Hong Kong is such a unique and fantastic city where East meets West. Whether you’re visiting for the delicious food, the impressive skyline, or the charming neighborhoods, there are a couple of things that are good to know in advance so you can make the most of your trip. I recently spent five days in Hong Kong, and in this article I’ll share practical Hong Kong travel tips to help you prepare for your stay, including how to get from the airport to the city center, using public transport, the best neighborhoods to stay in, and important matters such as electricity and visa requirements.
The best time to visit Hong Kong
In my opinion, Hong Kong is always a great idea, but the best time to visit is in autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is mild, dry, and pleasant. During these seasons, temperatures range between 18 and 28°C, with lower humidity and little chance of typhoons.
I visited at the end of February, and winter (December to February) is also a great option, especially for those who prefer cooler temperatures (around 10-20°C), though some days can feel a bit chilly.
The only time of year when Hong Kong can be less comfortable to visit is in the summer (June to August) due to high humidity, temperatures above 30°C, and the possibility of heavy rainfall and typhoons. However, this is also the season when many events are organized in Hong Kong.
How many days to spend in Hong Kong
Is this your first time in Hong Kong and do you want to explore most of the city? Then I would recommend spending about five days. This way, you can visit the main neighborhoods and attractions, as well as take day trips to Lantau Island (for the Big Buddha or Hong Kong Disneyland) or even Macau.
If you have less time, maybe because you’re on a stopover, you can still have a fantastic experience. You’ll visit fewer neighborhoods, but you can still see major attractions such as Victoria Peak and the Avenue of Stars.
Looking for the perfect Hong Kong itinerary? Check out my full 5-day itinerary.
Do you need a visa for Hong Kong
Whether you need a visa for Hong Kong depends on your nationality. However, most countries do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days.
It is important that your passport is valid for at least one month after your planned departure date. If you also want to take a trip to Macau, you generally do not need a visa either. However, keep in mind that a trip to Macau is considered a border crossing, meaning you will have to go through immigration again when returning to Hong Kong.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong consists of 263 islands, but since you’ll likely spend most of your time in the northern part of Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon on the mainland, it’s best to find a hotel in these areas.
I stayed at the luxurious 5-star hotel The Hari in the Wan Chai district on Hong Kong Island. Wan Chai is a vibrant area with a mix of historical buildings, old markets, and modern restaurants. It is also strategically located between Central (the business district with many restaurants) and Causeway Bay (a popular shopping area), both easily accessible by tram or metro.
Other great options are the Central district on Hong Kong Island, or the Tsim Sha Tsui district in Kowloon, where you can find both affordable hostels and luxury hotels near Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. From here, you can easily cross over to Hong Kong Island via the Star Ferry or metro.
Get the essential Octopus Card
The Octopus Card is Hong Kong’s public transport card—and you absolutely need it. It’s a prepaid card that lets you add credit and then use for various transactions.
If you prefer a physical card, you can purchase one at any MTR (metro) station in Hong Kong, including the airport. However, it’s just as easy to add the Octopus Card to your Apple or Google wallet before departure.
Directly adding the card to your wallet only works if you have a Hong Kong bank account. So as a tourist you’ll first need to download the ‘Octopus for Tourists’ app.
In the Octopus for Tourists app, you can easily buy a new (digital) card, add credit, and then add the card to your Apple or Google wallet. Adding more money is quick and easy via the app, so don’t add too much at once. I used about HK$500 during my five-day stay, including trips from and to the airport with the Airport Express.
Using the Octopus Card with your phone is super simple—you don’t even need to unlock your phone. Just tap the top of your phone against the Octopus reader at the metro or in trams. Laying your phone flat on the reader usually won’t work.
Besides paying for metro or tram rides, many people in Hong Kong also use the card to pay in stores and restaurants.
How to get from Hong Kong airport to the city
When you land at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), there are several ways to get to the city center.
The fastest and most popular option is the Airport Express, a modern train that takes you to the city in just 24 minutes, stopping at Kowloon and ending at Hong Kong Station. A train departs every 10 minutes. Just follow the ‘To City’ signs at the airport.
You can buy tickets online or at the station, but it’s even easier to use your Octopus Card. There’s no need to check in with your Octopus Card before boarding. You pay when exiting at your final station. The ride between the airport and Hong Kong Station costs HK$110.
A cheaper but slower option is the bus. If you want to be dropped off right at your hotel, you can also take a taxi or Uber, but these are significantly more expensive than the Airport Express and can take much longer during rush hour.
Public transport: how to get around Hong Kong
Public transport in Hong Kong is excellent—it’s fast, efficient, and affordable, making it one of the best ways to explore the city.
The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the most commonly used transport: a modern and clean metro system that connects almost all major neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
For a true Hong Kong experience, take the “Ding Ding” tram, a double-decker tram that slowly travels through Hong Kong Island, stopping at many locations. Try to grab a front-row seat on the upper deck for the best views.
On the front of the tram, you’ll see the final destination, but most trams follow almost the same route. So if you just want to take a short ride, you can hop on almost any tram. You board at the back and only tap your Octopus Card to pay when you disembark from the front exit.
The Star Ferry connects Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and is an experience you must try at least once. It offers a stunning skyline view for an incredibly low price (about €0.50).
Money: how to pay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar. You can pay with your credit or debit card in many places, but it’s still wise to always carry some cash.
I personally love using Wise for foreign currency payments. When I’m traveling I use my Wise Card which saves money by avoiding bad exchange rates and extra withdrawal fees. You can also withdraw up to €200 per month from ATMs for free.
Many restaurants and cafes also accept payments via the Octopus Card.
Avoid high roaming costs with a local eSIM
Although I try not to spend too much time on my phone while traveling, I honestly wouldn’t know what to do in a city like Hong Kong without Google Maps. Let’s be honest, we would quickly feel hopelessly lost if we couldn’t occasionally look something up online while on the go.
To avoid high roaming costs, it’s useful to get a local eSIM. Most mobile phones nowadays can use two SIM cards at the same time. So, I keep my own number active to stay reachable by phone, but I set up the local eSIM for mobile data while traveling.
I’ve purchased an eSIM through Holafly a few times now and have been very happy with it. You can buy the SIM before you leave, and with the Holafly app, activation is a breeze. You can then use unlimited data, so you never have to worry about looking something up, using Google Maps, or sharing your travel photos with family back home (or on social media). I love it. (Want to give it a try? Use my code URBANPIXXELS for a 5% discount.)
Electricity in Hong Kong: don’t forget your travel adapter
Hong Kong uses 220V, similar to the Netherlands. However, the sockets are British-style (Type G) with three rectangular pins, so bring an adapter to charge your devices.
I hope these practical Hong Kong travel tips help you make the most of your time in Hong Kong. With a little preparation, the city is easy to explore, and you’ll have an amazing trip!
Looking for more Hong Kong travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Hong Kong guide.
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