The Ultimate Hong Kong Travel Guide for First Time Visitors 2026

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Things to Know Before Going to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the easiest cities in Asia to visit for the first time, especially if you’re coming from the UK. It’s well connected and surprisingly simple to navigate once you get your bearings. English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, so you won’t feel completely lost. That said it still feels like a proper cultural shift, which is what makes it such a fun destination.

The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and you’ll find card payments are accepted in most places, especially in shopping centres and nicer restaurants. However it’s still worth carrying some cash for smaller food spots, street markets and transport top ups. One thing you’ll definitely want to get as soon as you arrive is an Octopus Card. This is a transport card that works on the MTR, buses, ferries and even in convenience stores like 7-Eleven. It makes everything faster and you won’t have to think about buying individual tickets constantly.

Another thing to know is that Hong Kong is made up of different areas that feel completely different from each other. Central and Soho feel very modern and busy, Tsim Sha Tsui feels touristy but convenient, and places like Sheung Wan and Wan Chai feel cooler and more local. Planning where you stay makes a huge difference to your trip especially if you’re only there for a few days. You also don’t need to over plan every moment because the city is very easy to explore spontaneously once you’re there.

The weather matters too as Hong Kong can be very hot and humid in summer and the rainy season can make sightseeing feel harder than it needs to be. If you’re planning a first time visit, spring and autumn are the sweet spots because the weather is warm but not unbearable. Winter is also a great time to visit because it stays mild and sunny, which makes walking around the city much more enjoyable.

And finally Hong Kong is very safe especially compared to other big cities. As a woman I felt comfortable walking around, using public transport and exploring in the evenings. However like any city you still need to be aware of your surroundings, but overall it’s a destination that feels very manageable for a girls’ trip.

How to Get to Hong Kong

Getting to Hong Kong from the UK is straightforward with direct flights available from London to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The airport is modern, well organised and one of the easiest airports I’ve travelled through, which is always a nice start to a trip. If you’re flying from elsewhere in Europe you may have one connection, but Hong Kong is such a major hub that flights are frequent and easy to find.

Once you land getting into the city is also simple. The most popular option is the Airport Express train which takes you into Central in around 24 minutes. It’s fast, clean and very stress free, especially if it’s your first time and you don’t want to deal with taxis or traffic. You can also take a taxi but depending on the time of day traffic can make it slower and it will obviously cost more.

If you’re staying in Kowloon you can still use the Airport Express and get off at Kowloon Station instead. From there you can walk, take a taxi or connect to the MTR depending on your hotel. Hotels in Hong Kong often have very clear directions and many can also arrange airport transfers if you want a completely seamless arrival. Personally I think the Airport Express is the easiest option because it’s quick and you don’t have to think too much after a long flight.

How Long Do You Need in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is one of those cities where you can do a lot in a short amount of time, but you’ll enjoy it more if you give yourself enough days to explore properly. I’d recommend at least 5 days for a first time visit because that gives you enough time to see the main areas without rushing. You’ll be able to do the classic skyline views, explore the markets, do a few cultural stops and still have time for rooftop drinks and proper meals.

If you only have 3 days it’s still doable, but you’ll need to be more intentional about what you prioritise. The city is fast paced so it’s easy to pack your itinerary but it can also become exhausting if you don’t leave space to breathe. If you have 6 to 7 days that’s the sweet spot, especially if you want to include a day trip to somewhere like Lantau Island or Macau.

For a girls’ trip I think 4 to 5 days is more than perfect. It gives you enough time to do the iconic things, shop, eat, explore and still have moments where you’re not constantly running from place to place.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Where you stay in Hong Kong will shape your trip more than you think. The city is split between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and while they’re connected easily by the MTR and ferries, they have very different vibes. Hong Kong Island feels more modern while Kowloon feels more local, busy and energetic. Neither is better it just depends on what kind of trip you want.

For first time visitors I usually recommend staying either in Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai or Tsim Sha Tsui. These areas are well connected, easy to navigate and close to the places you’ll want to visit. If you want the most iconic skyline views from your hotel room, you’ll probably want to stay in Kowloon because you’ll be looking back at the Hong Kong Island skyline. If you want to be in the heart of the action, stay on Hong Kong Island.

