Hong Kong travel guide

Getting there

Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau is a major Asian hub, linked to the city by the Airport Express. High-speed trains and cross-border buses connect with mainland China, and ferries run to Macau.

Best time to visit: Oct–Dec – sunny, dry and comfortable.

Tougher months: June-September - hot, very humid and the wettest period, with typhoon risk.

Weather by month in Hong Kong

• 19°J
• 19°F●
• 22°M●
• 25°A●●
• 29°M●●●
• 31°J●●●
• 32°J●●●
• 32°A●●●
• 31°S●●
• 28°O●
• 24°N
• 21°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Hong_Kong. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 147 of 198 other passports can enter Hong Kong without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 49 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 2 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Hong Kong (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-09-04). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Hong Kong travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Hong Kong are based around Central & Sheung Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$60–90 for a backpacker and US$180–300 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Hong Kong page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: G. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +852.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Central & Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island · city): The financial heart, with skyscrapers, the Mid-Levels escalator, Man Mo Temple and antique streets.
• Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon · harbourfront): Museums, the Avenue of Stars promenade and classic skyline views.
• Mong Kok (Kowloon · markets): One of the world's most densely packed neighbourhoods, alive with street markets and neon.
• Victoria Peak (Hong Kong Island · viewpoint): The city's highest viewpoint, with a gentle circular walk around the summit.
• Lantau Island (Outlying islands · Buddha & villages): Home to the Big Buddha, Tai O fishing village, beaches and mountain hikes.
• Sai Kung (New Territories · coast): A seafood town and gateway to some of Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches and geoparks.
• Lamma Island (Outlying islands · relaxed): Car-free island with walking trails, beaches and waterside restaurants.
• Cheung Chau (Outlying islands · fishing town): A lively island of temples, snacks and bicycles, famous for its Bun Festival.

Things to do

• Ride up Victoria Peak. Take the historic Peak Tram up for a jaw-dropping view over the skyline and harbour.
• Cross on the Star Ferry. Sail across Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Central on one of the world's great short ferry rides.
• Feast on dim sum. Order har gow, siu mai and char siu bao at a bustling Cantonese teahouse.
• Hike the Dragon's Back. Walk a ridge trail with sea views that ends at the surf beach of Big Wave Bay.
• Visit the Big Buddha. Ride the cable car across Lantau to the giant bronze Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
• Explore Tai O. Wander a fishing village of stilt houses and dried-seafood stalls on Lantau's west coast.
• Browse night markets. Haggle and snack at Temple Street Night Market or the street markets of Mong Kok.
• Watch the Symphony of Lights. See skyscrapers light up the harbour from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

Source: full Hong Kong guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Dim sum – small dishes like har gow shrimp dumplings
• Roast goose – crispy-skinned goose with rice
• Egg tarts – flaky pastry with sweet custard
• Wonton noodles – shrimp dumplings in clear broth

Source: RoamSun Hong Kong guide

Money and safety

Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; round up taxi fares.

Emergency numbers: 999 all emergencies.

• The currency is the Hong Kong dollar; cards, contactless and the Octopus card are widely accepted.
• Some small eateries and market stalls are cash only, and ATMs are easy to find.
• Hong Kong has a low crime rate, but watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and on the MTR.
• Hiking in summer heat can be dangerous - start early, carry plenty of water and check weather warnings.

Source: RoamSun Hong Kong facts