【Hong Kong Travel Guide 2025】
Transport, what to Do, Food & More

The Hong Kong Stampede Travel Guide is here! Whether you're a Specialist or a Wanderer, this tour will be enjoyable. From the stunning Victoria Harbour skyline to must-see destinations like The Peak, Tian Tan Buddha, and Mongkok's bustling marketplaces. You'll also learn where to eat real dim sum, how to navigate the efficient MTR system, and how to enjoy Hong Kong's many cultural festivals. This thorough Hong Kong travel guide will guarantee you make the most of your vacation, taking every street corner, cuisine, and magnificent view.

Entry Requirement Guide

1. Short stay (up to seven days)

Most countries' passport holders can enter Hong Kong without a visa for 7 days. International passengers mainly arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) via the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station.
📌Tip: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Some nationalities (for example, India and the Philippines) require an eVisa in advance.

2. Stays longer than 7 days.

For stays longer than 7 days, apply for a Hong Kong Tourist Visa (typically granted for 14-30 days). To apply, simply fill out the online application form.
Please submit it to the Chinese embassy/consulate or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Enter after receiving approval.
📌Tip: Mainland Chinese citizens require an Exit-Entry Permit and endorsement from Hong Kong/Macau.
Processing takes 5-7 business days, so apply early.

3. Transit Visa Waiver (Seven-Day Stay)

Travelers transiting through Hong Kong to a third country can enter without a visa for 7 days, even if they plan to visit Mainland China or Macau afterward.
Examples:
Traveling from Singapore to Hong Kong to Tokyo allows for a 7-day visa-free stay.
Travel from London to Hong Kong to Shenzhen for a visa-free stay of 7 days.
📌Tips: Provide documentation of onward travel, such as a flight or train ticket out of Hong Kong.
Ideal for layover adventures.
4. Long-term stay (work/study)
For job, study, or residency, apply for the appropriate visas (e.g., work visa, student visa), which normally require sponsorship from a Hong Kong employer or institution.

Tips：
✅ ≤7 days tourism → Visa-free for most nationalities
✅ >7 days → Apply for a tourist visa
✅ Transit → 7-day visa-free entry
✅ Long-term → Work/student visa required

Transportation from Hong Kong Airport to City Centre

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is roughly 34 kilometers (21 miles) from the city center. The following are the primary transit choices with projected costs in USD (1 HKD = 0.13 USD).

For additional information on transfers from HKG to the city center, please see the article below👇:

How to Get Around Hong Kong

Hong Kong boasts an efficient and well-developed public transit system, making it quite convenient to navigate around the city. Here is all you need to know about Hong Kong's transportation system:

How do I get on the MTR in Hong Kong? Check out the details👇

What to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is famed for its distinct appeal, a fusion of East and West, tradition and modernity, and whichever experience you desire, Hong Kong will meet your expectations.

Hong Kong Must-Do #1: The Peak

Do you want to begin your adventure with a bang? Don't miss Hong Kong's most recognizable landmark! Take the Centennial Peak Tram for a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour, watch the sunset from the Peak Tower Observation Deck, or dine at the Peak Restaurant - it's the ideal site to begin your adventure and get a taste of Hong Kong's beauty.

Hong Kong Must-Do #2: Victoria Harbor Night View

Victoria Harbor's night vista is considered one of the "Three Greatest Night Views in the World". Take a night trip on the Star Ferry or walk down the Avenue of Stars to watch the "Illuminations of Hong Kong" light show.

Hong Kong Must-Do #3: Street Food in Mongkok

Hong Kong is a foodie paradise, and Mongkok is a street food hotspot. Eat while walking about and sample the most authentic Hong Kong dishes, like egg rolls, fish balls, and boiling rice.

Hong Kong Must-Do #4: Disneyland or Ocean Park

Whether it's a family excursion or an opportunity to win your child's heart, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park provide entertainment. Everyone may find something to like at Disney's magical world and Ocean Park's thrilling attractions.

Hong Kong Must-Do #5: Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island

Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Lantau Island to pay respect to the world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha, taking in the stunning views of the mountains and sea along the route, and experiencing Hong Kong's serene side.

Hong Kong Must-Do #6: The Central Mid-Levels Escalator and Graffiti Street

To experience Hong Kong's literary atmosphere, walk over the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, weave between Central's new buildings and historic lanes, and see the Internet-renowned graffiti walls.

Hong Kong Must-Do #7: Lamma Island hike

Escape the hustle and bustle by taking a boat to Lamma Island for a half-day of relaxation as you tour the fishing hamlet on foot and have a seafood feast.

Start your journey to Hong Kong

Where to stay in Hong Kong?

📍Central and Admiralty

If you want gleaming buildings and high-end living, this financial hub of Hong Kong provides. Five-star hotels, such as The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, are conveniently located near Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques. When night falls, follow the neon glow to Lan Kwai Fong's lively bars. Early risers can join tai chi practitioners in Tamar Park as sunlight illuminates Victoria Harbour. Don't miss the ancient Central-Mid-Levels Escalators, the world's longest outdoor covered system, which will take you past art galleries and underground speakeasies.

📍old-world

Where harborfront glitz and old-world charm collide. Modern wonders like K11 Musea coexist with colonial-era treasures like the Peninsula Hotel. When the skyline is painted in Technicolor by the Symphony of Lights, stroll down the Avenue of Stars at dusk. The Chungking Mansions' maze of real curry houses and the courtyard cafes of the 1881 Heritage complex are hidden treasures. Expert advice: Plan your Star Ferry voyage for when the water turns into liquid gold, which is known as the golden hour.

