Hong Kong is where East meets West at full speed – a city of towering skylines, ancient temples, world-class food and some of the best harbour views on Earth. Here’s everything you need to know in our Hong Kong travel guide.
Things to see in Hong Kong
Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for one of the world’s great skyline views, then head up to Victoria Peak for the city from above. Don’t miss the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, best reached by cable car, or the incense-filled Man Mo and Wong Tai Sin temples for a slower, spiritual side of the city.
Best places to visit in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island offers the classic skyline and buzzing districts like Central and Causeway Bay, while Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui delivers waterfront views and bustling markets. For a change of pace, Lantau Island combines beaches, hiking trails and the Big Buddha, while the New Territories offer a quieter, greener side of the city.
Best time to visit
October to December brings warm days, low humidity and clear skies – the sweet spot for sightseeing. Avoid the typhoon season (roughly June to September), when heat, humidity and storms are at their peak.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island suits first-timers who want to be near major sights and nightlife; Kowloon offers excellent value with iconic harbour views, and Lantau is worth considering if you want easy airport access or a quieter base near nature and the Big Buddha.
Best places to eat in Hong Kong
Dim sum is essential – whether at a bustling teahouse or a Michelin-starred favourite. Beyond that, Hong Kong’s street food scene is legendary, from egg waffles and fish balls to roast goose and wonton noodles, with the city boasting one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
Cultural experiences in Hong Kong
Explore Temple Street Night Market for fortune tellers, street food and bargain shopping, or visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery for a quieter cultural experience. Hong Kong’s blend of British colonial history and Cantonese tradition shows up everywhere, from double-decker trams to centuries-old temples tucked between skyscrapers.
Getting to Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport has direct flights from major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, making it one of the more convenient long-haul Asian destinations to reach.
