Asia’s most vertical city rewards knowing how it works
Hong Kong is one of the world’s great cities — extraordinary skyline, world-class food, efficient transport, and a density of experience per square kilometer that rivals anywhere. Here is what makes the visit better.
Transport
The MTR is fast, clean, and covers the city comprehensively. Get an Octopus card at any MTR station — it handles MTR, buses, trams, Star Ferry, and payments at convenience stores and some restaurants. Single MTR journey: HKD $5-20. The Airport Express from Hong Kong International Airport to Central: 24 minutes, HKD $115 — or take the slower Airport Bus for HKD $40.
Stay in Kowloon
Accommodation on the Hong Kong island side (Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay) is significantly more expensive than equivalent quality in Kowloon (Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui). The Star Ferry connects both sides in 8 minutes for HKD $3.40 — crossing the harbor is itself a highlight. Stay in Kowloon, explore both sides.
Eat local
Hong Kong’s food scene spans cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style cafes serving milk tea and pineapple buns), traditional dim sum restaurants, dai pai dongs (street food stalls), and Michelin-starred establishments. The gap in quality between a $4 meal at a cha chaan teng and a $40 tourist restaurant is smaller than you would expect. Eat where you see locals eating.
Get a local SIM
Tourist SIMs at the airport: HKD $50-100 for unlimited data for a few days. Or use Airalo eSIM which works well in Hong Kong. Data is important — navigation in Hong Kong’s complex street system benefits enormously from a reliable connection.