Hong Kong Guide for Foreigners: Where To Go and What To Do

If you’re planning your first trip, this Hong Kong guide will help you get a feel for the city before you even arrive. Hong Kong is one of those places that just pulls you in—the skyline is insane, the streets are always alive, and the food scene is on another level. It’s a mix of modern city vibes and old-school charm, where you can go from shopping malls to local street markets in minutes.

In this guide, I’ll share some must-visit spots, local food you shouldn’t miss, and a few simple tips to make your trip easier. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a few days, Hong Kong is super easy to explore and always has something interesting around the corner.

Where is Hong Kong?

Hong Kong 香港 is a vibrant city located on the southern coast of China, right next to Shenzhen. It’s a Special Administrative Region (SAR), which means it has its own legal and economic system, separate from mainland China.

Thanks to its strategic location in Asia, Hong Kong is one of the easiest destination to access — making it a perfect stop for first-time travelers to the region.

Is Hong Kong Worth Visiting?

Since Linardo and I love exploring new places and appreciate every destination, of course we’d say yes. To us, Hong Kong is a unique mix of ultra-modern skyscrapers, traditional temples and markets, a world-class food scene, and easy-to-use public transport. You can go from luxury shopping malls to street food stalls within minutes.

However, it’s also a lot more expensive compared to other Asian cities, and it can feel very fast-paced and crowded. Some people dislike this and will tell you Hong Kong isn’t worth visiting. But if you enjoy cities like Tokyo or Singapore, you’ll probably love Hong Kong.

How to Visit Hong Kong?

🚄 High Speed Train (Fastest & Cheapest Option)

If you are departing from Shenzhen or Guangzhou, High Speed Train is the best option. We’ve never done this ourselves, but we know you can take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) from Shenzhen to Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station in just 15–20 minutes. Since Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, you will still need to go through immigration.

You can easily book your HSR tickets via Trip.com. You can pre-book tickets up to 2 weeks in advance, and we highly recommend doing this to avoid sold-out trains or not being able to get a seat.

✈️ Flights

Both times we visited Hong Kong, we flew directly from our destination. Flying to Hong Kong also gives you the chance to experience one of the best airlines in the world — Cathay Pacific.

We usually book our flights through Trip.com because we’ve found that the prices are often more competitive in Asia.

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

The best time to visit Hong Kong is October to March.

During these months, the weather is cooler with less humidity, making it much more comfortable for exploring the city. Summer days can be extremely hot and humid.

You’ll also get clearer skies, which means better skyline views. We visited Hong Kong in April and September, which falls during the rainy season, and almost every day was cloudy and gloomy. Since many destinations in Hong Kong are outdoors and you’ll likely be walking a lot, it’s much better to avoid the rainy season if possible.

Avoid:

Summer (June–August) → Hot, humid, and typhoon season
April & September → Rainy season
Golden Week & Chinese New Year → Extremely crowded

Places to Visit in Hong Kong

1. Central

As the name suggests, Central is the heart of Hong Kong. It’s filled with malls, popular food stalls, and is arguably the busiest area in the city. Don’t miss Lan Kwai Fong for nightlife, as well as the Mid-Levels Escalators — one of the longest covered escalator systems in the world.

📍 Must visit places:

Central Market
Lan Kwai Fong
IFC Mall

2. Causeway Bay

I would say this is similar to Shibuya in Tokyo. It’s packed with shopping malls, fashion retail stores, and has a very youthful, energetic vibe. It feels more like a shopping destination for younger crowds.

3. Kennedy Town

A more relaxed area to explore with plenty of cafés and restaurants. It’s also known for its basketball court, which has become a popular photo spot thanks to its scenic backdrop.

4. Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong and offers an incredible view of the skyline. It is quite touristy, but still a great experience, especially with the Peak Tram ride. There is also a small mall at the top, along with Madame Tussauds if you’re interested.

