When's the cheapest time to fly to Hong Kong?
Believe it or not, Hong Kong’s low season actually falls in summer, meaning you’re most likely to nab cheap flights in July and August. There is a reason for this though – Hong Kong is a hottie, with summer temperatures reaching the low thirties. If you fancy being in town when it’s cooler, your best bet is the autumn months for cheap flights to Hong Kong, rather than the more expensive spring months.
Oh, and for the best prices, it's better to avoid public holidays like the Lunar New Year, which can fall in January or February, and Golden Week in May.
When's the best time to book flights to Hong Kong?
If you really want a good deal on your flights to Hong Kong, you’ll definitely need to look to book at least 4 weeks in advance, but ideally, you’ll wanna book even further in advance than that – at least a few months.
You could try your luck with a last-minute flight in spring or autumn, but bear in mind that you’ll have less options to work with!
How long is the flight to Hong Kong?
If you’re flying direct from London, you’ll be in the air for around 12 hours. But if you’re flying out of one of the regional airports, like Manchester or Birmingham, you’ll probably have a stopover in London, extending your travel time to 14+ hours.
If you want a direct flight to Hong Kong, you’ll need to fly with Cathay Pacific or British Airways. Several other popular airlines also fly indirectly to Hong Kong, including Etihad, Emirates, Thai Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Finnair and Air France. If you opt for an indirect flight, you can expect to have a stopover in Europe or the Middle East, before continuing to Hong Kong.
Getting around Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Flights to Hong Kong arrive at the city’s only airport – Hong Kong International. Located on Lantau Island, it’s also near some of the main attractions, like Hong Kong Disneyland and the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) – pretty handy.
After you touch down, your first stop will be Immigration, so make sure you’ve got your passport within easy reach. Then it’s time to hit Baggage Reclaim and Customs – if you have any items to declare, this is the time to do it!
In the Arrivals Hall, you’ll find places to exchange your money (it’s the Hong Kong Dollar here), two Hong Kong Tourism Board Information Centres, as well as shops where you can get the whole fam loaded up on local sim cards – a must-do if you wanna avoid potentially knee-wobbling data roaming charges. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya!
Next stop: Hong Kong!
How to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city
Via train
You’ll be saying hello to Hong Kong in just 24 minutes if you take the Airport Express train into the city, which depart every 10 mins from 05:54 to 00:48. A single adult ticket to Hong Kong station is HK$115 - about £11.50.
Via bus
This one is for those who don’t mind taking the scenic route! There’s a number of buses that run from the airport to the city, the most popular of which is the A11 which stops at Hong Kong’s City Hall – strap in though because it stops at quite a few places, meaning it’ll take you around one hour and fifteen mins to reach the city!
Via taxi
You’ll find taxis at the Taxi Station, near the ramp to the left when you exit the Arrivals Hall. But the funny thing about taxis in Hong Kong is that they’re colour-coded based on what routes they work. At the airport they’ll be separated into different rows according to these colours. Red taxis operate in most areas in Hong Kong, whilst green taxis mostly operate in the north eastern and north western parts of the New Territories, a large region to the north of Hong Kong. Blue taxis, meanwhile, only operate on Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok.
More than one colour of taxi might go to the same place, but the rates they charge could be different. The cheapest fare (as of 2024) to Hong Kong Island is to Kennedy Town in the Western District, setting you back HK$296 – don’t panic! That’s about £30, to you and us.
Things to do in Hong Kong
Once a British Colony, Hong Kong has been an economically and politically independent territory of China for many years. Its warm weather draws crowds throughout the year, which makes it an ideal destination for exploration and cultural activities.
Absolute must-do’s
Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak (at sunset if you're fancy)
There’s no better way to see Hong Kong’s skyline than from Victoria Peak — but don’t just walk up, hop on the Peak Tram instead and make sure you time it for sunset. The golden light and twinkling skyscrapers will have you snapping enough photos to fill a gallery back home. It’s not just a view — it’s the view.
Visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island
Towering above the clouds, the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is a sight to behold. Climb the 268 steps (yep, count 'em) for up-close views of this massive bronze giant. It’s peaceful, iconic, and totally worth the burn in your calves.
Tai O Fishing Village
Also on Lantau Island is Tai O, where stilt houses line the waterfront like something out of a film. Stroll through the village, try some shrimp paste (trust us), and take a boat ride to spot some pink dolphins. Yep, they’re real, though you’ll have to be pretty lucky to see ‘em.
Eat Michelin-starred dim sum at Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan is where Michelin-star dining meets casual vibes. This legendary dim sum joint churns out BBQ pork buns so good you’ll want to cry.
The great outdoors
It’s not all about skyscrapers – Hong Kong is a haven for incredible hiking trails. From Dragon’s Back, selected by CNN as one of the best trails in the world, to Sunset Peak on Lantau Island, if you wanna hike it, Hong Kong has it. Dense forest, waterfalls, beaches – you can experience them all here.
Dragon’s Back Offering stunning panoramic views and a breezy escape on the southeastern side of Hong Kong Island, this trail – named for its undulating ridges that mimic the shape of a sleeping dragon - stretches about 5.3 miles and takes roughly 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Starting near Shek O road, expect to weave between lush greenery and dramatic coastal vistas on your way to Big Wave Bay, where you can have a dip in the sea as a reward.
Sunset Peak
The Sunset Peak Trail on Lantau Island is a stunning hike that earns its name with jaw-dropping golden hour views. Standing at 869 metres, Sunset Peak is the third highest peak in Hong Kong, with dreamy rolling hills covered in silvergrass that turns a golden hue as the sun dips—making this one of the most iconic sunset spots in the city. There are 2 routes to the top – a more gradual ascent with plenty of scenic stops, and a shorter but much steeper climb to the peak – perfect if you’re short on time. Keep an eye out for the stone cabins dotted around – they were originally used as retreats for missionaries back in the day.
Bride’s Pool Nature Trail
The Bride's Pool Nature Trail is a scenic and serene hiking spot located in the New Territories near Tai Mei Tuk. Known for its cascading waterfalls, tranquil plunge pools, and lush greenery, it’s perfect if you fancy a peaceful day in nature – minus the serious trekking part. The loop trail is approximately 860 metres, making it an easy and family-friendly walk. For an extra detour, you can follow a 700-metre path to the waterfall itself. A highlight of the area, the 15-metre-high fall flows into a natural pool, ideal for dipping your toes.
Wining & Dining
Dai Pai Dongs
Easily spotted by their distinctive exteriors and foldable tables and chairs, dai pai dongs are Hong Kong’s answer to street food that are all about authentic local dishes with grassroot origins. Try claypot rice, sweet and sour pork, stir-fried clams in black bean sauce…the list is endless. Dig in!
Michelin eats
With more than 200 Michelin-rated restaurants, Hong Kong’s got more than a few places for a fancy evening out.
Mora
This innovative French-Chinese restaurant showcases the versatility of the humble soybean, mixing local flavours with European techniques.
The Legacy House
This Cantonese restaurant based at the Rosewood Hotel offers a range of Shun Tak specialities, from minced fish soup to pan-fried fish head – all served with belting harbour views.
Cheung Hing Kee
Famous for its Shanghai pan-fried buns, the must-try flavours include shrimp, spicy pork, truffle, crabmeat and roe. There’s no seating here, so enjoy them authentically – standing at a small table outside amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bars
The Iron Fairies
This mega themed bar mixes iron-clad mines (no, really) with a healthy dose of fantasy. The venue’s third location outside Bangkok and Tokyo, it features workshop-inspired furnishings, vials of fairy dust, and a show-stopping 10,000 preserved butterflies hanging from the ceiling. Oh, and the drinks – we almost forgot! Expect all the classics, plus some very special concoctions…
Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton
Not just the highest bar in Hong Kong, but the world. Expect unparalleled views of the city’s skyline alongside futuristic décor and some pretty avant-garde furnishings. The cocktail menu here is inspired by the five elements, with a good selection of fine wine too.
