A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Time in Hong Kong

Last updated on June 5th, 2026 at 11:40 pm

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Your first time in Hong Kong will be exciting and fun, but, as with anywhere you go, there are essential pieces of information you must know about this city.

Read this Hong Kong travel guide post to find out all the necessary details about the city.

Let’s get started!

Hong Kong Division

Hong Kong is divided into three main areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

The city centre is on the sides of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Most people spend their time in these areas, especially if they have limited time in Hong Kong.

Everything is more modern and shiny on Hong Kong Island, home to the financial district and many of the most expensive hotels and restaurants.

On the Kowloon side, there is a more traditional element. The most famous area in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, is on this side.

A tunnel separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Getting from one area to another is fast and easy, with numerous ways to travel.

Then there are the New Territories, though most tourists prefer not to visit this area because it’s quieter and slightly less convenient to reach the shopping areas. On the bright side, it features more green scenery, which is perfect for nature lovers, and the hotels here are also more affordable.

Each area has plenty of things to eat, see, and buy. It’s up to personal preference where you want to spend most of your time.

Language

Hong Kong’s primary language. Although most of the city speaks Cantonese, English is also widely spoken. As an international city, you’ll find almost everything written in English and Chinese.

It’s easy to find Hong Kongers who can also speak English. Quite a few were educated abroad in the US, Canada, or the UK. You will also encounter many expats around the city.

It’s a rare Asian city where you can get by with little to no Chinese, although I recommend downloading a translation app on your phone, just in case.

When you’re planning your trip to Hong Kong, impress the locals by learning these few simple Cantonese phrases:

• How much is this? (gay dor cheen ah) 幾多錢啊?
• Thank You, Excuse Me (mm goi) 唔該
• Where is this? (nee doh hai been)  呢度係邊?

*When you say mm-goi in Cantonese, you can politely get someone’s attention or say what you want when you leave the store and want to thank the store owner.

Is Hong Kong a Part of China?

Yes, Hong Kong has been part of China since its return in 1997. It is a Special Administrative Region (SAR), meaning the town retains autonomy over its currency, economy, and government. However, the rules and regulations will not be identical to those in other parts of China, as the legal system differs.

Currency

First-time tourists might be confused about the Chinese Yuan and the Hong Kong dollar. They are two different currencies!

The Hong Kong Dollar is used only in Hong Kong, while the rest of China uses the Chinese yuan.

The bills are also very colourful. The colours of the bills are the following:

• $10=purple
• $20=blue
• $50=green
• $100=red
• $500=brown
• $1000=orange

Payment Methods

Hong Kong is flexible about payment methods. Many places accept at least two payment methods: American Express (Amex), Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, debit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Octopus, and cash.

Since most visitors to Hong Kong are from Mainland China, the city has accepted the Chinese Yuan as a form of payment. However, not all places in Hong Kong do this, so remember to convert your local currency to HKD. Additionally, the Chinese Yuan is worth more, but some stores may use a 1:1 ratio, so you’re losing out on the difference.

Always carry cash with you when you’re in Hong Kong. You’ll rarely run into places that don’t accept cash, but there’s a good chance you’ll visit retailers that don’t accept anything else, like taxis. In this Chinese city, cash is still the king.

If you don’t know how much money to exchange, here’s a rough currency conversion for Canada, the US, and the UK, so you know how much to exchange for your trip:

• $1 USD = $8 HKD
• CAD 1 = $5-6 HKD
• $1 Pound Sterling = $10 HKD

Weather

Hong Kong experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. The humidity is high, and the heat is unbearable. My frizzy hair hates those months.

The coldest temperatures in Hong Kong typically drop to around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

Typhoon System

The typhoon season lasts about half the year, from May to November. Each year typically averages at least one typhoon 8. For first-time visitors to Hong Kong, here’s what you need to know about the typhoon system:

T1 is the weakest typhoon. It has little effect, and people usually continue with their day as usual.y

T3 is the second weakest, but the winds are getting stronger. If the scale continues to rise, it’s time to pay attention.

T8-T10: When the typhoon reaches this level, everyone stops what they’re doing and heads back to their home and hotel until the storm passes.

Indoor malls and the news will notify tourists and residents if a typhoon is approaching, but remember to check the Hong Kong Observatory for weather updates.

Rain System

Hong Kong experiences heavy rain during spring, summer, and early autumn. It also has a rain system, similar to the typhoon System.

Amber Rain: Amber rain is heavier than the average (30 millimetres per hour), but don’t fret. This alerts everyone that it could potentially become red or Black Rain.

Red Rain: Red rain is when rainfall exceeds 50 millimetres per hour.

Black Rain: Black rain exceeds 70 millimetres per hour, equivalent to a typhoon 8. Until the rain stops, most places, including schools and offices, will cease operations. Workers and students who have not left their homes yet are not expected to go to work or school. If they are there already, they should stay indoors until it is safe to go outside again.

