Traveling abroad is very exciting. At the same time, pre-trip anxieties are often unavoidable especially if it’s your first time and you have many unanswered questions about your trip.

I can definitely relate because my first visit to Hong Kong was also my first trip abroad. Fortunately, enjoying a trip to this bustling city-state is a cinch even for newbie travelers.

Traveling to Hong Kong for the first time? This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

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How to get to Hong Kong — Touchdown at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which serves flights from Manila (2 hours), Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, London & more. From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Cebu, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia and Cathay Pacific.

See all airport-city discounts

Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets

Hong Kong Airport Private Transfers (3 pax) Tesla

Hong Kong Airport Shuttle Bus

Hong Kong travel goals!

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Book your hotel early — Tsim Sha Tsui, in downtown Hong Kong, is the most convenient base to stay for tourists. You can also find many excellent options in the areas of Central, Jordan, Mong Kok, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai. Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest ratesBest hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts — Save money by checking discounts on tours, airport/city transfers & sim card/WiFi hotspots. Booking before you leave also saves you time by avoiding the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash & exchanging currency/money during your actual trip.

See top discounts

Hong Kong Disneyland Admission Ticket

Ocean Park Hong Kong Admission Ticket

Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Skip-the-line Combo Ticket

How many days in Hong Kong? — Two to three days is enough to visit most major tourist spots in Hong Kong. Plan at least 3 days if you want to go on a side trip to Macau. Consider a longer trip to enjoy a relaxed pace, especially if you’re interested in exploring the local sights & food scene.

Hong Kong visa-free travel for Pinoys — Philippine passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Hong Kong. Simply show up at the airport and get your passport stamped. Filipinos can stay for up to 14 days visa-free per entry.

Getting around Hong Kong — Exploring Hong Kong is very easy, even for first-timers. The HK Airport Express train to the city center takes 24 minutes. If you plan to get around using Hong Kong’s efficient train/bus system or on foot, Google Maps is super useful. The directions feature only works online, so you will need mobile internet to use the app.

Hong Kong 3G/4G internet data SIM card & pocket WiFi rental

See SIM/WiFi prices

Hong Kong Data SIM Card 4G/3G Unli Internet

Hong Kong-Macau 3G 4G Pocket Wifi Internet

Hong Kong top transport discounts & apps

Hong Kong Unlimited MTR Train + Airport Express Pass

Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets

Get an Octopus Card — Enjoy discount fares and easy payments on Hong Kong’s MTR (metro) trains and buses using this prepaid card. It can also be used for payments at convenient stores & partner shops throughout Hong Kong.

Pre-book online

Philippine Peso to Hong Kong Dollars — PHP is widely accepted as there is a huge Filipino community in Hong Kong. Exchange a small amount at the airport because rates are often better at the city center.

Sidetrip to Macau — Visit two countries in one trip! It’s even possible to go on a quick day trip to Macau because the ferry only takes 1-hour.

See Macau discounts

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Hong Kong Travel Guide Blog

Get Started

Hong Kong Itinerary

Hong Kong Budget

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Travel Tips Before You Go

Places to Visit in Hong Kong + Things To Do

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Hong Kong Itinerary

What to do in Hong Kong in 3 days? Here’s a 3 days & 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.

Day 1: Hong Kong Island & Victoria Harbour

Time Activity

Flight to Hong Kong
1000 am

Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) — Clear immigration checkpoint, claim baggage, and clear customs checkpoint. Claim online pre-orders — Pocket WiFi/SIM card, Airport Express tickets, Octopus Card, attraction tickets, etc.
1030 am

Hong Kong Airport to hotel transfer — Ride Airport Express train to Kowloon or Hong Kong Station. Ride train to MTR station near your hotel.
1100 am

Hong Kong hotel check-in.
1130 am

Transfer to Central Hong Kong. — Ride Star ferry to Central if coming from Kowloon/Tsim Sha Tsui).
1200 nn

Central Hong Kong sightseeing — Lunch and quick sightseeing at Exchange Square (the Hong Kong Stock Exchange), Statue Square & St. Johns Cathedral.
0200 pm

Ride The Peak Tram

See the view from Victoria Peak — Visit Sky Terrace 428, Madame Tussauds & more
0430 pm

