CN
Hong Kong
A dense harbour city of skyscrapers, ferries, temples and street food, with green hills and islands close by
A dense harbour city of skyscrapers, ferries, temples and street food, with green hills and islands close by
The highest point on Hong Kong Island, with famous views over the harbour and skyline. The historic Peak Tram climbs steeply from Central; a walk around Lugard Road gives the best free views.
Go at sunset, but expect queues for the tram.
Photo: Ralf Roletschek, CC BY-SA 3.0
Green-and-white ferries have crossed Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since the 19th century. The short ride costs only a few Hong Kong dollars and offers superb views.
Photo: Ceeseven, CC BY-SA 4.0
The giant bronze Tian Tan Buddha sits on a hilltop at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, next to Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung gives sweeping views.
Check weather and cable car status; it closes in high winds.
Photo: redlegsfan21, CC BY-SA 2.0
An evening market in Yau Ma Tei with stalls selling clothes and souvenirs, street food, fortune tellers and occasional Cantonese opera singers.
Photo: Jan Bockaert, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try dim sum (har gow, siu mai, barbecued pork buns), roast goose, wonton noodles, egg tarts, pineapple buns and milk tea at a cha chaan teng (local café).
Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok and Central have food for every budget, from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is on Lantau Island; the Airport Express train reaches Central in about 25 minutes. The MTR metro, trams, buses and ferries are efficient; use an Octopus card or contactless payment. High-speed trains link Hong Kong with mainland China.
Hong Kong has its own immigration rules, separate from mainland China. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free, generally for 90 days (UK citizens 180 days). A separate visa is needed to continue to mainland China unless your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry there. Check current rules before you travel.
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Hotels are expensive and small, but public transport and local food are good value.
Harbour, peaks and islands.
Explore Central and Sheung Wan, take the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak, and ride the Star Ferry at night.
Visit the markets of Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Temple Street night market.
Take the cable car to the Big Buddha and visit the fishing village of Tai O.
An Octopus card or contactless card works on almost all transport and in many shops.
From June to October, check typhoon warnings; transport and sights may close.
The Dragon’s Back trail offers great views close to the city.
Carry your passport if you plan to cross into mainland China.
Quick answers for planning time in Hong Kong.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free, generally for 90 days (UK citizens 180 days).
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China with its own currency, immigration rules and legal system.
The Airport Express train reaches Central in about 25 minutes.
October to December, when it is cooler, drier and clearer.
Yes, unlike in mainland China, they work normally in Hong Kong.
Google Maps works well in Hong Kong, including for public transport.
Free
Cantonese and English are official languages; English is widely used in signs and services.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our China travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.