Vibrant and bustling by day and night
Your first impression of Hong Kong may be one of sensory overload; teeming narrow side streets, bold neon lights on every corner, slow moving traffic and noisy canteens. It may take a little adjusting, but take a deep breath and get immersed in the city’s splendor.
Contrary to popular belief, having a great time in Hong Kong needn’t leave a gaping black hole in your wallet – read on and we’ll show you how to get the most out of your dollar.
To and from the airport
Hong Kong International Airport is a megastructure located 35 km (22 mi) from the city. Before you navigate your way out of the airport, pick up some Hong Kong dollars from an ATM or exchange booth.
The best way to get to Central Hong Kong is via the high-speed Airport Express Link train for a fare of HK$180 (about US $23 at the exchange rate of US 13 cents to one Hong Kong dollar). Departing from inside the arrivals hall the journey takes about 25 minutes. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) offers a free shuttle-bus service to major hotels. Franchised, air-conditioned buses (Airbus) take an hour or more to make the trip into town, but cost less at HK$40-$45.
If you need to grab a taxi from the airport, the journey to Central will take 45-60 minutes and costs HK$350-$400.
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Getting around the city
When it comes to navigating your way around the city, Hong Kong’s MRT rail system is efficient and quick, covering all major districts. If you’re visiting Hong Kong for several days consider purchasing an Octopus Card – a rechargeable smart card for frequent riders – which offers discounted fares. A down-payment of HK$150 is required; HK$50 of which is refundable upon card return and the remaining HK$100 is your initial balance. If you’re in town for just a day, pick up a Tourist Day Pass for HK$55 allowing unlimited rides for 24 hours.
Double-decker trams operate along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. Although slow and crowded, they are cheap at a flat fare of HK$2 for a single ride and are a great way to explore many interesting neighborhoods.
Where to eat?
When it comes to food, Hong Kong certainly isn’t somewhere you have to spend a fortune for fabulous Chinese food – what matters is the quality and freshness of the food, not the décor or service.
Home of the Dim Sum, Lin Heung Tea House is a must try decades-old parlor in the Central District. Packed full with locals, each dim sum serving costs around HK$15. Don’t leave without trying the lotus paste buns or the glutinous rice dumplings.
Ho Hung Kee Congee and Noodle Wonton Shop in Causeway Bay is the place to discover the delights of the Chinese rice porridge, congee, a hearty dish equally welcome as a breakfast meal or a late-nick pick-me-up. Congee is flavored with a wonderful variety of ingredients,from fresh crab and fish to pork to those less familiar to westerners such as hundred year-old eggs, and giblets. A filling bowl will cost HK$25.
Head to the intoxicating neighborhood of Mong Kok, where you’ll find the best and biggest variety of street food in Hong Kong, as well as bargain shopping. Sample grilled octopus, crispy calamari, deep-fried tofu, fish and beef balls, and all kinds of interesting-looking intestines and tripe. Portions cost from HK$10.
For the cheapest sushi in town make your way to Ichiban on Hau Fook Street. This conveyor belt restaurant offers sashimi from HK$15.
What can you see and do on the cheap?
Entry to several major museums (including the Hong Kong Art Museum, Science Museum and History Museum) is free on Wednesdays. Entry to Hong Kong’s many temples tends to be free all the time, though as a courtesy you’re expected to buy some incense.
Ride the Mid-Levels escalator, the world’s longest covered escalator – it’s free, and is over 800m (half a mile) long, running from Queen’s Road Central up through trendy SoHo to the Mid-Levels.
For a spectacular panoramic view of the city’s skyline and harbor, ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak costing HK$36 for a return fare. Or check out A Symphony of Lights, an impressive multimedia display, by heading to the waterfront promenades on either side of Victoria Harbor. The show starts at 8 p.m. daily and is free for public viewing.
For a slice of street heaven take a stroll through Kowloon’s lively Temple Street Night Market. Hawkers will deal everything from patent medicines to counterfeit watches. Open karaoke tents are also popular, but you may need some ear plugs!
For a healthy start to your day, head to one of Hong Kong’s many parks before breakfast to watch people going through the slow, graceful motions of Tai Chi. Try it for yourself; the Hong Kong Tourism Board offers free classes four times a week.
Shopping
Hong Kong is a mecca for shopaholics, with malls, boutiques, street markets, designer brands, factory outlets and more. Stanley Market is a great place to pick up inexpensive silks and Chinese crafts. The casual side street stalls of Li Yuen Street East and West are full of imitation gear.
Factory outlets sell famous brand names at a fraction of the cost; some are factory rejects, others are fakes so do shop with care. Some of the best outlets are found in nondescript commercial buildings in Causeway Bay, such as the Hang Lung Center, and other parts of Kowloon.
When it comes to electronic devices make sure you do your research and find out what’s available in your own country and at what price. This will help you when it comes to bargaining – a must in markets and smaller stores. A few words of advice: shop around, ensure the product will be compatible back home, test the product, check the box and its contents before you leave the shop and always ask for a receipt.