Transfer to Tsim Sha Tsui
0500 pm

Tsim Sha Tsui sightseeing — Clock Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars (closed for renovation until the end of 2018), Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum & more.
0800 pm

Victoria Harbour & Symphony of Lights — Best views on Aqualuna / Bauhinia harbor cruise or Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

Day 2: Ngong Ping Village & Hong Kong Disneyland

Time Activity
0800 am

Transfer to Tung Chung — Ride train to Tung Chung MTR station.Ride Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping village

Ride Ngong Ping 360 cable car —

0900 am

Explore Ngong Ping — Tian Tan giant sitting Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, the Wisdom Path & more.
1200 nn

Transfer to Disneyland Hong Kong. — Ride Ngong Ping 360 cable car back to Tung Chung & ride the train to Disneyland Resort station.
0100 pm

Visit Hong Kong Disneyland
0600 to 0730 pm

Hong Kong at night — Visit the street markets/malls or enjoy Hong Kong’s nightlife

Day 3: Free time & Shopping

Time Activity
0800 am

Transfer to Ocean Park — Ride train to Ocean Park MTR station.

Oceanpark Hong Kong
0200 pm

Free time. Choose from below:

Option 1: Shopping at Central or Tsim Sha Tsui.

Option 2: Visit Sky100 observation deck

Option 3: Hong Kong food
0600 pm

Hotel check-out
0630 pm

Ride Airport Express train to Hong Kong Airport.
1000 pm

Hong Kong departure

Hong Kong Budget

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Transport expenses breakdown
HKD 166 Airport Express train — Roundtrip fare to Kowloon, per personBook online
HKD 150 Tourist Octopus Card + train/bus/ferry fares — Initial cost of Tourist Octopus Card (HKD 98) + top-upBook online
Activities/attraction costs breakdown
HKD 126 Peak Tram + Sky Terrace admission — Roundtrip 2-in-1 ticket package, per person.Book online
HKD 235 Ngong Ping 360 — Roundtrip cable car ride, per personBook online
HKD 590 Disneyland Hong Kong — 1-Day ticket, per personBook online
HKD 448 Ocean Park Hong Kong — Admission/entrance fee, per personBook online
Budget Travel Expenses
HKD 309 Transport — Airport train & transport within Hong Kong.
HKD 1,200 Accommodations — 3 days / 2 nights stay in a budget hotel. HKD 500 per room (for two) x 2 nights divided by 2 people.
HKD 240 Food — Per meal in a local food place
HKD 1,169 Sub-total — Transport, accommodations & food for the entire 3 days trip, excluding flights & attractions/activities. Approx. PHP 8,171.31
HKD 2,568 Total — Including activities above, transport, food & accommodations. Approx. PHP 17,950

I’ve included budget travel estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Other expenses
HKD 54 Hong Kong Pocket WiFi — Per day rental of HKD 18 x 3 days.Book online
PHP 1,620 Philippine Travel Tax — For outbound Philippine citizens only

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and Central are the best areas to stay in Hong Kong. TST offers a wider variety when it comes to prices. You can find hostels/guesthouses catering to backpackers and low budget travelers as well as 5-star hotels. Meanwhile, hotels in Central caters to a more upscale crowd.

If you’re set on a splurge, choose a hotel near the waterfront for sweeping views of Hong Kong‘s skyline and Victoria Harbour. In this case, stay in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), which offers a view of the more impressive Central Hong Kong‘s skyline.

The neighborhoods of Jordan, Mong Kok, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai are also great options as these places are located next to Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. If you plan to stay in these areas, remember to choose a location within easy walking distance to an MTR train station.

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Click below to compare rates and Hong Kong hotel reviews within your budget.

