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Hong Kong: A Meeting Place of Tradition and Innovation

Step into the vibrant city of Hong Kong, a place where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern innovation. This bustling metropolis is a dazzling mosaic of towering skyscrapers, bustling markets, and serene green spaces, offering a unique experience that captivates every traveler.

Hong Kong's iconic skyline is a testament to its status as a global financial hub, yet the city's soul can be found in its rich cultural heritage. From the historic temples of Wong Tai Sin and Man Mo to the lively streets of Mong Kok and the tranquil beauty of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong is a city of contrasts that invites exploration.

Delight your senses with the city's culinary offerings, renowned for its world-class cuisine. Whether savoring traditional dim sum, exploring local street food, or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers. Shop to your heart's content in luxury malls or hunt for unique treasures in the vibrant street markets of Sham Shui Po and Temple Street.

Whether you're here for a whirlwind tour or an extended stay, Hong Kong promises a journey filled with unforgettable sights, sounds, and experiences. Welcome to a city that never sleeps, where every moment is an opportunity for discovery.

Current Weather

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Description

You can find everything in Hong Kong: some of the world’s most exciting skyscraper architecture, fashionable shopping malls, a subtropical wilderness and one of the world’s hottest financial districts. SoHo — South of Hollywood Road — is where you will find the world’s largest system of interconnected escalators, a vibrating artery linking together restaurants, cafés, bars, interior design shops and shopping malls. For the fashion-conscious, a visit to Causeway Bay is recommended. Here, it is mainly young people who enjoy combing the fashion boutiques until late into the evening. Anyone who loses their way in the alleys of the technology paradise of Kowloon will find their way to an interesting restaurant in the Chinese quarter of Central or decide to take a swim in Stanley. And so it continues: Hong Kong is an adventure.

Useful information

Population:

7.5 million

Currency:

Hong Kong Dollar (HK$ or HKD)

Emergency Info:

999

Opening Hours:

Office hours are 9am–5:30pm from Monday to Friday, 9am–1pm on Saturdays. Many offices are closed for lunch between 1–2pm. Banks are open from 9am–4:30pm on Monday to Friday and 9am–12:30pm on Saturdays. Most businesses are open all day from 10am–6pm and in the tourist district they are often open until 9pm.

Do & See

Hong Kong skyline at Victoria Harbor.

A Symphony of Lights

At 20:00 every night, you can admire a dazzling multimedia show outdoors with laser lights in a multitude of colours; the show involves more than 40 buildings by the harbour. This is a beautiful and u... Read More

The enormous Tian Tan Buddha at Po Lin Monastery in Hong Kong.

Big Buddha / Tian Tan Buddha

You will find the Big Buddha on Lantau Island which is the largest island in Hong Kong. Big Buddha is the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue, which is more than 34 metres high. After ... Read More

Stone trail on dragons back trail

Dragon's Back Trail

Hong Kong's Dragon's Back Trail is a 2-3 hour hiking trail that cuts through stunning landscapes and offers views over the southern part of Hong Kong, with opportunities for a swim or surf at Big Wave... Read More

Family Holiday Vacation Amusement Park Togetherness

Hong Kong Disneyland Park

Hong Kong Disneyland is the perfect place to enjoy a full day with family and friends. Here, dreams are brought to life for both the young and the ones young at heart. Meet your favourite Disney chara... Read More

museum hall

Hong Kong Museum of Art

If you're interested in classical Chinese art and calligraphy, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is the perfect destination. Recently reopened after several years of refurbishment, it now boasts expanded ex... Read More

Traditional Chinese New Year Lantern

Hong Kong Museum of History

This museum narrates the history of Hong Kong. Go through the eight rooms that range from prehistoric times to the hand-over to China in 1997. Here you can see everything from traditional Chinese clot... Read More

Dinosaur

Hong Kong Science Museum

Hong Kong Science Museum opened its doors in 1991 and is truly a place where you can learn science in a fun way. The museum houses over 500 exhibits including the Energy Machine - the largest device o... Read More

A colorful view towards the fountain and trees in the Hong Kong Zoological And Botanical Gardens.

Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens

At the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, you will find hundreds of species of birds and exotic plants in a beautiful setting filled with fountains and sculptures. On the West of Garden Road,... Read More

Dining

Chinese food specialty, dumpling with vegetarian filling.

