Hong Kong

Destination Guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Hong Kong in a way like no other. At first glance, Hong Kong is a teeming metropolis with impressive skyscrapers, modern architecture and busy neon streets. Underneath the metal sheen, the city has a vibrant culture and fabled history. It’s this mix of Chinese roots, remnants of the British colonization and modern growth that form a whirling east-meets-west hybrid. Journey with us on our Hong Kong group tour package as we uncover tradition by the temple steps, from the peaceful Lo Pin Monastery to the seaside A- Ma Temple. We’ll journey to a time when Hong Kong was just a backwater Chinese fishing village and tour the Aberdeen Fishing Village to experience the ever-floating houseboats of the Tanka people. Then, fast-forward as we admire the towering skyline by the bustling waterfront, and eat local delicacies in a city renowned for its culinary class. A unique melting pot of history and technology, Hong Kong is a genuinely compelling city. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Traditional Junk Boat At The Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

Hong Kong at a glance

With impressive skyscrapers, modern architecture and busy neon streets, Hong Kong is a teeming metropolis. Get under the surface of the city with your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover the vibrant culture, fabled history, peaceful fishing villages and delicious local delicacies.

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar

Capital City

Hong Kong

Winter avg

15°C

Language

Cantonese, English

Summer avg

26°C

Good morning

Jóusàhn

Time Zone

GMT+8

Good evening

Máahn ōn

"I'll show you the soul of Hong Kong, with a fascinating culture and cuisine mixed with the soaring skyscrapers and neon streets."

Travel Director

Admire the iconic views over Victoria Harbour

Against the backdrop of the dazzling city skyline, there’s a constant flow of activity in Victoria Harbour: from ferries and cruise ships to the colourful sampans, dotted between barges and freighters. Walk along the water’s edge to admire one of the most iconic skylines in the world, and don’t miss the spectacular Symphony of Lights that illuminates the cityscape every night.
Venture to Stanley Market

Get a taste of traditional open-air markets in the little seaside village of Stanley. Situated on the south coast of the island, the sea breeze brings about a more relaxed atmosphere than the grimy street markets. Still an iconic marketplace, Stanley Market is the perfect place to find authentic Chinese embroidery and calligraphy.
Visit the Aberdeen Fishing Village

Here, you’ll find tradition mingled with modernity down by the water. Sampans and Chinese junks, where the traditional boat-dwelling Tanka people still live, are juxtaposed against the million-dollar yachts moored by high-rise buildings. Take a sampan ride around the picturesque Aberdeen fishing village to visit the famous floating restaurants and seafood markets.
Try local seafood at the Goldfish Market

The Goldfish markets are a fascinating scene. Shops brimming with tanks of tropical fish and thousands of goldfish bags hang from outdoor stands. Get the full experience with a guided tour of the Kowloon market places where you can sample tasty seafood along the way.
Take a ride on the Ngong Ping cable car

Experience the sights of Hong Kong from above the hustle and bustle of it all in the panoramic Knong Ping cable car. Take the 20-minute ride up and away from downtown Tung Chung to the tranquil Ngong Ping Plateau, and enjoy the stunning 360-degree mountain views.

Our top 5 things to do in Hong Kong

You’ll never be short of things to do in this fantastic city. From its bustling harbourfront to its quiet mountain plateaus, we’ll show you all the excitement that Hong Kong has to offer.

Lantau Island
Po Lin Monastery

Wander through the Lo Pin Monastery, a sanctuary of prayer and birdsong located on the peaceful Lantau Island. Originally founded by three Buddhist monks, what was once a humble stone hut and thatched chamber has dramatically evolved into a world-renowned monastery. Imbued with Buddhist symbolism, philosophy and architecture, it is a Hong Kong must.
Macau
A-Ma Temple

Constructed in 1844 to honour the sea goddess Mazu, the hillside A-Ma temple offers a glimpse into the island’s past as a small Chinese fishing village. As you climb the steps to the temple gates, guarded by giant lions known as the “Foo Dogs”, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of bright colour and incense smoke, burning from the daily offerings.
Kowloon
Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum takes you through an astonishing 400 years of history. The building itself is a testament to traditional Chinese architecture, siheyuan, and inside the exhibitions cover everything from the Opium wars to Japanese occupation and local folk culture. For the Bruce Lee fans, there’s an entire gallery dedicated to the martial arts legend.

Best museums in Hong Kong

Underneath the cosmopolitan shimmer of skyscrapers and modern architecture, Hong Kong is a city steeped in history and heritage. Our Hong Kong guided tours will take you to extraordinary museums and monasteries to discover its traditional roots and Chinese antiquity.

Dim Sum

Cantonese for “touch your heart”, dim sum is as much about community as it is pork buns. Classically shared at breakfast and lunchtimes between families, friends and colleagues, the exhaustive menu offers over 2000 tiny bites served from piping hot bamboo baskets. No Hong Kong trip is complete without this quintessential dining experience!
Char Siu

Char Siu is unofficially considered the national dish. On almost every corner, you can find a hole-in-the-wall eatery with this delectable dish on the menu. It’s a simple preparation of sticky barbequed pork, cooked over an open fire and served on a bed of rice with a dark salty-sweet sauce.
Hot Pot

After a long day of walking, nothing fills the belly quite like a hot pot of sizzling chicken soup. It’s a historic Chinese dish with a Hong Kongese 2-step version: first, a hot pot of stir-fried chicken, then a burning broth with fresh veggies and herbs tossed in. Make sure you get extra crispy soy rolls to soak up all the flavours.

Best food in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a food haven, from smoking street food and downtown eateries to Michelin star restaurants with world-class views. Amongst the hot pot of eastern and western flavours, we’ll share the local specialities you cannot miss.

What to pack for Hong Kong

A camera

Hong Kong offers many unique photo opportunities. Take a good camera to capture the iconic city skyline and the busy life in the market places.

A phrasebook

While most local people speak excellent English, it’s always nice to learn a little of their language. Take a phrasebook (or download an app) and try your hand at a bit of Cantonese for simple things like ordering food.

A rain jacket

Hong Kong is notorious for its rain, no matter the time of year. Always be prepared with a rain jacket in your backpack so you can keep exploring the city, even in the wet.

Dress shirts

With plenty of high-end restaurants on offer, you might want to pack a fancy dress shirt, so you fit in during a classy night out on the town.

Good walking shoes

The transport can be a little expensive in Hong Kong, so save some HK and explore the city by the sidewalk. Good walking shoes will also come in handy for all those temple steps, and mountain walks on your Hong Kong tour package.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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