Best Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong — Splurge at the best 5-star and 4-star hotels in Hong Kong.See rates & reviews
Under HKD 4,000 Promo rates on 4-Star & 5-Star Hong Kong hotels — Grab discounts on luxury rooms available for booking today.See discounts
Under HKD 1,200 Recommended 3-Star Hong Kong hotels & mid-range accommodations — Great-value rooms for couples or when traveling with family & friends.See rates & reviews
Under HKD 500 Best Hong Kong budget hotels — For travelers looking for decent yet affordable accommodations.See rates & reviews
Under HKD 300 Best Hong Kong hostels & budget hotels — affordable places to stay for backpackers/solo travelers.See rates & reviews
From HKD 200 Cheapest places to stay in Hong KongSee rates & reviews

Top-rated places to stay in Hong Kong

InterContinental Hotel

Splurge / Tsim Sha Tsui

See discounts

Four Seasons Hotel

Splurge / Central

See discounts

The Salvation Army

Mid-Range / Yau Ma Tei

See discounts

Victoria Hotel

Mid-Range / Tsim Sha Tsui

See discounts

Ukkei Inn

Budget / Yau Ma Tei

See discounts

Yiu Fai Guest House

Budget / Tsim Sha Tsui

See discounts

Apple Inn @ TST

Budget Backpacker / Tsim Sha Tsui

See discounts

Hop Inn on Mody

Budget Backpacker / Tsim Sha Tsui

See discounts

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.comAirbnb

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Hong Kong Travel Tips Before You Go

How to get to Hong Kong

Philippines to Hong Kong

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city center

How to find cheap flights to Hong Kong?

Do I need a Visa to travel to Hong Kong?

How to get Hong Kong Dollars?

How to get around Hong Kong?

Useful travel apps

Where to get Pocket WiFi or buy a mobile data SIM card?

Where to book tours & attraction tickets?

How to get to Hong Kong

Flights arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), the primary gateway to Hong Kong. Travel time from Hong Kong Airport to the city center takes 20 to 24 minutes by train. From mainland China, direct ferry links are available from Macau and many Chinese cities. There’s also the option of crossing the land border from Shenzhen by train or bus.

Philippines to Hong Kong

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia and Cathay Pacific operate direct flights from Manila to Hong Kong. Travel time from Manila by plane is 1 hours and 55 minutes. Direct flights are also available from Cebu, Iloilo, and Clark.

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city center

By train — The airport express train is the fastest way to get to the city center. Travel time is 20 minutes to Kowloon station. The one-way fare is HKD 90 per person. Getting to Hong Kong station takes 24 minutes and costs HKD 99 per person.

See discounts

Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets

Hong Kong Unlimited MTR Train + Airport Express Pass

By bus/shuttle — A cheaper but more time consuming alternative than taking the airport express train. Use the directions feature in Google Maps to check airport bus routes that have drop-offs near your hotel. Or, book direct airport to hotel shuttle/coach transfers online.

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Hong Kong Airport Shuttle Bus

By private car — For hassle-free transfers, book a private car with a convenient direct hotel drop-off/pick-up. You can hire a car that can seat up to 3 people or a van (MPV) for bigger groups (up to 6 people per car). Click below to see discount prices.

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Hong Kong Airport Private Transfers (3 pax) Tesla

Hong Kong Airport MPV Private Transfers (6 pax)

How to find cheap flights to Hong Kong?

The easy way is to search on airfare comparison sites that can show you the lowest fares on multiple airlines in one go.

I use these sites often to find the best prices on flights. Check as many sites as possible because not all may display the same results. Click below to start your search.

Also, check Hong Kong promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are usually sold well in advance of the travel/flight departure date.

To learn more, visit the guide on how to book cheap flights.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Hong Kong?

Filipino/Pinoy tourists (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Hong Kong if the purpose of the visit is for tourism or transit only. Simply show up at the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped. Filipinos usually get a maximum stay of 14 days.

Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person. Even if you are eligible for the free tourist visa or already have one on hand at the border.

For a hassle-free trip, make sure that you are able to provide the following:

Valid passport not expiring within 6 months.

Confirmed flight tickets — Especially a flight back to your home country or onward destination that you are allowed to enter.

Proof of accommodation— Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from your friend/family residing in Hong Kong.

Evidence that you are able to fund the entire duration of your visit.

Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only. You may show tours/activities that you have pre-booked online.

How to get Hong Kong Dollars?

Hong Kong’s currency is called Hong Kong Dollars (HKD or HK$). You should be able to exchange your USD, EUR, GBP & major currencies easily at most money exchange stalls. Don’t exchange a lot at the airport. Branches found in the city usually offer better rates.

Philippine Pesos (PHP) to Hong Kong Dollars — PHP is widely accepted at currency exchange stalls in Hong Kong because of the large number of OFWs. As mentioned, exchange most of your money at the city center, not at the airport. Better yet, save time on your actual trip by exchanging your pesos to Hong Kong dollars before you leave.

