Hong Kong Travel Guide with Map
“Ding ding,” a tall, narrow tram approached as we exited our hotel. Tracking its path, our gaze inadvertently drifted upwards, tracing skyscrapers until our necks tilted 90 degrees. We made it to Hong Kong, a city that grows into the clouds.
Hong Kong is famous for its striking architecture, neon signs, ferry-studded harbor, and rugged terrain. Although the region is part of China, it operates autonomously, with its own currency, language, and distinct culture. That distinction and complex history make Hong Kong a special and interesting place to visit.
It’s a multifaceted destination that serves adventurers, shopaholics, urbanists, foodies, and even beachgoers, as long as they are ready to brave the crowds. Tax-free shopping draws droves of tourists with extra suitcase space. Mountains beckon adventurers. Cantonese culture awaits to be experienced through cuisine, customs, and crafts.
In this travel guide, we compile quintessential Hong Kong attractions that will help you plan your stay.
Things to Know About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is split into three parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories, which you can easily cover by taking advantage of excellent public transport.
There are three iconic transportation methods: the double-decker trams, the Star Ferry, and retro taxis.
While the MRT is all you need to get around comfortably, on Hong Kong Island, choose the tramcars fondly referred to as ‘ding dings’ for their warning bells. Since their inauguration in 1904, they have become part of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage despite the addition of double-decker buses.
Make sure to pick up the Octopus card at the airport or any convenience store. With a swift tap, you'll be hopping on and off all forms of public transport including the Star Ferry, which will not only get you across the harbor but is a popular Hong Kong attraction in and of itself.
Hong Kong’s old taxis are part of the charm too. The vehicles are old due to license cuts and the color scheme signifies the area in which it’s permitted to operate. Be aware that red is the city taxi, green is for New Territories and blue is for Lantau Island.
Top Hong Kong Attractions
Get the Lay of the Land
There are infinite things to do in Hong Kong! But, as usual, we started at the highest point – Sky100. The observation deck is on the 100th floor and offers 360-degree views. There are many vantage points in the city, but Sky100 tops them all.
Another way to take in the views is by summiting Victoria Peak – one of the most popular Hong Kong activities. You can hike to the top along the well-paved Morning Trail, which only takes an hour. Or board the funicular Peak Tram using your Octopus card.
To return to the city from the Peak Tram station, take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator – the world’s longest outdoor escalator system, and a lofty commute solution like the one we saw in Comuna 13, Medellin.
Admire the Architecture
Hong Kong is a paradise for architecture fans. There are lists upon lists pinpointing incredible structures, most of which are clustered in Central. We were fascinated by Tai Kwun Center - a former police station, magistracy, and prison in the mid-1800s and a center for heritage and arts today. Take in the architecture and art, then chase it with drinks at 001 – a unique Art Deco speakeasy that incorporates unique elements of the location.
The Henderson is another masterpiece housed on historic land. The team of Zaha Hadid Architects was inspired by the bud of bauhinia, the flower of Hong Kong. This gleaming behemoth stands out among the skyline, yet intertwines with the environment, which is the essence of ZHA’s designs. For the best views and photos head to the adjacent parks.
The most iconic building with a story to match is HSBC Tower. Feng shui’d top to bottom, its construction follows the 3000-year-old principles to a t. But its neighbor, the Bank of China, ignored the guidelines. According to the legend, HSBC installed two cannon-shaped cranes on its roof to repel BOC's bad energy. Hopefully, no offense was taken! The best place to admire the tower is from the harbor, which, as per feng shui principles, is in clear view.
Next, hop across the harbor for a scenic walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade - one the most popular places to visit in Hong Kong for skyline views, celebrity handprints and statues, and a spectacular light show that happens every night at 8 pm.
Visit a Temple or a Few
There are countless temples in Hong Kong. Chi Lin Nunnery nestled in the city is a gem in an architectural and spiritual sense. Surrounded by the manicured Nan Lian Garden, the monastery's beauty is ineffable especially considering it’s pieced together without a single nail. Soak in the zen, you’ll need it for the next spot.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is the most famous and busiest temple in Hong Kong. Housing Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, it’s a large colorful complex with a reputation for making wishes come true. On its grounds, you’ll find rows of fortune teller stalls deciphering the fate of worshippers and wish makers, which work like conveyor belts during festivals. Give it a go!
On Lantau Island, Po Lin Monastery is noticed from afar thanks to the 111-foot-tall Buddha on top of a mountain. Climb up the stairs and see the bronze giant up close, and on the way down, visit the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas lined with gold statues that are a hoot to appreciate, each with a different pose and expression.
Hikes in Hong Kong
For a city known as the concrete jungle, a whopping 75% of the land is parks and nature reserves, meaning plenty of hiking opportunities. One of the best hikes in Hong Kong is a 2.5-hour moderate trail called the Dragon’s Back and the views from the ridge are as fascinating as the name suggests. The trail ends at Shek O Beach where you can treat yourself to a dip in the South China Sea.
Food in Hong Kong
As you can see, there are many reasons to visit Hong Kong, but the most popular attraction is food. With 79 Michelin restaurants and innumerable street stalls, we can go on and on about the local dining scene. Food is the best way to explore Hong Kong’s history and culture, which Virginia – the guide behind Humid with a Chance of Fish will tell you all about. Let us give you a run-down of essential dishes to look out for.
For breakfast or snack, you can’t go wrong with milk tea accompanied by Hong Kong-style french toast, egg tart, or pillowy pineapple bun. Don’t expect it to ooze pineapple though. It gets the name for the craquelin crust and often comes stuffed with a chilled and hefty slice of butter. You’ll find these at cafes called cha chaan teng whose origins trace back to the 1950s.
Dim Sum dumplings are perfect for any occasion. They come in an array of flavors and go down like a charm. Be careful not to inhale too many and leave space for other dishes. Grab the ubiquitous siu mai or cha siu bao on the go, or have a full-on yum cha – a Cantonese brunch – at Luk On Kui, one of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants. Don’t know what to order? Trust your senses as you take your pick from trolleys of steaming baskets.
No visit to Hong Kong can go without eating at a dai pai dong in Sham Shui Po. Translating to 'big licensed stall', these hawker-style eateries passed down through generations are in danger of disappearing due to license cuts. The number gradually dwindles and is now less than that of Hong Kong’s Michelin restaurants. Do yourself a favor and visit one while they are still around. Each has a specialty. We loved our meal at Oi Man Sang, which is doubly enjoyable if you sit by the kitchen.
In Sham Shui Po, you will find not only inherited eateries but also crafts stores. The ones we took particular interest in sell paper and bamboo structures that are laborious to make and take moments to burn.
Invigorated by the scent of joss paper, finish your tour with a stroll down Temple Street night market to peruse an array of crafts, feast your eyes on neon galore, and street performances, and satisfy late-night cravings with clay pot rice at Hing Kee. This rice alone makes Hong Kong worth visiting. Are you in?