Why Fly to Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most efficiently packed destinations on the planet. A glittering skyline, world-class dim sum, neon-lit night markets, and hiking trails with harbour views — all within a 30-minute MTR ride of each other. It sits at the intersection of East and West in a way that feels genuinely lived-in rather than curated for tourists, and that energy is hard to replicate anywhere else in Asia.
The city splits across Victoria Harbour into two distinct personalities. Hong Kong Island leans modern — think glass towers in Central, the Peak Tram grinding up to panoramic views, and buzzy neighbourhoods like Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay packed with galleries, rooftop bars, and serious food. Kowloon, across the water, runs grittier and more traditional: Temple Street Night Market, the jade and goldfish markets of Mong Kok, and the Avenue of Stars along the waterfront. Beyond the urban core, outlying islands like Lantau, Cheung Chau, and Lamma offer beaches, hiking, and fishing villages that feel worlds away from the CBD.
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
October to December is the sweet spot. Temperatures sit between 20–25°C (68–77°F), humidity drops to tolerable levels, and festivals like the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival add to the calendar. January and February can be cool and dry — pleasant for walking, though Chinese New Year brings crowds and some closures. Avoid June through September if you can: typhoon season brings heavy rain, potential flight disruptions, and heat that sits above 30°C (86°F) with suffocating humidity. Spring (March–May) is manageable but misty and damp.
Getting Around Hong Kong
Hong Kong's MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the backbone of city transport — fast, air-conditioned, clean, and cheap. Get an Octopus card (around HK$150 upfront, including a HK$50 refundable deposit) on arrival at the airport. It works on the MTR, buses, trams, the Star Ferry, and even in convenience stores. The Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central costs just HK$3.40 and is one of the great harbour crossings in travel — do it at night at least once. Taxis are metered, reliable, and relatively affordable by global city standards. For outlying islands, frequent ferries depart from Central Pier. Within the city, there are no domestic flights needed — the MTR handles everything.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU, UK, and US passport holders can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least one month beyond your planned departure date. Crucially, you must complete pre-arrival registration online at least 3 days before you fly — this is mandatory and quick to do via the Hong Kong Immigration Department website. Keep your confirmation handy at the border.
Money & Budget
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted widely, and Apple Pay, AlipayHK, and WeChat Pay work at most retailers. Your Octopus card covers most daily transit and small purchases. ATMs are everywhere and reliable — withdraw locally rather than exchanging at home for better rates. Keep small notes (HK$10–20) for street market stalls and ferry tickets. For daily budgets: budget travellers can get by on HK$600–800 per day (hostel, street food, MTR); mid-range runs HK$1,200–1,800 (hotel, sit-down meals, attractions); luxury starts at HK$3,500+ for harbour-view hotels and Michelin-starred dining.
Top Cities to Visit in Hong Kong
- Central (Hong Kong Island): The financial and cultural hub — start here for skyscrapers, the Peak Tram, and some of the best cocktail bars in Asia.
- Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island): Central's quieter neighbour, full of antique shops, independent cafés, and the Man Mo Temple.
- Causeway Bay (Hong Kong Island): Dense, loud, and brilliant for shopping and street food — Times Square mall sits alongside dai pai dong stalls.
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon): The tourist heartland of Kowloon with the best harbour views of the Island skyline, the Avenue of Stars, and great museums.
- Mong Kok (Kowloon): One of the most densely populated areas on Earth — come for the Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market, and street food energy.
- Lantau Island: Home to the giant Tian Tan Buddha, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and the traditional stilt fishing village of Tai O — a full-day trip worth every minute.
FAQ — Flights to Hong Kong
Which airport serves Hong Kong?
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on Lantau Island is the main gateway. It's a major Asia-Pacific hub with direct flights from London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and most European capitals. The Airport Express train gets you to Central in 24 minutes for HK$115 — the fastest and easiest option from arrivals.
How long is the flight to Hong Kong?
From London it's roughly 12–13 hours direct. From New York expect 15–16 hours; Los Angeles to Hong Kong runs about 13–14 hours. Most major European carriers and Cathay Pacific operate direct routes; US travellers may connect through cities like Tokyo or Seoul depending on the airline.
When are flights to Hong Kong cheapest?
Fares tend to be lowest in January and February (outside Chinese New Year) and again in June through early September during typhoon season when demand dips. Peak pricing hits in October–December and around Chinese New Year. Booking 6–10 weeks out typically gets you the best mid-range fares on direct routes.