Earlier last year I had the chance to spend a few weeks hanging out in Hong Kong, and it’s a place that drew me in right from the start. I’m not going to lie, there were a few occasions when my patience was tested, however, for the most part I really enjoyed the chaos of it all. When you get wrapped up in the magic of this city, it feels like the most happening place on earth, and in a way it kind of is.
I think everyone should get to experience the madness that is Hong Kong at least once in their lives, so in the hopes of steering you in that direction, here’s a little intro at what there is to do in this megacity – and it involves a lot of food!
What To Do in Hong Kong For 1st Timers
Elbow your way through a market
If you want to feel the pulsating rhythm of Hong Kong, then I suggest you head to one of the many markets in the city.
One of my personal favourites was the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok. Stretching out across Tung Choi Street for about 1 kilometre in length, this market is the place to pick up handbags, backpacks, shoes, clothes, phone cases, hair accessories, DVD, and all kinds of souvenirs and trinkets.
While most vendors set up shop in the morning, I think the best time to visit is after sundown, when locals come out and a lot of musical performances also take place.
Attend a tea appreciation class
Tea plays an important role in Chinese culture and it’s an art that takes years to master. While in Hong Kong, I decided to attend a tea appreciation class and as it turns out there is quite a bit to know about teas!
During the class, I learned that tea can be classified into 6 different groups: green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and pu’er tea. The tea master explained the intricacies of each type of tea and then went on to carefully prepare each tea while explaining the meaning behind each action – from the way the tea was poured, to the way the cup should be held.
If you’re a tea aficionado, it’s a cool experience. The class I attended took place at Lock Cha in Hong Kong Park, and it’s completely free of charge. You just need to sign up in advance.
Take a food tour of Hong Kong
First and foremost, Hong Kong is a city for foodies so you can’t truly experience the city unless you eat your way around it. Aside from trying to sample as much dim sum as possible, I joined the Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tours for a culinary look at the city. Word to the wise – go hungry because you’ll be eating a lot!
The particular tour I took focused on Sheung Wan, which is an area in the northwest part of Hong Kong Island. Over the course of the afternoon I sampled wonton noodle soup, roast meat, sugar cane juice, various types of tea, dim sum, and egg tarts.
It was the perfect culinary introduction to the city, and it gave me ideas of what dishes to order during the rest of my time there.
Go out for Indian curry at Chungking Mansions
The Chungking Mansions may be known around the backpacker circuit for having dirt cheap rooms in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, however, for me, this place is all about the Indian curries.
Sure, the Chungking complex is run-down and chaotic, but if you don’t mind crowds or small spaces, then you can find some good Indian restaurants on the first and second floors.
Palak paneer, aloo gobi, chicken tikka masala – you really can’t go wrong with your selection.
Experience Victoria Harbour at night
When the sun goes down and the city lights come on, the best place to be is Victoria Harbour. Every night at 8:00 p.m. the city puts on a light spectacle known as The Symphony of Lights, and there are two ways to experience the magic, either from the waterfront or aboard an old junk.
I went out for an evening cruise aboard the Aqua Luna at 7:30 p.m., which was perfectly timed so that we’d be sailing in the harbour just as the light show was about to start. With a free cocktail included, it was a memorable way to experience the glitzy lights for the first time.
Another option (which is free!) is to find a spot along the waterfront and enjoy the view from the mainland. I think Hong Kong Island has the superior view, so the best way to enjoy the show is from across the harbour in Kowloon. Sure, guests staying at Tsim Sha Tsui hotels get a great view, but so does everyone else hanging out along the Avenue of Stars.
Go in search of the best dim sum
I made it my mission to find the best dim sum spots in the city and I was able to narrow it down to three.
Located in the heart of Mong Kok, Dim Dim Sum was always buzzing with activity and I was usually one of the first people queuing outside the door waiting for them to open up for lunch. Some of my favourites dishes there were the shrimp dumplings (har gow) and the pork filled dumplings (siu mai). They were so tasty you didn’t even need soya sauce.
Next up, Dim Sum Square in Sheung Wan made some of the best BBQ pork buns! Stuffed with sweet barbecue pork and baked to perfection in a sugar coated shell, this was the star item on their menu.
And last but not least, there was Tim Ho Wan, also known as the world’s cheapest Michelin starred restaurant! Located in Olympian City, this spot was always packed with locals. My favourite thing to order here was the sticky glutinous rice steamed in a banana leaf and stuffed with chicken.
