Hong Kong Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Travel Tips
Updated: 1 day ago
Hong Kong is such an interesting destination! From impressive skyscrapers and busy street markets to beautiful mountains and traditional fishing villages, there's so much to see. If you only have a few days in Hong Kong, this guide is perfect for you!
I'm sharing the places I visited, how I travelled around, and my personal recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
Getting Around Hong Kong
How to Get from Hong Kong Airport to the City
Best Things to See and Do in Hong Kong
How Many Days Do You Need in Hong Kong?
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Important Hong Kong Travel Tips
Getting Around Hong Kong
Hong Kong is made up of several main areas, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the outlying islands, such as Lantau Island, where the international airport is located.
Luckily, getting around is very easy!
The best way to travel around Hong Kong is by the MTR (metro). It's fast, convenient, relatively affordable, and connects most of the main attractions. And believe me, you'll appreciate avoiding traffic!
Buses, ferries, and taxis are also widely available, so getting between attractions is generally straightforward.
First Things First: Get an Octopus Card!
One of my biggest recommendations is to get an Octopus Card as soon as you arrive. It's a rechargeable transport card that you can use on the MTR, buses, ferries, and even in many shops and restaurants. You can purchase a physical tourist card at selected locations, including the airport, or use a supported mobile Octopus option. Physical cards can be topped up with cash at MTR stations and many convenience stores. Depending on your card and phone, electronic top-ups may also be available.
It's incredibly convenient and makes travelling around Hong Kong much easier!
How to Get from Hong Kong Airport to the City
Once you land at Hong Kong International Airport, you have several transport options.
1. Airport Express — The Fastest Option
The Airport Express is the quickest way to reach central Hong Kong. It takes approximately 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Station, with stops including Tsing Yi and Kowloon along the way. It's more expensive than regular public transport, but it's very convenient, especially if you're travelling with luggage.
2. Bus S1 + MTR — My Budget-Friendly Recommendation
If you're travelling on a budget, another option is to take bus S1 from the airport to Tung Chung. From Tung Chung, you can connect to the MTR network and travel towards central Hong Kong or Kowloon. This is a cheaper alternative to the Airport Express, although it takes longer and involves changing transport. It's a good option if you want to save money and don't mind the extra journey.
3. Airport Bus — Affordable and Convenient
Hong Kong also has airport buses connecting the airport with different parts of the city. Depending on where you're staying, this can actually be a very convenient option because some buses stop closer to hotels than the MTR. The journey can take considerably longer than the Airport Express, especially during busy periods, but you'll also get to see more of Hong Kong along the way!
Best Things to See and Do in Hong Kong
Here are the places I'd recommend visiting, especially if it's your first time in Hong Kong.
Visit Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island
One of Hong Kong's most famous attractions is Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. Located on Lantau Island, this impressive bronze statue stands approximately 34 metres tall and is one of Hong Kong's most recognisable landmarks. It's a beautiful place to visit, surrounded by mountains and peaceful scenery.
How to Get to Tian Tan Buddha
First, travel to Tung Chung MTR Station. From there, you have a few options:
Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which offers spectacular views over Lantau Island.
Take bus 23 to Ngong Ping.
Arrange a taxi, depending on availability.
The cable car is particularly famous for its beautiful views, and some cabins even have glass floors! Unfortunately, when I visited, the cable car was closed for maintenance, so I missed out on that experience.
My tip: Check the Ngong Ping 360 official website before visiting, especially if taking the cable car is something you're looking forward to.
Another Place to Visit: Tai O Fishing Village
While you're on Lantau Island, consider visiting Tai O, a traditional fishing village famous for its stilt houses and local atmosphere. I unfortunately didn't have enough time to visit, but it was highly recommended to me by other travel bloggers. If you're spending a full day on Lantau Island, it's worth adding to your itinerary!
Enjoy the Views from Victoria Peak
Next stop: Hong Kong Island! One of the main attractions here is Victoria Peak, and for a good reason. The views from the top are absolutely incredible! Victoria Peak is the highest hill on Hong Kong Island, offering spectacular views over the skyscrapers, Victoria Harbour, and surrounding mountains. There are also walking paths around the area if you want to explore beyond the main viewpoints.
How to Get to Victoria Peak
If you're following my route from Tian Tan Buddha, return to Tung Chung and take the MTR towards Hong Kong Station, which connects to the Central area. From Central, you can:
Take bus 15 towards The Peak.
Take the famous Peak Tram.
Use a taxi.
I took the bus up, which was an affordable and easy option. On the way down, I ended up taking a taxi because I was running out of time! However, another really cool way to travel is by the historic Peak Tram, which climbs the hillside and offers a completely different experience. You can check the latest tickets and operating hours on The Peak's official website.
Take the Star Ferry Across Victoria Harbour
One activity I definitely recommend is taking the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. It's not just a way of getting around. It's also a lovely experience! The ferry crosses Victoria Harbour, giving you beautiful views of the famous Hong Kong skyline from the water. It's affordable, runs frequently, and is one of the most iconic things to do in Hong Kong.
I took the ferry from Hong Kong Island towards Tsim Sha Tsui, and I would recommend doing the same if you're following this itinerary. For current fares and schedules, check the Star Ferry website.
