● Currency HKD, pegged to the US dollar ● Visa-free stay up to 90 days for many nationalities ● Getting around Octopus card on MTR, tram & ferry ● Airport Express Central in 24 min ● Tap water boil before drinking ● Emergency number 999

Best things to do

A first-timer's shortlist, weighted toward things that are genuinely worth the time rather than just famous.

See the skyline properly

Take the Star Ferry across the harbour at least once instead of the MTR — it's one of the cheapest, best views in the world for the price of a token fare. Follow it with the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak for the reverse view from above.

Walk a market street

Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei is the classic choice, busiest and most atmospheric after dark.

Get out onto a trail

You don't need a full hiking trip to get green space — short sections of the Hong Kong Trail or Dragon's Back are reachable within 30–40 minutes of the city centre.

See a temple in use

Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road and Wong Tai Sin Temple are both active places of worship, not museum pieces — worth visiting respectfully rather than purely as photo stops.