A Guide to Traveling in Hong Kong
I finally had the opportunity to return to Hong Kong after so many years. This time, my sisters and I took a short trip to meet up with one of my friends and revisit some familiar places. On this visit, we mainly focused on well-known landmarks, since it had been much longer for my sisters since their last trip. Next time, I’m hoping to do more hiking and explore some of the farther, less touristy areas.
Activities
Bird Market 園圃街雀鳥花園
In the past, I used to visit the bird market with my family, and it’s a core memory from my childhood. Birds are lined up throughout the park, where visitors and locals can walk through and enjoy the sights and sounds.
This time, we arrived just before closing, so there were noticeably fewer birds to see. Even so, it was a meaningful experience that brought back fond memories of earlier visits.
Address: 37 Flower Market Rd, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Hours | 7am-8pm
Flower Market 旺角花墟
This is another spot my family has always visited. It’s a bustling area with shops stretching across a few blocks, filled with flowers and plants, and the floral scents are everywhere. I once visited during the New Year and saw special plants sold specifically for the celebrations. Every time I’ve been, there have been many locals buying flowers. This time, I went in December, and the shops were selling Christmas trees.
Address: Flower Market Rd, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Hours | 9:30am-7:30pm
Goldfish Market 金魚街
It was my first time visiting the fish market, and it was overwhelming. Crowds of people filled the sidewalks, watching the aquatic animals on display. The market stretches across several blocks and is mainly focused on fish, though I also saw some turtles and rabbits. It was a fascinating experience, especially since I had wanted to visit ever since seeing it on YouTube. Be prepared for large crowds if you go.
Address: 43-49 Bute Street, Bute St, Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Hours | 11am-9:45pm
Kowloon Harbour Ferry 天星小輪
I feel like this is a must-do activity when visiting Hong Kong. Riding the ferry across the water is a great way to see the skyscrapers and cityscape from a different perspective. Below are the two ferry departure points, depending on which side of the harbor you are on. Be prepared for crowds when boarding and disembarking the ferry.
PMQ 元創方
This building features small shops from local artists spread across several floors. While I was there, a design festival was being hosted, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Address: 35號 Aberdeen St, Central, Hong Kong
Hours | 7am-11pm
Tai Kwun Prison & Court 大館
Now an area to hang out and learn about the past, Tai Kwun Prison and Court features informational panels throughout the buildings. I learned all about the torture and drudgery endured by the prisoners.
Address: Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Hours | 8am-11pm
Tian Tan Buddha 天壇大佛
This monastery and the massive Tian Tan Buddha are located further out on Lantau Island. You can get there by taking the subway or a bus; this time, I chose the double-decker bus, which offered great views of the surrounding landscape. On previous visits, I don’t remember it being so difficult to reach the Buddha, but this time we ended up waiting nearly two hours in line for the cable car. I highly recommend arriving right when it opens to avoid long waits.
Once you’re at the top, there are several souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés where you can relax. The nearby Po Lin Monastery is peaceful, and it’s incredible to see how many Buddha statues are inside. Be prepared for a climb—there are quite a lot of stairs leading up to the Big Buddha—but the experience is well worth the effort.
Address: Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Hours | 10am-5:30pm
Victoria Peak 太平山
One of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions, the journey to and at the peak offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Taking the tram is the most popular option, providing a unique and memorable ride up the mountain. The best time to visit is in the evening, when you can catch the sunset and watch the city transition from day to night, with its skyline lighting up in spectacular fashion.
Alternatively, you can reach the top by bus, though the ride winds through small and cliffside streets, and navigation may be more challenging. Most visitors prefer the convenience and experience of the tram for both the ascent and descent. Once at the top, you’ll find a variety of small shops and restaurants, making it easy to relax and take in the views a little longer.
Address: The Peak, Hong Kong
Bites
Lin Heung Lau 蓮香樓
What a great place for dim sum. My friend recommended meeting up here, and it definitely did not disappoint. The ordering process is a little chaotic — you walk up to the counter or order dishes directly from the cart. If you’re not sure what to order or don’t speak Cantonese, pointing at what looks good works just fine.
