HONG KONG GUIDE

HONG KONG GUIDE HONG KONG GUIDE

Hong Kong is one of the most important finan-

Essential Information
Money 4 cial and business centers in the world. At the
same time, administratively it belongs to the
Communication 5 People's Republic of China. It is a busy me-
tropolis, a maze of skyscrapers, narrow streets,
Holidays 6 department stores and neon signs and a pop-
ulation of more than 7 million, making it one
Transportation 7 of the most densely populated areas in the
world. On the other hand, more than 40% of
Food 11
its area is protected as country parks and na-
ture reserves where rough coasts, untouched
Events During The Year 12
beaches and deep woods still exist.
Things to do 13 Hong Kong is a bridge between east and west
– it’s a city where cars drive on the left, where
DOs and DO NOTs 14 British colonial cuisine is embedded in the very
fabric of the city, and every sign is in English,
Activities 19 too. But at the same time, the street life is
distinctively Chinese, with its herbal tea shops,
. snake soup restaurants, and stalls with dried
Chinese medicines. You will encounter rem-
nants of the “old Hong Kong” with its shabby
diners and run-down residential districts situ-
Emergency Contacts
ated right next to glitzy clubs and huge depart-
General emergency number: 999 ment stores.
Police hotline: +852 2527 7177 Hong Kong is a fascinating place that will take
Weather hotline (Hong Kong Observatory): hold of your heart at your first visit. Venture
+852 1878 200 beyond the main tourist sights (as fascinating
as they are) and dare to discover the subtle and
ambiguous world hiding under Hong Kong’s
marketed image as a world city.

Time Zone
HKT (UTC/GMT +8 hours). No daylight saving
time.

Contacts
Tourist Contacts

Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Hotline

+852 2508 1234
Hong Kong International Airport +1 2181
8888

2 3
 MONEY COMMUNICATION

1 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) = 100 cents. seum Pass at the first museum you visit – for only Electricity CNNGO – lots of informative articles from the
30 HKD you get unlimited access to all the ma- The standard electricity supply is 220V/50Hz and insiders ([Link])
Hong Kong has no currency controls – you can jor museums. Alternatively, you can visit them on the sockets are the typical British ones: type G Hong Kong Observatory – don’t forget to check
take in and out as much cash as you like. The Wednesday, when there is no entrance fee. with three square pins. Don’t forget to bring an the weather reports regularly ([Link].
most convenient way is to withdraw money from Meal, inexpensive restaurant – 40 HKD adaptor with you. If you’re coming from the US hk)
the ubiquitous ATMs. The best exchange deals Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant, three-course your should check the voltage on your devices
can be found at the banks, although some of – 360 HKD and appliances before plugging them in to be
them charge a commission fee. There are also Combo Meal at McDonalds or similar – 30 HKD sure they are compatible. You may need a power
exchange offices in the MTR stations. If possible, Bottle of water at supermarket – 7 HKD converter.
avoid exchanging money in hotels, at the airport Beer (0.5l can at 7-Eleven) – 16 HKD
or with unlicensed exchange stalls in the Tsim Souvenir t-shirt – 30 HKD Languages
Sha Tsui and Mong Kok areas. If you exchange Gasoline (1 liter) – 16 HKD
The official languages in Hong Kong are Chinese
large amounts of money, try to negotiate a better Hostels (average price/night) – 350 HKD
and English, but the most widely spoken language
rate. 4* hotel (average price/night) – 1100 HKD
is Cantonese. It is a very difficult language but if
Car-hire (medium-sized car/day) – 800 HKD
you learn a few basic words, your effort will al-
Using credit cards is very common in Hong Kong. At the street and wet markets, prices are always
ways be appreciated. Thanks to its colonial her-
All major cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners subject to negotiation. Never show too much in-
itage, English is very widely spoken and you can
Club, JCB) are widely accepted. terest in the item you want and always decide for
easily get by with it – even the signs are in Eng-
yourself how much you want to pay in advance
lish.
Tax Refunds – and state a much lower price. You can also try
walking away or saying that you’ve seen it else-
There is no VAT in Hong Kong and therefore, no Mobile Phones
tourist refunds. where for a better price.
All of Hong Kong except for the mountains is cov-
ered by the standard mobile network (GSM/GPRS/3G).
Prices When buying vegetables or meat, you can usu-
Visitors from North America might want to check
ally get a better price (and fresher products) at
When compared to the mainland or other Asian compatibility. You might also consider purchas-
the wet markets than in the supermarkets. The
cities, Hong Kong is quite expensive. The prices ing a 100 HKD prepaid card as the charges are
supermarket prices also vary considerably from
vary, though. While accommodation is extremely very low.
chain to chain. Park’n’shop and Wellcome are
expensive, meals and entrance tickets can come
the cheapest ones, while CitySuper and Taste are
quite cheap if you watch your budget. There is no Internet
more upmarket.
sales tax/VAT in Hong Kong, making it a perfect
Internet is widely available at the hostels / hostels
destination for purchasing expensive and luxury
Tipping for a small surcharge. There are also free inter-
items, be it electronics, cosmetics or watches.
net kiosks in the MTR stations or malls, and free
However, it’s always a good idea to know how Tipping is not customary in Hong Kong – the lo-
hotspots in fast food chains (for example McDon-
much these items cost back home – what might cals don’t tip. If you feel like it, it’s enough to sim-
alds offers 20 minutes of Internet connection for
look like a great deal doesn’t always turn out to ply round the price up. You might also tip the ho-
free).
be. tel porter 10 HKD per bag. The more expensive
restaurants charge a service fee automatically.
Internet Resources
If you plan to visit more than one or two muse-
Hong Kong Tourist Website ([Link].
ums during your stay, purchase the Weekly Mu-
com)

