Visiting Hong Kong in 2024: A First-timer’s Guide

Bright lights and colourful neon signs at night, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Image source: iStock

At first glance, Hong Kong is a modern, energetic city brimming with skyscrapers. Beneath the surface, however, you’ll find a unique heritage with influences from the East and West intertwined throughout its architecture, cuisine, culture and fashion. Spring is generally the best time to visit Hong Kong, particularly between March and April when there’s almost no chance of rain—making it perfect weather for all the activities and action this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

If you haven’t been before, here’s why visiting Hong Kong deserves a spot on your travel radar this year.

From high end luxury items to jade and other souvenirs, shop ‘til you drop in Hong Kong. Image source: iStock

A shopper’s paradise

It’s no secret that Hong Kong is one of Asia’s ultimate shopping destinations. Fashion, electronics, luxury brands, cosmetics, toys, themed party supplies–you name it, they have it. So, deciding what to buy in Hong Kong may come down to how much luggage space you have, especially for items not easily found elsewhere!

Shop for these must-haves when visiting Hong Kong:

• Silk: Originating in China, Hong Kong is known for this luxury commodity which is widely available in markets across the city. Look out for 100% silk fabrics, scarves, clothing, coin purses, silk-covered journals and other accessories. 
• Jade ware: Locals know it as the ‘stone of heaven’, with pure jade attracting a hefty price tag. The Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei sells jade in varying grades at more affordable prices. It’s also common practice to haggle before accepting the first quote on jade jewellery, ornaments and trinkets. 
• Chinese tea leaves: Stock up on authentic Chinese tea at Ying Kee Tea House. Founded in 1881, this shop has a variety of quality tea leaves available for purchase, including herbal, traditional, fermented and foggy teas. Tea patties are packaged well, making them easy to transport.
• Temple charms: Various traditional charms are sold outside most ancient temples. Because it is believed that the temple ground is sacred, the charms are said to bring good luck, health and good fortune. They’re very popular with locals and visitors alike and make a special keepsake or gift.

Explore Hong Kong’s markets for local delicacies, gifts and trinkets. Image source: iStock

Keep an eye out for these souvenirs that also make thoughtful gifts:

• Hand-crafted mahjong sets: Mahjong is an important part of Hong Kong culture, and handmade sets are widely available in local shops.
• Chinese calligraphy brushes: Artists and art lovers will fall in love with these traditional fine point brushes, suitable for calligraphy and painting.
• Chopsticks: From bamboo to metal, chopsticks are a useful souvenir—the challenge is being able to use them correctly!
• Paper lanterns: Uniquely Chinese, paper lanterns make colourful and attractive decorations and keepsakes.

Top three Hong Kong markets:

• The Ladies' Market: Stretching for a kilometre, this colourful street market is extremely popular, selling inexpensive clothing, accessories and other goods for women, men and kids.
• Stanley Market: Discover kiosks and little shops selling everything from luggage and sportswear to crockery and art. The beach, promenade and other attractions are also within walking distance of Stanley Market.
• Temple Street Night Market: Abuzz from sunset, this night market is one of the liveliest shopping spaces with street stalls selling typical Hong Kong snacks and market goods. Try visiting a fortune teller, herbalist or even a Cantonese opera.

Visit the Big Buddha on a day trip to the Lantau Island District. Image source: iStock

Guided day tours 

Immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s history and heritage with a guided tour showcasing local experiences and tourist attractions.

Hong Kong Day Trip

Take a tour of Hong Kong to visit its famous highlights, such as the longest escalator in the world at Central Mid-Levels, Man Mo Temple and Victoria Harbour. Tours can also offer activities like riding on a Star Ferry and candy tasting.

Lantau Island Day Trip

Explore the Lantau Island District accompanied by a local guide who will share exciting stories along the way. Visit the Big Buddha, Tai O fishing village and spot dolphins. Experience the natural attractions on a hike or ride the cable car to the Ngong Ping plateau for spectacular views.

Macau City Tour 

Take a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau and book a guided tour of the region’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre. Visit sites like Paul’s Ruins and A-Ma Temple and learn about the region’s fascinating Portuguese history. Visit the Venetian Macao for an indoor or outdoor gondola ride through the canals or try an immersive art experience at TeamLab.

Sample local cuisine from street food vendors and market stalls to Michelin Star restaurants. Image source: Adobe Stock

The Hong Kong food scene

Centred around traditional Cantonese cooking, Hong Kong’s cuisine also blends flavours from Britain and other parts of Asia reflecting its diverse culture. The result? A unique fusion that’s fast becoming a favourite for foodies around the globe.

