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How to travel around Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a separate visa and immigration system to mainland China, so visitors from the U.S. (along with many other nations) can stay in Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa. When it comes to traveling around Hong Kong, there are lots public transportation options. The contactless Octopus Card can be pre-loaded with travel credit and used on almost all modes of public transportation; you can also get discounted fares on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). The MTR is the quickest way to get around Hong Kong, and it serves many popular tourist areas, but you can also easily find taxis which are color-coded to indicate the areas that they serve. The coastal trams are affordable and reliable, and ferries are a great way to connect to Hong Kong’s many islands. There are also numerous bus services across all the main islands, but if you want to see the central downtown area, you can explore it on foot.

Travel tips

Begin your adventures of the evening at one of Hong Kong’s trendy rooftop bars with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong’s top attractions

• Savor world class dining in Asia’s culinary capital at 63 Michelin-starred restaurants, or indulge your tastebuds at open-air dai pai dong street cafes known for their savory street food.
• Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor, visit Man Mo Temple, and encounter vibrant street art masterpieces throughout the city.
• In districts like Old Town Central and Sham Shui Po, uncover authentic culture, burgeoning design and art scenes with distinct neighborhood vibes.
• In as little as 30 minutes from the city, you can experience epic hiking trails, protected geological wonders, and quaint ancestral villages.
• Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to see the world’s largest, seated bronze Buddha statue on Lantau Island.

What to do in Hong Kong

• Ride the Ngong Ping cable car to reach the imposing Tian Tan Buddha. Made from 202 bronze pieces, it is one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world. You can climb the 268 steps up to the platform for far-reaching views.
• Meet all your favorite Disney characters and enjoy the rides and shows at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Don’t miss the firework display over the castle at the end of the day.
• Ride the tram up Victoria Peak for great views of the harbor. Be sure to check weather forecasts first though, to avoid any mist or fog interrupting your views. Browse in the shops of Peak Tower too.
• Watch the Symphony of Lights each evening at the harbor; commentary is in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, depending on the night.
• Experience a fusion of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism at the picturesque and incense-filled Man Mo Temple.
• Visit the popular Ocean Park, home to an amusement park, animal park and aquarium. It’s particularly famous for its roller coasters, which feature impressive loops over the open sea. The evening firework shows on the waterfront are another can’t-miss attraction.
• Wander along the Avenue of Stars and see statues and stars dedicated to many famous national and international figures.
• Sunbathe on the golden sands of Repulse Bay and take a dip in the refreshing waves.
• Discover the diverse attractions within Hong Kong Park, including the Edward Youde Aviary with its 90-plus species of free-flying birds, the plant-filled Forsgate Conservatory and the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware.
• Spend an evening at the vibrant Lan Kwai Fong, the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife with an abundance of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Where to go in Hong Kong

The Nan Lian Garden is a lucky find for all nature and relaxation lovers. Nestled in the bustling city, hidden paths lead past green hills, unusual rocks, colorful flowerbeds, fish ponds and an impressive waterfall. Hong Kong offers great hiking opportunities, with routes like the Lantau Trail, Tung O Ancient Trail, Lung Ha Wan Country Trail, Dragon’s Back Trail and Wu Kau Tang Country Trail. Visit the quiet Hap Mun Bay Beach, wonder at the unusual rock formations at the UNESCO-listed Hong Kong Global Geopark, and enter countless small temples to soak up the spiritual ambience.

What to eat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has more than 14,000 restaurants scattered throughout the city, and there are also lots of street stalls serving traditional food. As you stroll throughout the busy city, you’re sure to pass many eateries and fruit and vegetable markets. It’s common in Hong Kong society to place a variety of dishes in the middle of the table to share, so be sure to try popular dishes like dim sum, rice rolls, egg tart, wonton noodles, seafood, curry fish balls and hot pots.