Posted on 02/24/2025

Guide to Hong Kong

The people, the energy, the food – there is so much to love about Hong Kong. Only in Hong Kong can you wander through a magical flower tunnel hidden in a housing complex, ride the world’s longest escalator, stand at the base of the world’s tallest seated bronze Buddha and visit a model of Noah’s Ark. If you’ve never visited Hong Kong, this may come as a complete shock to you, but it’s all conveniently connected via an extensive transportation network – the subway to get around the city, buses, trams and ferries to get from the city to outlying islands or across Victoria Harbour. 

 

Top Attractions: First-Time Hong Kong Travelers 

Ride the Peak Tram – it’s one of the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railways and offers sweeping views of the city. Whether you ride it up to the Peak Tower, down or both, it’s an unforgettable experience. 

You can also take a ride on the Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour – it’s always special to see Hong Kong’s skyline from the water. In between, be sure to spend some time strolling around the Central district, Hong Kong’s core business and shopping district, along with the lively and down-to-earth Sheung Wan district, just west of Central, for antiques. When you’re ready for a break, stop by Soho, the prime entertainment district, for food and drinks.  

 

Next-Level Hong Kong Explorations 

If you’ve already experienced some of Hong Kong’s key attractions and are looking to strike out beyond the icons, explore some of the city’s breezy outlying islands. They are just a short ferry ride away from Central – for example, try Cheung Chau, Peng Chau or Lamma Island. Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar® are also a great way to experience Hong Kong from a different perspective. You can try a personalized traditional Chinese medicine therapy after a consultation or enjoy a reflexology session and seasonal lunch at the Chi Lin Nunnery – these are really unique and memorable experiences that reveal more layers of the culture and city. 

 

Foodie Experiences: Ultimate Dim Sum, Egg Tarts & More 

Let’s talk food! Hong Kong is one of the world’s great culinary capitals and you can’t experience this city without having a few meals. Try traditional dim sum at Luk Yu Teahouse at Central, the innovative cartoon dim sum at Crystal Lotus at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Yum Cha. Foodies won’t want to miss Michelin-starred dim sum at Tim Ho Wan. 

 

Speaking of travelers that are really wanting typical Hong Kong food experiences, check out the Australia Dairy Company – the steamed milk pudding is out of this world. Don’t be fooled by the name. It’s simply because the founder worked on an Australian farm in the 1940s. It’s a very traditional Hong Kong-style café or cha chaan teng and no one does eggs and custard dishes better. Try Cheong Bakery for egg tarts, a popular Hong Kong snack. This is a really famous and traditional Hong Kong bakery and they are particularly well known for their egg tarts – a creamy and smooth filling encased in a buttery shell. You can’t go to Hong Kong without trying one! 

 

Best Markets & Shopping in Hong Kong 

Everyone knows Hong Kong is famous for its markets and shopping. Definitely explore PMQ (formerly known as Police Married Quarters) in Central – this is a fantastic place to experience Hong Kong’s local artisan culture. There are so many small, local brands and this complex is a real creative hub filled with workshops, design studios and boutiques where you can find especially unique gifts and souvenirs. The Ladies Market in Mongkok (Kowloon) is a well-established bazaar– expect rows and rows of vendors offering everything from clothing and jewelry to toys and quirky souvenirs. For those interested in the Hong Kong shopping mall scene, K11 Musea and Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui and IFC in Central are all top choices. 

 

Gardens, Parks & Mini Retreats 

Amid all of your exploring you might want a bit of calm or a place to relax before you continue on to your next adventure. For that check out Wong Tai Sin Temple, the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Garden in the Wong Tai Sin District. If you’re looking for a more in-depth adventure in nature, don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Hong Kong Global Geopark. You can explore rare volcanic rocks, go hiking on the MacLehose Trail and take a variety of guided boat tours.