Hong Kong can be an overwhelming and chaotic city, so planning your visit carefully is crucial if you want to maximize your time there and experience all it has to offer! These tips will help maximize your visit while giving you a complete glimpse of this incredible metropolis!
To navigate Hong Kong with ease, download the Octopus Card app which enables you to tap-in and out of public transportation services easily and save money as it automatically deducts payments when using MTR, trams or ferries. Flights to Hong Kong are not a problem with options like Cathay Pacific.
1. Take the MTR
Traveling on public transport is one of the fastest, simplest, and cheapest ways to traverse Hong Kong. You can buy either single journey tickets or Octopus Cards that allow travel on both MTR trains and public buses.
The MTR boasts various lines spanning across the city from east to west; some run above ground while others go underground.
If you want a different view of the cityscape, try one of the MTR lines that do not entirely bury themselves, such as Island Line and Tsuen Wan Line. Both offer great panoramic vistas over the countryside and provide an easy escape from urban chaos.
Experience the outdoors by riding a tram car – these classic vehicles can be found throughout Western Market and Causeway Bay.
Take the Peak Tram up to the peak and admire some of Hong Kong’s breathtaking views; or hop aboard a Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour to Central or Wanchai for some amazing sights.
The MTR is an efficient and convenient means of travel; however, if you want a more immersive city experience consider opting for bus or taxi service instead.
2. Explore the Outside
Hong Kong is an amazing city with an unparalleled range of activities to experience. Climb Victoria Peak for stunning panoramic views; shop til you drop at Causeway Bay’s world-class shopping district or hike Dragon’s Back Trail on Hong Kong Island to find something suitable. There is truly something special waiting for you in this unique destination!
Take the tram up Victoria Peak for breathtaking panoramic city views, or ride Lantau Island by cable car for an unparalleled 360-degree experience. Hike along Dragon’s Back for unforgettable panoramas over Hong Kong.
History buffs won’t want to miss visiting Hong Kong Museum of History, which provides a fascinating look into its vast heritage. Furthermore, this museum regularly hosts various exhibits throughout the year.
Art enthusiasts will delight in visiting some of the many contemporary galleries located nearby, which showcase some of the most striking work being created today. Additionally, take part in an organized gallery tour for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Take a boat ride around Hong Kong Harbour to appreciate its sights from a new angle or go exploring Hong Kong’s new territories or islands on foot for an adventure trip! These excursions provide an excellent way to escape crowds and breathe fresh air amidst spectacular surroundings!
3. Get an Octopus Card
If you plan on staying in Hong Kong for some time and wish to explore beyond just its main areas, an Octopus Card may be useful. This contactless smart card can be used on metros, buses, trams and ferries as well as taxis equipped with Octopus readers.
Utilising an Octopus Card is easy; simply tap or swipe your card over an Octopus reader located on a subway train, bus, minibus or ferry and the fare will automatically be deducted from your account. An on-screen Octopus card also displays both how much money was withdrawn as well as any balance remaining in your account.
Octopus cards can also be used for shopping, dining and other purchases outside of transport in Hong Kong. Most chain stores, fast food shops and retail outlets accept them such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, Starbucks and McDonald’s – making this card even more versatile!
An added benefit of the Octopus card is its convenient reload feature, helping to reduce transportation costs during your travels. Simply visit any convenience store, supermarket or retail outlet that is an authorised Add Value service provider to top up your Octopus card and start saving!
There are two Octopus cards you can select. The Standard On-Loan Adult Octopus requires a deposit of HK$50 upon purchase and provides an initial stored value. Suitable for tourists, it can be found at airport express customer service centres, MTR Customer Service Centres (except Racecourse station ) and other Customer Service Centres of public transportation companies.
4. Get a Taxi
Hong Kong stands out as an amazing transportation hub with its reliable network. Buses, trams, taxis, ferries and the subway make getting around quick and simple!
Taxis are one of the cheapest ways to travel. Safe, reliable and easily summoned via hand-on request or an app, they are safe, cost effective, reliable transportation.
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon boast over 20,000 taxis that you can hail at any point across both areas, so they should always be easy to spot! Be sure to tell them where your destination lies or write it down so they know.
HKTaxi is another useful app, boasting over 30000 taxi drivers registered. You can save your usual starting point and call a cab with just a few taps on the screen.
This app translates what you say into Chinese and Cantonese so you don’t need to stress about speaking English when speaking with taxi drivers – an invaluable asset when visiting Hong Kong if you don’t speak any Mandarin!
Hong Kong may not be as well-known for car rental as other cities like London or New York; however, you can still rent one here through many rental services at Hong Kong International Airport and find yourself the best deal before making your way there.
5. Get a Map
If you plan on exploring Hong Kong on foot, it would be beneficial to purchase a map. Not only are these user-friendly maps easy to use and give an excellent overview of what there is to see there, they come in various formats that can be viewed via computer, tablet or mobile phone.
An Octopus Card can also be helpful, providing access to MTR trains, trams and ferries without worrying about single journey tickets or finding change for single fare rides. This will save you both time and effort in terms of hassle.
Hong Kong is an ideal first-time travel destination thanks to its efficient transportation network of subways, buses and trams that will get you to most major attractions within the city.
An atlas will assist in efficiently and quickly navigating a city. They are available from many stores such as 7-Eleven.
As well as using a map, a free app that displays all MTR stations can also be helpful. Just enter your destination address, and the app will calculate a route with optimal efficiency for you!
Google Earth offers another great way to explore Hong Kong in stunning detail – for free, on any desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone!