Welcome to Hong Kong, a city where gleaming skyscrapers stand beside lush mountains and ancient traditions flow into modern life. Whether you are visiting for a world-class trade fair, an important business meeting, or simply to explore one of the most dynamic places on earth, you are in for an exceptional experience. Indeed, a trip here is often a mix of focused work and wonderful discovery.
To help you make the most of it all, this central guide is designed to be your trusted starting point, providing a clear and simple roadmap for your entire visit. Think of it as your personal digital assistant, connecting you to detailed articles that cover every part of your journey. From the moment you begin planning until your final day in the city, we have all the information you need for a smooth, productive, and enjoyable stay.
1. Get Ready Before You Leave Home
A great trip always begins with thoughtful preparation. Taking some time to organize your documents, bookings, and packing list before you leave ensures your arrival is relaxed and straightforward. In short, having everything in order is the first step toward a successful visit. To make sure you do not miss a single detail, our Pre-Arrival Checklist for Your Hong Kong Trip will walk you through the entire process.
2. Your Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport
After your careful preparation, your Hong Kong experience truly begins the moment you land at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), one of the world’s most impressive and efficient travel hubs. Its modern design and clear signage are meant to make your arrival simple. To learn about getting through the terminals with ease, understanding your ground transportation options, and using the airport’s facilities, consult the complete Hong Kong International Airport Guide.
3. Navigating the City’s Premier Exhibition Venues
Once you’ve made your way from the airport, your next focus will likely be your primary destination. For many visitors, Hong Kong’s world-class exhibition centers fit this description. Therefore, knowing the layout of these large venues, their facilities, and the best ways to get there is key to a productive business trip. The Guide to Hong Kong’s Exhibition Centers offers an in-depth look at the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the modern AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).
4. Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
Of course, a productive visit to these exhibition centers requires a comfortable and convenient place to rest. After a long day of attending seminars or walking the exhibition floor, a quality hotel is invaluable. Hong Kong offers a wide selection of accommodations to fit every budget and style, from luxurious hotels with premium amenities to practical and affordable options with great transport links. To find the ideal base for your visit, explore our Accommodation Guide for Exhibition Visitors in Hong Kong.
5. A Culinary Journey Through Hong Kong
With your accommodation settled, you’ll be ready to explore, and there’s no better way to do that than through the city’s food scene. A visit to Hong Kong is also a culinary adventure, as the city is a food lover’s paradise. It is famous for an incredible range of flavors that extend from comforting street food snacks to Michelin-starred fine dining. To learn about the must-try dishes and the best districts for eating out, our Dining Guide for Hong Kong Visitors is your essential companion.
6. Getting Around the City with Ease
To reach the best restaurants and attractions, you’ll need to get around, and thankfully, Hong Kong’s public transportation system makes this exceptionally easy. The network is celebrated for its efficiency, cleanliness, and affordability. Understanding how to use the MTR subway, the classic double-decker buses, the historic trams, and the scenic ferries will allow you to explore with confidence. The Transportation Guide for Hong Kong Visitors explains it all.
7. Discovering Hong Kong’s Top Sights
Now that you know how to get around with ease, you can confidently plan to explore beyond the convention hall or your meeting rooms. Hong Kong is filled with captivating attractions, from peaceful temples and vibrant street markets to beautiful hiking trails with remarkable views. To help you plan your downtime, our guide to the Top Attractions and Activities in Hong Kong showcases the best the city has to offer.
8. Experiencing the City After Dark
After a day of sightseeing, the city’s energy doesn’t fade. In fact, when the sun goes down, Hong Kong transforms, lighting up with a vibrant and contagious energy. The city’s nightlife is wonderfully diverse, offering everything from sophisticated rooftop bars with stunning skyline views to lively pubs and entertainment districts. For recommendations on where to unwind in the evening, check out A Guide to Nightlife in Hong Kong.
9. Essential Information for a Smooth Trip
Finally, to ensure every aspect of your visit is seamless, a little local knowledge goes a long way. Knowing about local customs and other practical details can make your visit even more pleasant. This includes being aware of the seasonal weather, understanding the local currency, and feeling informed about safety and connectivity. For these and other helpful insights, be sure to read our essential Travel Tips for Hong Kong Visitors.
Enjoy Your Hong Kong Adventure
With these guides at your fingertips, you are now fully equipped to have a fantastic and productive trip. Use this page as your go-to reference point to access all the detailed information you need. We hope our resources help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for all that awaits you in this amazing city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions from visitors to Hong Kong.
1. Do I need to speak Cantonese to get by in Hong Kong?
No, you do not. English is an official language and is widely spoken in all tourist areas, business settings, hotels, and on public transport. While learning a few simple Cantonese phrases like “hello” (nei hou) or “thank you” (m’goi) is always appreciated by locals, it is not essential for your visit.
2. What is an Octopus Card and should I get one?
Yes, you should definitely get an Octopus Card. It is a rechargeable smart card used for nearly all public transport, including the MTR, buses, trams, and ferries. You can also use it to pay at thousands of locations like convenience stores, supermarkets, and fast-food restaurants. You can purchase one easily at any MTR station, including at the airport upon arrival.
3. What is the tipping etiquette in Hong Kong?
Tipping is not a mandatory or widespread custom in Hong Kong. Most restaurants will automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill. For excellent service, you can leave a small additional amount, but it is not expected. For taxi drivers, it is common practice to simply round up the fare to the nearest dollar.
4. What kind of electrical plug and voltage is used?
Hong Kong uses the British-style Type G plug, which has three rectangular prongs. The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type or voltage, you will need to bring a universal travel adapter and potentially a voltage converter.
5. What is the best way to get from the airport to the city?
You have several excellent options. The fastest way to get to the central business districts is the Airport Express train, which takes about 24 minutes. For a more budget-friendly option, city buses (look for “A” routes) offer direct service to major areas across Hong Kong. Taxis are also readily available for a convenient door-to-door service, though they are the most expensive option.