Hong Kong is practically part of China, but it has its own culture and personality. The cosmopolitan city stretches across numerous small islands, among which there are some that are densely populated and full of incredible attractions, restaurants and shops. They say that a minute in New York is like a second in Hong Kong, and they also say that you can quickly see why.
Would you be able to keep up with the hurried lifestyle this city has? The first thing websites recommend is to see the city from Victoria Peak. It’s a city attraction from which you can see Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbour, and even the eight Kowloon mountains on a clear day. Visiting the markets is a must, and they’ve been divided into various parts. There’s a Ladies’ Market where you can find clothes and accessories in more than one hundred stalls, and then there’s the Temple Street Night Market where you can find everything, from noodles to watches. In Cat Street, you’ll find antiques, and at Apliu Street Market, you can find electronics. There are also special markets for flowers, goldfish, birds, kitchen appliances...
You can visit the Big Buddha or Tian Tan Buddha, which is located on Lantau Island. The Buddha weighs 202 tonnes and there are 200 steps leading to the top. If you want to escape the city, then head to the Sai Kung East Country Park where you can hike the many trails that lead to beautiful beaches. You can find even more attractions in the article “Hong Kong – the City of Surprises“.
Even if you’re travelling internationally, there’s a chance you’ll end up in this transit city before arriving at your destination. So, why not extend your stay a bit without any additional costs and visit this exciting city without having to invest much financially? This is exactly what our volunteer Tina did, and she’ll give you a few ideas about how to make the most of your short stop in Hong Kong in this article. Or you can go explore the city with Anja, who ended her 21-day trip around Asia in Hong Kong and almost got stuck at the airport.
For more travel ideas about what to see and do in Hong Kong, we invite you to visit our partner GetYourGuide and use your HI membership card to get 10% off numerous tours.
Lonely Planet offers a wide array of travel guide for Hong Kong. You can choose the traditional guide with more pictures or the more practical pocket edition. There’s also a map. Hi members also get 25% off.
Hong Kong offers you HI hostels as well. You’ll be able to enjoy the view of the Victoria Harbour if you choose the Jockey Club Mt. Davis. The very name implies that the hostel is located near Mount Davis, and it’s also surrounded by the remnants of World War II, as you can go out for a walk to the relics of the artillery depot for the British armed forces You can take the free shuttle bus to the city centre, so you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s nightlife and hectic lifestyle.
So, what are you waiting for? There’s so much to choose from and Hong Kong is an interesting city, plus you’re just a plane ticket away from arriving at the world’s busiest airport.
Digital Nomads travel Insurance was specifically designed by travellers for their fellow travellers. You pay the basic insurance, the amount of which depends on where and how much you travel. The insurance covers admittance to the hospital, medicine, helicopter evacuation, an early flight home, the costs of stolen passports or luggage and much more. HI members get 5% off.
The best postcards are the ones that are personalised. You can send them through MyPostcard. All HI members of get 25% off. New users can send their first postcard for free with the HIGlobetrotter promo code through the Globetrotter profile.