The city of Hong Kong is located on the southern peninsula of mainland China and is an intriguing melting pot of culture, modernity and tradition. With a storied past, following its handover from the United Kingdom back to China in 1997, this bustling city offers travellers an exciting city experience with soaring skylines and lush tropical greenery.
If you are considering visiting the stimulating city of Hong Kong here is everything you need to know before you go.
Good things to know about Hong Kong:
- Currency: The currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HK Dollar).
- Lunar New Year: This holiday is celebrated throughout Asia, especially in China and Hong Kong during February each year. It is an exciting time with month-long celebrations including street parades and firework displays. Expect Hong Kong travel and accommodation to be more expensive at this time.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Taking place in early Autumn this festival celebrates the harvest season with city-wide celebrations. The city will be busy with restaurants full of families celebrating together.
- China’s “Golden Week” holiday. During the first week of October, China celebrates Golden Week, a national holiday where many people take time off to travel. During this time Hong Kong becomes very busy.
- To stay connected while in Hong Kong get a Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card.
- The local language in Hong Kong is Cantonese, which differs from Mandarin spoken throughout mainland China. However many people can speak English and the city is easy to navigate for non-Cantonese speakers.
Hong Kong apps you need before you arrive:
- The MTR Mobile app (Apple Store / Google Play) has useful information on planning routes and journey times.
- MyMapHK (Apple Store/ Google Play) helps you navigate the geographical locations of the city. The app includes info on hikes and suggestions for exploring the traditional areas of the city.
- MyObservatory (Apple/ Google Play) provides weather advice in Hong Kong including weather warnings.
Good to know: Public Transport
Public transport is excellent in Hong Kong with trains that are spotless and affordable and taxis easy to use throughout the city.
- When you arrive in Hong Kong buy an Octopus card to pay for travel on public transport (except for taxis) including MTR tubes, buses, the ferry, coaches, and trams. You can buy Octopus cards at the airport with HK$50 of credit pre-loaded and use it to pay for public transport and in select stores.
- To travel to Kowloon from Hong Kong Island take the Star Ferry which costs under $1 to ride.
- The MTR is Hong Kong’s version of the tube or subway and services the majority of the city. It is efficient and clean to use.
- Mobile charging docks are available on many MTR trains with 15 minutes of charging allowed per person.
- Taxis are cheap and an easy way to navigate the city. However, if you don’t speak Cantonese or Mandarin make sure you have your destination written down to avoid miscommunication.
Prepare for seasonal weather in Hong Kong
- During winter (December to February) expect cold temperatures as low as 14C (57F). You will need a warm coat, winter boots and rainwear.
- Whereas the summer months (June to August) are exceptionally hot and humid with typhoons common and temperatures reaching above 30C (86F).
- Generally, the best time to visit Hong Kong is either in April or May or in Autumn between October to November.
Top attractions to visit in Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong. Travel there by catching a Peak Tram and enjoy the views at the top.
- Tian Tan Buddha, also known as Big Buddha, is an impressive 34 metre tall Buddha statue. This iconic Hong Kong landmark can be found on Lantau Island beside the Po Lin Monastery.
- Ocean Park is a marine-themed amusement park and zoo with cute cuddly pandas and rollercoasters to enjoy.
- Temple Street Night Market is a fantastic food and trinket market that comes alive after 7pm.
Written by Becki Chu: Freelance Travel Writer
Becki currently lives in London, UK with her family, and has travelled across the world, including Japan, Hong Kong and throughout Europe.