Indulge in the region’s best at these eateries:

• Tim Ho Wan, West Kowloon: Dim sum specialist dubbed ‘the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant’ serving up must-try baked barbecue pork buns.
• Dim Dim Sum, Jordan: Classic dim sum, plus an innovative menu featuring novel flavours, such as seafood stuffed eggplant with teriyaki sauce. 
• Fat Boy, Tsim Sha Tsui: Michelin-recommended meat skewers galore, from octopus and beef tongue to turkey gizzard. 
• Yee Shun Milk Company, Yau Ma Tei: Traditional Chinese breakfast spot celebrated for its extra rich and creamy double-skin steamed milk pudding made from buffalo milk. 
• Hop Yik Tai, Sham Shui Po: Also featured in the Michelin Guide, Hop Yik Tai is famed for its silky smooth rice rolls seasoned with lard and peanut sauce.

Savour authentic and reasonable street food at these hawker-style markets:

• Queen Street Cooked Food Market: Top-notch local delights, Chinese regional cuisine, Italian-inspired continental food, and traditional Indian dishes.
• Tai Po Hui Cooked Food Market: Popular place for typical Hong Kong cuisine, with long-standing dim sum parlours, Hakka-style mochi and Shanghai-inspired noodles. 
• Haiphong Road Temporary Cooked Food Market: 40-year-old food market serving local food and crowd favourites like pork chop buns and clay pot-steeped milk tea with satay sandwiches.
• Sheung Wan Cooked Food Market: Cantonese, regional Chinese and Hong Kong-style cafe food, as well as Thai and Japanese delicacies all offering great value for money.

Hong Kong has a hotel for every need and budget. Image source: iStock

Where to stay in Hong Kong

The city is divided into three main regions—Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, each with its own charm, distinctive features and hub of activities.

For first-time visitors: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Considered the city’s downtown, the area has a true Hong Kong vibe with easy access to the rest of the city including top landmarks and attractions.

For foodies: Mong Kok, Kowloon 

Discover scores of eateries, street food stalls, markets, bars and cafes offering a wide selection of traditional food, delicacies and snacks.

For shopaholics: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

Contemporary, family-friendly spot teeming with shops and markets with affordably priced goods and gadgets, plus a range of restaurants.

For nature lovers and families: Shatin, New Territories

A stone’s throw away from the Shing Mun River offering mountain and coastal views and plenty of hiking trails and other nature-based activities.

For nightlife seekers: Central, Hong Kong Island

A diverse and colourful nightlife scene awaits, with lively parties, rooftop bars, pubs, shisha lounges and themed cocktail bars surrounded by historical buildings.

For luxury travellers: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon

Centrally located and upscale hotels with quick access to major routes and sites include:

• W Hong Kong: Modern boutique hotel with everything from Cantonese dining and afternoon teas to one of the city’s highest rooftop pools.
• Four Seasons Hotel: Emphasises wellness and culinary experiences, as well as boasting seven Michelin stars and an Executive Club Lounge with personalised services.
• The Ritz Carlton: With rooms at the top of the 118 storey, 484 metre high Commerce Centre building, it is one of the world’s highest hotels with sweeping views of the city. Spoil yourself at this luxurious hotel or treat the children to the immersive Ritz Kids program.
• The Peninsula Hong Kong: Affectionately known as the ‘Grand Dame of the Far East’, this elegant hotel oozes class with Rolls-Royce limousines and private helicopters for VIP guest transport.

Experience Hong Kong’s energetic and colourful street scene where you can purchase anything you need. Image source: iStock

What to pack

Destinations like Hong Kong experience humid subtropical weather, so staying hydrated and protected from the sun is essential. Be sure to pack:

• Wide-brimmed hats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen 
• Bug spray
• Reusable water bottles
• Hand sanitiser 

Check out our practical tips for international travel through Perth Airport to help you understand what’s safe to pack, plus carry-on limits for your trip.

Plan your next adventure! Discover Hong Kong’s diverse landscapes, flavours and culture. Image source: iStock

Fly direct from Perth to Hong Kong 

Whether you’re up for exploring new territory or ticking a destination off on your bucket list, you can get to Hong Kong via a direct 8-hour flight with Cathay Pacific. Sort out your spending money at one of Perth Airport’s foreign currency exchanges, then relax until departure at our award-winning Aspire Lounge. At Perth Airport, our facilities and services are a great way to start your adventures around the world. Book your flights today!

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