📍Wan Chai

The contradictory identity of Hong Kong is pulsing through this neighborhood. Explore the historic Blue House cluster and wet markets during the day. At night, follow the neon signs to the renowned dai pai dongs, which are outdoor food stands that serve garlicky wok-fried crab. Chic cocktail bars are now housed in the area's art deco pawnshops; at The Pawn, try the "Hong Kong Milk Tea" cocktail. Visit during the yearly Hungry Ghost Festival, when the streets are lit with flaming paper offerings, for a strange experience

📍Sheung Wan

A living museum of the complex history of Hong Kong. Nearby trendy cafes provide avocado toast, and cobblestone streets lead past dried seafood stores that showcase shark fins like diamonds. Only a few blocks away from street art murals, the coiled incense of the Man Mo Temple looms as densely as jungle vines. You might find a Qing dynasty snuff bottle at the Upper Lascar Row antique markets, so don't miss them. Recharge at a tea house that has been around for a century and still utilizes abacuses to calculate your cost.

📍Kok Mong

The best of neon-lit sensory overload. Nearby "Sneaker Street" features rare Jordans behind glass like museum items, while the fabric shops of the Ladies' Market bloom like tropical flowers. Go to Dai Pai Dongs after midnight to hear the sizzle of fish balls. At the century-old Lin Heung Tea House, where bamboo baskets of har gow steam in the morning sun, retirees gather for yum cha at 6 am for the quintessential local experience.

Hong Kong's Must-Try Cuisine

Hong Kong is a foodie's paradise, blending Cantonese traditions with international influences.

1. Dim Sum: Centered around Cantonese food. Transparent shrimp dumplings are a must-try, ▶especially when served atop fluffy grilled pig buns.

2. Goose roast

You can also enjoy Kim's Roast Goose and Michelin restaurant-recognized Yee Lok.▶The classic Hong Kong street food egg waffle is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

4. Pineapple bun There's not a pineapple in it! Kam Wah Cafe's pineapple buns, known for their sweet crackly crust, are a great way to savor a pineapple bun (they taste even better with a slice of butter)Light milk is used to make rich and smooth milk tea.

5. Wonton Noodles▶ Springy egg noodles and filling shrimp wontons accompany the golden broth.

6. Rice in a casserole
A smokey rice meal with chicken or bologna is served with crispy rice.
Where Can I Try Kwan Kee's Four Seasons Casserole Rice? The nicest part is when the skin is crispy.

7. Tea with Milk
Light milk is used to make rich and smooth milk tea. ▶ Try it at Lan Fong Yuen, who is credited with creating the "pantyhose" tea filtering technique.

Hong Kong Weather Guide

1. Seasonal Dissection

☀️ March to May: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
March cherry blossoms (Hong Kong Park)
Bring a light jacket and an umbrella in case of rain.

🌧 Summer (Jun–Aug): 82–91°F (28–33°C) with 80% relative humidity
Peaks of the typhoon season July through September
📌Tip: When Typhoon Signal #8 is raised, go to the M+ Museum's indoor attractions

🍂 Fall (September–November): 24–30°C (75–86°F) The perfect season
Clear skies for views of Victoria Peak
Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays are not to be missed

❄️ December to February: 15–20°C (59–68°F) January is the coldest month.
Best for: Hiking (the route of Dragon's Back)
Chinese New Year fireworks (January/February) are a unique event.

2. Monthly Climate Cheat Sheet

The Complete Hong Kong Shopping Guide

Hong Kong, which combines vibrant street bazaars with opulent shopping centers, is a shopping haven. If you're looking for unique mementos, the newest technology, or worldwide designer brands, this guide will help you find what you're looking for.

Luxury Malls & Designer Boutiques

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and other luxury labels have flagship stores in Harbour City, IFC Mall, and the boutiques along Canton Road. These high-end shopping malls have tax-refund counters, personal styling services, and air-conditioned comfort to make luxury shopping easy.

Electronics and Devices

Visit the Giant Computer Centre in Tsim-Sha-Tsui and Sham-Shui-Po's Apliu Street for state-of-the-art technology at affordable costs. Drones, cameras, smartphones, and do-it-yourself electronics kits are all available. Before making a purchase, make sure to check voltages and compare warranties.

Markets on the Street and Bargaining

Visit Stanley Market, Ladies Market, and Temple Street Night Market to get a taste of local culture. These outdoor booths specialize in apparel, accessories, and trinkets. Haggling is expected, so don't be shy. Negotiate toward a reasonable middle ground after starting at 50% of the vendor's initial price.

Saving Advice: When you spend HK$1,000 (aboutv$128) or more at duty-free shops, you can receive a 7% tax refund.
At street vendors, use Alipay or WeChat Pay; at malls, use credit cards.
Steer clear of fake electronics and only purchase from reputable chains like Broadway or Fortress.

Must-Have Apps in China

Alipay: Your go-to payment app for transactions in China. Link your international credit card for seamless payments.

WeChat Pay: Same as Alipay offers convenient payment for your China trip.

Trip.com: Book flights, hotels, and train tickets with this user-friendly travel app designed for international travelers.

Amap (Gaode Maps): The best navigation app for real-time directions and recommendations.

DiDi: Use this app for convenient taxi services, similar to Uber.

Meituan & Ele.me: Order food delivery from local restaurants with these popular apps.

What to Prepare for a Trip to China?

• Visa & Entry Tips China’s ​240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers ​54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
• Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
• Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.