4 5
 HOLIDAYS TRANSPORTATION

January 1 – New Year's Day Public Transportation companies and the exact fares and schedules can
Chinese New Year – Chinese calendar, first to Mass Transit Railway (MTR) ([Link]) be found on their websites. At smaller stops, you
third day of the first moon. – very convenient underground and suburban rail need to signal with your hand to stop the bus
Good Friday network and the most common means of trans- and press the signal button prior the stop where
Easter Monday port in Hong Kong. It consists of five underground you want to get off. The light buses are green,
April 5 – Ching Ming Festival lines, three lines connecting the centre with the van-sized and carry up to 16 passengers. Taking
May 1 – Labour Day New Territories (the East Rail Line will take you them is a little bit of challenge as their routes are
Buddha's Birthday – Chinese calendar, eighth to the very border with China – Lo Wu and Lok not very well signposted and you need to hail
day of the fourth moon. Ma Chau stops) and Airport Express line depart- them and tell the driver where you are going. The
Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival) – Chi- ing from Central. driving style is quite crazy, too – always wear a
nese calendar, fifth day of the fifth moon. seatbelt if available.
July 1 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Re- Trams – there are two distinctive tram systems. KMB ([Link])
gion Establishment Day One, called Light Rail, is a modern network oper- CityBus ([Link])
Mid-Autumn Festival – Chinese calendar, six- ating in the New Territories. On the Island, there New Lantao Bus ([Link])
teenth day of the eighth moon. are unique narrow double-decker trams running Ferry – the main lines are operated by Star Ferry.
October 1 – National Day along the coast. They are somewhat of a histor- Despite not being the most efficient means of
Chung Yeung Festival – Chinese calendar, ical relic – there’s no air conditioning and they transport, you should not miss the ferry ride be-
ninth day of the ninth moon tend to be slow. At the same time, no tourist tween Tsim Sha Tsui and Central – the views of
December 25 – Christmas Day should miss out a ride – the tram from Central to the skyline are just incredible. The ferries con-
December 26 – Boxing Day Kennedy Town will take you into the Hong Kong nect Kowloon and the Island with the outlying
Offices are closed during the above stated holi- streets and you can get an overview of the less islands. The system is easy to understand, there
days. Nevertheless, the majority of the shops re- touristy side of the island in 30 minutes. Get on are schedules posted at the stops. Note that
main open except for the Chinese New Year – the at the back entrance and pay the exact flat fare there are fast and slow ferries and the fares are
most important holiday. Apart from these days, at the front when getting off the tram. Another twice as much for the fast ones. There are also
the opening times of museums and other attrac- popular means of transport for tourists is the surcharges on Sundays and public holidays.
tions are usually not affected. Peak Tram – quite expensive but worth it for the
spectacular views. The payment system is the same for all means of
Opening Hours public transport. The fare depends on how far
Banks and post offices are usually open Mon- Buses – buses are run by several companies de- you are going and can be found on the compa-
day to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to pending on the locality. They can be generally nies’ websites. The most convenient way to travel
1:30 p.m. on Sundays. Shops and malls usually divided into two groups. The buses criss-cross around is to get an Octopus card ([Link].
stay open longer, until 9 p.m. or later. There are Hong Kong in a dense net and usually extend [Link].) The system is the same as London’s Oys-
many 7-Eleven or Circle-K shops that are open the MTR system. Often, though, there are buses ter – you top it up at the machine available in all
nonstop and sell a variety of food, snacks and going roughly along the same route as the MTR – MTR stations and then you can pay with it by sim-
drinks. Restaurants also stay open until late and they take more time but are cheaper and worth ply tapping the terminal. It is also widely used in
many bars and clubs on the island keep going taking for the great views of the city! Also, getting various shops, vending machines or parking lots.
through the night. the bus from the airport to the city centre is con- It is valid for all means of transport in Hong Kong
siderably cheaper than with the MTR Airport line. and the fare is considerably cheaper with it. It def-
The double-decker buses are run by four main initely pays off if you’re staying for more than few
days and plan to use public transport regularly.

