Hong Kong Travel Guide
Contents
- Hong Kong — Vertical City Between Sea & Mountain
- Hong Kong and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Hong Kong
- Do and See
- Dining in Hong Kong
- Cafés in Hong Kong
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Hong Kong — Vertical City Between Sea & Mountain
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most dramatic urban landscapes. Skyscrapers rise from narrow strips of land between mountains and sea, creating a city defined by vertical density, harbour views, and constant movement.
Once a small fishing community, Hong Kong developed rapidly as a global trading port and financial centre. Today it blends extreme urban intensity with surprising access to nature, where hiking trails, beaches, and islands sit minutes from the city’s commercial core.
Hong Kong and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Hong Kong’s antipode lies deep in the southern Atlantic Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode mirrors Hong Kong’s relationship with water: a city built around one of the world’s busiest harbours, reflected by open ocean on the far side of the planet.
The contrast between one of the world’s densest cities and an empty ocean reinforces Hong Kong’s identity as a place shaped by trade, movement, and global exchange.
The City
Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and more than 260 outlying islands. The city is known for its skyline, efficient infrastructure, and blend of Chinese tradition with international influence.
Neighbourhoods such as Central and Soho form the commercial and nightlife heart, while Causeway Bay drives retail culture. Across the harbour, Kowloon offers markets, dense residential districts, and historic streets, while Lantau Island provides access to beaches, hiking, and cultural landmarks.
Top Things to Do in Hong Kong
Victoria Peak
The city’s most famous viewpoint, offering panoramic views over Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon.
Star Ferry
A historic ferry service operating since 1888, providing some of the best views of the harbour at a low cost.
A Symphony of Lights
A nightly multimedia light show involving more than 40 buildings around Victoria Harbour.
Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha)
The world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue, located on Lantau Island.
Ngong Ping 360
A scenic cable car ride offering views over mountains, sea, and the airport while travelling to Ngong Ping Village.
Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts
A major cultural complex housed in a restored colonial-era police station and former prison.
Xiqu Centre
A contemporary venue dedicated to traditional Chinese opera and performance.
Hong Kong Disneyland
A major theme park located on Lantau Island, popular with families and visitors of all ages.
International Commerce Centre & Sky100
The tallest building in Hong Kong, featuring an indoor observation deck with expansive city views.
Ocean Park
A large theme park combining rides, aquariums, and wildlife exhibits.
Do and See
Dragon’s Back Trail
A scenic hiking trail offering views of Hong Kong’s southern coastline.
Man Mo Temple
One of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, dedicated to the gods of literature and war.
Tai O Fishing Village
A traditional fishing village on Lantau Island known for stilt houses and local food.
Nan Lian Garden
A tranquil classical Chinese garden surrounded by modern high-rise buildings.
Pottinger Street
An historic stone-paved street in Central, often called “Stone Slabs Street.”
Hong Kong Museum of History
A comprehensive museum tracing Hong Kong’s history from prehistoric times to the present.
Dining in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the world’s great food cities, offering everything from street food and dim sum to Michelin-starred fine dining. Cantonese cuisine dominates, but influences from across Asia and the world are deeply embedded.
- Tim Ho Wan
- Ichiran Ramen
- Dim Dim Sum (Mong Kok)
- Din Tai Fung
- Yung Kee Restaurant
- Jumbo Floating Restaurant
- Spring Deer
- Petrus
- Felix
- Lin Heung Tea House
Cafés in Hong Kong
Café culture has expanded rapidly in recent years, blending traditional tea houses with modern specialty coffee.
- Kubrick Bookshop Café
- Tai Cheong Bakery
- One Little Room
- Amber Coffee Brewery
- Forest Cafe
- Ovo Cafe
- Barista Caffe
- The Alchemist Cafe Bistro
Bars & Nightlife
Hong Kong comes alive after dark, with nightlife concentrated in Central, Soho, Lan Kwai Fong, Mong Kok, and Tsim Sha Tsui.
- OZONE
- Quinary
- Dragon-I
- Eyebar
- MO Bar
- Boba Bear
- Delaney’s Kowloon
Shopping
Hong Kong is a global shopping destination, offering electronics, fashion, luxury goods, and traditional markets.
- Temple Street Night Market
- Harbour City
- Times Square
- Sogo
- Ladies’ Market
- Stanley Market
- Lane Crawford
- Citygate Outlets
Tourist Information
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s busiest and most efficient airports, connected to the city by the Airport Express.
Public transport is extensive and reliable, including MTR trains, buses, ferries, trams, and minibuses. The Octopus Card provides easy payment across most services.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to December, when temperatures are mild and humidity is lower.
Electricity in Hong Kong is 220 volts / 50 Hz using type G plugs.