Chi Lin Vegetarian

This is a vegetarian restaurant located within the Chi Lin Nunnery. It is open for the public and is situated behind a man-made waterfall within a garden connected to the nunnery. The restaurant offer... Read More

Dim Dim Sum (Mong Kok)

Dim Dim Sum (Mong Kok)

An excellent choice for a dim sum feast that is incredibly affordable. The quality here is comparable to that of Tim Ho Wan, but the brand name being lesser known means no line to be seated (although ... Read More

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is a restaurant chain originating in Taiwan, which now has multiple branches across Asia and beyond (the fact it remains largely unknown in the West is a tragic shortcoming). They are fam... Read More

The Night View Of The City Reflected In The Glass Of Wine

Felix

Hong Kong’s finest panoramic restaurant was given a lift when it was refurbished by the designer Philippe Starck. At this fantastic, Art Deco-inspired restaurant with a spectacular skyline view, you c... Read More

Man making ravioli, Italian cuisine and gluten-free

Giando

For authentic Italian food head over to Giando, serving only food prepared with fresh ingredients and with passion. On the menu you will find delicious al dente pasta, risotto and yummy desserts. Here... Read More

Chinese food, dim sum fried spring rolls

Heichinrou

The most luxurious dim sum to be found in Hong Kong. The cream of Hong Kong society gathers in Heichinrou of Kwun Tong and Diamond Hill on public holidays to eat the exquisite, fancy dishes in elegant... Read More

Ichiran ramen

Ichiran Ramen

Take the chance to have a bowl of ramen at one of two Hong Kong-based outlets of the celebrated Japanese brand originating from Hakata, the birthplace of tonkotsu. Hong Kong's two locations stay true ... Read More

dim sum

Lin Heung Tea House

If you would like to experience the warm hospitality of old Hong Kong, Lin Heung Tea House is the place to be – it is one of the most famous traditional Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong since 1918. It... Read More

Cafés

cup of coffee latte on the wood texture

Barista Caffe

Barista Caffe is one of the most popular cafés in the district, not only for its superior coffee and rich waffles, but also for its reasonable prices and tasty dishes.

cup of latte or cappuccino coffee with a book in coffee shop with vintage retro filter effect

Kubrick Bookshop Café

This hipster bookshop café lies next to Broadway Cinematheque and has a wide range of film-related books and magazines. It is embellished with posters, quotes, paintings, and CD covers. Surrounded by ... Read More

Fresh mixed green salad with egg close up

Ovo Cafe

Set in an old converted market in Chai district, Ovo Cafe is well-known for its dedication to health and an eco-friendly lifestyle, and shares it by serving fresh vegetarian cuisine. This little garde... Read More

delicious egg tart on tray, Hong Kong food

Tai Cheong Bakery

This Chinese bakery opened its doors in 1954, currently operating more than 20 stores around Hong Kong. Loved by the last British Governor of Hong Kong, this is a place famous for its egg tart, a kind... Read More

Female reading a magazine and drink ice coffee on wooden table.

The Alchemist Cafe Bistro

A café designed on around the concept of travel, The Alchemist Cafe Bistro is the perfect place for travellers, where all guests are free to read from their collections of travel books in a warm and r... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

man playing guitar on a stage musical concert close-up view

All Night Long

This bar lives up to its name: a good place to hang out with friends all night long. Eight in-house rock bands, their live music after happy hour with a dance floor is undoubtedly a highlight. Yet, if... Read More

Part of a hookah in the arabic restaurant

Boba Bear

Boba Bear is a hookah lounge in Soho with bubble tea inspired cocktails. Shisha comes with fancy glowing light with various choices of flavours. If you are not sure which one will work best for you, a... Read More

Happy men shouting while watching football match broadcast in pub

Delaney's Kowloon

Conveniently located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Delaney's Kowloon has brought a piece of Ireland into Hong Kong's nightlife since 1995. Choose from the ground floor’s very popular Irish pub in bla... Read More

Energetic crowd partying all night long

Dragon-I

Dragon-I serves Japanese and Chinese fusion cuisine during the day but in the evenings, it turns into a nightclub. Have a drink with Hong Kong’s film and pop stars in this small but cosy designer club... Read More

Set of cocktails at the bar

Eyebar

Take the elevator up and prepare yourself for a wow-moment! The city skyline view from up here is just amazing and the bar is decorated in contemporary chinoiserie with beautiful turquoise and gold pa... Read More

serving cocktail

MO Bar

All-day dinning and fancy cocktails in a sophisticated ambiance - this is what you can expect at MO Bar. The interior designer for this bar, Adam Tihany, specialises in luxury spaces and it is easy to... Read More

White Wine on the Skyline

OZONE

OZONE is the highest rooftop sky bar in the world, and offers an unbelievable view of the Victoria Harbour from the 118th floor. The bar is stylishly decorated, aiming to bring you a memorable night w... Read More

Bartender is making cocktail at bar counter at night club, Close Up. Concept about service and beverages

Quinary

Looking for a world-class experience? Then head over to Quinary - no 41 in World's 50 Best Bars and no 6 in Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2016. Sip on award-winning cocktails that offer multi-sensory enjoyme... Read More

Shopping

Cat Street

Cat Street

Upper Lascar Road is known as Cat Street, was named during the open trade of Hong Kong in the beginning stage. As a street featured antiques, it is a fantastic place to find treasures for different an... Read More

Two positive girls choosing dress together in fashion store

Citygate Outlets

The largest outlet shopping mall in Hong Kong, Citygate Outlets is located next to the Hong Kong Airport and near The Ngong Ping 360. Here you will find more than 80 international brands with discount... Read More

Young woman with shopping bags over shopping mall background with copy space. Shopping concept.

