First time in Hong Kong: all you need to know to plan a stress-free trip.

Your first time in Hong Kong is bound to be unforgettable. A city where glittering skyscrapers rise above ancient temples, and Michelin-starred restaurants share the streets with sizzling noodle stalls, Hong Kong is the kind of place that surprises you at every turn.

First time in Hong Kong: all you need to know to plan a stress-free trip.

Whether you’re drawn by its rich cultural history, iconic skyline, world-famous food, or efficient urban rhythm, visiting Hong Kong for the first time can feel overwhelming- in the best way. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit, from when to go and where to stay, to what to do, eat, and experience. If you’re a first-time traveler to Hong Kong, you’re in the right place.

I recently discovered Wegotrip, a platform, which helps you choose or design your own design audio tours on your phone and use without internet when you’re visiting places. I think it’s a great thing to use without a guide, but at the same time, get all the information about places you visit.

Is it worth visiting Hong Kong?

In my opinion, every place in the world is worth visiting. However, some people might thing of attractiveness, accessibility or entertainment when it comes to travelling. I think Hong Kong ticks off all the boxes. After your first time in Hong Kong, the chances that you want to go back are high.

Hong Kong was on my list for a long time. Since we have a tradition with my husband to travel somewhere new and amazing on our birthdays, I chose Hong Kong this year.

Last year, I saw cherry blossoms in South Korea ( and wore hanbok-such a big bucket list item). In the previous years I celebrated my birthdays in Oman, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Maldives or witnessing cherry blossoms in South Korea…just to name a few.

Recently, I’m really drawn to Asia, so Hong Kong just seemed like a perfect birthday destination. Why, you may ask? Hong Kong is not that big, but offers endless attractions, in my opinion, especially for a short stay.

It’s vibrant, easy to move around and the food is great. It has a massive list of Michelin guide restaurants, where you can eat cheap and delicious. And probably that was my favourite part.

Arriving in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is well connected with the world, especially other Asian countries and the Middle East. Many popular airlines fly to Hong Kong, like my favourite Qatar Airways from Doha (which is becoming a major stopover hub) or Emirates.

Once you arrive, you’ll see how easy it is to navigate around the airport.

Just before entering the arrival hall, you’ll see a tourist information point. They have helpful. I especially loved when the search (on a large screen) the name of my hotel to tell me what is the best transportation to reach there.

I thought my best option would be a train, but it turned out that a bus stops just in front of my hotel. And it’s really cheap. I paid around $4-5.

Additionally, I was informed that that I can pay for transportation by credit card. Hence, I decided not to buy the Octopus Card. However, I soon learned that Octopus Card can be super useful, so keep on reading to find out the rookie mistake.

What you can do at the airport:

Buy a Sim card in 7-11 (that’s what I did).
Rent a wireless internet.
Buy the Octopus Card.

Practical tips for your first time in Hong Kong

There are a few key tips that can make your first time in Hong Kong smoother and more enjoyable.

English is widely spoken, especially in tourist-friendly areas, so communication is rarely a major issue. However, learning a few Cantonese phrases like “hello” (néih hóu) and “thank you” (m̀hgòi) will be appreciated by locals.
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), and while many places accept cards, smaller eateries and markets prefer cash. ATMs are widely available.
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving small change is common in restaurants.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and MTR stations, but it’s best to buy a SIM card or install an e-Sim.
Tap water is technically safe to drink, but most locals opt for bottled or filtered water.
Hong Kong is very safe, even at night, though you should remain aware in crowded areas due to occasional pickpocketing.
Pack a reusable shopping bag, as plastic bag usage is restricted. Shops charge 1 HKD for a plastic or paper bag.
Have some cash with you always.
You can pay for transportation with a credit card.
Octopus Card is super useful to pay in many shops and restaurants.

Money matters

I was advised at the airport that I can either buy a prepaid Octopus Card to use for all transportation or just use my credit card as I can use it in almost all buses and metro. What they didn’t tell me that the Octopus Card would be extremely useful to make payments.

But let me give you some background to the story here.

I usually withdraw cash at the airport, but for some reason, I thought that I should be fine using my credit card, so I planned to withdraw some cash later after assessing the situation.

After arriving in the hotel and many hours of travelling, I searched for an easy place to eat. I choose a restaurant that seemed like a chain or at least big and established enough. I ordered my food, got the bill on the table straight away. So I gave them my credit card, bit it turned out that they only accept cash, Alipay and Octopus card.

I was stuck without a debit card to withdraw the money ( well, I had it locked in the hotel), no cash and no Octopus Card. They served me food and told me to enjoy it after I told them that my hotel is near and I’ll bring the money later.Such travel moments make a good story and teach a lot. Kindness of the restaurant staff and their trust made my day.

But then, I picked my debit card from the hotel and tried to take the money out of an ATM. No luck- transaction cancelled. The same repeated in a different bank. That moment I started panicking, but fortunately the third or forth ATM gave me cash. Ufff. I could pay the bill. The last resort would be buying an Octopus Card.