6 7
 TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

The adult Octopus smart card costs 150 HKD with Blue taxis – operate only on Lantau Island with a in advance. Spacious sleep compartment with as comfortable as trains and even quicker. It re-
100 HKD of initial stored value and a 50 HKD re- slightly cheaper fare than the green taxis. two or four bunks. ally varies, though, as some roads still remain
fundable deposit. Hard sleeper (硬) – open to the corridors, three in shocking condition and the buses may be old
There are surcharges for luggage, animals and bunks in a column. Space is limited but the and crowded. Don’t be surprised by the erratic
The night service is very limited and the MTR phone booking. Note that if you’re taking the bunks are comfortable. Upper bunks (上) are driving style or the attendant telling jokes and
stops running after approximately 1 a.m. (the ex- route through the harbour tunnels, you might be the cheapest and the lowest (下) most ex- stories into the loudspeaker throughout the jour-
act schedule is posted in the stations). Therefore, expected to pay the toll – or even twice its amount pensive, but prices varies only slightly. Hard ney. The buses are also easily delayed thanks
the most common way to get around during the for the driver’s way back. Therefore, always set- sleeper is probably the best value for what to construction works, weather conditions and
night is by taxi. If you’re on a tight budget and tle this before the journey starts. When hailing a you get. congested streets.
going from busy areas such as Lan Kwai Fong, taxi for a cross-harbour route, signal this with a Soft seater (座) – comfortable seats found in
Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai, look for the green wave-like hand gesture. day trains traveling on routes up to 8 hours in For longer distances, you generally need to pur-
buses that depart when they fill up. They will take duration and high speed trains. chase your ticket at the bus station while shorter
you to the other side of the Harbour for a fair The taxi drivers aren’t usually very fluent in Eng- Hard seater (硬座) – the most genuine experi- distance tickets can be paid for on board to the
fixed price and you don’t have to negotiate the lish and it might come in handy to have the name ence. Padded seats, long-distance journeys as attendant.
toll surcharges with the driver. You can continue of your desired destination printed in Chinese well. There are also standing tickets sold for
your journey with taxis from the final stop – there characters as the English names are not used col- this class so the train can get really crowded. Ferries
will always be several cars waiting. loquially. You could also consider calculating the Despite officially being non-smoking, don’t re-
fare in advance, as the drivers sometimes like to ally expect this. Very cheap and adventurous, Shenzhen, Macau or Guangzhou can be easily
Taxis take clueless tourists around the maze of Mong though. reached by ferry. There are numerous connec-
Taxis are quite cheap and plentiful, which makes Kok streets to drive the fare considerably. Tickets can be bought up to seven days in ad- tions but the tickets are best booked ahead. Trav-
it a very popular means of transport. They are vance. You might get English speaking attendants elling by ferry is not very practical, it is usually
equipped with meters that should always show Phone numbers (red taxis): at major city stations, or at least those willing to done only for the experience.
the current fare. The majority of cars take up +852 2398 1881 communicate despite the language barrier. Since
to 5 passengers. They can be easily hailed right +852 2728 8282 January 2012, it has been necessary to present The ferries depart from Shun Tak, Hong Kong
from the streets, and there are also numerous +852 2760 0411 your ID when purchasing tickets. China Ferry Terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui and the
taxi stands. +852 2332 2571 Airport terminals. Some companies: TurboJet
General guidelines, what to expect: ([Link]) Cotai Water Jet (www.
Regional Transportation There is one attendant per every train. They [Link])
Red taxis – the most expensive ones, they can go
When travelling from Hong Kong to China, it is al- will take your ticket and exchange it for a card
all over Hong Kong except for Tung Chung Road
ways cheaper to take MTR to the border and then with your seat number. So they will know your Driving
and the south side of Lantau Island (but they go to
get on the bus/train than to take a direct bus or destination and will make sure you don’t miss
the airport and Disneyland). The fare for the first Renting a car is quite an unusual thing to do in
train from Hong Kong. your stop.
two kilometres 20 HKD with every subsequent Hong Kong. The public transport system is nearly
200 meters for 1.50 / 1 HKD for meter fares of 72 The toilets are locked when the train is ap- perfect and the roads are often congested and
Trains proaching a station.
HKD and above. the parking expensive. Renting a car is worth con-
Bring enough food, as the dining cars vary and sidering only if you plan on travelling longer dis-
There’s an extensive train network – a most popu- you might end up eating instant soups for an
Green taxis – cheaper, cover only the New Ter- tances in the New Territories. The traffic operates
lar way to travel long distances. The whole system exaggerated price. Boiled water is available.
ritories, the airport and Hong Kong Disneyland. on the left side.
is well-organized and easy to use. There are four Buses
The first 2 kilometers is 16.50 HKD, and 1.30 HKD Expressways – 80 km/h
classes:
for each subsequent 200 meters. North Lantau Highway – 110 km/h
Soft sleeper () – most comfortable, the price is Using buses, even for the long distances, is in- Urban roads – 30 to 70 km/h, follow the signs
usually comparable to domestic flights bought creasingly popular and some routes can be equally

