Hong Kong – a city characterised by its contrasts. Gleaming skyscrapers and well-clad shoppers vs. gritty side-streets and humble, authentic yet award-winning food. It is a glittering gem in the Asian region. It also has a surprising mix of cultures, making it an international city that can’t be missed. So here is our favourite Hong Kong trip itinerary; the city guide that’s perfect for your trip!
Read next: Plan your China trip with our 2 week travel guide.
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When to go
Personally our favourite season is autumn, which is from September until about mid-December. It’s still warm – about 25-30 degrees during the day and 20 degrees in the evening – but humidity (an important consideration!) is the lowest.
If you’re still looking for flights to Hong Kong – see the latest deals on Skyscanner.
What to do
So there is so much to do in Hong Kong – from the standard fare to more offbeat places. Here are a few of our favourites:
Sail on the Star ferry
Cheap travel? Tick. Incredible city views? Tick. If you want the best vantage point for the iconic Hong Kong skyline, simply hop on this ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong island. It’s dirt-cheap (between 3-5 euros) and operates every day. Sit on the top deck.
Bond with the Tian Tan Buddha
It’s an unexpected sight in a manic, noisy place like Hong Kong, but a giant Buddha sits just outside of the city on Ngong Ping Lantau Island. At 34m (112 ft) high and 250 metric tons, he’s a heavy guy and the second-largest outdoor sitting Buddha in the world. Keep in mind its nearly 300 steps to reach him, so go prepared.
How to get there? Most efficient way is to take MTR and transfer to Tung Chung Line. Get off at Tung Chung station and take Exit B. Follow the signs and walk about 2-3 minutes to the Cable Car counter.
Visit Victoria Peak
Yes, it might be a cliché, but the city’s biggest attraction draws the crowds for a reason – the breathtaking views. Take the Peak Tram, the 125-year-old funicular from Hong Kong Park, to the island’s highest view point. Don’t want to pay the entrance fee? Head to the nearby Peak Galleria mall, and you’ll get similar views totally free of charge.
Temple Street Night Market
This night market operates from 6-11pm each day and is a great place to shop if looking for cheap clothing, or just a fun evening out. It’s also well-known for super cheap street food and the stalls (called dai pai dong) offer most Asian cuisines. Get off the metro at Yau Ma Tei, Exit C.
Fabulous food tours
Hong Kong is a mecca for street food, with gems of dim sum, noodles, ramen and more on nearly every corner. I’d recommend a food tour, to ensure you taste the different cultures and influences of this imitable city.
I did an amazing food tour from Get Your Guide, check out that option or they have plenty of others with great reviews to choose from!
Watch an e-prix
Each year the central harbourfront becomes a street circuit, hosting the annual Hong Kong e-prix! Great for sustainable motorsports fans, it’s a must-do on the calendar, usually hosted around March.
Where to eat
First, a few words of advice. It’s entirely expected for guests to share a table in restaurants, so don’t be surprised if a stranger joins your group! Also, all extras cost extra – feel free to kindly reject any offers given to you.
Most of the eateries listed below are snack shops and takeaways, perfect for delicious cuisine on the run.
Tim Ho Wan
Head over to Sham Shui Po branch of dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan for one of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world. I’d recommend their famous barbecue pork baked bun; as many portions as you can eat!
Kam’s Roast Goose
Another Michelin-starred restaurant, Kam’s offers the most mouthwatering, well-roasted goose I’ve ever had. Keep in mind though there is often a queue snaking along the street, although the waiting time is generally 20-40 minutes at most.
Tai Cheong
The famous egg tart takes centre stage at this renowned tiny bakery, but almost anything on the menu will have your taste buds singing.
Fei Jie Snack Shop
Want to try your hand at some innards? Try the pork intestine (yes, really!) or the octopus at this highly-regarded eatery. Well known with locals, it’s an unusual taste experience but one you’ll never forget.
Lan Fong Yuen
If you’ve travelled to Hong Kong to taste their traditional milk tea, Lan Fong Yuen is the establishment for you. Another postage stamp-sized restaurant, this is a regular on city food tours, particularly for their tea and noodles.
Butao Ramen
A world-class restaurant, specialising in Ramen. This small restaurant has a menu full of ramen options – would recommend the King Black (squid ink) or the miso-flavoured ramen.
Where to stay
Luxury – Four Seasons – an iconic hotel in the Central area, this hotel has won numerous awards for it’s restaurants, spa and just all-round exclusivity. If you have the money to splash out, it’s highly recommended.
Mid-range – Hotel Stage – A photographer’s dream, this hotel is set in the Yau Ma Tei area of Kowloon and offers an artistic take on luxury. It’s a stone’s throw from Temple Street and the ideal entry point for the streets of this area.
Budget – Rainbow Lodge – This is an eccentric yet enjoyable hostel that’s ideally located in the city centre. We haven’t stayed here ourselves but it comes highly recommended by numerous travellers and bloggers.
For other places to stay in Hong Kong you can check the latest prices here.
Good to know about Hong Kong
| Currency | Hong Kong Dollar |
| Local Time | UTC +8 hours |
| Tipping | Don’t tip taxis or at restaurants, but consider a few dollars for hotel staff if no service charge on your bill |
| Key Phrase | Mm goi – means ‘please’, ‘excuse me’, or ‘thank you’ |
Some handy tips in Hong Kong
- Concerned about colds? If you are a little under the weather, its considered polite to wear a face mask.
- English isn’t that well-spoken. Try to keep a business card of your hotel address with you.
- Carry an umbrella! The weather in Hong Kong can be a little unpredictable – so don’t forget your brolly.
What camera equipment and other gear do we use?
We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.
- Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
- Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
- GoPro: Hero 7 Black
- GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
- GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
- Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
- Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
- Powerbank: Anker Powercore
- Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
- Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
- Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
- Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
- Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4
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