Later, after strolling around and putting my nose in small shops, I discovered that many did not take credit cards. In 7/11 though, arguably most popular convenience store in Asia, I was able to pay with credit card.

Octopus Card got us a massive, nearly 50% discount, on the train ticket (Airport Line) to Asia World Expo venue to a concert.

How to get to Hong Kong from the airport

The airport is very well connected with most areas of Hong Kong is a few ways:

Airport Express. This is the best way of you are staying in Kowloon (Kowloon station) or the Central as these are the only two stops the Airport Express makes. Nonetheless, it is the fastest way. One way ticket costs 115 HKD (from the Central) and 105 HKD(from Kowloon) if you purchase the ticket at the station. It’s slightly cheaper if you use your Octopus card.
Public bus. I took the bus from the airport to Mong Kok as it was the most convenient way as it was direct and stopped just outside my hotel (it cost me around 30 HKD). It makes frequent stops along Nathan Road and you can check at the airport with the tourist information staff if any bus stops near your hotel. That might be easier for you instead of making changes or carrying luggage up and down the MTR stations.
Private transfer. This might be the most expensive way to get to the city, but sometimes it saves a lot of time and effort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. You can prebook your transfer though Klook or with your hotel.
Taxi. If you didn’t make any arrangements, you can also take a taxi, but that’s the priciest option.

How to move around Hong Kong

Getting around during your first time in Hong Kong is surprisingly easy thanks to the city’s clean, efficient, and well-signed public transport system.

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the backbone of urban travel- fast, affordable, and covering nearly every major neighborhood. Buses, minibuses, and trams (known locally as “ding dings”) are great for scenic routes and reaching areas the MTR doesn’t serve.

As I already mentioned, one of the best purchases you can make is the Octopus Card, a reloadable transit card that works across almost all public transport, as well as in convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. You can get the Octopus Card at the MTR stations or prebook it online. We paid using a credit card for all the MTR rides, but needed the Octopus Card for the small buses.

Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap, though traffic can be heavy during rush hour. Personally, we found the public transportation so good that taking a taxi was not necessary. For a classic experience, take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, especially at sunset.

How to get discounts on attractions in Hong Kong

What I loved in Hong Kong (similarly to South Korea) is that you can get many discounted tickets to attractions. I truly cannot think of a better website for that than Klook. I used it multiple times during my visit in Hong Kong.

It it got me buy 1 get 1 free ferry ticket to Macao or noticeable discounts on various attractions. I also purchased my return Ngong Ping 360 (and buying it beforehand saved me a lot of time waiting in line).

Travel insurance

I get a travel insurance for many of my trips, although I have a good medical insurance anyway. However, whenever I plan to do anything more adventurous, travel insurance is a must. Also, having a travel insurance in Asia is a good idea. Check out Travel Nomads or EKTA, my two go-to companies.

When to visit Hong Kong

Best times to visit Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between October and December. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C. This makes it perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and walking-friendly neighborhoods.

Spring, from March to May, is another favorable window, with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. While occasional rain showers may occur, they are rarely enough to disrupt your plans.

Worst times to visit Hong Kong:

Avoid June through August, when Hong Kong becomes hot, humid, and typhoon-prone. Unless you’re accustomed to tropical heat and don’t mind some unpredictable weather, it’s best to steer clear.

Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January or early February, is one of the most vibrant times to visit culturally, but keep in mind that it’s also extremely busy and prices for accommodations may skyrocket. I was planning my trip around that time, but the hotel prices scared me away.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

The neighborhood you choose for your first time in Hong Kong will shape your experience of the city.

We stayed in Hong Kong in total 12 days (with 1 days visiting Macau). We split the visit into 3 areas to get a better idea of different neighborhoods to safe the time on using public transportation.

First, I stayed for a couple of days in Mong Kok, a smaller neighborhood of Kowloon, then in Tsim Sha Tsui. After that, a few days in Admiralty, near the Central on Hong Kong island. Kowloon and Hong Kong island (near the harbour) are the best areas to stay for your first time in Hong Kong.

Kowloon side:

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) offers unbeatable views of the skyline and easy access to shopping, museums, and waterfront promenades.
Mong Kok, also in Kowloon, is the go-to district if you want a dense, energetic, and authentically local atmosphere, filled with street food, markets, and neon signs. It’s where the famous sneakers street is and a few markets. I stayed in this cute (and perfectly located) Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel. The room was small, but pretty and cozy.

Hong Kong island side:

Central. For a classic introduction, staying in Central on Hong Kong Island is a smart move. Central is the city’s financial heart, but it’s also filled with history, upscale dining, and direct access to major landmarks like Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry.
Sheung Wan, just west of Central, is a more artistic and laid-back option, filled with vintage stores, stylish cafés, and cultural spots.
Wan Chai is a more local yet balanced stay. It offers excellent public transport, varied food scenes, and a great mix of local flavor and modern comfort.
Admiralty, in my opinion, is great too. We stayed there for a few nights and it was excellently located between central and Wan Chai, close to many cute cafes and shops. I recommend Ying’nFlo hotel for its great location and comfortable rooms.

