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East meets west in this region by the sea made up of 260-plus islands facing the South China Sea. Whether it’s taking in all the tantalizing flavors in a teahouse (think: wonton noodles and steaming hot sweet buns with melted butter), shopping the markets, or enjoying a cocktail at one of the many trendy bars in Lan Kwai Fong, you’ll find more than enough entertainment to fill a whole week and more.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Entry requirements: Passport that’s valid for at least one month beyond the date of entry
Language: Chinese (Cantonese), although English is widely spoken
Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HK$)
Flight time: Approximately 15 1/2 hours from Los Angeles and 16 hours from NYC
Getting around: Mass Transit Railway, taxi, bus and ferry
When to Go: Hong Kong at its best
Best weather: You’ll find a nice, mild climate (sunny, 70 degree temperatures) from October to February. The rainy season runs from May to September and is also the hottest time of year — temperatures can be in the 90s and the humidity can near 90 percent or more!
What to Do
Get to Victoria Peak: You’ll find the most romantic views of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbor on Victoria Peak. An eight-minute ride in the Peak tram will take you to the top of the tallest hill in Hong Kong, where you can take in the views in the wok-shaped Peak Tower at the top.
Shop ’til you drop: Hong Kong’s status as a duty-free port (from cosmetics to electronics) makes it a prime shopping destination. Take in the markets in Mong Kok or Yau Ma Tei’s Temple Street Night Market. Don’t be surprised if you run out of room in your suitcase and have to buy a second bag while you’re there.
Dine on dim sum: A standard daytime snack, eating dim sum is a must-do in Hong Kong. Always served with Chinese tea, these savory snacks are most often enjoyed during breakfast and lunchtime and are filled with pork, prawns, rice and vegetables (there are more than 100 varieties of dim sum!).
Explore the nightlife: Go to Lan Kwai Fong, popular during the post-sunset hours. There you’ll find tons of bars, restaurants and clubs within blocks of one another to keep you entertained all night long.