ATMs — I use my ATM card a lot when I travel. It’s way more convenient than to worry about bringing and exchanging cash. Because banks charge a fee (usually USD 5 or more) per withdrawal, I make sure to withdraw large amounts instead of several smaller ones.

Before your trip, it’s important to check if your bank requires you to activate your card for international withdrawal. Your card might be useless otherwise. I use a Bank of the Philippine Islands ATM card (Cirrus) and I have to call their 24-hour hotline to activate my card when I travel abroad. On the other hand, My Unionbank debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) does not need activation for international withdrawals.

How to get around Hong Kong?

If you want to travel on a budget, the MTR trains, buses, and trams are the way to go in Hong Kong. The city boasts of having one of the World’s safest, most efficient and frequent public transport systems. Get an Octopus Card for discount fares and easy payments.

Useful travel apps

Google Maps —This travel app will make it a lot easier to get around on your own. Download the offline maps before you go so you can check the map even if you don’t have mobile data. Internet access is still important because the directions feature only works if you are online.

Maps.me — Excellent offline maps & Google Maps alternative.

Uber — Reliable ride-sharing app.

XE Currency — Free & easy currency converter.

Google Translate — Very useful to communicate with locals who do not understand/speak English.

Agoda & Booking.com — My go-to for convenient hotel bookings & cheap room rates. To display the total price (including taxes & fees) on Agoda, click here to download the app. Tap the menu on the top left corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap on “Price display”. Then, select “Total stay”.

Airbnb — Home/apartment rentals.

Momondo & Skyscanner — Top flight search & price comparison apps.

TripAdvisor — Reviews on the best places to eat & where to stay. Download the app on your iOS or Android device.

Where to get Pocket WiFi or buy a mobile data SIM card?

Stay connected online during your whole trip. Not only does it make it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps anytime. If you can’t get a good roaming data plan from your current provider, pre-book a local/roaming SIM card online.

See discounts

Hong Kong data sim card

See discounts

Hong Kong pocket wifi

See discounts

Where to book tours & attraction tickets?

Go to Klook for easy, fast, and convenient bookings. I often book online to enjoy discount rates and reliable tours. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

See discounts

Here are some of the top reasons why I like to book tours online & why you should consider it too:

Maximize your trip & avoid wasting time walking around town shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Grab bargain prices often cheaper than booking on-site.

Free cancellation (check if available).

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies. Convenient & secure payment by credit card or Paypal.

If you’ve already finalized your travel dates, it’s important to book well before the trip. For join-in & private tours, Klook closes the booking period 1-3 days before the tour date. Also, the number of participants is limited on each tour & day. So, reserve early, especially if you are traveling with a group to lock-in those open slots for your group.

Places to Visit in Hong Kong + Things To Do

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Hong Kong.

1. The Peak Tram & Victoria Peak

2. Disneyland Hong Kong

3. Ngong Ping & Tian Tan Buddha

4. Symphony of Lights

5. Tsim Sha Tsui

6. Star Ferry & Victoria Harbour

7. Central Hong Kong

8. Lantau Island

9. Ocean Park Hong Kong

10. Sky100 Observation Deck

11. Hong Kong Night Markets

12. Hong Kong Outlet Shopping

1. The Peak Tram & Victoria Peak

The breathtaking panoramic view from Victoria Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions for a good reason. Here, you can enjoy the best views overlooking the city’s famous skyline and Victoria Harbor. Getting to the top on abroad the scenic and thrilling Peak Tram is a worthy attraction on its own. Stop by Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on your way down.

See discounts

Top discounts

Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Skip-the-line Combo Ticket

Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428

Shuttle Bus to Victoria Peak + One Way Peak Tram

2. Disneyland Hong Kong

Experience a magical adventure at Hong Kong Disneyland. It is the second Disney-themed amusement park in Asia after Tokyo Disneyland.

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Top discounts

Hong Kong Disneyland Admission Ticket

Star Ferry Roundtrip Disneyland Transfer

3. Ngong Ping & Tian Tan Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the “Big Buddha,” is literally the biggest attraction this side of Lantau Island. It is the World’s largest outdoor sitting Buddha that is made of bronze. See the Po Lin Monastery & Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery famous for its hall with almost 13,000 miniature Buddha statues. The best way to get there is by riding the fabulous Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, which offers panoramic views overlooking Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport, South China Sea, and surrounding areas.

