Last Updated on December 15, 2023
Hong Kong may not hold the mystique of being the entrance to the mysterious Orient that it once did, but it’s still a wonderful destination for those looking for good shopping, some outstanding hotels, wonderful food, and a great mix of cultures. Here’s a primer for first-timers….
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
By Marcia Raffel Levin
You’ll find many things to do in Hong Kong, the gateway to Asia, which has long had a tremendous appeal to travelers.
With a reputation as a popular shopper’s paradise and financial center, it’s ideal for those looking for fine hotels and cuisine. And its mix of cultures, which has resulted in it being called a place where “East meets West,” and “Asia’s World City,” continues to ensure its popularity as a something-for-everyone tourist destination.
Cruising, a relatively new travel experience for Asians, has made great strides in the region.
In fact, the city is the largest home cruise port in Asia and Hong Kong International Airport. And it has long been one of the busiest in the world in both passenger and cargo business.
If you’re planning your first-time visit, perhaps I can help.
“Fragrant Harbor”
First-timers should know that although the city has a long history as a Chinese community, Hong Kong’s 7 million current residents actually come from all around the globe.
Nevertheless, today more than 90% of the city’s residents have Chinese origins dating way, way back. It’s a fact supported by archeological records showing humans living in the region about 30,000 years ago.
Hong Kong’s name – in Chinese it means “Fragrant Harbor” – is a reference to the supposedly sweet taste of water in the harbor centuries ago.
It was controlled by the British in the 19th century, and run by them for about a hundred years until it was reclaimed by China in 1997. Today it is a special administration region of China.
Some think Hong Kong island is where the first contact between Brits and Chinese fishermen took place early on. At that site the Pearl River meets the southern coast of China.
A Portuguese explorer also stopped by the region in the 16th century and trade between Portugal and China continued until military troubles between the two nations ended, and a closed-door policy was put in place.
Photo-Fodder for Your First-Time in Hong Kong
Hong Kong continues to head a list of desired destinations for travelers worldwide.
The glorious views you often see of it – with its mountains looming above Victoria Harbor where the Star Ferry shuttles between the “heart” of the city with its iconic colonial architecture and mind-boggling skyscrapers, and Kowloon Island – continues to provide plenty of photo fodder for first-time visitors here. It probably provides more photo ops than a dozen other major cities.
Its highly developed rapid transit system includes everything from trams to buses and ferries. It is one of the best in Asia and is tourist-friendly. You’ll find tram rides up to the Peak are wonderful for photo ops, as well as a few minutes of angst.
A wonderful thing about the city is that it is barrier free for disabled travelers, in many of its hotels and attractions and on its transportation systems.
The Iconic Peninsula
Another reason for Hong Kong’s popularity is the number of affordable, mid-priced hotels in the mid-$200s price range.
Be sure to stop by the world-famous Peninsula, an iconic hotel that is absolutely charming with its traditional Colonial touches. Even is you don’t opt to stay there, stop by for a drink or traditional English afternoon tea.
The average stay in Hong Kong for first-time visitors, as well as many returning, is three to four days. Many visitors board a cruise ship to further explore ports that might include China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand or the Philippines, among other itineraries.
One of the Things to Do in Hong Kong – Enjoy This Foodie’s Paradise
Chinese food is universal – it is found all over the world—and while five-star dining is readily available in Hong Kong, you will also find dim sum, hot pot and fast food all over town. Hong Kong portions are smaller than those in the West and are usually served with rice or noodles. (So practice with chopsticks ahead of time.) Try local specialties including wife cake, herbal tea, shark’s fin, poached chicken and mooncake.
First-time visitors will find that other, more familiar, foods are readily available throughout the city. French, Italian and American offerings are easy to find.
An interesting thing to do is to take a culinary tour and discover unique meals while tasting Chrysanthemum or Jasmine teas.
Interesting Markets and Museums, Especially for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first visit to Hong Kong, there’s an awful lot to pack into a few days.
Consider touring some of the most fascinating markets in the world, including the Jade Market, Fish Market, Flower and Bird Markets, the Night Market on Temple Street, (tempting bargain-hunters) and Sheizen Market, across the street. There’s even a market dedicated to goldfish.
You can also learn about Chinese medicine and delicate calligraphy, or the great and graceful exercise, Tai Chi.
From a cultural perspective, you can choose among the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Local honorees in the latter include (local film stars include Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and director John Woo. All, including the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, are government funded.