8 9
 TRANSPORTATION FOOD

Blood alcohol limit – 55 mg of alcohol per 100 Don’t be afraid to eat the local fare right from the Waffles filled with cocoa or chocolate paste
ml of blood (0.22 mg alcohol per litre breath streets, cooked food centers or small restaurants The most distinctive non-alcoholic drink is proba-
alcohol content) off the main streets – the level of hygiene is gener- bly the ever-present milk tea from Cha chaan teng
Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers. ally unproblematic, the meals delicious and prices eateries and Hong Kong chains such as Cafe de
Every driver must have third-party insurance. very fair! Coral, the reasonably priced local bistros serving
Your phone can be used only with a hands-free Dim sum – a Cantonese speciality, a variety an interesting blend of British and Chinese cui-
device. of steamed dumplings and buns with meat or sine. Also, definitely try bubble tea – it can be
You must always give way to buses and mini-buses. vegetable fillings. Most popular: BBQ buns, found at almost every corner and comes in end-
Expect the traffic rules to be heavily enforced. shrimp dumplings. less varieties – green or black tea with milk, flavor-
There is a toll collected at tunnels and harbour Siu mei – roasted pork flavoured with honey, ings and oatmeal or tapioca pearls.
crossings. The most convenient way to pay is served with rice
to register with Autotoll ([Link],) Congee – rice porridge, a popular comfort The most popular alcoholic drink is beer (the “lo-
then you will be able to enter the priority lines food cal” brands are Tsing Tao and San Miguel). Locals
and the toll will be deducted automatically from Curry fish meat balls also like to drink rice whisky – very cheap but
your account. Hotpot – choose meats, vegetables, seafood not everyone can take its sharp taste. Drinking
and fish balls and boil them yourself in a broth in restaurants, bars and clubs is quite expensive,
Walkability Chicken feet – boiled or fried, a very popular so the way around this is to purchase beer at
The Kowloon peninsula is quite walkable and ex- delicacy – a must-try! 7-Eleven and party right on the street.
ploring it on foot (combined with the MTR) is def- Hong Kong-style French toast – fried toast with
initely the best way. The situation on Hong Kong peanut butter Legal Age
Island is more complicated – there are many sky- Stinky tofu – legendary street food The legal drinking age is 18 and proof of age is
ways and pedestrian bridges going through shop- Sweet tofu soup often required when entering clubs. Smoking is
ping centers and office buildings, interconnected Wife and husband cakes, mooncakes – tradi- banned in both restaurants and clubs.
into quite complex and chaotic systems – give tional Chinese pastries made of sesame seeds
yourself plenty of time, pay attention to the signs and beans
and you’ll be fine. You need to be very careful Cantonese preserved sausage
when crossing the streets – taxis and minibuses Egg tart – British snacks adapted to the Chi-
in particular tend to drive recklessly – don’t expect nese taste
them to stop at crosswalks. Yung Kee's roast goose – roast duck served
with fermented eggs
