Vibrant and enchanting, Hong Kong is considered the “city that never sleeps” in Asia, and planning a trip to Hong Kong is an experience in itself. Dazzling nightlife, amazing cuisine, and some of the best international shopping opportunities make this a global capital for all interests. There are also stimulating cultural activities, outdoors fun, and a whole lot more — so take a look at what you can do to make your trip to Hong Kong memorable with our guide to planning the perfect vacation there.
When To Visit
Hong Kong’s subtropical climate means that winters are mild, and summers are hot and humid. According to Frommer’s, the peak season is spring and fall, but now folks visit year-round. Therefore, hotel reservations are recommended far in advance, particularly if you want to visit during Chinese New Year or one of the city’s many festivals. There are also two peak vacation periods for mainland China — the weeks starting May 1 and October 1 — and then, you might also want to make sure that you’re not visiting during a convention or trade show, which could also make hotel rooms harder to come by. For the best rates, look at travel dates in summer and winter.
Getting Around
Hong Kong’s transportation system is as modern as its gorgeous skyline. Because the city is so densely populated, public transportation is really the best way to go, and visitors should take this into account when they set about planning a trip to Hong Kong. The quickest way to get from one place to another is to use the subway system, which is one of the best in the world. Trains run every two to four minutes from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and cost range from HK$5 to HK$15. The bus is cheaper, and it will take you just about anywhere you want to go. Trams and taxis are also good options, and ferries will also take you to many spots. For more info on transportation, go here.
Touring the Town
A tour is always a great way to take in a new city, and Hong Kong’s no exception. There’s a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, a helicopter tour, and dozens of different food tours (some involving cooking, some involving dim sum, others involving floating restaurants). For an overview of the nightlife and city lights, take one of the night tours, and for more a more culturally in-depth experience, try a monastery day tour to Lantau Island. Day tours will also bring you farther out, to areas such Macau. A good resource to explore some different touring options is the list compiled by CityDiscovery.
Can’t Miss, Won’t Miss
If it’s your first time in Hong Kong, there are dozens of diverse offerings. If shopping is your thing, then Discover Hong Kong recommends visiting the Ladies Market, where you’ll find more than 100 cool stalls of clothing, souvenirs, electronics and more. Another popular street bazaar is the Temple Street Night Market. But if there’s one must-do, it’s The Peak, the highest and most exclusive point on Hong Kong island. If you’re looking for a (very) different kind of thrill, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong are also very popular.
Come Hungry, Leave Happy
With 61(!) Michelin-starred restaurants, the options for high-quality eating in Hong Kong are, well, pretty endless. The East-meets-West culture means that dining options are eclectic, too. So where do you start? A good beginning point for exploration is EliteTraveler’s list of 11 restaurant musts, including: RyuGin, for a Kaiseki 12-course dinner with a view; Caprice, for a twist on traditional French and amazing cheeses; and Amber, for contemporary French cuisine with an Asian twist.
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
Leave a Reply