Important Things to Know

Currency

The Hong Kong Dollar is the official currency used here.?

USD is not accepted here, so be sure to exchange your currency ahead of your Hong Kong travels.

Hong Kong's dramatic skyline. Photo by Paul Heney. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul Heney.)

National Languages?

Cantonese is one of the two official languages here. English is the other official language.?

Road signs are all bilingual and most establishments have English signage.?

Climate And Weather

Summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid, and wet. However, the winters are relatively mild and dry.?

Late May to mid-September is the warmest time of the year. The cooler period is from mid-December to February.

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When To Visit Hong Kong

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Plan your trip to Hong Kong in the fall or early winter, from late September to late December. This is the ideal time of year for outdoor sightseeing activities.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

Kowloon City

Known as the ¡®Little Thailand¡¯ locally, and regarded as Hong Kong¡¯s hippest urban area, Kowloon City has lots to keep you entertained. Stretching from the harbor to Lion Rock Country Park, this neighborhood is full of creative spaces.?

We enjoyed the art galleries, street theater performers, and family-owned restaurants in this city. But the Kowloon City Market, one of the largest in Hong Kong, was the highlight of the day.?

Several good waterfront-based hotels offer a good night¡¯s rest after a day of sightseeing on foot.

Lantau Island

Verdant green hills and white sandy hills cradle historic sites and nature reserves in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Lantau Island is the largest and most developed of the outlying islands of the New Territories.?

The enormous bronze Buddha statue known as Tian Tan Buddha is found here, and it¡¯s one of the main tourist attractions. But you can also stay at a Disneyland-themed Hotel. With room names like the Cinderella Suite and iconic Disney themes at every turn, it¡¯s a Disney fan¡¯s dream!

Hong Kong Island

Hong kong island has many hotels, ranging from quirky boutique hotels to luxury 5-star establishments.?

Locally known only as The Peak, Victoria Peak is situated on the western half of Hong Kong Island. At over 1800ft, it's the highest point on the island. You¡¯ll enjoy a fabulous view of Hong Kong from here.

And with a variety of street markets selling souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious street food, you¡¯ll want to stay out until late soaking up the local culture.?