Hong Kong is a city that blends ancient traditions with futuristic energy. You can wander through colourful street markets then look up at a skyline that glows brighter than the night sky. The harbour is alive with ferries lights and movement and every corner offers fresh flavours. The city is easy to explore with safe public transport and endless things to see from peaceful temples to lively neighbourhoods. Whether you visit for food culture or the views you will discover a destination that feels exciting and welcoming.
What Makes Hong Kong So Special?
Hong Kong stands out because it is a city of contrasts that work in harmony. You can spend the morning in a quiet garden or temple then jump straight into neon-soaked streets filled with shops and local energy. The blend of modern architecture and old traditions gives Hong Kong a unique spirit. The food scene is world class and every neighbourhood has its own rhythm that invites you to explore.
Hong Kong is one of the easiest cities to navigate. The MTR is fast clean and simple with stations marked in English and Chinese. Buses ferries trams and taxis are everywhere, and the Octopus Card makes transport smooth. You can purchase a Octopus card online however make sure your flight lands before 9pm as the shop to collect them at closes then. Alternatively, I believe you can purchase one at a 7-11. Walking between areas is safe and enjoyable and the Star Ferry is a scenic way to cross the harbour.
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What Is the Food Like in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is one of the best food destinations in Asia with flavours that range from simple street snacks to Michelin rated favourites. You can start the morning with yum cha wander through busy markets try local treats and finish the day with a steaming hot pot. One standout is Cheung Hing Kee, known for its pan fried soup dumplings that are crisp on the bottom soft on top and filled with rich broth.
Yum cha is another highlight. Top spots include Tim Ho Wan for its baked BBQ pork buns Maxim’s Palace with its classic trolley service and One Dim Sum which is loved by locals for soft steamed dumplings.
Hot pot is a must try. You choose your broth add ingredients and cook everything at the table. The flavours are bold and warming and neighbourhoods like Causeway Bay Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are full of great hot pot restaurants.
Street food adds even more variety. Popular picks include egg waffles pineapple buns curry fish balls and sweet tofu pudding. Markets and small shops offer generous servings and full flavour at low cost.
Is Hong Kong Safe for Travellers?
Yes Hong Kong is very safe. Streets are busy and well lit and it is common to explore at night especially around Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Public transport is reliable and locals are helpful if you need directions. Like any major city keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets.
Our Experience in Hong Kong
We were incredibly lucky to explore Hong Kong with our close friends Dean and Lenora, who live there and are quite honestly the ultimate local guides. They know every corner of the city, the best places to visit and the right time to go, and the restaurants that truly blow your mind. They also made navigating the city effortless, showing us exactly which trains buses trams and ferries to catch, so getting around was never stressful.
Thanks to them, our time in Hong Kong was full of unforgettable experiences. We packed a lot into seven busy days and still felt like we had only scratched the surface. There is so much more to see and do, which gives us the perfect excuse to return one day. Below are just a few of the places we visited and would happily recommend.
⭐ Best Things to Do in Hong Kong
Lantau Island Day Trip – Big Buddha and Tai O
- Lantau Island is one of the most rewarding day trips. The Big Buddha sits high above the mountains with wide peaceful views. You can take your time climbing the stairs and enjoy the calm setting of the Po Lin Monastery. A short bus ride takes you to Tai O, a traditional stilt village with seafood shops and narrow lanes. It feels like a world away from the city.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
- The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car offers one of the most scenic rides in Hong Kong. It glides over mountains and water giving you full sweeping views of Lantau Island. It is the best way to reach the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village.
Kowloon Street Market and Food Culture Walking Tour
- This tour is a highlight for food lovers. You walk through lively markets taste street snacks and learn about Hong Kong’s daily food culture. It is a great way to discover dishes you may not choose on your own.
Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace
- The Peak Tram is iconic and the view from the Sky Terrace gives you a full panorama of Hong Kong Island Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. The skyline is stunning both in daylight and after dark.
Victoria Harbour
- Victoria Harbour is the heart of the city. The views change throughout the day and are especially beautiful when the lights begin to shine. It is one of the best free experiences in Hong Kong.
Ride the Star Ferry
- The Star Ferry is classic Hong Kong. The trip is short but the harbour views are unforgettable. It is also one of the cheapest and most scenic ways to travel between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars
- This waterfront walk offers some of the best skyline views. The Avenue of Stars celebrates Hong Kong’s film industry with sculptures and handprints. It is perfect for slow sunset walks or night photography.
Explore Cheung Chau Island
- Cheung Chau is a relaxed island escape. There are no cars and you can explore beaches temples and narrow village lanes on foot. It is a peaceful break from the busy city.
Ride the Longest Escalator in the World
- The Central Mid Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It takes you through interesting neighbourhoods filled with small shops cafes and markets. It is fun and gives you a look at daily life.
Ride on a Traditional Chinese Junk Boat
- A junk boat ride is one of the most memorable ways to see the harbour. The classic red sails and slow glide across the water create a peaceful timeless experience.
🏨 Where to Stay in Hong Kong
We were lucky enough to stay with friends on Ma Wan Island, but when researching accommodation, we found it surprisingly tricky to decide which area would be best if booking a hotel. Most locations would have worked for us, but Central comes with a hefty price tag, and in general Hong Kong accommodation isn’t cheap unless you’re comfortable with small, no-frills rooms.
Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon)
- Best for skyline views harbour walks and access to the Star Ferry.
Central and Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island)
- Great for the Peak Tram Mid Levels Escalator and ferry terminals.
Mong Kok
- Perfect for markets nightlife and local food scenes.
Lantau Island
- Quiet and ideal for exploring Big Buddha Tai O and staying close to the airport.
When it comes to finding the right place to stay, we usually start with Trip.com— it’s easy to use and covers everything from budget motels to boutique stays and self-contained options. We also like to check Tripadvisor for reviews and side-by-side comparisons and Booking.com is a handy tool for comparing prices across multiple platforms. Between them, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s available and what might suit your travel style best.
💡 Travel Tips for Hong Kong
- Get an Octopus Card (online but be mindful what time your flight arrives as you have to exchange you rvoucher for a card before 9pm)
- Use the Star Ferry for views
- Plan for crowds in popular areas
- Carry cash for some markets and stalls
- Explore different neighbourhoods for a fuller experience
🔎 5 Interesting Facts About Hong Kong
- Bruce Lee was raised in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong played a major role in shaping Bruce Lee’s life and career, and the city continues to honour his legacy through statues, film history and cultural tributes celebrating one of its most iconic figures.
- Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world
- With more than 500 buildings over 150 metres tall, Hong Kong’s skyline is one of the densest on the planet, shaped by limited land, steep mountains and a long history of vertical living.
- The Star Ferry has operated since 1888
- The Star Ferry has been crossing Victoria Harbour for well over a century, making it one of the oldest continuously operating ferry services in the world and still one of the most scenic.
- The Mid Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world
- Stretching over 800 metres, this escalator system links Central with the Mid Levels, passing through lively neighbourhoods, markets and cafés while helping residents tackle Hong Kong’s steep hills.
- About 70 percent of Hong Kong is mountains and parks
- Despite its towering skyline, most of Hong Kong is made up of protected countryside, country parks and hiking trails, offering beaches, peaks and green escapes just minutes from the city.
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🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“Walk slowly, look closely, and let every place teach you something new.”