5 things you should not miss in Hong Kong
Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Make sure you don’t miss out on these top 5 must-see attractions and experiences. From iconic landmarks to delicious local cuisine, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Let me tell you one thing about Hong Kong. It is CRAZY!
When we first reached Hong Kong, things didn’t go as planned, and I was worried about how our days would turn out here, but I am glad I was totally wrong about Hong Kong. Before we get into the details of this post, let me address this first.
I am not sure if I should refer to Hong Kong as a country, as it is a “Special Administrative Region of China,” but I reckon I’m just gonna stick to “country” for simplicity’s sake. Now, let’s get back to this amazingly crazy country. We found people in Hong Kong to be friendly, for the most part. Of course, you might come across a few not-so-nice folks, but we mostly met nice people during our short 5-day stay. And, if you smile at people, they usually smile back, which is pretty great in Hong Kong, where life can be tough.
At first, I was intimidated by Hong Kong because there are so many people and so much going on all the time. We walked around and saw tons of tall, amazing buildings, and I was constantly looking around. It was good that we managed to squeeze in some absolutely iconic things to do in Hong Kong. If you are visiting Hong Kong, you should take advantage of these 5 things.
Octopus Card
If you’re thinking of using public transport in Hong Kong (which is a really good idea because it’s cheap, easy, and fast), you should get an Octopus card. You can also use it to pay at some restaurants, shops, 7/11 stores, and taxis. Topping up is super easy; you can do it at any 7/11 store or MTR station.
When getting an Octopus card in Hong Kong, it’s important to know the difference between the two main types: Sold Octopus Card and On-Loan Octopus Card.
If you’re a tourist, it is recommended to get the Sold version as you can keep it as a souvenir. This version you can purchase from the Kiosk for HK39 ($4.99/ INR 416) and then top it up as needed. There’s no deposit to pay, and any leftover balance will be refunded.
If you’re on a budget like us, we suggest queuing up at the customer service counter to purchase the on-loan card. With this option, you don’t have to pay a base fee like the sold version, but you do need to pay an HK50 deposit, which you’ll get back when you return the card. They charge an HK11 service cost, but the on-loan card comes with HK150 initial value, so it’s ready to use right away. The only issue is that you may need to queue up at the Airport MTR customer service counter, which can get busy. It’s important to allow yourself enough time. Also, they only accept cash at the counter so make sure you have cash handy.
The Octopus Card is your all-in-one ticket to exploring the city hassle-free.
2. Hong Kong Tea and bakeries
Pineapple buns and egg tarts were highly recommended through all the YouTube videos and blogs I read before visiting Hong Kong but to be honest, I wasn’t that impressed. I mean, it did not have the WOW factor, you know what I mean? Having said that though, I was sick for a day during our five-day trip, so I didn’t get to try many bakeries. So, I’ll keep them on my must-try list for next time.
But, I loved Hong Kong-style milk tea and other bakery items. This rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced beverage is a staple in Hong Kong’s food culture. Made with a blend of black tea and evaporated milk, Hong Kong-style milk tea is a true indulgence for tea lovers. Pair it with some freshly baked pastries from a local bakery, and you’ve got yourself a match made in heaven. We tried many breads and sweets, and they were all great.
3. Hong Kong Style restaurant – cha chaan teng
This is seriously a one-of-a-kind experience you can have only in Hong Kong. Let me paint a picture for you. It’s this huge hall with tables all over the place. You can grab a seat wherever you find one. If you’re alone, you might even end up sharing your table with strangers. All you gotta do is look at them and if they nod at you, that’s your cue to join them.
There’s no menu to choose from. Instead, food carts keep coming through the hall every 2-3 minutes. They’ve got Dim Sum, steamed buns, rice, and desserts, and you can pick whatever you want. They’ll stamp it on a piece of paper that they gave you when you sat down.
That’s it! You can eat as much as you want, but just a heads up, it can get pretty pricey since you don’t know how much anything costs. So, I suggest you only pick four items to try and keep your costs low. But seriously, don’t miss out on this experience!
Also, I am big on Google reviews but for this one, you may want to skip them as people who have left reviews have completely missed the point.
Location 📍 160號 Wellington St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
These bustling eateries are a beloved part of Hong Kong’s culinary scene and offer a unique dining experience that should not be missed.
4. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
We’ve been to a ton of temples since we started full-time travelling, but to be honest, this one is really something special. The energy here is off the charts. Plus, it’s super colourful and has a ton of charm. I can’t really describe how beautiful it is, but you just gotta be here to feel the energy I’m talking about.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. It is dedicated to the great immortal Wong Tai Sin, who is believed to bring good luck and grant wishes. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, admire the intricate architecture, and witness the locals offering incense and prayers. Whether you’re a spiritual person or simply appreciate the beauty of religious sites, a visit to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is a must.
There is no admission fee to the temple.
Location 📍Hong Kong, Chuk Un, 竹園村二號
5. Experiencing Ding Ding (Tram)
Hop on a tram, affectionately known as the “ding ding” by the locals, for a nostalgic ride through the heart of Hong Kong Island. The tram system has been operating since 1904 and is an iconic symbol of the city. As you ride along, you’ll get to see the bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant neighbourhoods. It’s a great way to soak in the sights and sounds of Hong Kong while experiencing a piece of its history. Don’t forget to grab a seat by the window for the best views!
Bonus :
So there you have it, the top 5 things you should not miss in Hong Kong. From the convenience of the Octopus Card to the deliciousness of Hong Kong-style milk tea and bakery treats, these experiences will give you a taste of the city’s unique culture and charm. Make sure to add them to your itinerary and create unforgettable memories in the vibrant city of Hong Kong!
Our Essential Travel Gear
CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!
Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!
eSIM
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!
Carry-On luggage
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.
Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!
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