Mini Travel Guide: Hong Kong

There’s no better travel guide than an I’ve-been-there-and-I’ll-give-you-the-inside-scoop travel guide. Luckily, that’s exactly what Madeline is writing for us!

Hong kong Must Go

Victoria Peak

Hong Kong’s most stunning viewing spot, the Peak, is the city’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. The Peak is a great place to take in the majesty of the city’s incredible skyline. You can even hike the way down (or up)!

The Islands

Board a ferry in Hong Kong’s bustling commercial center and an hour later you’ll be amidst tropical greenery, pristine beaches, and a much slower vibe. If you’re like me and new to the whole metropolis thing, you’ll be thrilled to discover the hiking trails, bike paths, and culinary specialties of the islands around Hong Kong.

The Star Ferry
For a fraction of a US dollar, you can take this beautiful cruise from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. This is a great chance to see the skyscrapers of Hong Kong’s Central district from the water. Come back at night to see the city light up.

Hong Kong Must Do

Shopping
Even if you aren’t in the market for a Gucci bag, Hong Kong’s towering shopping centers are a dazzling window into the city’s glamorous side. Head to the lounge on the top floor of the International Financial Center and enjoy the spectacular view for free. You can even bring your own beverage for a cheap night out.

Outdoor Markets
For a taste of local life, head to a “wet market,” where you can find colorful produce and still-flopping fish. Then stroll down to the Temple Street Night Market to browse outdoor stalls of jewelry, souvenirs, and electric flyswatters. Take a break with a crock of the street’s renowned clay pot rice, and don’t forget to order a fried oyster cake on the side.

Hong Kong Must eat

International food
From Japanese to French, you can find almost every type of food in this international city. But some things are just better in Hong Kong, like delicious Cantonese specialties. You’ll also find plenty of fusion cuisine. You might eat Korean style beef and rice with a cup of borscht on the side, or toast and eggs with ramen for breakfast.

Dim Sum
Hong Kong may just be the best place to enjoy this delicious brunch ritual. Grab some traveling companions and enjoy stacks of steamed sweet and savory dumplings, buns, cakes, and more.

Street Food
Enjoy some fried treats while you browse Hong Kong’s most crowded neighborhoods. Fish balls, dumplings, and fried stuffed veggies are common finds. Also popular are waffles made fresh on the street, sometimes filled with a mixture of peanut butter and condensed milk.

Bubble Tea
In the sweltering summer heat, a big cup of ice-cold tea with milk and tapioca pearls is the perfect companion. Try the purple tarot root flavor, or switch out the tapioca for grass jellies.

Hong Kong Cultural tips

An incredibly diverse city, Hong Kong residents will forgive many a faux pas. That said, your new friends will appreciate your familiarity with local etiquette.

Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it reminds people of funerary incense). Fill others’ teacups before your own, and when someone pours you tea, tap on the table to show your gratitude.

Hong Kong Cheap travel tips

Take the Tram For a few US cents, you can board a double-decker tram and rattle across the island. The tram has been around for over a century, and you can pass through a rich slice of Hong Kong Island in a single slow, shaky journey.

City Parks
Free to the public, Hong Kong’s parks are islands of greenery tucked amongst the skyscrapers. You can walk through a sculpture garden in Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui, or you can discover some Hong Kong history at the Walled City Park. Now a delightful green space, the Walled City used to be a haven for criminals.

Airbnb is cheaper than most hotels and it’s a great way to get to know locals – here’s a centrally-located studio for $40 USD per night! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, here’s a $40 credit towards your first booking.

Thanks so much for sharing, Madeline! Do you guys have any other Hong Kong tips to share?

P.S. 7 travel tools I won’t shut up about

Photo by Kevin Wong on Unsplash