Hong Kong is a perfect destination for barrier-free Snake soup – thick soup served in the winter
travel. The MTR provides a convenient way to get season for its presumed warming effect. Goes
around the city and public spaces are designed with turtle rice.
with accessibility in mind. Claypot Rice – fried rice with various ingredi-
ents
Sweet and sour pork or garoupa – a signature
dish made with vinegar, preserved plums and
hawthorn candy
Cheng Chau dumplings – usually filled with
duck egg

10 11
 EVENTS DURING THE YEAR THINGS TO DO

February Cheung Yeung Festival Free Things To Do Temple Street – clothes, funny gadgets, sex
Chinese New Year Halloween in Hong Kong A Symphony of Lights – light show best to be toys
Hong Kong Arts Festival ([Link]. November observed from the Avenue of Stars. Every day Apliu Street – very cheap and second-hand
org) Cricket Sixes ([Link]) at 8 p.m. electronics
Hong Kong Marathon ([Link]) December Hike – Lion Rock, Ma On Shan, Kam Shan, Stanley Market – the best selection of sou-
March Cathay Pacific International Races ([Link]. Dragon Back or Sharp Peak are the most pop- venirs
Hong Kong Flower Show ([Link]) com) ular destinations. Other souvenirs include: custom-made suits or
Spring Lantern Festival Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Chinese dresses (cheongsam), tea, porcelain, key-
Man Hong Literary Festival ([Link]. Kowloon Walled City Park chains, Chinese calendars. If you’re looking for
hk) Yuen Po Street Bird Garden less touristy stuff, try G.O.D. store that recreates
Hong Kong Art Walk ([Link]. Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Her- Hong Kong traditional culture and history in mod-
com) itage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History ern design.
Hong Kong International Film Festival (www. – free admission on Wednesdays
[Link]) Museum of Tea Ware
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens ([Link]. Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre
com) Beaches – all Hong Kong beaches are public
April and free
Ching Ming Festival Victoria Park – come here early in the morning
Tin Hau Festival and watch the locals practice tai chi
May Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin and other Hong
Cheung Chau Bun Festival ([Link]. Kong temples
org) Chungking Mansions
Le French May ([Link]) Bank of China Tower – a spectacular view from
Lan Kwai Fong Beerfest ([Link]. the 43rd floor, take your ID with you
com) 2IFC – observation desk on the 55th floor
June
Dragon Boat Festival Shopping
Chinese Opera Festival Hong Kong is known more for its tax-free shop-
July ping than for particular souvenirs. Popular shop-
Lan Kwai Fong Julyfest ([Link]. ping items are electronic gadgets, expensive
com) brands, luxury cosmetics, antiques and Chinese
Hong Kong International Kung Fu Festival medicine. On the other hand, many people in-
([Link]) dulge in shopping for fakes at local markets.
August
Hong Kong Ani Comics and Game Fair (www. Markets worth your attention if you like to shop
[Link]) for fakes and typical souvenirs:
Hong Kong Food Fair ([Link]) Ladies Market – cheap fake labels, handbags,
September clothes, toys, souvenirs
Mid-Autumn Festival
October

