Tips for Visiting Hong Kong for the First Time

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If you are an avid traveler, there are high chances that you’ll visit Hong Kong sooner or later. It doesn’t matter if you’re on your way to or from the Land Down Under or if you’re interested in the Far East, Hong Kong is truly special. With its unique blend of Western and Eastern cultures, incredible tourist attractions, and delicious food, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s one of those “must-see” places for a lot of people. If you’re planning on visiting the city in the future, here’s what you should know and do:

Getting There From the Airport

You might think that the easiest way to get to the city from the airport would be by taxi, but that’s not the case. The Airport Express train will allow you to get to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in less than half an hour. It’s virtually impossible to miss the counter where you can buy your ticket, but make sure that you have Hong Kong dollars ready, as they don’t accept foreign currencies. Fortunately, you can exchange money at the exchange office that’s just opposite the counter. You could also buy your train tickets online at Klook and dodge the crowds, as the lines can be notoriously long.

Finding a Place to Stay

Before you book a hotel or rent an apartment or a room, you should decide where exactly you want to stay. Because the city is huge, it might be inconvenient to get around and see everything you planned, as all the best places are scattered. You can compromise and stay for a while in Hong Kong Island and after that, spend some time on the Kowloon side. You can book a room at Discovery Bay hotel and spend your time finding out what’s so impressive about Tai Pak beach or enjoying the view from the Discovery Bay Lookout point. No matter where you’re staying, make sure you try Star Ferry and visit Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai station.

Discover Great Places to Eat

Make no mistake, Hong Kong is really expensive, and finding an affordable place to eat can be tricky. However, there are plenty of cheap places you can discover, especially if you go on a food tour. This way, you can learn from the locals about the best and the cheapest places to eat, even if they’re not flashy or elegant. Little local places are hidden gems, their food is always fresh, they’re seemingly always full, and they don’t cost a fortune. Make sure you try the famous Hong Kong Dim Sum, but you might also like BBQ, wonton noodle soup, and their heavenly Hong Kong waffles.

Getting Around the City

You wouldn’t believe how much easier your stay in Hong Kong is going to be when you get your own Octopus card. It is similar to a prepaid debit card, yet it works all over the city so you won’t have to fumble with coins trying to get MTR tickets for every single trip you make. Instead, you will only have to scan your card over the reader and the money will be taken from the amount you put on the card. Your Octopus card will get you on MTR, Star Ferry, and Peak Tram, but you’ll also be able to use it at McDonald’s and 7-Eleven to buy food or drinks.

Fast, huge, and crowded, Hong Kong can be really overwhelming once you get there, and it doesn’t matter if you’re only staying for a day or a couple of weeks, it’s good to be informed and prepared. We hope that some of these tips we prepared will be of help and that you’ll enjoy your stay in this amazing city. Once you get to know it a bit better, you’ll likely wish to come back someday.

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Diana Smith

Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls and a passionate traveler. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.