Go out for afternoon tea
If you feel like doing something a little special, going out for afternoon tea in Hong Kong is a nice date activity. Sam and I went to The Peninsula, however, many of the city’s high end hotels also serve afternoon tea so you won’t be short for options.
Tea for two at The Peninsula came with a three-tier plate containing scones, finger sandwiches, and an array of sweets including macaroons, green tea cake with cranberries, lemon merengue pie in a chocolate crust, raspberry sponge cake, and cream puffs. I paired that with a mango tea, and I was a very happy girl!
If you decide to go for afternoon tea, my only suggestion would be to do so on a weekday as opposed to the weekend. I went on a Saturday and the wait ended up being 2 hours long – and you can’t make reservations.
Afternoon tea at The Peninsula starts at 2 p.m., so if you arrive 30 minutes in advance, it shouldn’t be a very long wait on weekday.
Take a sampan boat ride
If you make it all the way out to Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island, then a sampan ride gives you a unique look into the lives of the Tanka people, some of which still live aboard floating vessels in the harbour. It was interesting to see the mix of tradition and modern, because while some families still live out on the water, their homes were equipped with televisions, radios, satellite dishes, and other conveniences you might find on the mainland.
While touring the harbour, you can also ask to be dropped off at Jumbo Kingdom home to Jumbo and Tai Pak Floating Restaurants. Built to resemble an ancient Chinese imperial palace, this establishment is a Hong Kong landmark that has drawn many celebrities out for a visit. Jumbo Kingdom is one of the largest floating restaurants in the world, but dining here also comes with a hefty price tag so be prepared for that.
Get to know the city better with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour
When I first get to a new city, I like to take a hop-on-hop-off tour to get a better idea of the lay of the land. Plus, aside from it being a good introduction to the city, I also consider it free transportation.
Hong Kong runs a Big Bus Tour that does 3 different loops of the city: the red route which runs along Hong Kong Island, the blue route which runs around Kowloon, and the green route which goes out to Hong Kong Island’s south side with stops in Aberdeen and Repulse Bay.
I did the blue loop twice: once during the day and again at night when the city is all lit up. It felt like I was looking at a completely different city!
Making the Most of Your Time in Hong Kong
The nine things above are a great starting point. Here’s what fills in the rest of the days — more food, the green side of the city, how to get around, and a few honest accommodation picks at every budget level.
Eating Like a Hongkonger
Embrace Cha Chaan Teng Culture
Step into a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style diner) and you’ll discover the city’s quirky East-meets-West food culture. These spots are legendary for their lightning-fast service, boisterous chatter, and menus where pineapple buns, silky milk tea, macaroni in soup, and condensed milk toast sit comfortably alongside more classic Cantonese dishes.
- Must-try dishes: Hong Kong French toast (deep-fried and loaded with peanut butter), scrambled egg and ham sandwiches, and the iconic silk-stocking milk tea.
- Practical note: Be prepared to share a table with strangers — it’s completely normal — and order quickly when the server arrives. These places move at pace.
Night Markets and Dai Pai Dongs
- Temple Street Night Market is an absolute must. Go for the vibrant street food stalls: claypot rice, deep-fried stinky tofu, spicy crab and skewers. Pair your meal with an ice-cold lemon tea or a local beer.
- Dai pai dongs are open-air food stalls — dying out but still beloved. Try the stir-fried noodles or wok-fried clams with black bean sauce. For a time-capsule experience, check out Sing Heung Yuen in Central, famous for its tomato noodle soup and crispy pork buns.
Michelin Dining for Less
Hong Kong famously boasts some of the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred meals. Beyond Tim Ho Wan, look for Mak’s Noodle (wonton noodles) and Kau Kee (beef brisket noodle soup). These places are as humble as they come, but the flavours are legendary.
Experiences That Go Beyond the Obvious
Start Your Day With Tai Chi
Join locals in the early morning for tai chi in Kowloon Park or Victoria Park. Even if you’re just observing, it’s a peaceful and contemplative way to see a slower side of the city before the crowds arrive.
Explore Hong Kong’s Green Side
Hong Kong may be famous for its skyline, but nearly 70% of its territory is countryside, parkland and protected green space. A few ideas:
- Dragon’s Back Hike: The city’s best-known trail, with breathtaking views of the coast. Finish at Big Wave Bay for a dip in the South China Sea.
- Lantau Island: Take a cable car to Ngong Ping village and visit the Tian Tan Buddha, then continue to Tai O — a photogenic fishing village built on stilts.