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Top discounts

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket

4. Symphony of Lights

This is the World’s Largest Permanent light and sound Show by Guinness World Records. It lights up every night starting at 8 pm and includes more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

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Top discounts

Hong Kong Symphony of Lights AquaLuna Cruise

5. Tsim Sha Tsui

Head to Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront for unobstructed views of Central Hong Kong skyline. This area is a popular shopping & food destination. It is also home to many museums & heritage sites like the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower.

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6. Star Ferry & Victoria Harbour

Take a scenic boat ride across Victoria Harbour for panoramic views of Tsim Sha Tsui and Central Hong Kong. The inexpensive way is on board the public Star Ferry crossing. You can also book a ride on traditional Chinese junk boats and luxury vessels for a longer slow cruise around the harbor.

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Top discounts

Hong Kong Symphony of Lights AquaLuna Cruise

7. Central Hong Kong

The bustling business and shopping center of Hong Kong, filled with many of its most iconic skyscrapers, luxury malls, and hotels.

See discounts

8. Lantau Island

The largest of Hong Kong’s islands is home to many top attractions including Disneyland Hong Kong, Ngong Ping & Tian Tan Buddha. If you’re seeking a different view of Hong Kong, take a sunrise hike to the 934m Lantau Peak, see the stilt-houses at the Tai-O fishing village or enjoy the seaside views along Lantau’s peaceful coastline.

Top discounts

360 Lantau Sky-Land-Sea Day Pass (Round Trip)

9. Ocean Park Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s most famous theme park and one of the World’s most popular marine-themed amusement parks. Don’t miss the giant panda habitat, a jellyfish & Chinese sturgeon aquarium, as well as the Grand Aquarium, which features the World’s largest aquarium dome.

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Top discounts

Ocean Park Hong Kong Admission Ticket

10. Sky100 Observation Deck

Enjoy fabulous views overlooking Hong Kong’s skyline. Located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong, it is the only indoor observation deck in Hong Kong that offers 360-degree views of the territory and its famous Victoria Harbour.

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Top discounts

Sky100 Observatory Admission

11. Hong Kong Night Markets

At night, many of Hong Kong streets are transformed into havens for bargain hunters. Strolling around these night markets is an interesting way to experience local life and buy products/souvenirs at low prices.

Top Night Markets in Hong Kong

Temple Street — Located in Mongkok. The nearest MRT stations are Jordan and Yau Ma Tei.

Ladies Market — Located at Tung Choi Street, Mongkok. The nearest MRT station is Mongkok.

Sneaker Street — Located in Mongkok. The nearest MRT stations are Prince Edward and Mongkok.

Toy Market / Wan Chai Street Market — Located along Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai. The nearest MRT station is Wan Chai.

Apliu Street Feal Market — Located at Apliu Street, Kowloon. The nearest MRT station is Sham Shui Po.

12. Hong Kong Outlet Shopping

Factory outlet discounts on branded clothing from 20% to 80% off.

Top Outlet Stores & Malls in Hong Kong

Citygate Outlets — Located in Tung Chung. The nearest MRT station is Tung Chung.

Horizon Plaza — Located at 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. Take bus 90 from Central to the Ap Lei Chau Estate.

China Hong Kong City — Located at 3 Canton Road. The nearest MRT station is Tsim Sha Tsui.

Sham Shui Po — Located along and near Cheung Sha Wan Road. The nearest MRT station is Sham Shui Po.

Kaiser Estate — Located along 51 Man Yue Street, Hung Hom. The nearest MRT station is Hung Hom.

Where to go near Hong Kong

1. Macau

2. Shenzhen, China

1. Macau

Famous for its giant casinos and Portuguese-colonial heritage sites, Macau is a short 1-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong.

See Macau discounts

Top discounts

Hong Kong-Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets

Hong Kong-Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets

2. Shenzhen, China

Planning to visit Mainland China? Shenzhen is located just across the border. The journey from Kowloon to the Hong Kong-China border crossing takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. You can go by train, bus, ferry or private car.

See Shenzen discounts

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Hong Kong experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

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