Where to stay
There are three major locations you have to choose from when you’re planning where to stay in Hong Kong. These are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories (including several outlying islands as well as Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau). Each has its own pros and cons, so it just depends what you’re looking for. If you want to remain in the heart of the action, the neighbourhoods in the north of Hong Kong Island or on Kowloon Peninsula are your best bet, with the other islands offering an entirely different, and less frenetic, Hong Kong experience.
Things to do
There’s always something happening in this buzzing world city, and if you’re wondering what to do in Hong Kong, start at the top. Victoria Peak offers spectacular views of the harbour and city, and will give you a glimpse of just how much you need to cram into your itinerary while you’re in town! Explore our guide to some of the best Hong Kong attractions, below, and have fun discovering this truly East-meets-West destination.
Travel tips
Hong Kong has Chinese roots, colonial heritage and a 21st century outlook, which makes it a fascinating place to visit. With so many different influences, a few Hong Kong travel tips will certainly come in handy.
Hong Kong is officially regarded as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The area was a British Colony for over 100 years, and handed back to China in 1997. This British legacy has created a destination that it is truly unique, and in every neighbourhood you’ll discover the fascinating stories of Hong Kong’s past and present.
Getting Around
Getting around Hong Kong is a breeze, with one of the world’s fastest, safest and easiest public transport systems, abundant and cheap taxis, as well as ferries that offer incredible views as they take you from A to B. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is Hong Kong’s rail network, comprising overland, underground and light rail. Trams also run throughout the city, as do mini buses, night buses and several rideshare services. Hong Kong is also a great city in which to do some walking, with scenic strolls and invigorating climbs – take your pick.
Where to eat
When it comes to eating out and eating well, Hong Kong is a veritable smorgasbord of sublime tastes and tastebud-tantalising styles. From its Chinese-influenced dim sum scene to fresh-off-the-boat seafood and some of Asia’s finest fusion dining, there’s no shortage of impressive places to eat in Hong Kong....
Shopping
Shopping in Hong Kong is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors alike, with retail outlets all over the city. Products range from simple Chinese teas to top-of-the-line brand-name watches, and given that Hong Kong is home to some of Asia’s wealthiest residents, it’s no surprise that luxury items abound in this glittering modern metropolis. From Central to Causeway Bay, Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui and countless locations in between, Hong Kong is home to some of the best shopping in Asia. Harvey Nichols is here, as is luxury mall Landmark, while the presence of dozens more shopping...
Best time to travel
There’s really no wrong time to visit Hong Kong. Summers can be extremely hot and humid (nothing new for Australians) and even though winters can be chilly, you won’t find a giant snow drift stopping you from getting out and about. The weather is clearly a factor in deciding on the best time to travel to Hong Kong but don’t forget that this city has an incredible calendar of events. Hong Kong loves a festival, so check out what’s on as you’re working your way through which season might be the best time to travel.
Parks
Hong Kong has many beautiful parks and gardens and offers up a variety of green spaces in which visitors and residents alike can relax and take time out from the city. Some of the parks are vast, such as Victoria Park, which was named after Queen Victoria and is the biggest park on Hong Kong Island. Other parks have different reasons for being, such as Kowloon Walled City Park, built on the site of the once-lawless Kowloon Walled City, which surprises visitors with eight floral walks named for the plants and flowers that grace the paths. Read up on just some of the parks in Hong Kong, below.
