We've got ten helpful suggestions that will help you make the most of your time in one of the most amazing cities in the world. They cover everything from what to pack to getting around and where to eat, shop, and play in Hong Kong.
1. Acquire terminology
Speaking the native tongue of a destination can greatly improve your travel experience. Even though Cantonese is a difficult language to learn (there are six distinct tones, for example), it's still a good idea to learn a few fundamental phrases. Try saying "nei hou," which translates to "hello," or "mm goy" or "doh jeh" to express your gratitude to someone. (The latter is for someone who gives you a gift; the former is the more casual "thank you" you would say to a waiter or store employee.) You can learn more about the culture and hear some Cantonese sounds by watching a few Hong Kong movies. Watch a vintage Bruce Lee martial arts movie first, and then locate his statue in Tsim Sha Tsui's Avenue of Stars when you're in Hong Kong!
2. Bring a warm item.
Though the summer months of June through August can be extremely hot and muggy, Hong Kong is a fantastic destination to visit year-round. Despite this, you should be cautious of the air conditioning, even though you might be tempted to bring mostly swimwear and sarongs for the summer. In Hong Kong, you can find shopping centers, movie theaters, and public transportation with relatively high AC settings. Thus, remember to bring a jacket!You may
3. Recognize typhoon warning signs
Hong Kong typically gets six typhoons a year, the majority of which are minor ones. It's possible you'll run into one of them if you go in the spring or summer. To help keep everyone safe, the city thankfully has a warning system in place. Storms are ranked from 1 to 10 by the system. The weakest grading, Signal No. 1 (or "T1"), designates a tropical cyclone that is far from Hong Kong but may still have some impact. Conversely, the extremely uncommon Signal No. 10 (or "T10") indicates strong, continuous winds exceeding 118 km/h and destructive force. Some stores and services might close once you reach T8 level, but chain restaurants and Hong Kong's vast train system, known as the MTR (short for "Mass Transit Railway") stay open. Those who are T9 or higher should stay inside. Typhoon, rain, and thunderstorm alerts can be found on the HKO app.
4. Take a card from Octopus.
In Hong Kong, using an Octopus card to pay for public transportation is the most convenient option. It can be used for more than just basic transportation like trains, trams, and ferries; you can buy movie tickets with it, as well as pay for vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, and a variety of chain restaurants and eateries. At Circle K, 7-Eleven, and MTR stations, you can purchase and top off the cards. Additionally, there is a Mobile Octopus option that lets you download the Octopus for Tourists app, top it off with a credit or debit card, and ride without having to wait in line. (And when you leave, you can get a refund of the money that's still on your card.)
5. Use the Airport Express to get a free MTR ride.
When you purchase an Octopus card at the Hong Kong International Airport, you can use it right away on the Airport Express, which is a part of the MTR system in Hong Kong. In addition to providing you with a free interchange on the MTR so you can board a train to get to your final destination without having to pay for the additional leg, the Airport Express travels from the airport to Central in just 24 minutes.
6. Proceed cautiously
Using Hong Kong's traditional transportation options is a great way to explore the city more leisurely. The well-known Star Ferry, which has been transporting commuters across Victoria Harbour for well over a century, is one example. The ferries offer breathtaking views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and the cost to cross the harbor is only HK$2.60. The tram, also known as the "ding ding" by the locals, is an excellent means of exploring Hong Kong Island and is nearly as old as the Star Ferry. For the best views, make sure to go to the top deck; the flat fare is only HK$3, and you can pay with your Octopus card.
7. Take a hike in the hills.
Get MyMapHK, a fantastic walking/hiking app, for free to help you explore Hong Kong's breathtaking country parks. You can easily access official Lands Department maps with the app, and they include all the information you need for a leisurely stroll or an amazing all-day hike in the outdoors. You can measure distances, find routes, share your current map view with others, and do a lot more with its tools. It's a helpful tool for getting around the city as well; select the "Old Hong Kong" setting to see how the area appeared in the past.
8. Taste regional cuisine and beverages
Whether it's a simple bowl of noodles, an egg tart at a bakery, or a delicious plate of char siu pork from a roast meat shop, this is one of the most well-known dining destinations in the world. Plant-based and vegan options are also becoming more popular. Also, don't pass up the opportunity to dine at a "tea restaurant," or cha chaan teng. Locals adore these fast-moving eateries for their delectable comfort food. Try the "guk ju pa fan," or baked pork chop rice, and sip Hong Kong milk tea to go with it.
9. Go shopping like crazy
Hong Kong boasts an extensive retail scene, ranging from grand malls like Pacific Place and IFC Mall on Hong Kong Island to quirky boutiques, markets, and stores like ELEMENTS and K11 MUSEA in Tsim Sha Tsui. Speaking of markets, Central Market is a bustling hub for contemporary dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities. It is an 80-year-old heritage building that has been given new life. PMQ, which stands for "Police Married Quarters," is another beautifully restored historic location with amazing restaurants, shops, and pop-up events. And remember to bring your own shopping bag—Hong Kong doubled its plastic bag levy in December 2022 to encourage the use of reusable bags and save the environment.
10. Make more environmentally friendly travel arrangements
Regarding the environment in Hong Kong, downloading the Water for Free app is a great suggestion for guests. It displays the locations of the closest freshwater drinking fountains throughout the city. The app contributes to lowering the amount of plastic used in Hong Kong and the pollution it causes by providing a list of more than 1,500 water dispenser locations. Thus, don't forget to download the app ahead of time and bring a reusable water bottle!