- Sai Kung: Dubbed the “back garden” of Hong Kong, this region is packed with hiking trails, waterfalls and seafood restaurants right on the pier.
Ride the Star Ferry
It’s a classic for a reason. For just a few Hong Kong dollars you get the city’s best-value sightseeing cruise. Try to cross at sunset, when the skyscrapers on both sides light up in gold and pink.
Getting Around
| Mode | When to Use | Hacks |
|---|---|---|
| MTR | Island ↔ Kowloon in <10 min | Pick up an Octopus card at arrivals; refunds processed in 90 sec on departure day. |
| Ding-ding Tram | Slow scenic loop along Hennessy & Des Voeux | Flat HK$3; ride top-deck front seat at dusk for Blade-Runner vibes. |
| Star Ferry | Cross-harbour views for pocket change | Sitting on port-side = skyline photo facing Island on way over. |
| Green Minibus | Short hops to trailheads | Exact change only. Shout “yauh-lok” (stop) when Google Maps says 100 m! |
Airport Express tip: Groups of two or more can buy a discounted “TravelTogether” ticket — cheaper than individual fares and includes a free shuttle to major hotels.
Day Trips from Hong Kong
- Lantau Island — Cable-car to the Tian Tan Buddha, wander the stilt village of Tai O, finish with sunset on Cheung Sha Beach.
- Cheung Chau — Rent a bike, devour curried fish balls, hike up to the Mini Great Wall for South China Sea views.
- Macau — 55-minute ferry from Sheung Wan. Spend the morning in pastel-Portuguese Taipa Village, the evening chasing egg tarts in Senado Square.
Remember to bring your passport for Macau (it counts as a border crossing) and either pick up some patacas on arrival or use HKD — it’s accepted at a 1:1 rate.
Three Days in Hong Kong: A Starting Plan
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Island) | Peak Tram + Old Peak Road descent | PMQ crafts + Dim Sum Square lunch | Star Ferry, harbour light show from TST, curry at Chungking Mansions |
| 2 (Nature and Nightlife) | Dragon’s Back hike, swim Shek O | Tai Koo Shing food court for wonton noodles | SoHo bar crawl and dai pai dong midnight snacks |
| 3 (Kowloon Culture) | Sham Shui Po eats + Apliu gadget hunt | Wong Tai Sin Temple, goldfish market stroll | Aqua Luna junk sail with cocktail, then Mong Kok Ladies’ Market |
Culture, History and Hidden Corners
Visit a Traditional Temple
Take a break from the neon to absorb some incense and ancient architecture at Man Mo Temple (Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan), Wong Tai Sin Temple (Kowloon) or Chi Lin Nunnery (Diamond Hill). These are havens of calm amid the chaos.
Explore Sham Shui Po
For a grittier, more authentic slice of Hong Kong life, head to Sham Shui Po. This working-class neighbourhood is packed with electronics markets, quirky cafés, cheap eats and vibrant street art. Don’t miss Kung Wo Tofu Factory for warm tofu pudding and the Ap Liu Street Market for gadgets and bargains.
PMQ: Heritage Meets Hip
The PMQ (former Police Married Quarters) in Central is now a design hub with galleries, local fashion, pop-up shops and coffee bars. It’s a nice mix of heritage and contemporary Hong Kong — and a good spot to find something more distinctive than a souvenir fridge magnet.
Where to Stay: Budget to Harbour Views
| Style | Where | Rough Price (week-night) | Why Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel pod | SLEEEP Central | HK$260 | Futuristic capsules, free espresso, 2-min to mid-level escalators. |
| Boutique | Eaton HK Jordan | HK$850 | Eco-friendly, rooftop yoga, indie cinema on site. |
| Room with a view | Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour | HK$1,400 | Infinity pool facing skyline; watch Symphony of Lights from bed. |
All three can be browsed and compared on Booking.com, which is also the most practical tool for checking live rates and availability across the full range — from hostel pods in Mong Kok to harbour-view rooms in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Where to Stay: Area Guide
- Budget and hostel: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay are all well-connected and close to markets and food.
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Sheung Wan, Wan Chai or Kennedy Town offer style and decent value.
- Splurge: Central, Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui have everything from grande dames (The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental) to cutting-edge high-rises with jaw-dropping harbour views.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
- Cash or card? Hong Kong is highly card-friendly (including tap-to-pay), but keep a bit of cash for markets and small street food stalls.
