Whether you are coming from abroad to explore Asia, or coming in from China for a break or another reason, Hong Kong can be a fun but confusing place overall. Here are some tips about where you could go, where to stay, local transportation, and maximizing your enjoyment during your trip to Hong Kong.
Traveling Around
Hong Kong MTRSuggestion: Get an Octopus Card for traveling on the MTR and buses, and paying for things, and get a free MTR map and other tourist information at the MTR service desks at every station. The ticket agents speak English.
Get Free Tourist Information
At Victoria Peak and at the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui on Victoria Harbor, you can find Hong Kong Tourism Board offices with stacks of free maps and tourist information, promotions and information about attractions and deals.
You can ask about anything from using Wi-Fi in Hong Kong to where to stay and what to do. They try to help, and they speak English.
Where to Stay
Chungking Mansions?
Chungking MansionsChungking Mansions is where a lot of backpackers go. They offer the cheapest rooms in the city, but you'll probably suffer something from the poor service, crime, and the bad atmosphere. If you go there, check out several hotel rooms, try to get there just after noon for better choices, and exercise all your instincts since tricks and problems abound.
YMCA
If you can afford the USD 100 rate per night for a single room, we recommend getting a room at the nearby YMCA about two blocks away towards the Star Ferry (across the street from the Space Museum).
They feature a much better, brighter atmosphere, and perks such as use of the facilities. This is all for a comparatively low price compared to other hotels in Hong Kong.
Where to Go
- Ocean Park for thrill rides
- Victoria Peak to see the city from above
- Lantau or Sai Kung for hiking
- Temple Street for eating on the street and souvenir shopping
- Beaches in the summer
- The Five Best Park Campsites Around Hong Kong