Top things to see and do in Hong Kong

Before my trip to Hong Kong, I though that spending there over a week it’s too long since it’s small size. But to be perfectly honest with you, while you can tick off the highlights in 3 or 4 days, I still feel that I didn’t do everything.

I’ll make a more detailed post with Hong Kong itinerary, but to help you out with planning your first trip to Hong Kong, here are my top recommendations of the things to do:

Victoria Peak and the Peak tram

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without experiencing the panoramic views from Victoria Peak. Ride the historic Peak Tram- a funicular railway that’s been operating since 1888- up to the summit, from where you can have an amazing view of the harbour and both skylines.

At the top, visit Sky Terrace 428 for unobstructed views (it’s an extra fee), explore the Peak Galleria for a bite or a souvenir. Aim to go near sunset for an unforgettable transition from day to the city’s glittering night lights but be prepared for crowds.

I recommend prebooking the ticket as the waiting line was insane. We waited around 40 minutes to buy the ticket and get into the tram. The line with prebooked tickets was shorter and faster. However, we went in the afternoon and left before sunset. The line was 10 times longer then- I estimate around 1000 people.

Ride the star ferry across Victoria Harbour

For just a few Hong Kong dollars, the Star Ferry offers one of the best-value sightseeing experiences in the city. The short ride connects Central or Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island with Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, giving you front-row views of the skyline on both sides of the harbor. It’s a peaceful and photogenic experience-especially in the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.

First-timers should definitely take this trip at least once, ideally during the Symphony of Lights show.

Explore Mong Kok’s vibrant street markets

Dive into the electric atmosphere of Mong Kok, a district that pulses with local energy, neon lights, and round-the-clock shopping.

Start with the Ladies’ Market, where dozens of stalls sell clothes, accessories, toys, and souvenirs at negotiable prices. My favourite was the nearby Sneakers Street if you’re a fan of limited-edition shoes, or check out the Flower Market and Goldfish Market for something totally different.

By evening, the Temple Street Night Market comes alive with open-air fortune tellers, food stalls, and everything from cheap electronics to opera performances.

Visit Man Mo temple and Wong Tai Sin temple

To get a taste of the city’s spiritual heritage, visit one or both of these iconic temples. It’s a good idea to take a walking tour for it.

Man Mo Temple, located in Sheung Wan, is dedicated to the gods of literature and war and is known for its coiled incense spiraling overhead. Wong Tai Sin Temple, in Kowloon, is a larger and more colorful complex where people come to pray for good fortune, health, and guidance. Both temples are atmospheric and photogenic.

Walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and Avenue of Stars

This scenic waterfront walkway stretches along the southern tip of Kowloon and is perfect for a relaxing stroll with spectacular views.

Start from the Clock Tower near the Star Ferry terminal and walk along the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which honors icons of local cinema.

The promenade also gives you a prime view of the nightly Symphony of Lights, a coordinated light and music show that illuminates the skyline every evening at 8 pm. Don’t forget to stop by the Hong Kong Space Museum or the Cultural Centre if time allows.

Ride the double-decker tram (ding ding)

The iconic “ding ding” trams are a charming way to see Hong Kong Island from a local’s perspective. These vintage double-decker trams slowly wind through major neighborhoods like Kennedy Town, Central, Causeway Bay, and North Point.

They’re not fast, but that’s the point-you’ll see shops, markets, and people in their daily routines as you pass by. Best of all, it costs just a few HKD per ride with your Octopus Card.

Take a day trip to Lantau island and see the Big Buddha

If your schedule allows a day trip, head to Lantau Island to visit the Tian Tan Buddha-more commonly known as the Big Buddha. Standing 34 meters tall and seated atop a mountain, it’s one of the largest outdoor bronze Buddhas in the world.

The nearby Po Lin Monastery is also worth visiting for its ornate design and vegetarian meals. To get there, take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ( I highly recommend prebooking to avoid massive waiting lines), a thrilling 25-minute ride that glides over forests and sea with spectacular views. I took the crystal cabin with a glass floor for cool views from the top.

It’s a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure for first-time visitors.

Escape to the beach on Lamma island or hike Dragon’s Back

Hong Kong is more than just a concrete jungle. Lamma Island offers a relaxing escape with beaches, seafood restaurants, and scenic hiking trails just a short ferry ride away.

Alternatively, for those who enjoy a good trek, the Dragon’s Back Trail on Hong Kong Island offers one of the best urban hikes in Asia, with views of the South China Sea, Shek O Beach, and surrounding green hills.

Experience Hong Kong’s diverse food culture

Food was probably the best thing in Hong Kong. No list of top things to do in Hong Kong would be complete without a food experience.

Street snacks in areas like Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po offer another angle- try fish balls, siu mai, and egg tarts fresh from the oven. The culinary options are endless and always delicious. I found so many Michelin stars restaurants and very affordable Michelin guide places. You can even join a local family for a delicious meal or take a food walking tour.

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See also:

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Wegotrip is a platform, which helps you design audio tours on your phone and use without internet when you’re visiting places.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.