- Language: English is widely spoken in hospitality and retail. A smile and a few words of Cantonese — “mm goi” for please and thank you — go a long way.
- Queuing is sacred: Respect lines everywhere — for a bus, a bakery, an egg tart shop. Don’t skip the queue.
- Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated in restaurants and taxis.
Hong Kong First-Timer FAQ
What’s the best time of year to visit Hong Kong?
October–November (clear, comfortable, great hiking) and March–April (mild and blossomy) are ideal. Summer is hot and humid with typhoons; winter is dry and cool — pack a light layer.
How many days do I need for a first visit?
Three full days covers the highlights: Kowloon markets and harbour night views, a Hong Kong Island day (Peak, SoHo, tea), and one nature escape (Dragon’s Back or Lantau). Add a fourth day for Macau or Sai Kung.
Where should I stay — Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?
- Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui/Mong Kok): markets, street food, legendary skyline views across the harbour.
- Island (Central/Sheung Wan/Wan Chai): buzzy dining, galleries, trams and quick Peak access. Pick the side that suits your evenings — the MTR and Star Ferry make crossing easy.
What are the quintessential “only in Hong Kong” experiences?
Ride the Star Ferry at sunset, take the Peak Tram up then walk Old Peak Road down, hop a ding-ding tram on the top deck at dusk, wander Temple Street or the Ladies’ Market, and catch the Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui — or from a junk cruise like the Aqua Luna.
Where do I find the best dim sum — and how do I order?
Dim sum hotspots range from casual to Michelin. Arrive early, share a table if asked, and order baskets to split: har gow, siu mai, cheong fun and baked BBQ pork buns. Mark a tick-sheet if provided; otherwise point to menu photos — entirely normal.
What exactly is a cha chaan teng and what should I try?
Classic HK diners: fast, loud and lovable. Order silk-stocking milk tea, pineapple bun with butter (there’s no pineapple in it!), Hong Kong French toast, or macaroni soup with ham and egg. Expect table sharing and brisk service — that’s part of the experience.
Is Chungking Mansions worth visiting for curry?
Yes — if you’re comfortable with tight corridors and a fair amount of sensory overload. The payoff is excellent, affordable Indian and Pakistani curries. Go with a plan, pick a busy spot and keep valuables close.
How do I see Victoria Harbour at its best?
For free, stand along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars at 8 p.m. For a splurge, book a junk cruise timed for twilight into the light show. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to claim a good spot along the railing.
Any easy nature escapes without leaving the city area?
- Dragon’s Back (finish at Shek O beach for a swim).
- Lantau’s Tian Tan Buddha and Tai O stilt village (cable car and bus).
- Aberdeen sampan ride for a harbour micro-adventure. Carry water and sun protection; trails are well-signed.
What’s the simplest way to get around?
Pick up an Octopus card (tap for MTR, buses, trams, ferries and convenience stores). Airport Express is the fastest link from HKG, with free hotel shuttles from the terminus. The ding-ding tram is flat-fare and a great way to see the Island slowly.
How much cash do I need, and do I tip?
Cards and contactless are widely accepted, but keep small cash for markets, dai pai dongs and minibuses. Tipping isn’t mandatory — round up casually, and around 10% at sit-down restaurants for genuinely good service is appreciated.
What should I book in advance?
Book the Aqua Luna junk cruise, afternoon tea (weekdays have shorter waits; some hotels take reservations), the Ngong Ping cable car on weekends and holidays, and popular food tours. Otherwise Hong Kong is very walk-in friendly.
Well, that’s our Hong Kong Travel Guide for first time visitors!
Already been? Have secret tips or must-eat food to share? Drop them in the comments! Happy travels and happy eating in Hong Kong!
I was a regular at those Indian restaurants in Chungking mansions, mostly because I was staying a few floors up, but I also hadn’t been to India, Malaysia or Singapore yet. At the time, this was the best Indian food I’d ever had.
Some of the other islands have old fishing villages and pretty nice beaches and make for a great break from the city, especially considering how cheap the ferries are.
Looks like fun! I used the hop on hop off buses in Ireland as a cheaper form of transit too! It’s a great option.
We loved Hong Kong too. One of our favourite things that we did was go to Lamma Island and had a picnic on the beach. It was a divine respite from the hectic city!
