
Hong Kong
“Where East meets West in a vertical city of neon, dim sum, and skyscrapers.”
Best Time
Spring / Fall
Currency
HKD (Hong Kong Dollar)
Language
Local Language
Best Time to Visit
Jan
14°C - 19°CLight jacket, long pants, layers
Clear skies
Chilly evenings
Feb
15°C - 20°CLight layers, jacket for evening
Chinese New Year
High hotel prices
Mar
18°C - 23°CT-shirts, light layers
Pleasant weather
Humidity rising
Apr
21°C - 27°CBreathable fabrics, umbrella
Warm days
Humidity spikes
May
24°C - 30°CShorts, tank tops, rain gear
Beach season begins
High humidity
Jun
26°C - 31°CMinimal clothes, sunscreen
Dragon Boat Festival
Oppressive humidity
Jul
27°C - 32°CLight, breathable fabrics
Beach life
Extreme heat
Aug
27°C - 32°CRain gear essential, light clothes
Tropical storms exciting
Typhoon disruptions
Sep
26°C - 31°CSummer clothes, rain backup
Mid-Autumn Festival
Typhoons continue
Oct
23°C - 28°CT-shirts, light jacket for evening
Perfect weather
Crowded weekends
Nov
19°C - 24°CLight layers, comfortable shoes
Best month overall
Popular (book ahead)
Dec
15°C - 20°CJacket, long pants, warm layers
Christmas markets
Chilly mornings
Neighborhoods & Where to Stay

Central
The beating heart of Hong Kong's business district. Glass skyscrapers, luxury malls, and the famous Mid-Levels Escalator. Expensive restaurants and rooftop bars dominate.

Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon's main tourist hub on the harbor. Museums, luxury hotels, tailors, and the iconic Avenue of Stars. Best views of Hong Kong Island skyline.

Mong Kok
The densest neighborhood on Earth. Neon signs, street markets, electronics shops, and constant energy. Ladies Market and sneaker street are here.

Sheung Wan
Traditional Chinese medicine shops next to hipster cafes. Dried seafood wholesalers beside art galleries. The gentrifying edge of old Hong Kong.

Causeway Bay
Hong Kong's retail epicenter. Massive malls, department stores, and street-level shops. Locals come here to shop, eat, and hang out.

Sham Shui Po
The most authentic Hong Kong neighborhood. Electronics markets, fabric wholesalers, and cheap street food. Minimal English, maximum character.
Culture
Dos & Don'ts
- Octopus Card is Life: This rechargeable smart card works on all public transit (MTR, buses, ferries, trams) plus 7-Eleven, Starbucks, and vending machines. Buy one immediately at any MTR station.
- Queue Culture: Hong Kong takes queueing seriously. Form orderly lines for everything—MTR, escalators, restaurants, taxis. Cutting in line is social suicide.
- Escalator Rules: Stand on the right, walk on the left. MTR escalators move fast and locals don't tolerate blockers. This rule is strictly enforced.
- No Tipping: Service charge is included in restaurant bills (10%). Additional tipping is not expected or necessary. Rounding up taxi fare is polite but optional.
- Name Cards Matter: In business settings, receive name cards with both hands and study them briefly before putting away. It's a sign of respect.
- Shoes Off: Some traditional restaurants and all homes require shoe removal. Look for slippers by the entrance as a signal.
- Chopstick Etiquette: Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism). Don't point them at people. Place them on the rest, not the bowl.
- Dim Sum Protocol: Share everything. Pour tea for others before yourself. Tap two fingers on table to thank someone for pouring your tea. Servers tally dishes at end.
- Public Behavior: Keep voices down on MTR and in restaurants. Loud phone conversations are frowned upon. Public drunkenness is rare and embarrassing.
- Respect for Elders: Give up MTR seats for elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a baby. It's not optional—locals will judge you.
Key Phrases
Must-See Attractions

Victoria Peak
太平山 (Tai Ping Shan)
The highest point on Hong Kong Island, providing the world-famous view of the skyscraper skyline and Victoria Harbour.

Star Ferry
天星小輪
A legendary green-and-white ferry service that has been shuttling passengers across Victoria Harbour for over 130 years.

Symphony of Lights
幻彩詠香江
A synchronized laser and light show involving over 40 skyscrapers on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

Tian Tan Buddha
天壇大佛
A massive 34-meter high bronze statue of Buddha sitting serenely atop a mountain on Lantau Island.

Temple Street Night Market
廟街夜市
A lively nocturnal bazaar in Kowloon filled with street food, trinkets, fortune tellers, and opera singers.

Ladies Market
女人街
A kilometer-long stretch of street stalls in Mong Kok selling everything from clothing and bags to quirky souvenirs.

PMQ
元創方
A creative landmark housed in a revitalized historic building, now filled with local designer boutiques and art galleries.

Man Mo Temple
文武廟
A stunning, incense-filled temple dedicated to the gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo).

Wong Tai Sin Temple
黃大仙祠
A sprawling Taoist temple complex famous for 'Kau Cim'—a form of fortune telling using bamboo sticks.

