Airport Express
The fastest link from Hong Kong International Airport to Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong stations. Free shuttle buses run from Kowloon and Hong Kong stations to major hotels.
Hong Kong Travel Guide
Across Victoria Harbour, skyscrapers, street markets, dim sum halls and mountain trails are packed tightly together. Short distances let you see a lot in a few days, making it ideal for skyline views, food and shopping.
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At a glance
- Currency
- HKD (HK$)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type G
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- 廣東話 / 中文(繁體)
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
October-December is clear and pleasant, the best time to visit; March-April is also good but getting humid. May-September is hot, humid and typhoon season, when storm warnings can halt transport and shops. Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays are very crowded.
Airport to the city
Airport Buses (A routes)
A21 serves Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, A11 goes to Central and Causeway Bay, and both are cheap. Grab the upper deck front seats for views.
Taxi
Red urban taxis go anywhere in the city, with extra charges for luggage and tunnels. Handy late at night or in a group.
Getting around
Octopus Card
Works on the MTR, buses, trams and ferries, plus convenience stores and fast food chains. Buy and top up at the airport or MTR stations.
MTR
Fast, clean and reaches nearly every sight, with clear English signage.
Star Ferry
Crosses between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central or Wan Chai for very little money, with the best harbour views.
Trams (Ding Ding)
Double-decker trams along Hong Kong Island's north shore; slow but cheap and fun for sightseeing. Pay when you get off.
Taxis
Fairly priced; red taxis serve the urban area, green the New Territories and blue Lantau. Show your destination in Chinese or English.
Where to stay
Tsim Sha Tsui
Good for: First visit, skyline views
Faces the Hong Kong Island skyline with easy shopping and transport. Crowded with tourists.
Central / Sheung Wan
Good for: Stylish stays, dining
Skyscrapers mixed with old lanes, bars and restaurants. Hotels are expensive.
Causeway Bay
Good for: Shopping
Big department stores and malls with trams and MTR on the doorstep. Packed on weekends.
Mong Kok / Yau Ma Tei
Good for: Local vibe, value
Street markets, snacks and cheaper hotels. Rooms are often tiny.
Top sights
Victoria Peak
The classic view over the skyline, reached by the Peak Tram or bus. Sunset is the most popular time, so expect queues.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
A free waterfront with a front-row view of the island skyline. The Symphony of Lights show runs nightly around 8 pm.
Star Ferry Ride
A century-old ferry for a short, scenic harbour crossing. Even better at night.
Ngong Ping 360 and Tian Tan Buddha
Take the cable car on Lantau Island to the giant bronze Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Allow half a day and go on a clear day.
Man Mo Temple (Sheung Wan)
An old Taoist temple with spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling, free to enter. Pair it with the antique shops on Hollywood Road.
Temple Street Night Market
An evening market with trinkets and street food. Bargaining is expected.
West Kowloon Cultural District (M+)
Waterfront home of the M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The promenade has great harbour views.
Dragon's Back Hike
A popular ridge trail with sea views in the southeast of Hong Kong Island, taking 2-3 hours. You can finish at Big Wave Bay beach.
What to eat
Dim Sum
Har gow, siu mai and char siu bao with tea, a morning and lunchtime ritual. About HK$100-200 (~US$13-26) per person.
Roast Goose and Char Siu Rice
Crispy roast goose and sweet barbecue pork over rice. About HK$60-120 (~US$8-15) a plate.
Wonton Noodles
Springy shrimp wontons and thin noodles in clear broth, Hong Kong comfort food. About HK$40-70 (~US$5-9) a bowl.
Cha Chaan Teng
Local diners serving milk tea, pineapple buns and Hong Kong-style French toast. About HK$50-90 (~US$6-12) a meal.
Egg Tarts
Buy them warm from a bakery. About HK$10-15 (~US$1.50-2) each.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout HK$500-700 (~US$65-90) per day: guesthouse, cha chaan teng, MTR
Mid-rangeabout HK$1,200-1,600 (~US$155-205) per day: 4-star hotel, dim sum and restaurants
Comfortabout HK$3,000+ (~US$385+) per day: 5-star hotel, fine dining
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Central and Sheung Wan lanes plus Man Mo Temple, the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak in the afternoon, then the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Symphony of Lights.
- Day 2
Dim sum breakfast, Ngong Ping 360 and the Tian Tan Buddha in the afternoon, then Temple Street Night Market.
- Day 3
Dragon's Back hike in the morning, Causeway Bay shopping and a tram ride in the afternoon, then wonton noodles and roast goose.
- Day 4
West Kowloon Cultural District and M+ in the morning, Mong Kok street markets in the afternoon, then a final harbour view in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Local tips
- An Octopus card covers transport and convenience stores; most shops take credit cards, but small stalls may need cash.
- Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is not expected.
- Stand on the right of escalators, and don't eat or drink on the MTR.
- When Typhoon Signal No. 8 or higher is raised, transport and shops shut down, so watch the forecast in summer.
- Power outlets are British-style three-pin (Type G); bring an adapter if needed.
- Indoor air conditioning is very strong even in summer, so carry a light layer.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.