Central – Best for first timers who want to be in the heart of the city

Central is the most convenient place to stay if it’s your first time in Hong Kong. It’s the business district but it’s also where you’ll find a lot of the city’s best restaurants, rooftop bars and transport connections. It’s busy but it feels safe and organised, and you can easily walk to Soho, Lan Kwai Fong and the Peak Tram.

Best Hotels in Central

Sheung Wan – Best for a more local vibe

Sheung Wan is right next to Central but it feels slightly more relaxed and creative. It’s full of cafes, boutique shops, art galleries and cool little streets that are perfect for wandering. It still has great transport links but it doesn’t feel as intense as Central.

Best Hotels in Sheung Wan

Wan Chai – Best for food, markets, and a mix of old and new

Wan Chai is such a good area if you want a mix of traditional Hong Kong and modern city life. You’ll find markets, street food, local restaurants and some great bars. It’s also very well connected and feels like a practical base if you want to explore different parts of the city. Wan Chai is also a great option if you want to stay somewhere central without paying Central prices.

Best Hotels in Wan Chai

Tsim Sha Tsui – Best for skyline views and easy sightseeing

If you want the iconic Hong Kong skyline views, Tsim Sha Tsui is the area to stay. It’s on the Kowloon side and it’s one of the most convenient places for sightseeing. You’re close to Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars and you can hop on the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island easily. It’s busy but it’s very tourist friendly, which makes it a good base for first time visitors.

Best Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui

Wong Chuk Hang -Best for a quieter base

If you want somewhere that feels a bit calmer than Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, Wong Chuk Hang is such a good shout. It’s on the south side of Hong Kong Island and it’s actually where I stayed for my first trip to Hong Kong. The vibe is definitely quieter and more local which I personally loved, especially after a full day of sightseeing when you just want to come back to somewhere that doesn’t feel chaotic. It’s still super convenient because you’ve got the MTR South Island Line right there so getting into the main areas is easy.

Best Hotels in Wong Chuk Hang

Things to Do in Hong Kong

I’ve done a full guide on the best things to do in Hong Kong which you can read here but here are a few of my highlights:

Ride the Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is one of the most iconic things to do in Hong Kong and it’s also one of the cheapest. It’s been running for over 100 years and it takes you across Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The views are unreal, especially around sunset when the skyline starts glowing. I recommend doing it at least once during the day and once in the evening if you can. It’s a perfect way to get photos, feel the atmosphere of the harbour and take a break from walking.

Price: around £1 to £3 depending on the route and deck

Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Big Buddha (Lantau Island)

If you want a day trip that feels completely different from the city, Lantau Island is one of the best options. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car takes you over mountains and water with unreal views the whole way, and at the top you’ve got the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery, which are two of Hong Kong’s most iconic cultural spots.

If you can, I recommend booking the Crystal Cabin. It’s the glass bottom one and when I went we had it to ourselves, which made the whole ride feel so much more special. In the standard cabin they were grouping multiple parties together so it felt way more crowded. The ride is around 25 minutes each way which is exactly why I preferred having our own space, you’re up there for a while and it’s so much nicer when you can properly take in the views, take photos, and just enjoy it without strangers right next to you.

Price: standard round trip starts from £20

Visit Victoria Peak (The Peak)

Victoria Peak is one of those classic tourist activities that is still worth doing, especially on your first trip. The views from the top are genuinely insane and it gives you that full panoramic look at the city, the harbour and the surrounding islands. The Peak Tram is the most popular way to get up, and it’s an experience in itself because the steep incline makes the buildings look like they’re leaning.

Once you’re up there you can visit Sky Terrace 428 for the best views, or you can walk around the Peak Circle Walk which is free and gives you quieter viewpoints. I recommend going either early morning or just before sunset. Sunset is the most popular time but it’s also the most beautiful, so it’s worth it if you don’t mind crowds.

Price: Peak Tram tickets start from £12

Where to Eat in Hong Kong

I hope this Hong Kong travel guide helps you plan your trip and don’t forget, you can book most of these experiences through Klook and use my code THEGIRLSTRIPTOKLOOK for an extra discount.

Check out my other Hong Kong here:

• The Best Things to do in Hong Kong 2026
• The Arca Hong Kong Review – Sea Signature King Room