Hong Kong attracts visitors with its iconic skyline, dazzling shopping and culinary scenes, and distinct Chinese and British cultural influences. The former British colony is an autonomous region comprised of islands and mainland areas off of China’s southern coast. Crowd-pleasers include Hong Kong Island’s high-rises and colonial landmarks, Kowloon’s street markets, tram rides to Victoria Peak, and scenic cruises on Victoria Harbour. Guided tours are the easiest way for visitors to authentically experience urban areas without getting lost or feeling overwhelmed. Once visitors have explored the island’s urban center and Kowloon, they typically head to the other islands and autonomous regions nearby. Lantau Island and Macau, with its Portuguese colonial sights and glitzy casinos, are some of the most popular day trip destinations. You’ll find all the above and more in our Hong Kong travel guide for travel agents!
Hong Kong Island
The one-time center of British colonial government, Hong Kong Island houses the region’s commercial and shopping heart, the Central District. Here, towers, malls, markets, and entertainment hubs sit amid colonial-era buildings. Travelers come to visit Victoria Peak, Aberdeen floating village, Stanley Market, and a wealth of parks and shopping and dining destinations. Most city tours start at the island and include Victoria Peak tram rides, ferry rides to Kowloon, and harbor cruises.
Big Bus Hong Kong Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Travelers looking for a quick, flexible introduction to Hong Kong Island should book this bus tour, which includes a ticket for a Star Ferry crossing and entry to Victoria Peak tram or Sky100 Observation Deck.
Hong Kong Island Half-Day Tour
Those looking for highlights might like this half-day excursion, which offers a well-rounded experience with stops at Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, and Aberdeen.
Hong Kong Symphony of Lights Boat Cruise with Open Bar
This evening harbor cruise affords clients views of Hong Kong’s skyline and syncs with the Symphony of Lights sound-and-light show.
Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour
Clients interested in the history of Hong Kong cuisine should take this tour, which visits both popular and hidden eateries to sample Chinese- and British-influenced staples.
Kowloon
Set on the mainland, Kowloon encompasses the northern part of Hong Kong and is less assuming than its neighbor across the water. The district is home to leafy parks, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and more colonial buildings, but is a magnet for shopping. Popular areas near Nathan Road and Mong Kok are a sight to behold, a heady mix of night markets, neon signs, flower and food stalls, tea houses, and endless shops. Many of the tours on our Hong Kong travel guide below stop at most of the highlights, and help travelers navigate the densely packed district.
Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Kowloon in Hong Kong
This private tour is ideal for clients who want an in-depth look at Kowloon and a rare opportunity to see Hong Kong away from the city lights.
Kowloon Street Food Tour
Clients who want to taste Kowloon’s working-class cuisine might be interested in this tour, which visits Jordan district for local food gems away from the tourist scene.
Private Mongkok City Night Tour in Hong Kong
On this tour, clients can experience Mong Kok when night markets come alive. Bonus: This tour includes transportation to and from your hotel and a dinner upgrade.
Lantau Island
Hong Kong’s largest and least populated Island, Lantau is a peaceful foil to the urban bustle of its neighbors. Visitors come to visit stilt villages, ride the Ngong Ping cable car, and see the Big Buddha statue (Tian Tan). Private and guided tours cover all the main highlights in a day or so without hassles.
Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Day Trip from Hong Kong
An overview of Lantau’s highlights condensed into a seamless day, with ferry ride transport and a cable car ride to the Giant Buddha.
Private 5-Hour Driving Tour of Lantau from Hong Kong
Aimed at clients wanting a comprehensive experience in the comfort of a private vehicle, this tour combines a visit to a stilted fishing village with temple stops and skip-the-line access to the Big Buddha.
Viator Exclusive: Lantau Island Sunset Tour Plus Airport Express and MTR
Ideal for travelers with a layover at Hong Kong Airport, this tour includes airport transfers and an all-day subway pass. Bonus: A cruise, dinner, and stargazing excursion.
Macau
Although technically not part of the city, we just had to include Macau on our Hong Kong travel guide due to it’s proximity. About an hour’s ferry ride from Hong Kong across the Pearl River estuary, Macau is an autonomous region with Portuguese colonial-era buildings, 21st-century architecture, and Las Vegas-style gambling palaces. Visitors make the day trip from Hong Kong to view UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the A-Ma Temple and Ruins of St. Paul’s—and spend time at casinos. Most tours take a full day to sightsee, visit casinos, and ferry rides.
Day Trip to Macau from Hong Kong
Clients looking for a well-rounded experience should take this excursion, which combines a guided walk around old Macau’s landmarks with a buffet lunch and optional casino visit.
Private Tour: Macau Day Trip from Hong Kong
This private tour lets visitors personalize their itinerary and adds lunch at the revolving cafe on Macau Tower.
Cotai Water-Jet Round-Trip Ferry Tickets Between Hong Kong and Macau
Travelers who want to visit Macau’s casinos should book round-trip Cotai ferry tickets. The high-speed ferries travel from Hong Kong to Macau’s Taipa Terminal, where shuttles head directly to the major gambling palaces.
Most Popular Things to Do
Day Trips & Excursions
Sightseeing Tickets & Passess
Cultural & Theme Tours
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Most Popular Things to Do
Day Trips & Excursions
Sightseeing Tickets & Passess
Cultural & Theme Tours
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Hong Kong Travel Guide: Things to Know
When to Visit
Hong Kong is ideal to visit from October to February when it stays dry and comfortably warm. The hot and wet weather of June through September is best avoided.
Things to Bring
The city’s brilliant markets make a spare suitcase for storing souvenirs a useful item.
Getting Around
Walking is best over short distances, but the Mass Transit Railway system (MTR) (reloadable Octopus Cards are valid on all public transport) is ideal for longer trips. Otherwise, travelers can pick from ferries, cross-harbor taxis, funiculars, and trams.
Local Customs
Tourists coo over the skyline at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, but locals favor Kwun Tong or West Kowloon waterfront. Both offer equally impressive panoramas of Victoria Harbour and the main island.
What the Locals Know
Avoid the largest crowds by entering Dubrovnik’s walls via the less-used Ploce Gate rather than Pile Gate. The stretch between the gates offers the wall’s best scenery.
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