Are you thinking about visiting Hong Kong? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Hong Kong worth visiting?
Hong Kong is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Hong Kong is a dynamic, cosmopolitan, and modern city. Many people use it as a gateway for exploring China and Southeast Asia. The city has modern skyscrapers, sweeping shopping malls, and colorful markets. There are parks and waterways and ferries that give it an energy unlike any other city in the world. During our first trip to Hong Kong in 2009, we fell in love with its endless shopping malls and colorful skyline. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Forbes Best Places to Travel in 2023.
Hong Kong
Reasons to Visit Hong Kong
Food
The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.
Shopping
There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.
Museums
The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.
Nightlife
The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.
Beaches
You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.
Hiking
The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hong Kong might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Hong Kong here or see if Hong Kong is expensive here.
Related
What is Hong Kong most famous for?
Hong Kong is most famous for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. People visit this impressive city for its great food and shopping. It's also known for museums, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. It is often described as compact, dense, cosmopolitan, glamorous, and diverse .
What is the most famous sight in Hong Kong?
The most popular sight in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hong Kong on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Victoria Peak and other attractions here.
How touristy is Hong Kong? Is it a popular city to visit?
Hong Kong is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $110
How long should I spend in Hong Kong?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Hong Kong is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Hong Kong has a variety of activities such as dining and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hong Kong?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hong Kong?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hong Kong?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.