12 13
 DOS AND DO NOTS DOS AND DO NOTS

DO take a regular ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to always keep a close eye on your personal be- be quite erratic and the fines for jaywalking are
Central – the view of the skyline is breathtak- longings and don’t leave your bag or purse unat- high. Do your best to avoid even light drugs such
ing. tended. as marijuana or MDMA – possession is heavily
DO eat in dai pa dongs (street stalls) – the food prosecuted.
is cheap and delicious there! Around Nathan Road and Kowloon Park, do your
DO venture beyond the main tourist and busi- best to avoid the street sellers offering tourists a If you decide to hike in the Hong Kong mountains,
ness areas – the city is overall very safe and the variety of goods, from fake Rolex and leather bags always have your journey well-planned or take a
real Hong Kong street life very fascinating. to hash. Never agree to go “just upstairs” to see map with you – the signposting is quite bad. Also,
DO visit the horse races – they take place every the goods as it is never safe – if you are interested never forget to take plenty of water with you as
Wednesday at Happy Valley. in fakes, they can be purchased in public at the the heat can be treacherous.
DO get an Octopus card. numerous markets. Avoid the Temple Street park
DO always have some kind of ID with you – it is at the night – it is a well-known hotspot for drug It also a wise idea to visit only beaches that have
the law in Hong Kong and the local police may addicts. If you’re a lone female traveler, it is best shark nets installed and operating safeguards.
check. to avoid visiting Chungking Mansion on your own
DO NOT stick your chopsticks into your food – as you might be hassled by the immigrant men Typhoons (another word for hurricanes) are most
it is considered improper as it is traditionally a working or living inside. The same applies for be- likely to occur from May to November. Follow the
way to offer food to deceased ancestors. ing accommodated there. Hong Kong Observatory reports and stay inside
DO NOT restrict your stay only to the urban ar- if typhoon signal no. 8 is issued – when it is an-
eas – the nature in Hong Kong is breathtaking You have probably seen some famous movies nounced, the majority of services, including pub-
and hiking here unforgettable. about the Hong Kong gangs (triads) operating in lic transport, stays shut down and public events
DO NOT go to the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Kowloon but there’s no need to be afraid – if they are cancelled. The same applies for red or black
village if you don’t like the usual touristy stuff are still active, the chances that you will come rain storm signals.
– the Buddha is relatively newly-built and the across them is virtually nil unless you engage in
adjacent brand new village has a Starbucks in illegal loans and gambling. Generally, tap water should be safe to drink but
it. many houses have very poor plumbing. Thus it is
DO NOT bring clocks, pear-shaped objects or At the markets, however, you are likely to come better to use a filter or buy bottled water.
anything related to the number 4 to any Chi- across various scams and fakes – always take
nese friend or host – these things are regarded your time to check the item you are purchasing
to be connected with death and thus offensive thoroughly. If you want to buy more expensive
as gifts. or brand name items, always go to branded retail
shops and never risk buying on the street – if it
Safety sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Thanks to its extensive police force, surveillance
systems and unique culture, Hong Kong is one of In Hong Kong, you are expected to obey all the
the safest cities in the world. many rules and regulations, and they are strictly
enforced. They include a smoking ban at pub-
That said, you should always use your com- lic transport stops, skyways and parks, or sitting
mon sense. You are likely to end up in densely at places that are not designated for it. Always
crowded areas, such as markets and MTR sta- obey the traffic lights and never go into the street
tions, where pickpockets have an easy job – when there’s a red light – Hong Kong drivers can

14 15
DOS AND DO NOTS ACTIVITIES

Tim Ho Wan / 添好運

A
The cheapest Michelin restaurant in the world. Can be recognized from a
distance – there's usually a long queue. The waiting is worth it.