The Old Man
This classy, literary-themed cocktail bar pays homage to Ernest Hemingway, featuring a menu inspired by his life and works. It's tucked away on Aberdeen Street, and absolutes oozes an intimate and creative vibe. Notable drinks include creations like the Death in the Afternoon and Papa Doble, which reimagine Hemingway’s favourite concoctions while delivering a modern twist.
Arts & Culture
Neon sign spotting
Since the 1920s, neon signs have lit up Hong Kong. But since the invention of lower-cost alternatives like LED, neon signs have become a bit of a lost art – but you can still spot them all over the city, from Temple Street Market and Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok to Lockhart Road in Wan Chai.
Wong Tai Sin District
Home to both the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, as well as Wong Tai Sin Temple, this district is a far cry from neon lights. Nan Lian Garden showcases traditional Chinese landscaping with winding paths taking you past lush greenery, ornamental rocks, koi-filled ponds, and even a rushing waterfall. And right at the centre? The Pavilion of Absolute Perfection. Connected to the gardens is Chi Lin Nunnery, a former villa turned school, library, dentist and residences for the elderly – alongside being a place of worship for Buddhists.
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the busiest in Hong Kong, and it’s said to be one of the luckiest too. It’s a feast for the senses – think bright red pillars, zodiac statues and jade-coloured roofs with intricate latticework.
British history Though Hong Kong was given back to China by the British back in 1997, there’s still evidence of Britain’s more than a century and a half’s presence to be found all over the city, like the Western Market in Sheung Wan District, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Central, and the Court of Final Appeal, also in Central. And don’t miss the Noon Day Gun Ceremony in Causeway Bay.
Shopping
There's plenty of places to drop some serious Hong Kong Dollars here. You've got The Wai – four floors, nearly 150 stores and restaurants, and over 50,000sq feet of outdoor space to boot! It also boasts Hong Kong’s biggest indoor bicycle parking lot. Yeah, they really like to cycle over there. This is also where you'll find Market Place, the biggest market space in Hong Kong, with more than 13,000 products from around the globe to rummage through.
You've also got AIRSIDE in Kai Tok - formerly an airport, it's now a mix-use venue with office space and a highly anticipated mall that just opened - think a range of homegrown and international brands on offer - including Asia's first Nespresso concept store and a massive Muji. Oooh. It's also got a cinema and even an indoor surfing centre.
Upper Lascar Row, meanwhile, is where souvenirs and old Bruce Lee film posters rub up against sculptures of the Buddha and Ming dynasty ceramics. Find it in the Sheung Wan area, just try not to spend your whole trip there. If you don’t get enough of your vintage fix at Upper Lascar Row, then you’ll just have to make your way to Select 18 – one of the best vintage shops in Hong Kong. If you’re really lucky, you might just find some fancy designer labels slipped in amongst the knick-knacks, jewellery and old cameras.
Happy rummaging!
Getting around town
First things first, you’ve gotta do a ‘ding-ding’! This is what the locals call the iconic Hong Kong trams that trundle across the city for an affordable price with a bell that goes, well…ding-ding. One of the best ways to get around, you get on at the back and pay the driver at the front as you get off. It’s small things like these that give us the most joy…
Next, you can set out on the water and go pedal boating in Victoria Harbour along Wan Chai Promenade. Or upgrade to a bigger boat and take the Star Ferry across the harbour instead – a star in its own right, the ferry is another mega cheap option loved by locals and the bonus is that it’ll make you feel like you’re in every Hollywood move set in Hong Kong ever made!
If all that wasn’t enough, you’ve also got the jaw-dropping gorgeous Peak Tram that takes you up The Peak, Hong Kong’s highest point, 1300 feet up. For the absolute best views of the city, this is the one.
Hong Kong Visa Requirements
You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa, and you don’t need to be fully vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to enter the country.
It’s also good to note that Hong Kong doesn’t allow any form of electronic cigarettes or vapes, as well as heated tobacco and herbal cigarettes.
And, as always, check those passports! They need to be valid for at least one month after your date of departure.