Hong Kong Public Holidays

Hong Kong celebrates both Western and Chinese holidays. Yay – the best of both worlds.

The city’s two biggest holidays are Christmas and the Chinese New Year. From December to February (usually around Chinese New Year), the city gets pretty festive, and it’s one of my favourite things about it. Hong Kongers excel at decorating their homes and hosting seasonal events.

Other holidays include:

• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Ching Ming
• Labour Day
• Dragon Boat Festival
• Buddha Birthday
• Tuen Ng
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• National Day

Public Transportation

I have already dedicated an entire section to public transportation in Hong Kong; therefore, I will keep this section brief.

First-time visitors will be delighted by the HK public transportation system. It’s affordable, reliable, efficient, and plentiful. There are various options for getting around the city, including the tram, subway, double-decker bus, minibus, taxi, and ferry.

Even the most expensive public transportation option, a taxi, is relatively inexpensive compared to other countries, so don’t worry about cab fare getting too high.

You do need an Octopus card in Hong Kong. It’s a contactless transportation card that allows you to travel anywhere in the city. All public transportation, except taxis, accepts this form of payment.

Depending on where you’re from, you might consider renting a car during your stay in Hong Kong. I advise against this because the roads here are narrow. This might not be a problem, but parking is also tricky. With our public transport, you can 100% get away without a private car for the short time you’re here.

Accommodation

Your most significant expense is accommodation. Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

There are areas where you can save money, such as shopping and food, but accommodation is not as cheap as in other places.

Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay/Wanchai are the best areas to stay in, as they are among the city’s busiest districts. With hundreds of restaurants and stores, there is never a dull moment.

Dining

First-time visitors to Hong Kong must try dim sum!

That’s what people think whenever they’re in the city, but there’s so much more to Hong Kong than dim sum dishes.

If you’re travelling alone to Hong Kong, dim sum might not be the best option. Each dish is pretty big, so you’ll only eat one or two dishes unless you have a big appetite.  

Thankfully, there are hundreds of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and other signature HK dishes worth trying.

If you visit smaller restaurants, don’t be surprised if you have to share a table with other guests. Restaurants are trying to make a profit, so they need to maximize their space.

Shopping

Most things you need to buy are in one of the four main shopping areas in Hong Kong: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Causeway Bay.

Mong Kok

Mong Kok has pretty much everything, but the quality is lower, as the district is known for selling affordable items. You can find it all here, from cute souvenirs to sneakers, cosmetics, and Korean clothes. This is a great place to discover local stores.

The stores here open later, so consider visiting me during the late afternoon or evening. Be prepared for crowds, especially after work hours, weekends, and public holidays. Mong Kok is renowned as one of the most densely populated areas on Earth. You’ll be surprised by how many people there are.

It is the perfect time to experience being a tourist as the area will be animated.

If you want to avoid crowds, come in the late afternoon, but be aware that not everything will be open, and you won’t get the full Mong Kok experience.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui is known for many things. It’s an iconic shopping destination (there are probably a dozen shopping malls around here).

Tsim Sha Tsui is home to the city’s largest mall, Harbour City. This place is almost always crowded. It features both international designers and mid-range brands, making it an attractive option. Another mall that gets a shout-out is K11 Musea (not K11 Art Mall). They’re both in TST, so be sure not to mix them up. This mall is relatively new. It consists mainly of luxury brands so that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Why did I still mention this?

The mall’s decor makes it a popular destination for Instagram tourists. The food court is also terrific!

In addition to shopping, Tsim Sha Tsui offers several tourist attractions, including the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars.

Causeway Bay

Although Causeway Bay is another shopping district, it’s not as well-known as Tsim Sha Tsui. Perhaps this is because it’s not by the harbour, so you don’t get a scenic view. There are also fewer tourist attractions in this area.

Although fewer tourists visit than in TST, locals still flock to Causeway Bay for its shopping. There are too many shopping places in TST to name, so I’ll focus on the two main ones.

It’s the mall, Times Square, and the department store, SOGO.

Times Square is best known as a destination rather than for its stores. During holidays and other special events, the mall’s exterior is nicely decorated, and photo spots are set up for people to take photos. Most people are around the mall entrance or the lower mall floors. You’ll immediately find fewer people when you take the escalator to the mall’s upper floors. 

The biggest department store in Hong Kong is SOGO. With over 10 floors of retail space, it is a one-stop shop for fashion, cosmetics, skincare, kitchen appliances, toys, home goods, and accessories.

SOGO is a Japanese department store. Like many Japanese department stores, the lowest floor has a grocery and food stall. These are worth visiting because there is a wide variety of food to choose from.

Central

Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay should cover most of the stores you want to find in Hong Kong, but there’s also Central. Central is Hong Kong’s financial district, so as you can imagine, it’s crowded on weekdays and quieter after work hours.