Either I’m really hungry right now or all that food looks fab-u-lous! I’m gonna say it’s both! So cool that the tea appreciation class is free–what a great way to open that experience to everyone! 😀
Oh, the food was amazing! If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy HK. 😉
I love this list. Most of my time in Hong Kong was spent in Shek O but the time I did have in Hong Kong city was wonderful! I quite enjoyed my time there. I think you’ve provided a great launching point for anyone who wants to see it.
Audrey, love that your posts often combine the free and the luxurious – something for everyone and that ties in nicely with a city like Hong Kong.
I’ve never been to Hong Kong but I have heard a ton about it from my dad (he’s an airline pilot). I would love to go for dim sum and take the tea appreciation class there!!
Does that mean free flights?! If so you should hop on one of his Hong Kong bound flights for a visit. 😉
Well, Hong Kong is a lovey place to visit. Did you like Indian food there ? 😛
I loved the Indian food there! I ate at several restaurants inside the Chungking Mansions and they were all really good. 🙂
I live in Hong Kong!
I recommend…
– Take the tram to the peak! and while you’re there you can take the hike at The Peak Circle
– eat at a traditional tea house (Lin Heung Tea House on Wellington Street, Central)
– visit the outlying islands (ie. Cheung Chau)
– Mid Levels Escalators in Central
– Visit the neighborhood PoHo
– Big Buddha on Lantau Island
– Shopping in Mongkok!
– Ride the Ding-Ding (tram)
– Eat at a Dai Pai Dong or 茶餐廳/tea house for the ultimate Hong Kong meal
– Eat at a food stall on the street! (look for 雞蛋仔/eggettes，燒賣/siu mai，咖喱魚蛋/curry fish balls and more!)
– Visit Tai O
– Bargain at Stanley Market
ps. The OpenRice App (or http://www.openrice.com) is THE place to find places to eat!
Thank you for all the suggestions, Olivia! If I’m ever back in town, I’ll be sure to check out some of these. 🙂
I think Honk Kong has more to offer than we can possibly think! Afternoon tea is something that I associate with England, but I guess it’s going to add a moment of peace in the otherwise bustling city.
Great tips! I agree- food is definitely the best part of Hong Kong! A lot of our time was spent searching out the best dim sum, drinking tea, and of course participating in the Hong Kong Foodie Tour as well!! We really loved Hong Kong, actually even more than we had originally expected to. There’s so much energy there! And the skyline is just beyond words.
Stellar and scrumptious photos Audrey! I love those buns! Pork buns of course. And of course I could eat Indian food everyday! By the way, gnarly photo of the boat with the red sail!
Been in HK several times and love it.
Your article and tips are great. Did a number of them, others did not get around to yet. Next time;-).
I am not a hiker, but hear from everyone that HK is great for hiking. And I loved the temple of the 10.000 buddha’s.
I’ve visited HK twice and despite recently visiting some pretty major destinations I still rate it as my favourite city on the planet!
I loved the excitement and the buzz and also exploring all the different diverse areas, I hope to return again soon
I just left Hong Kong, but unfortunately had much less time than you did there! What a crazy city, eh? But a cool one. The only things on your list that I missed were dim sum and seeing the light show. Next time, I guess!
Cool tips! I’ll definitely try the tea appreciation thing when I visit HK next months! This post got me pumped up about my visit all over again!
Love Hong Kong especially the food!! Can’t get enough of them! 🙂
I have always loved HK. It can be a challenge, particularly during the weekend when everybody seems to be out and about!
I love Tim Ho Wan, I always order the buns. Great post!
I miss dim sum! Hong Kong has great food markets and just amazing Cantonese food altogether. I’m intrigued by the Indian food you had though. Will have to pass by next time I visit. Victoria Peak and the Buddha at Lantau Island are also great! My personal favourite was Tai O Fishing Village – a very different experience than the rest of HK 🙂
Sweet, thanks for the informative blog. Perfect to read just before I head off to the big happening city, I must check out Kungking Mansion, it sounds like my place, cheers.
Great travel advice for a short visit to HK, but what about living there? Could you see yourself living in a place like Hong Kong or would the high realestate prices and crowded streets become overwhelming? I’d have to agree that the good food and energertic lifestyle is inspiring and exciting, but making a life there might be a different story. I just read another blog about teaching English in HK, that put it into a pretty accurate perspective. You should check it out, and you’ll see what I mean:
http://mytefl.net/blog/tefl-hong-kong-worth-it/
Love this article! So much good info :). We are visiting HKG in feb with our 2 kids. If you have any tips for sites and restaurants that are really child frienldy I would love to know.
Thanks & happy travels.