📍 Must visit places:

5. Tsim Sha Tsui

Located in Kowloon, this area offers one of the best views of Hong Kong Island. The Avenue of Stars is famous for the handprints of iconic figures in Hong Kong cinema, such as Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, and Jet Li.

📍 Must visit places:

Avenue of Stars
K11 Musea Mall
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
M+ Museum

6. Hong Kong Disneyland

One of only four Disneyland parks in Asia, and actually the smallest Disneyland in the world. Despite its size, we had so much fun and still recommend spending a full day here. Our favorites include World of Frozen, the Grizzly Gulch roller coaster, and Mystic Manor with its incredible storytelling and animatronics.

7. Lantau Island

A great half-day trip from the city. The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride takes about 25 minutes and offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s natural landscape. Once you arrive, you can explore Ngong Ping Village and visit the Tian Tan Giant Buddha, which looks even more impressive in person.

📍 Must visit places:

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
Ngong Ping Village
Tian Tan Buddha

8. Sneakers Street & Ladies Market

Perfect for shopping. We compared prices and found sneakers here to be cheaper than in Taiwan and Indonesia (where we’ve lived before).

9. Temple Street Night Market

A must-visit for a foodie experience. Hong Kong’s street food scene is one of the best in Asia, and this night market is the perfect place to explore it.

10. Wanchai

The Wan Chai area is a bit more local but still very lively, with shopping malls, retail shops, and plenty of famous food spots. Some Michelin-recommended places are located here, such as Joy Hing and the popular Bakehouse. Wan Chai is also very close to the Central area, and it sits right between Central and Causeway Bay, making it a very convenient place to stay when you’re in Hong Kong.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

We stayed at Hopewell Hotel when we visited Hong Kong, which is located in the Wan Chai area. It’s a 5-star hotel, so you really get that 5-star hospitality experience. Our room was very spacious, especially by Hong Kong standards.

We had a comfortable king-size bed and windows overlooking Victoria Harbour. We were also welcomed with a bottle of wine, a selection of fruits, and chocolates. It was such a nice touch, and since it was our first day, we felt especially welcomed to Hong Kong.

The hotel is directly connected to Hopewell Centre, making it very convenient. Plus, Lee Tung Avenue is right across the road, and it’s only a 5-minute walk to Bakehouse to try their famous sourdough egg tart — and yes, it really is that delicious!

In terms of facilities, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a pool bar, and an in-house restaurant. So yes, we had everything we needed to elevate our trip in Hong Kong.

FAQ - Hong Kong Guide

Is Hong Kong worth visiting for first-time travelers?

Yes, Hong Kong is a great destination for first-time travelers. It’s easy to navigate, has excellent public transport, and offers a mix of modern attractions, cultural spots, and amazing local food.

How many days do you need in Hong Kong?

Most travelers spend 3 to 5 days in Hong Kong. This gives you enough time to explore major areas, try local food, visit attractions, and even take a short day trip.

What is the best time to visit Hong Kong?

The best time to visit Hong Kong is between October and March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring.

Is Hong Kong expensive for tourists?

Hong Kong can be expensive, especially for hotels, but you can still travel on a budget by eating local food, using public transport, and visiting free attractions.

What are the must-try foods in Hong Kong?

Some must-try foods include dim sum, roast goose, wonton noodles, egg tarts, and Hong Kong-style milk tea.

Is it easy to get around Hong Kong?

Yes, Hong Kong has one of the best public transport systems in the world, including the MTR, buses, and ferries, making it very convenient to get around.

Do foreigners need cash in Hong Kong?

While many places accept cards, it’s still recommended to carry some cash, especially for street food, local markets, and small shops.

Is English widely spoken in Hong Kong?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and public transport, making it easy for foreigners to communicate.

Explore More Hidden Gems in Hong Kong

If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other Hong Kong travel blogs featuring many useful Hong Kong guide from transportation, itineraries to attractions