Luxury travellers will be attracted to one of these high-end malls: IFC or the Landmark. For more local stores, visit PMQ, Li Yuen Street, Cat Street (for antiques), Central Market, or Pottinger Street Market. 

Visit Iconic Destinations

While shopping and food are significant reasons why many people visit Hong Kong, there are also numerous tourist attractions to explore. These include:

• Victoria Peak (the highest point where you can see the Hong Kong skyline )
• Peak Tram (use this transport method to get to Victoria Peak from Central)
• Avenue of Stars (Hollywood Walk of Fame, but HK edition)
• Lan Kwai Fong, Central (lively bar area at night)
• Nan Lian Garden
• Chi Lin Nunnery
• Temple Street Night Market
• Man Mo Temple
• Central Mid-Levels Escalator
• Wong Tai Sin Temple
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Big Buddha
• Ocean Park

Leave Time For Day Trips

Although there’s much to see for your first time in Hong Kong, leave a day or two to spend some time outside the city centre. There’s visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, which is always a hot tourist option.

The city also has another amusement park, Ocean Park. It’s bigger, more local, and cheaper.

Another day trip is to see the Big Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village, which are often combined.

Big Buddha is a popular tourist attraction that represents Hong Kong. It’s a good exercise because it takes about 300 steps to reach the Buddha statue up close. Additionally, you can take the cable car to enjoy scenic views of the city.

Additionally, consider visiting other cities, such as Macau or Shenzhen.

Macau

Macau is about an hour away from Hong Kong by boat or bus. It’s known as the Las Vegas of Asia, with its casinos and beautiful hotels. Macau was a former Portuguese colony, and there are still lingering Portuguese elements throughout the city, giving it a different feel from Hong Kong. 

Shenzhen

To go to Shenzhen, you must pass the border between Hong Kong and mainland China. Getting there is convenient for locals and takes very little time, but tourists must obtain a visa.

Along with Hong Kong, Shenzhen is one of China’s top cities. There are tons of things to do there. You can go for a massage, see tourist attractions, and continue your shopping spree across the border.

When’s the Best Time to Come to Hong Kong?

November to February is the best time to visit Hong Kong because it’s the cooler months. Although HK gets colder in winter, it’s still not as cold as in North American or European cities, since there’s no snow here.

If I had to pick one ideal time to visit Hong Kong, it would be from late November to the end of December, since mainland China does not recognize Christmas as a public holiday.

It will be slightly less crowded than the Chinese New Year. (The Chinese New Year is extremely busy. It’s Mainland China’s biggest holiday, and many Chinese tourists will travel to Hong Kong.)

Also, more stores will be open on Christmas Day (with discounts!). However, it will be slightly more challenging to find stores open on the first three days of the Chinese New Year at the end of the year, as spending time with family and loved ones is a routine practice.

Please note that hotel and flight prices tend to be higher during these periods.

How Safe is Hong Kong? 

Hong Kong is a very safe city. Even a female travelling solo should feel secure in the city at an incredibly late hour. However, you do need to be cautious about petty theft.

How Long Should I Stay in Hong Kong?

4-5 days is the perfect time for your trip to Hong Kong. These few days give you ample time to see the city without being rushed. If there’s a place you like a lot, you can even go back!

Spend 2-3 days in the city and 1-2 days on day trips outside Hong Kong.

Extra Tips – First Time in Hong Kong

1) People’s concept of personal space here might not be the same as yours. Don’t be surprised if people stand too close to you in line or push past you to get to where they want to go.

2) There are always a lot of people around here. Hong Kong is a bustling city, and if you visit during the summer, Christmas, or Chinese New Year, you will see people everywhere.

3) Get an Octopus card. I talked about this earlier in the blog post, but this transportation card is very convenient. You can also use it to park and buy drinks and food. It’s also easy to top up. Visit any subway station or a convenience store to add money to your Octopus card. 

4) Always bring tissues when you’re in Hong Kong. Not all restaurants provide tissues, and it’s not uncommon for places to run out of toilet paper. Hong Kongers usually carry a pack or two of tissues with them at all times.

5) You will need a travel adapter unless you’re visiting from the UK, Singapore, or Macau. Hong Kong and these other places use type G, a three-prong plug. The voltage is 220V at a frequency of 50Hz.

6)  Although tap water is drinkable in Hong Kong, Hong Kongers boil it first. This is partly a habit because they believe drinking hot water is healthier than cold water.

Final Thoughts – First Time in Hong Kong

Your first time in Hong Kong means it’s going to be a jam-packed schedule. Even though I have lived in Hong Kong for years, I still feel like I haven’t done everything here yet.

I hope you have a wonderful time in the city and get to do everything you want. Hong Kong welcomes you back soon!

Now to You – First Time in Hong Kong

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Xoxo,
Nicole