From a historical perspective learn of its history under Chinese and British rule. And also of its occupation by the Japanese during World War II.
The Vertical City
Also tour the architectural wonders of Hong Kong, such as the “vertical city.” It’s an area of more than 1,200 skyscrapers, the result of the lack of space on which to build.
Hong Kong claims to have more buildings taller than 500 feet, than any other city in the world. In fact, in Hong Kong more people purportedly live above the 14th floor than anywhere else.
As a first-time visitor you’ll likely find the beautiful “Symphony of Lights” amazingly beautiful. It’s an astounding skyline light show, dubbed the world’s best sound and light show by the Guinness Book of Records.
There are also several excursions that are popular with travelers. One is to board the Ngong Ping Cable car to go to a theme park on Lantau Island, a major day trip up the green mountainside. Another is a walking tour of Kowloon to sample its amazing array of sounds, sights and smells. If you’re a fan of Bruce Lee or martial arts you may enjoy the “Wing Chun” Kung Fu Experience tour.
If you go:
Hong Kong Tourism Board
www.DiscoverHongKong.com
Why the hell would u promote shark fin soup in ur article !
You are correct in light of the decimation of the shark population. Please accept our apologies.
Honestly, I love visiting cities that have a rich food culture. I’m not a gourmand, but you can say a lot about an entire civilisation just by looking at the way they eat.
Never been to Hong Kong. So, when I get a chance to visit Hong Kong, I am sure these wonderful tips and ideas will help me….love reading your posts 🙂
I do love traveling across the country and it’s more fun to visit countries with beautiful location sites and rich in food culture. Actually, I do love adventures and foods.
I do love traveling across the country and it’s more fun to visit countries with beautiful location sites and rich in food culture. Actually, I do love adventures and foods.
Wow so true! Everyone who says they wish they could travel more should read this article. If people really want to see the world, it is possible.
Planning to visit Hong Kong for the first time and this is just so helpful. Thank you! Will share this article to my friends. Cheers! c”,)
Thanks, this guide will help me when I get a chance to visit Hong Kong. I will bookmark this in my browser.
I am going on an Asian cruise next year and Hong Kong will be one of the stops. I hope it is not an imposition to ask you what is the best that I can see/ do in Hong Kong in the few short hours the Cruise ship will be there 7 am to 6 pm. Thanks in advance Jim. BTW totally enjoying all of your posts.
Hi Jean,
It is not an imposition, of course. And I apologize for the delay in answering your question.
The problem with Hong Kong is two-fold: 1) there is so much to see, and 2) it’s so spread out and congested that it can take a long time to travel between sights (plus waiting times, etc.). You have a relatively short time in HK so you need to make good use of your time (and I’m hoping the your ship will still be in port at 8pm so you can view the incredible harbor light show that begins at that time).
Your ship will dock on the Kowloon side but I would leave anything here (such as the popular Museum of History, until later in the day since the museum doesn’t open until 10am). Instead, head immediately to the Star Ferry (a great experience in itself) and take it across the harbor to Central (the soaring glass towers on the other side).
You can walk around Exchange Square and/or Statue Square in Central before heading for the Mid-Levels Escalators (free). It’s the longest covered escalator in the world and goes up the side of the hill through many different neighborhoods. FYI, it was built for commuters so they could avoid the horrid traffic snarls so the crowds will likely be coming down as you’re going up. Get off at different levels and wander through the markets, etc. If you’re in the area at lunchtime, not far from the escalators you’ll find the Lin Heung Tea House (https://www.neverstoptraveling.com/hong-kong-lin-heung-tea-house), which is a step back in time (it’s authentic and not known by many tourists).
I would also take the funicular up to Victoria Peak for an incredible view of the city. You’ll find it in the Admiralty are of the city (you can also reach it via Bus 15C from the Star Ferry Central side).
Then take the Star Ferry back across the harbor and visit the Museum of History or Museum of Art or various street markets in the area. A great respite from the hurried day would be a tea/coffee/drink at the venerable Peninsula Hotel, the epitome of luxury and service before returning to your ship. I hope this is helpful.
Wow and Wow again. Jim you sure know your stuff. Your answer just blows me away. I cannot wait to share the information with my fellow cruise passengers and I am now looking forward to the trip and this stop more than ever. I thank you for your information which is invaluable. Wonder of Wonders!