A little more
Hong Kong.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Hong Kong: what to know before you go

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China on the south coast, a dense city of skyscrapers, harbour ferries and dim sum, with mountains, beaches and country parks only a short ride away. It suits food lovers, city breakers and hikers, and its efficient transport makes it easy to see a lot in a few days.

Where to go

• Victoria Peak. The highest point on Hong Kong Island gives the classic view over the skyscrapers of Central and across Victoria Harbour to Kowloon.
• The Star Ferry. Green-and-white ferries have crossed Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central since the late nineteenth century.
• Tsim Sha Tsui and the harbourfront. Kowloon's waterfront promenade looks across to Hong Kong Island, with the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Avenue of Stars and an evening light show.
• Lantau Island and the Big Buddha. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car climbs to the Tian Tan Buddha, a giant bronze statue next to Po Lin Monastery.

Best time to visit

October to December is generally the most pleasant time to visit, with dry, sunny weather and comfortable temperatures for hiking. January and February are cooler and can be grey; Chinese New Year brings festivities but also closures and crowds.

Staying online in Hong Kong

Mobile coverage is excellent across the urban areas, on the MTR, including in tunnels, and on most ferries, with 5G widely available. Signal can be weaker on remote hiking trails, in some country parks and on the far side of outlying islands. Free public Wi-Fi is available in many government venues, MTR stations and malls. Note that the internet in Hong Kong works differently from mainland China, and services blocked on the mainland are generally accessible in Hong Kong. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.