Watch the Symphony of Lights Show
Once you arrive in Tsim Sha Tsui, head towards the waterfront. This is one of the best places to admire Hong Kong's famous skyline! Every evening at 8 PM, Hong Kong hosts A Symphony of Lights, a free light and sound show featuring buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. The show lasts approximately 10 minutes, and one of the best places to watch it is from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or Avenue of Stars. I'd recommend arriving a little earlier to find a nice spot and enjoy the views before the show begins.
Explore Tsim Sha Tsui and Temple Street Night Market
Tsim Sha Tsui, in my opinion, has two completely different faces! On one side, you'll find the beautiful harbourfront, luxury hotels, designer shops, and modern shopping centres. But walk further north into Kowloon, and you'll discover a completely different atmosphere! The streets become busier, with colourful signs, local shops, food stalls, and markets. One place I'd recommend visiting is Temple Street Night Market, located in the Jordan and Yau Ma Tei area, north of Tsim Sha Tsui. It's a great place to experience Hong Kong's lively street-market atmosphere, browse stalls, and try some local food.
Consider a Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus
One thing I discovered while planning my trip was the Hong Kong hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. I actually wish I'd known more about it earlier! After looking at the routes, I realised it could be a convenient way to explore several of the main attractions while enjoying the city views along the way. I haven't personally tried it, so I can't compare the experience with regular public transport. However, if you only have a short time in Hong Kong and prefer sightseeing without planning every transport connection, it could be worth considering.
If you are visiting with kids - Hong Kong Disneyland
If you're travelling with kids or simply love Disney, another popular attraction is Hong Kong Disneyland. It's located on Lantau Island and is accessible by MTR via the Disneyland Resort Line. You can find ticket information and opening hours on the official Hong Kong Disneyland website.
How Many Days Do You Need in Hong Kong?
I'd recommend spending at least 3 days in Hong Kong, especially if it's your first visit. You can see many of the main attractions in a shorter time, but you'll be rushing quite a lot. Here's how I would organize a short visit:
Day | What to see |
Day 1 | Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping, and Tai O if time allows |
Day 2 | Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, and the Symphony of Lights |
Day 3 | Tsim Sha Tsui, Temple Street, and exploring more of Kowloon |
If you have extra time, you can visit Hong Kong Disneyland, explore more neighbourhoods, or enjoy some of Hong Kong's beautiful nature trails.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
If you're visiting for the first time, I'd recommend staying somewhere with easy access to the MTR. Three areas worth considering are:
Area | Best for |
First-time visitors, harbour views, shopping, and sightseeing | |
Restaurants, nightlife, and exploring Hong Kong Island | |
Markets, local atmosphere, shopping, and more budget-friendly accommodation options |
Personally, I think Tsim Sha Tsui is a great base for a first visit because it's well connected and close to many attractions. However, Hong Kong's public transport is so convenient that you don't necessarily need to stay right next to the main sights.
Important Hong Kong Travel Tips
Here are a few things I'd recommend knowing before your trip.
Carry some cash. Hong Kong is very modern, and cards are widely accepted, but cash is still useful for markets, small shops, and some local restaurants.
Get an Octopus Card. It makes using public transport incredibly easy and saves you from buying individual tickets.
Be prepared to queue! Hong Kong is busy, and popular attractions, transport stations, and food stalls can have long queues.
Bring the correct power adapter. Hong Kong uses Type G plugs, the same as the UK.
Plan your budget. Hong Kong can be expensive, particularly for accommodation and certain attractions. However, public transport and local food can be relatively affordable.
Use the MTR whenever possible. It's usually the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city.
Check attraction opening times. Popular attractions such as the Ngong Ping cable car and Peak Tram can occasionally close for maintenance.
FAQ: Visiting Hong Kong
Is Hong Kong worth visiting?
Absolutely! Hong Kong offers a unique combination of modern skyscrapers, traditional markets, beautiful mountains, and incredible harbour views. It's a great destination for a city break or a stopover while travelling around Asia.
How many days do you need in Hong Kong?
I'd recommend at least 3 days to explore the main attractions without rushing too much. If you want to visit Disneyland, explore the surrounding islands, or go hiking, consider staying longer.
What is the best way to get around Hong Kong?
The MTR is generally the easiest and fastest way to travel around Hong Kong. Buses and ferries are also convenient, and an Octopus Card makes paying for transport much simpler.
Is Hong Kong expensive for tourists?
Hong Kong can be expensive, especially when it comes to hotels and popular attractions. However, you can save money by using public transport, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying free attractions such as the harbourfront and Symphony of Lights show.
Do you need cash in Hong Kong?
Yes, I'd recommend carrying some Hong Kong dollars. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, but smaller shops, markets, and certain local businesses may still prefer cash.
What is the best area to stay in Hong Kong for first-time visitors?
Tsim Sha Tsui is a great option because of its central location, excellent transport connections, and proximity to Victoria Harbour. Central and Sheung Wan are also good choices if you prefer staying on Hong Kong Island.
What is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
October to December is generally one of the most pleasant periods to visit, with milder temperatures and often more comfortable conditions for sightseeing. Spring can also be nice, although it tends to be more humid. Summers are hot, humid, and can bring heavy rain and tropical cyclones.
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