Hong Kong
Summary
Meaning 'Fragrant Harbour' in Cantonese, Hong Kong is an island that has attracted tourists, travellers, merchants, seamen, pirates and plunderers for centuries. Its iconic waterfront is as dazzling as that of Manhattan, while in its side streets and alleyways you can find traditional Chinese tea-houses and temples. Trams and ferries vie with limos to transfer people from place to place, and its restaurants veer from Michelin-starred to street stalls, all equally delicious.
Experiences
- Visit the Buddha statue at Victoria Peak and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
- Watch ’A Symphony of Lights’ show light up the night skyline
- Shop for souvenirs at Stanley Market
- Ride the famous Star Ferry across Hong Kong harbour
- Travel by helicopter to Macau
Seasons
Summer: May to September months are hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms, and temperatures that can exceed of 31ºC and 95% humidity.
Autumn: September to December sees clear, sunny skies, pleasant breezes with average temperatures between 19°C-28°C and 70% humidity. Many people regard these as the best months of the year to visit Hong Kong.
Winter: January and February are simply wet and cold, with temperatures of around 10ºC, and the occasional cold front.
Spring: March to May sees temperatures averaging between 17°C-26°C, with cool evenings, fog, rain and humidity rising to about 85%.
Note - The typhoon season begins in May and ends in November.
Best time to go
The best time of year to travel to Hong Kong is in the mild autumn months from September to mid November when the temperatures are pleasant, the skies are clear and sunny and humidity is lower.
Fast Facts
- Capital – Hong Kong
- Currency – Hong Kong Dollar
- Point of Entry – Hong Kong
- Airlines – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific
- Flying Time – 11 hrs 30 mins
- Time Zone – GMT + 7 hrs
- Visa – Not required
Insider tips?
-
National Dish - Dim sum for freshness and subtlety of flavours.
-
Restaurant the Locals Love - With various locations around the city, Tim Ho Wan is a winning combination of mouth-watering dim sum, a local teahouse-like atmosphere, and cheap prices. The steamed shrimp dumplings are a specialty.
-
Meal Worth the Splurge - Lung King Heen, inside the Four Seasons Hotel, is the first-ever Chinese restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars.
-
Don’t Forget - Avoid Chinese New Year. These are the only days of the year when Hong Kong totally closes down.
-
Don’t Miss - A favourite tourist treat is afternoon tea in the opulent lobby of the Peninsula hotel, and taking a helicopter flight over Hong Kong.
-
Hidden Gem - Po Lin Monastery and Tai O Village on Lantau Island. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban Hong Kong lies Lantau Island, where you will find a slower pace of life and more traditional sights.
-
Things to do to see Local Life - Watch the locals in the parks practicing feng shui. Get admission into the public enclosure horse races at Happy Valley on a Wednesday evening.
-
Perfect Souvenir - Tailored garments and Chinese tea.
-
If time allows head to the Big Buddha or down to the south end of the island to enjoy some quiet time away from the bustling city and listen to the lapping waves.
-
It is advisable to wear dark shoes when exploring the city, and always to have an umbrella handy.