Shop 72, G/F, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, Tai Kok Tsui, Hong Kong
GPS: N22.31771, E114.16455
Opening hours:
Daily: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Expect queues.

Portland Street / 蘭街
B
Popular retail street and red-light district serving mostly to the Chinese.
Massage parlors, karaoke bars, night clubs – simply everything.

GPS: N22.31554, E114.16952

Ladies' Market / 女人街

C
One of the most popular street markets. Clothes, bags, accessories..
pretty much everything you can think of. Enjoy bargaining here!

GPS: N22.32109, E114.17019

Opening hours:
The stalls open around 10 a.m. and close around midnight.

Mong Kok
D
Densely populated district mixing neons, run-down buildings, new develop-
ments and street vendors. This is HK as you know it from movies.

GPS: N22.32070, E114.16906

19
ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

Hong Kong Science Museum / 香港科學館 Hung Hom Coliseum / 紅體育館

E G
Wonderful museum full of interactive exhibits, games and set-ups that will This peculiar building with remarkable design is the prime entertainment
help you and your kids to understand science in a fun way. arena, housing the most prominent cultural and sport events.

2 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong 9 Cheong Wan Rd, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
GPS: N22.30104, E114.17759 GPS: N22.30127, E114.18190
Phone: Phone:
+852 2732 3232 +852 2355 7261
Opening hours: Opening hours:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Box office: daily 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sat, Sun, Public Holidays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The events usually start at 8:15 p.m., check the website for more details.
Thu (except Public Holidays) & first 2 days of the Lunar New Year: closed
Christmas Eve & Lunar New Year's Eve: closed at 5 p.m.
The ticket office closes one hour before the museum closure. Kowloon Park / 九龍公園
H
Admission: The largest public park in the heart of Kowloon. A green, peaceful oasis in
General ticket: HKD 25 the middle of bustling city. Dotted with public art.
Student, Senior (60+), Disabled: HKD 12.50 GPS: N22.30032, E114.17175
Opening hours:
Daily: 5 a.m. – midnight
Hong Kong Museum of History / 香港史博物館
F Admission:
If you want to learn more about moved history, migration and colonial
No entrance fee.
heritage of HK, then this is the right place. Simply amazing museum.

100 Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Jade Market
GPS: N22.30192, E114.17764 I
Traditional market selling stone very important for the Chinese: jade in any
Opening hours:
imaginable color, shade, shape or use.
Mon, Wed – Fri: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, Sun, Public Holidays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. GPS: N22.30878, E114.16921
Admission: Opening hours:
General Admission: HKD 10 Daily: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Disabled, Student, Senior (60+): HKD 5 Admission:
Free admission on Wednesdays. No entrance fee.

Temple Street Night Market / 廟街

J
The legendary street market consists of small vendors with delicious food
and stalls selling everything from sex toys to shoes and bags.

GPS: N22.30581, E114.16993

Opening hours:
The market is most lively after 7 p.m. and closes around midnight.

20 21
ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

Sky100 / 天際100 Star Ferry

K N
Overlook Hong Kong from its tallest skyscraper that was just finished! The Crossing the Harbor with Star Ferry is simply a must do. Amazing experi-
100th floor observation deck offers smashing views. ence.

