Hong Kong is really one of the world's excellent cities. Regardless of whether on your 1st visit or your 10th, you can undoubtedly be impressed and astounded through the city's pulsing existence, hurried pace and frenzy of distinct lifestyles. Hong Kong is one of the world's true global metropolises - a kind of Gotham City for Asia where pretty much everything you need - be it American donuts or Australian Shiraz - is actually obtainable.
When talking about Hong Kong to pals that have not been there, I always state that it is like London plonked down in the middle of Asia. Or London with lots and lots and lots of Chinese folks. While a fair enough statement, that still does not do Hong Kong justice, with its myriad of various cultures and lifestyles and cuisines.
Getting Around
There are 2 effortless transport possibilities in Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and your own 2 feet. With these 2 tools at your disposal, you can certainly see literally all of Hong Kong. When you first arrive, you may certainly desire to pick up an Octopus Card, the city's mass transit refill card which allows you to swipe onto any of the public transport alternatives in Hong Kong, which includes buses and trains. This is much like the Oyster Card in London.
Getting to the city is quick, too, with a lot of cheap flights to Hong Kong from most major world cities, including Europe and North America.
What to see
What to see in Hong Kong would depend largely on your passions. The very first stop for most visitors is a trip up Victoria Peak Tram, a historic funicular railway that carries people on a near-vertical ascent up to Victoria Peak, the highest point in the city overlooking Hong Kong's amazing skyline.
You may possibly also desire to test Hong Kong's vivid horse racing tradition. Your best bet is to catch one of the city's old street trolleys to Happy Valley
Racecourse, where you can certainly watch young horses race on grass under the dim sparkle of tall skyscrapers.
In Hong Kong's fashionable Soho area, a series of small avenues stacked upon each other bursting with adorable stores, small dining establishments along with attractive buildings, you might also want to take a ride on the world's longest escalator, Central-Mid-Levels-Escalator.
Hong Kong also offers an array of significant museums, or if you're seeking something a bit more spiritual, you might consider the intense journey up to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin, where by countless stairs lead you past hundreds of golden buddha statues to a hilltop monastery.
Hong Kong is also a shopper's paradise. From the boutiques in Soho to the upmarket foreign brand merchants and multi-level department stores in Causeway Bay or perhaps the funky local markets on the Kowloon side of the city, you can more or less discover nearly anything you happen to be after - in most cases at a great price!
Where to stay
The majority of Hong Kong's budget hotel choices can be found along Nathan Road, where some high-raised buildings house youth hostels and guesthouses run by nearby families. When booking these kinds of accommodations, make certain you receive confirmation of your bed and be sure to check out the facilities before you pay, mainly because some are fairly grotty.
Upscale choices range from major international hotel brands to local boutique hotels. Most of the time, it is achievable to pay for almost any amount for a hotel room or hostel bed in Hong Kong, based on your funds.
Just what to eat
There is only one thing much better than shopping in Hong Kong, and that is eating. From small noodle joints to upscale French restaurant, you'll locate all sorts of restaurant, eating hall and snack stall on earth in Hong Kong. The Kowloon peninsula, specifically the Mong Kok neighborhood, is a destination for local Hong Kong restaurants and snack stalls offering a variety of strange and crazy bites to eat. On Hong Kong Island, especially in Soho and Central, there are many trendy international restaurants for discerning food lovers.
When to go and exactly what to pack
Hong Kong's weather is virtually always moderate, and can get quite hot and humid throughout the summer. The very best time of year to go to Hong Kong is throughout the autumn, winter and spring while the temperatures are most liveable. Summer season can be really humid and hot in Hong Kong.
It's ideal to carry light and portable garments that breathes and is relaxing for a day of jogging. When you plan to travel during the winter, ensure that you bring at least a light jacket or coat in case of a cold spell.