Quick Facts
Best Time To Visit
October to December for clear skies and mild temperatures.
March to May is also comfortable.
Summers are hot, humid and prone to typhoons
Winters are cool but easy for sightseeing.
Handy Apps
Google Maps
Citymapper or MTR app for trains
Octopus app (for card balance)
Uber (limited) and local taxis
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Cards widely accepted in shops and malls
Small stalls and markets may prefer cash
Timezone
Hong Kong Time (HKT), UTC +8
No daylight saving time
Powerplugs
Plug type: G (UK-style three-prong)
Voltage: 220V
Frequency: 50Hz
Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999
Wifi
Free WiFi in many malls, MTR stations, and public areas
Hotels almost always include free WiFi
Pocket WiFi and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport
Getting Around
Port Location
Most cruise ships dock at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, located on the site of Hong Kong’s former airport runway. It’s 15–25 minutes from major areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Central. S
Some smaller ships may use Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is directly beside shopping, restaurants and the harbour promenade.
Taxi & Transport Info
• Taxi to Tsim Sha Tsui: HKD $60–$90 (15–20 mins)
• Taxi to Central: HKD $90–$120 (20–25 mins)
• Taxi to Mong Kok: HKD $70–$90
• MTR (subway) fare: HKD $5–$15 depending on distance
• Octopus Card recommended for transport and small purchases
• Airport Express: HKD $115 from Hong Kong Station
Port Shuttle Info
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal may offer free shuttles to Kowloon Bay or nearby MRT stations depending on the cruise line. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. If docking at Ocean Terminal, you can walk straight into Harbour City Mall and the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
Walking Difficulty Level
Moderate. Flat areas around Kowloon and Central are walkable, but steep streets and stairs appear in some neighbourhoods. Good transport options reduce the need for long walks.
Mobility Info
Hong Kong’s MTR is highly accessible with lifts and wheelchair access at most stations. Pavements are generally good, though the city is hilly in parts. Attractions like Victoria Peak and Ngong Ping 360 have accessible facilities.
Map
Things to See & Do
Must Try Foods
• Dim sum
• Wonton noodle soup
• Char siu (BBQ pork)
• Egg waffles
• Pineapple bun with butter
• Milk tea
• Seafood in Sai Kung
Shopping Areas
• Tsim Sha Tsui – malls, harbourfront and luxury brands
• Mong Kok – markets including Ladies’ Market & Sneaker Street
• Causeway Bay – department stores and fashion
• Central – high-end shopping and boutiques
• Stanley Market – crafts and casual souvenirs
Top Things To Do
• Victoria Peak via the Peak Tram
• Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour
• Tsim Sha Tsui promenade & Avenue of Stars
• Big Buddha & Ngong Ping 360 cable car
• Temple Street Night Market
• Hong Kong Museum of History
• Symphony of Lights nighttime harbour show
Family Friendly Activities
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Ocean Park
• Ngong Ping 360 cable car
• Star Ferry harbour ride
• Noah’s Ark theme park
• Science Museum & Space Museum
Half Day Itinerary
• Take a taxi to Tsim Sha Tsui promenade for harbour views
• Ride the Star Ferry to Central
• Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for panoramic views
• Explore Central or return to Kowloon for shopping and dim sum
Full Day Itinerary
• Start with the Star Ferry to Central
• Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
• Visit Man Mo Temple or Soho escalators
• Lunch in Central or Sheung Wan
• Ferry or taxi back to Kowloon
• Explore Mong Kok markets or Tsim Sha Tsui promenade
• Evening Symphony of Lights harbour show
Two Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
• Victoria Peak + Peak Circle Walk
• Explore Central & Mid-Levels Escalator
• Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui
• Shopping and harbour views
• Evening Symphony of Lights
DAY 2:
• Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Big Buddha
• Explore Ngong Ping Village
• Afternoon at Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park
• Seafood dinner in Sai Kung or Tsim Sha Tsui
Helpful Tips
Local Etiquette Tips
• Stand on the right side of escalators
• Avoid loud conversations in public transport
• Keep to the left when walking on busy streets
• No eating or drinking on the MTR
• Shops often prefer small cash for minor purchases
Cruise Tips
• Start early to avoid crowds at Victoria Peak and Ngong Ping 360.
• Use Octopus Card for quick transport payments.
• Taxis are cheap and efficient for groups.
• Allow extra time if returning during peak traffic (4–7pm).
• If docking at Ocean Terminal, you can walk directly to major attractions in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Safety Info
Hong Kong is very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Crowded areas around markets and stations may require extra awareness. Public transport is extremely safe and clean.
