Hong Kong for first timers

Hong Kong is best known as a vibrant and bustling city with its unique east-meets-west allure.

Stay for four to five days and explore the incredible dining and bar scene, discover the city’s history and soak up the lively neighbourhoods.

Getting around

First time travellers to Hong Kong will be surprised at how easy it is to get around the city. The MTR train network and Airport Express Link are world class, safe and most importantly cheap. The system links all key areas in the city, and if not, local buses and ferries are just as easy too.

Where to stay

Hong Kong Island or Kowloon? Both equally central and intriguing. If you’ve got four to five days why not try both?! The upside to Hong Kong Island is you’re amongst the hustle and bustle of fabulous restaurants and cocktail bars. If you love being amongst the action, the Island’s for you. Over in Kowloon, you’ll get a taste of traditional Hong Kong and the views looking back across the island are spectacular!

What to do

For first time visitors to Hong Kong, there are some must-do experiences that you should tick off your bucket-list. Here are our top six things to do:

The Peak

the-peak

The Victoria Peak is arguably the most popular attraction in Hong Kong. As the highest point on Hong Kong Island, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s towering skyline, as well as the Victoria Harbour. Make sure you ride the Peak Tram up to the top, and see spectacular skyscrapers slide past your window.

Star Ferry

star-ferry

Rated as one of ’50 places of a lifetime’ by National Geographic, the boat trip only takes five minutes to run between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon mainland. The HK$2.50 (weekdays) trip brings you a priceless water tour across Victoria Harbour. If you hop on the boat before 8pm, you’ll make it on time for the nightly Symphony of Lights show and see the city’s skyscrapers come to life too.

Walking Tour

central-1

Take a guided tour, ‘Glimpse of Traditional Central’, and experience the changes in Hong Kong’s history and learn about the wisdom evident in culture-rich Central, Sheung Wan and Western District. Strolling past colonial-era medical facilities, Chinese temples, and grocery stores, you are promised to have a memorable experience.

Mong Kok Street Market

mongkok-2

Walking through Mong Kok at night is a good way to truly experience authentic local Chinese lifestyles. There’s plenty more than just sights and ambience to take away as you’ll also love the great deals you can find on souvenirs, clothing, and electronic goods.

Lantau Island Day Trip

yeung-hau-temple-tai-o

Enjoy an astonishing bird’s eye view in one of the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabins on your way up to the Ngong Ping Village, before you are greeted by the majestic big Buddha sitting 34m high. Visit the nearby Po Lin Monastery, which is rich with colourful manifestations of Buddhist iconography. Then, jump on a bus to the quaint and picturesque fishing village of Tai O for a seafood lunch and stroll around the local food markets.

Yum Cha

central-2

Drinking tea while having Dim Sum is representative of Hong Kong’s traditional culture. Dim Sum dishes are usually steamed or fried and may be savoury or sweet. With as many as 150 items on a restaurant menu, it is a challenge to not find something you love. What can be a better way to conclude your trip in Hong Kong, than feasting as a local at a Chinese restaurant?

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

hong kong hong kong tourism board