It was also a fun experience sharing a round table with strangers, which added to the authentic atmosphere. The food was excellent overall, but the standout for me was the tripe dish. I’m usually not a fan of tripe, but this version was incredibly well prepared. The rice noodle rolls with peanut sauce were also absolutely divine.
Address: 160號 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong (Central location)
Hours | 6am-10:30pm
Tim Ho Wan 添好運
Another iconic dim sum restaurant, this spot has multiple locations scattered throughout Hong Kong. Compared to some of the more hectic traditional dim sum places, the experience here feels much more elevated, with a quieter and more refined atmosphere. Every dish we ordered was excellent. I had been here before, and I’m happy to say it was just as good as I remembered.
Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong (Sham Shui Po location)
Hours | Mon-Fri 10am-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9:30pm
Egg tarts
A must-try when visiting Hong Kong, egg tarts are one of those classic snacks you simply have to experience. With so many bakeries and cafés selling them, it’s worth trying a few different shops and flavors to discover your personal favorite.
I randomly stopped by this bakery and ended up pleasantly surprised. The egg tarts were flaky, warm, and made for the perfect snack to bring along to Victoria Peak while taking in the views.
Cafes
Dozy Cafe
This spot is clearly a local favorite — it was so busy that I couldn’t even find a place to sit. It looked incredibly cozy and inviting.
Even without getting the full sit-in experience, the drinks we ordered to go and the dessert were both excellent. Everything tasted fresh and well made, and it definitely left me wanting to come back another time to properly enjoy the space and try more from the menu.
Address: 199號 Ki Lung St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong (Sham Shui Po location)
Hours | 9:30am-6:30pm
Halfway Coffee 半路咖啡
This is another coffee shop with multiple locations across Hong Kong. I especially loved the vibe of the Sheung Wan location, with towering apartment buildings overhead and the cozy neighborhood feel of the café itself.
The old-style coffee cups added a lot of charm, and the drink menu was packed with options I’d love to come back and try someday. There was seating both inside and outdoors, though it was clearly a very popular spot — finding a place to sit was definitely a challenge.
Address: 26號 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (multiple locations)
Hours | 8am-6pm
How to get around
Getting an MTR subway pass is one of the most convenient ways to explore Hong Kong. The subway system is efficient, easy to navigate, and connects you to most major areas of the city.
Most of the larger buses also allow you to tap a credit card for payment, while the smaller local minibuses typically only accept cash — and you’ll usually need exact change. Using both the bus and subway systems gives you a lot of flexibility when getting around the city.
The minibuses were a bit stressful for me since I don’t speak Cantonese. Unlike larger buses, they often don’t have stop-request buttons, so you have to call out to the driver when you want to get off. It definitely took some getting used to. Taxis are also widely available throughout the city, though they can add up quickly in cost compared to public transportation.
How long to stay
This time, I was only in Hong Kong for two full days, which I’d consider the bare minimum amount of time to visit. If you really want to experience the culture, food, and major sights at a more relaxed pace, I’d recommend staying at least five days.
There’s an incredible amount to do, see, and eat. Beyond the shopping and fast-paced city life, Hong Kong is also known for its beautiful outdoor spaces. Hiking trails and trips to the smaller surrounding islands are great ways to experience a completely different side of the city and add some balance to the urban experience.
When to go
I’d highly recommend visiting Hong Kong during the fall, winter, or spring. The summer months can be extremely hot and humid, which can make long days of walking and sightseeing pretty exhausting. Tourism also tends to peak during the summer and early fall, so attractions and popular neighborhoods can feel especially crowded.
Even during the winter, temperatures are usually quite mild — often hovering around a comfortable 70°F — making it a great time to explore the city, hike, and enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat.
Where to stay
If you want to stay close to many of the main attractions and central areas, I’d recommend looking in either Sheung Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui. Both neighborhoods are convenient, well connected, and close to plenty of restaurants, shopping, and public transportation.
The neighboring districts can also be great options, especially if you prefer somewhere slightly less touristy and crowded. When I visit Hong Kong, I usually stay in the Mong Kok area. It’s close to Tsim Sha Tsui and conveniently located near several subway stops, making it easy to get around the city.
Ultimately, the best neighborhood depends on what kind of experience you want and what you’d like to have easily accessible during your stay.