● 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

North Point & Quarry Bay, up close

North Point and neighbouring Quarry Bay sit east of Causeway Bay, a more residential, less touristed stretch of the Island's north shore with a strong reputation for everyday, unpretentious food.

A different pace

Fewer international chains and more independent shops and cha chaan teng than the districts further west, giving a clearer look at how much of Hong Kong Island actually lives day to day.

Quarry Bay and Instagram's "Monster Building"

Quarry Bay's densely packed residential towers, particularly the Yick Cheong Building complex, have become an unlikely photography destination — worth remembering these are occupied homes, not an attraction, when visiting.

The waterfront

A quieter stretch of promenade runs along this part of the shore, popular with local runners and cyclists rather than tour groups.