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Hong Kong Travel Tips
Discover 10 Hong Kong travel tips you won’t find in the usual guides—each one based on real experiences and solid research.
6/1/20263 min read
Hong Kong: 10 Tips From My Experience (and a Few Surprises)
Hong Kong is a fabulous city—vibrant, chaotic, glamorous, gritty, and somehow all of those things at once. Some neighborhoods feel a bit rough around the edges (think NYC in the 1980s), especially around the Jordan area where we stayed. Lots of neon signs, “massage parlors,” and shops you definitely won’t find in the guidebooks. It still felt safe, just… atmospheric.
Then you hop over to Central and suddenly you’re surrounded by some of the most luxurious brand‑name stores you’ve ever seen. The contrast is wild, and honestly, part of what makes Hong Kong so fascinating. The architecture is stunning, the skyline is jaw‑dropping, and at night the whole city glows.
I highly recommend a visit. Here are my top 10 tips based on firsthand experience and a bit of research.
1. No, you don’t need a visa
Even though Hong Kong is part of China, visiting is surprisingly easy. Customs was quick and painless—no visa required for most travelers.
2. Take a photo with the giant purring cat
Right after customs, but before you leave the airport, you’ll spot a massive animatronic cat that actually purrs. It’s adorable, bizarre, and absolutely worth a photo. Check out the gallery below.
3. Ride the Hong Kong trolley for about 30 cents
Near Central Station, hop on one of the iconic double‑decker trams. It costs around $0.30 USD, and it’s one of the best ways to glide through different neighborhoods on the cheap.
4. Explore Donki (Don Quijote)
Hong Kong has Japanese Donki stores, and they are an experience. Imagine aisles of affordable snacks, beauty products, gadgets, and things you didn’t know existed. Overwhelming? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
5. Take the cable car to Big Buddha
Take the cable car—it’s the fastest and most scenic route to Big Buddha. Taxis/Ubers are slow and pricey, and the bus is cheap but really long. Book through Klook for better prices and shorter lines.
6. Visit the monastery and shops at Big Buddha - but don't miss Tai O fishing village
Once you’re up there, take your time. There are peaceful temples, small shops, and you can even go inside Big Buddha. It’s a beautiful, calming break from the city.
From Ngong Ping, take the bus to Tai O, a charming fishing village with colorful stilt houses, cats everywhere, and shops selling frozen fruit on a stick—perfect on a hot day. It’s one of the most unique spots in Hong Kong.
7. Walk the Avenue of the Stars at Night for an Incredible Skyline View
We spent a good hour soaking in the beauty of Hong Kong from the Avenue of the Stars—a waterfront promenade celebrating the city’s famous film icons. At night, the skyline absolutely sparkles, and the architecture looks even more impressive.
There is a light show at 8 p.m., but keep your expectations low… really low. The real show is the view right in front of you.
8. Prepare for serious heat
We visited in early May and it was scorching—90°F and basically 100% humidity. I don’t want to know what July feels like. If you like your sightseeing with less sweat, go between November and March.
9. Skip the night markets
I love a good night market, but Hong Kong’s were… not it. The food didn’t look appealing, and the merchandise wasn’t exciting. Taiwan and even Cairns, Australia, do night markets much better.
10. Don’t miss the Ten Thousand Buddhas
It’s a bit out of the way, but absolutely worth the trek. The path is lined with golden Buddha statues—each one different—and the whole experience feels special. There’s a great mall nearby (Shatin Plaza) where you can grab breakfast at Bakehouse or lunch afterward. There’s even an IKEA nearby if you’re craving meatballs or air‑conditioning.