GPS: N22.30328, E114.16010 GPS: N22.29376, E114.16868

Phone: Phone:
+852 2613 3888 +852 2367 7065
Opening hours: Opening hours:
Daily: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., last entry at 8 p.m. The ferry across the Victoria Harbour runs about every 10 minutes from
Check the website before going, though – the observation deck is some- around 7:40 a.m. to 10:50 p.m.
times closed for private events. Admission:
Admission: Mon – Fri:
Adult: HKD 168 (Hong Kong resident HKD 151) Adult: HKD 2.50/one way
Child (3-11), Senior (65+): HKD 118 (106) Child (3-12): HKD 1.50
Senior (65+): Free
Sat, Sun, Public Holidays:
West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade / 西九龍海濱長廊 Adult: HKD 3.40
L
Nicely manicured promenade decorated with various forms of public art, Child (3-12): HKD 2.10
including paintings and calligraphy. A nice place to stroll around. Senior (65+): Free
GPS: N22.30136, E114.15457
Opening hours:
Man Mo Temple / 文武廟
Open 24/7. O
One of the most important, oldest and most beautiful temples in HK. Dedi-
cated to gods of War and Literature. Note the ancestral hall as well.
Harbour City / 海港城 124-126 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
M
One of the largest mega-malls in Asia. Upscale shopping complex adjacent GPS: N22.28396, E114.15015
to the major cruise terminal. Its size will overwhelm you. Opening hours:
GPS: N22.29788, E114.16799 Daily: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Opening hours: Admission:
Daily: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. No entrance fee.

IFC Mall Roof

P
The landscaped rooftop terrace holds several bars and restaurants – and
also lots of space for your own private party stocked by 7-11.

8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong

GPS: N22.28576, E114.15970
Opening hours:
Open 24/7.

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ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

Central-Mid-Levels Escalator Peak Tram / 山頂纜車

Q T
Don't miss out the longest escalator in the world, serving as a regular A must even if you're in HK only for a short stopover. Steep funicular rail-
means of public transport. Wonderful view of adjacent streets. way that offers overwhelming views – a lifetime experience.

GPS: N22.28361, E114.15470 GPS: N22.27807, E114.15955

Admission: Opening hours:
The escalator ride is free; you can actually save money by tapping your The tram operates daily 7 a.m. – midnight and departs every 10 to 15 min-
Octopus card – see the instructions on-site. utes.
Sky terrace:
Mon – Fri: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Lan Kwai Fong / 蘭桂坊 Sat, Sun, public holidays: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
R
Legendary partying district that gets busy every night. Full of upscale and Admission:
showy clubs and bars. Various celebrations take place here. Tram Ticket (Return/Single):
GPS: N22.28083, E114.15570 Adult: HKD 40/28
Child (3-11), Senior (65+): HKD 18/11
Tram Ticket & Sky Terrace (Return/Single):
Adult: HKD 75/63
Bank of China / 中銀大廈 Child (3-11), Senior (65+): HKD 36/29
S
This landmark skyscraper was built with an emphasis on feng shui. Take
your ID and visit the lookout 'terrace' on the 43rd floor for free.
Avenue of Stars / 星光大道
U
1 Garden Rd, Central, Hong Kong One of the world's most smashing waterfronts. Wonderful skyline view and
GPS: N22.27924, E114.16155 a promenade with statues showcasing the thriving HK film industry.
Opening hours:
GPS: N22.29320, E114.17121
The observation deck is usually accessible until 4 p.m.
Admission:
Admission:
No entrance fee.
No entrance fee, you only need to present your ID and pass through secu-
rity checks.

Golden Bauhinia Square / 金紫荊廣場

V
This promenade commemorates the 1997 handover. Watch the flag-rais-
ing ceremony (8AM daily) and explore the statues.

GPS: N22.28448, E114.17355

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ACTIVITIES

Victoria Park
W
Vast green space so scarce in central HK. Many sport facilities – swimming
pool, skating rink, jogging tracks and more.

GPS: N22.28096, E114.18963

Phone:
+852 2570 6186
Opening hours:
The park is open 24/7.
Admission:
Free admission.

Noonday Gun / 午炮
X
Come here at noon to witness the traditional gun firing. You probably
know it from the song "Mad Dogs and Englishmen".

GPS: N22.28268, E114.18424

Opening hours:
The gun is fired every day at noon.

Wan Chai / 灣仔區

Y
Busy nightlife district with a thriving sex industry. Lots of bars and pubs, a
popular entertainment area for expats.

GPS: N22.27807, E114.17114

Central Plaza / 中環廣場

Z
This office tower is actually the third tallest skyscraper in HK. Surprisingly,
its 75th floor also holds world's highest church.

18 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

GPS: N22.27997, E114.17358
Phone:
+852 2521 3900
Opening hours:
A mass takes place on the top floor (75/F) every Sunday at 11 a.m.

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