) is practically a religion in HK. If you have never been to the races, check out the Happy Valley Racecourse in Wanchai (50 HKD admission).
– An exciting way to spend an evening, local style! - Check out the Kowloon Walled City Park at the site of the former infamous Walled City.
– This is an off-the-beaten-path landmark, and makes for great photo opportunities. - Hot take: the museums in Hong Kong aren’t that interesting – there’s so much else to see that I wouldn’t bother wasting precious hours stuck inside one.
– If I had to pick one, it would be the Hong Kong Museum of History in Kowloon.
– Tip: The “Museum Pass” (HKD 50) grants access to 10+ museums, including Space Museum and Heritage Museum. - Founded in 1888, the Star Ferry is a itself a symbol of city. Take a ride across Victoria Harbor from Wan Chai or Central to the Kowloon Side (or the other way around). It’s cheap, and a must-do at least once. Sit by the side and have your camera ready!
- Have more time? The ultimate day trip from Hong Kong is to Macau: TurboJet ferries depart every 15 mins.
– Turbojet fares: weekday one-way HKD 175 (economy), HKD 365 (Super Class). Weekend fares up 15%.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Make a trip up to Victoria Peak. To get there, take the Peak Tram from Central, which leaves every 10-15 minutes. Go for a walk around the Peak – there is a trail at the top that offers great views of the city. Note: the real estate on the Peak is the most expensive in the world (price per square foot)!
– Cost: HKD 76 single, HKD 108 return (adults).
– Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428 tickets cost HKD 150 (adults) for 360° city views. - The Ping Shan Heritage Trail in the New Territories can make for an interesting walk, away from the bustle of the city.
- Go for a long walk through the busy areas of Hong Kong Island – start in Central, and make your way through Admiralty, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay.
– Don’t be afraid to wander into side streets and markets. Sample the street food!
– For a different experience, walk through the same area at night (or in the early morning). - Walk around Stanley Market and Waterfront. To get there, take the 6, 6X, 6A, or 260 bus from Central.
– Tip: ride on the upper deck for a roller-coaster experience! - After a short voyage aboard the ferry to Lamma Island, trek through the hilly landscape and discover the charm of the fishing village on the way to Tin Hau Temple.
– Add Hung Shing Yeh Beach as a quiet midday stop. - Unique people watching / shopping experience: Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok or the Temple Street Night Market.
WHERE TO EAT
- Great restaurants to try: Pici (pasta – multiple locations), Shugetsu (ramen – multiple locations), Yu (Sichuan cuisine – 4 Yiu Wa Street), Samsen Wanchai (Thai), Brass Spoon (Viet), Buenos Aires Polo Club ($$$ – Argentinian steakhouse), ICHU (Peruvian), Embla (Nordic – fine dining), Taco Chaca (budget Mexican), Le Petit Saigon (Banh Mi), Miss Lee (vegetarian).
- Don’t miss this chance to try some authentic dim sum, congee and fermented beancurd. Use the OpenRice app to discover the best restaurants in town.
- Where to find good cheap eats: Hong Kong is a great place to try new foods and cuisines, and there is no shortage of choice. Try: Wing Kei Noodle Shop.
– Also: Mammy Pancake (Tsim Sha Tsui Pier) for HKD 20 egg waffles. - Visit at least one Dai Pai Dong (open-air food stall) to experience local street food culture.
LOCAL WISDOM
- The Hong Kong skyline is consistently rated as the top in the world – treat yourself to a postcard view of the city from a high-rise hotel bar or restaurant at night. Go to Tsim Sha Tsui (on the Kowloon side) for the best views of Hong Kong Island.
- Basic phrases: M̀h’gōi (Thank you) and Bāatláu (I’d like the bill, please).
- Dangerous areas: Hong Kong is one of the world’s safest cities, and it is highly unlikely that anything will happen to you (even at night).
- In any case, you should always keep an eye out for pickpockets in areas frequented by foreigners. Nathan Road is known for pickpockets and scam artists (as well as the various Night Markets).
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days