So, you’ve booked your flight to Hong Kong. Bravo. You’re ready for dim sum marathons, neon-lit nights, Victoria Harbour glamour and that obligatory selfie on a crowded street you’ll later caption as “hidden gem”. Before you lace up your trainers and practise your best “nei hou”, let’s talk travel hacks.
Hong Kong is electric, fast and full of delightful quirks that can leave even the most seasoned traveller feeling like they’ve stepped into a high-speed game show. One moment you’re sipping milk tea by the harbour, next you’re clinging to a tram going uphill wondering if your life choices were wise.
Grab a cup of Hong Kong–style milk tea, warm up those walking legs and let’s dive into 10 top tips to conquer Hong Kong like a savvy superstar and not a sweaty, baffled tourist.
1. Get an Octopus Card ASAP
💳 It’s your golden ticket to the whole city.
Public transport is brilliant and efficient. You can tap in and out of the MTR, buses, trams, ferries and even buy snacks at convenience shops. It’s magical.
💡 Hack: Buy an Octopus Card the moment you arrive. You will use it 37 times a day and wonder how you ever lived without it.
2. Walk Like You Mean It
🚶 Hong Kong moves at Formula One speed.
People walk fast here. Very fast. If you dawdle on the pavement, you’ll feel like a human speed bump.
💡 Hack: Plan your route, stay to the right and don’t stop suddenly or you’ll cause a mini traffic jam. When in doubt, just follow the crowd like you’re in a flash mob.
3. Skip the Peak Tram Queue (Trust Us)
🌄 The view is worth it, the queue is not.
The Peak is iconic, but the queue for the tram can stretch to eternity.
💡 Hack: Take a bus or taxi up instead then enjoy the tram back down. The view is just as good and you get to feel smug.
4. Dim Sum: Learn the Menu Code
🥟 It’s small plates but it’s not always cheap.
Dim sum can be affordable, but some dumplings have secret premium pricing that can shock the unprepared. Lobster dumplings, we’re looking at you.
💡 Hack: Ask about specials and prices before ordering. Also, yes, you can absolutely eat dim sum at 7am. The locals do.
5. Wear Comfy Shoes or Suffer
⛰️ Hong Kong is hilly. Like really hilly.
Your calves will be crying on day two. There are stairs everywhere and Google Maps sometimes forgets to warn you that your 15-minute walk includes climbing the equivalent of a small mountain.
💡 Hack: Bring proper trainers and thank us later. Your feet will stage protests otherwise.
6. Cash Still Matters
💵 Cards are useful, but not universal.
Most places take cards, especially big shops, but small eateries, wet markets and that auntie selling the best fishballs prefer cash.
💡 Hack: Keep small notes and coins handy. Good for street eats and random snacks that will change your life.
7. Escape to the Islands
⛴️ Hong Kong is more than skyscrapers.
When the city gets too intense, hop on a ferry to Lantau, Cheung Chau or Lamma. Suddenly you’re in a laid-back paradise with hiking trails, beaches and seafood feasts.
💡 Hack: Visit Lamma for breezy walks and Lantau if you want a huge Buddha staring at your soul.
8. Ride the Ding Ding
🚋 Slow, scenic and iconic.
Hong Kong trams, affectionately known as “Ding Ding”, are the cheapest tour experience you’ll ever get. It’s not fast, but it’s fun.
💡 Hack: Sit upstairs upfront for the best views. Just don’t expect to get anywhere quickly. This is about the vibes.
9. Pack a Cardigan for the Arctic Indoors
🥶 Outside it’s balmy. Inside it’s Antarctica.
Shopping malls, restaurants and public transport can be freezing. You’ll sweat outside then immediately shiver inside.
💡 Hack: Carry a light jacket even in summer. Your immune system will thank you.
10. Eat Local and Avoid the Tourist Traps
🍽️ Don’t fall for neon signs promising “authentic food” in 12 languages.
Stick to places packed with locals, even if the menu looks intimidating. The food will be better, cheaper and more memorable.
💡 Hack: If you see roast meats hanging in the window and a queue outside, that’s the place. Go in confidently and order whatever looks good.
✨ Final Thoughts
Hong Kong is dazzling, intense and endlessly exciting. Follow these hacks and you’ll glide through the city like a seasoned local maybe even faster. Whether you’re slurping noodles in a tiny cha chaan teng or gazing at the skyline on the Star Ferry, Hong Kong rewards the curious, the hungry and those who are not afraid of a few stairs.
So grab your Octopus Card, stretch those calves and dive in. The city waits.