Dragon Centre

Dragon Centre is where the locals would always love to go and shop, searching their favorite items in reasonable price in this shoppers' paradise of Sham Shui Po. The vibrant shopping mall has the lar... Read More

A couple testing a sample of beauty products in the mall

Elements

As designed with the five Chinese elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal by world-renowned Benoy, Elements provides brands from middle price to luxury of accessories and cosmetics products, as... Read More

mobile smartphone in store

Golden Computer Centre & Arcade

Golden Computer is a four-storey shopping centre at the heart of Mong Kok, famous for its all-inclusive electronic gadgets from computers, notebooks, phone supplies, computer games, to camera gear, al... Read More

Attractive Asian Couple Shopping

Harbour City

Are you a big fan of shopping? You may consider having an empty luggage with you. Here's the largest shopping centre in Hong Kong featuring 450+ shops and stores, located along the Victoria Habour. Th... Read More

Two young beautiful women shopping together, standing in the mall, choosing new clothes, holding hangers with different red and green casual blouses, deciding on color, close-up of hands

Kwai Chung Plaza

This plaza is adjacent to Kwai Fong Plaza and Metroplaza. It is a favourite haunt of teenagers and young adults in search of cheap clothing, beauty products, fusion snacks and special drinks at the be... Read More

Close up Pretty Young Woman Shopping for Clothes with her Girl Friends Inside the Clothing Store.

Lane Crawford

Lane Crawford, the first western department store in Hong Kong selling luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestlye goods, is well-stocked and well-organised with its excellent retail design. Some think it a... Read More

Tourist Information

Bauhinia is the city flower of Hong Kong

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

Weather-wise, the best period to plan a trip for is between October and December. It does get chilly during the winter, although not critically so, and temperatures rarely fall far below 10 degrees Ce... Read More

open passport with entry stamps

Passport / Visa

Hong Kong's visa policy is more liberal than that of mainland China. Citizens of most world countries may enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods ranging from 14 to 180 days.

passengers at Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Hong Kong’s airport was previously in the city centre and it was an experience to fly in among the skyscrapers. The new airport, built on an artificial island, is still a major sight. Feted as one of ... Read More

Busy intersection in Central Hong Kong

Public Transport

The clean, modern and efficient MTR (metro) is often the quickest way to get around. A smart way is to buy an Octopus Card which can be used on most of the local buses, trains, trams, and ferries. You... Read More

taxis in Hong Kong

Taxi

It is relatively cheap and simple to travel by taxi in Hong Kong — just flag down the first taxi that comes down the street. The colour of the taxi indicates its geographical area. Red taxis are for m... Read More

power socket and plug

Electricity

Hong Kong uses a three-pin plug known as plug type G, same as in the UK. The average voltage is 220V at 50Hz.

applying a medical plaster

Pharmacy

There are around 600 pharmacies in Hong Kong. If you want to see a pharmacist, look for the "Rx" sign with a red cross outside the pharmacy. You can also get medicine at Mannings, Watsons, or any conv... Read More

pink envelopes

Post Office

The main post office is adjacent to the Star Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island. Opening hours vary from office to office. Stamps are available in convenience stores. You can also find post boxes on m... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Hong Kong is during the fall months from September to November. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring (March to May) is also a good option, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Avoid visiting during the summer months (June to August) when the heat and humidity can be intense, along with the possibility of typhoons.

A stay of 4 to 5 days is ideal for experiencing the highlights of Hong Kong. This allows you to explore key attractions such as Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha, and the bustling markets of Mong Kok. You can also take day trips to nearby islands like Lantau or Lamma. If you have more time, consider extending your stay to delve deeper into the local culture and cuisine.

Hong Kong is packed with attractions that cater to a variety of interests. Key highlights include: - Victoria Peak for stunning skyline views - Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for a picturesque harbor walk - The Big Buddha on Lantau Island - Wong Tai Sin Temple for its beautiful architecture - Hong Kong Disneyland for family fun. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich culture and history.

Hong Kong boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system, making it easy to get around. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the fastest way to travel between districts. Buses and trams are also reliable options. For a scenic experience, consider taking the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. Walking is a great way to explore neighborhoods and discover hidden gems.

Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, known for its diverse culinary scene. Must-try dishes include: - Dim Sum, a variety of small plates served in steamer baskets - Roast Goose, a local specialty with crispy skin - Wonton Noodles, a comforting noodle soup - Pineapple Bun, a sweet pastry with a crunchy topping - Egg Tarts, a popular dessert. Don't miss the street food stalls for authentic local flavors.

Yes, Hong Kong hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Notable ones include: - Chinese New Year, celebrated with parades and fireworks in January or February - The Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring lantern displays and mooncake tastings in September - The Hong Kong Arts Festival, showcasing local and international performances in February and March. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions.

When visiting Hong Kong, it's important to be mindful of local customs. Here are a few key points: - Greeting with a slight bow or nod is common; handshakes are also acceptable. - It's polite to offer and receive items with both hands. - Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially in restaurants. - Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Understanding these customs will enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.

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