Tai O Fishing Village
大澳漁村
A traditional Tanka fishing community famous for its stilt houses built over the tidal flats of Lantau Island.

Dragon's Back Trail
龍脊
A stunning ridge-line hike that offers panoramic views of Hong Kong Island’s coastline and the South China Sea.

Sai Kung
西貢
A coastal district known as the 'Back Garden of Hong Kong,' famous for its pristine beaches, volcanic rock formations, and seafood.

Mid-Levels Escalator
中環至半山自動扶梯
The world's longest covered outdoor escalator system, spanning 800 meters and climbing over 135 meters in elevation.

Ozone Bar
One of the world's highest bars, located on the 118th floor of the ICC tower in West Kowloon.
Travel Essentials
Must Eat

Dim Sum
點心 (Dim Sam)
The quintessential Hong Kong culinary experience, featuring bite-sized portions of steamed, fried, and baked delicacies served in bamboo baskets.

Roast Goose
燒鵝 (Siu Ngo)
Succulent goose roasted to perfection with mahogany-crisp skin and tender, flavorful meat, often served over rice with a tangy plum sauce.

Wonton Noodles
雲吞麵 (Wan Tan Min)
Al dente egg noodles served in a clear, dried-flounder broth with plump shrimp wontons hidden beneath the noodles.

Egg Tart
蛋撻 (Daan Taat)
A silky, bright yellow egg custard nestled in either a crumbly shortcrust or a multi-layered flaky pastry shell.

Pineapple Bun with Butter
菠蘿油 (Bo Lo Yau)
A soft, sweet bun topped with a crackly, sugary crust, served warm with a thick slab of cold, salty butter inside.

Hong Kong Milk Tea
絲襪奶茶 (Si Mat Naai Cha)
A potent blend of several types of black tea mixed with evaporated milk, known for its creamy texture and high caffeine kick.

BBQ Pork
叉燒 (Cha Siu)
Strips of boneless pork marinated in a sweet honey and five-spice mixture, then roasted until caramelized and tender.

Rice Noodle Rolls
腸粉 (Cheung Fan)
Silky, translucent rice noodle sheets rolled around fillings like shrimp or beef, drizzled with seasoned sweet soy sauce.

Claypot Rice
煲仔飯 (Bo Zai Faan)
Rice cooked in a clay pot over an open flame with toppings like preserved sausage, chicken, or beef, resulting in a crispy, charred bottom layer.

Cart Noodles
車仔麵 (Che Zai Min)
A highly customizable bowl of noodle soup where diners choose their noodle type, broth, and a variety of toppings like pig blood curd or daikon.

Hong Kong French Toast
西多士 (Sai Do Si)
Thick slices of white bread with a peanut butter filling, egg-washed and deep-fried, then topped with golden syrup and a pat of butter.

Curry Fish Balls
咖喱魚蛋 (Ga Lei Yu Dan)
Spongy, bouncy balls made of fish paste, simmered in a rich, mildly spicy yellow curry sauce and served on a skewer.

Century Egg & Pork Congee
皮蛋瘦肉粥 (Pei Dan Sau Yuk Juk)
A thick, silky rice porridge flavored with bits of preserved 'century egg' and tender strips of lean pork.

Egg Waffle
雞蛋仔 (Gai Daan Zai)
A honeycomb-shaped waffle with bubble-like pieces that are crispy on the outside and soft and cakey on the inside.

Hot Pot
火鍋 (Fo Wo)
A communal dining experience where fresh raw ingredients are cooked in a pot of simmering broth in the center of the table.
The Perfect 24 Hours in Hong Kong
Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan
"Start with Michelin-starred dim sum. Order BBQ pork buns, har gow, siu mai, and turnip cake."
Central & Mid-Levels Escalator
"Explore Central's skyscrapers, ride the world's longest escalator, visit Man Mo Temple."
Roast Goose Lunch
"Michelin-starred roasted meat at Yat Lok or Kam's. Half goose over rice for HK$100."
Victoria Peak
"Take bus 15 to skip tram queue. Panoramic views of skyline, harbor, and mountains."
Star Ferry Sunset
"Take the legendary harbor crossing at golden hour. HK$4 for one of the world's great journeys."
Symphony of Lights & Night Market
"Watch the 8pm light show, then explore Temple Street Night Market for chaos and curry fish balls."
Getting Around
Hong Kong has one of the world's best public transit systems. Fast, clean, and intuitive.
Airport to City
Hong Kong Airport (HKIA) is on Lantau Island, connected to the city by fast rail and bus.
Safety & Scams
Hong Kong is one of the world's safest cities. Violent crime is rare, but tourist scams exist.
Money & Payments
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the currency. Cards widely accepted but cash still king in local places.
When to Visit
October-December is peak season. Summer is hot and humid. Avoid Chinese New Year if you hate crowds.
Language & Communication
Cantonese is the main language. English signage is everywhere but spoken English varies.
Health & Medical
Excellent healthcare system. Tap water is safe. Pharmacies everywhere.
Essential Apps
These apps will make navigating Hong Kong infinitely easier.