Back in 1800s, Hong Kong was little more than a few fishing villages. From these humble beginnings, it has grown to become a vibrant metropolis which fuses Chinese and Western cultures. Streets bustle with traffic, neon signage and shop after shop of restaurants and eateries -- a true testament to the delicious Asian cuisine and urban nightlife it's so famous for.

Weather/ when to go:

Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate but even within this, you can expect varying weather depending on the season. Winter is typically cool but dry while spring gets a bit warmer but still has cold evenings. Expect warm and humid conditions between June and August but temperatures can be less extreme between September and November. Watch out for typhoon season, which runs from May to November.

Do & see:

Be sure to check out these attractions while you're in Hong Kong!

The Peak

If you're after a bird's eye view of Hong Kong, don't miss out on a trip to the Peak! Reaching the top (or bottom) via the Peak Tram is an experience in itself. Also at the Peak is the Madame Tussaud's museum. There are over 100 waxwork celebrities here including Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, and Michelle Yeoh.
Address: 128 Peak Rd

Victoria Harbour

Take in stunning views of this harbour attraction from the Avenue of Stars, the Peak or via a water cruise. At the Avenue of Stars, you'll find tributes for the filmmaking industry including commemorative plaques, descriptive milestones, movie memorabilia kiosks and a life-size statue of kung-fu legend, Bruce Lee. This is also a great spot to see "A Symphony of Lights" -- a huge multimedia show in which light and music are synchronised in a spectacular nightly show involving over 40 buildings.

Hong Kong Park

In amongst the urban scene, you'll find this green haven. Hong Kong Park has an aviary, a greenhouse, the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, fountains, lily ponds, a restaurant and even a marriage registry. There are over 150 different birds in the aviary's tropical rainforest.
Address: 19 Cotton Tree Dr Admiralty

Ocean Park Hong Kong

This is a marine life theme park with entertaining and educational exhibits, rides and shows. Highlights include Thrill Mountain (which includes an exhilarating floorless rollercoaster, the Aviator, the Flash and the Rev Rooster), the Rainforest, Aqua City and the chance to see some of Asia's rarest animals.
Address: Ocean Park Rd

Repulse Bay

It may be located in an upmarket residential area but Repulse Bay is more like a resort. With its relaxed feel, the crescent-shaped beach is a popular Hong Kong attraction. Here you will also find a traditional Chinese-style lifeguard clubhouse and the statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau (protectors of fishermen) which are a huge focal point for the gardens that lead down to the beach. Nearby is The Repulse Bay, which features designer shops and award-winning eateries, and was built in tribute to the style of the luxury hotel which originally occupied the area in 1920.
Address: 109 Repulse Bay Rd

Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant

If you're looking for an eating experience with a difference, don't miss the Jumbo Kingdom! The restaurant is designed as a traditional Chinese palace and is one of the largest floating palaces in the world. There is a six-star gourmet restaurant and a tea garden. Not surprisingly, it is one of Hong Kong's most iconic landmarks and is well worth a visit.
Address: Shum Wan Pier Dr Wong Chuk Hang

Golden Bauhinia

Also known as the Expo Promenade, this marks a landmark occasion in the history of Hong Kong, namely the transition from being a British colony to becoming part of the People's Republic of China again. The 'Forever Blooming Bauhinia' sculpture was a gift from the Central Government to commemorate the occasion.
Address: 1 Expo Dr Wan Chai

Hollywood Road and Cat Street

Both are great opportunities to find some authentic bargains in the antique shops and open-air market.

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

This trail is a kilometre in length and takes in three villages and some of the area's most prominent historical buildings. Along the way, you'll find out more about how Hong Kong life used to be. One notable attraction is the ancient pagoda of Tsui Shing Lau, which is thought to be over 600 years old.
Address: Ping Shan Nam Pak Rd

Clock Tower

Built in 1915, the Clock Tower is a tribute to the Colonial era in terms of style and is now a monument. Behind the Clock Tower is the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, which is located on the site of a historic railway station. In the pre-war era, the Clock Tower was a key place for Chinese migrants who would pass through en route to their new lives in Hong Kong or further afield.
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui Public Pier

The Outlying Islands

If you have time, be sure to pay a visit to some of the outlying islands around Hong Kong. At Lantau Island, you'll find Hong Kong Disneyland, the Giant Buddha (which has helped to make Po Lin Monastery a prominent Buddhist attraction), the culturally themed village of Ngong Ping (complete with scenic cable car ride), the Ngong Ping Piazza (which links the various attractions in Ngong Ping) and the Tai O fishing village (in which the local community have built their homes on stilt due to threat of tidal waves). Elsewhere, Cheung Chau is a lovely and picturesque island, while Lamma is a fabulous mix of art and Chinese culture. If you love seafood, neither of these islands will disappoint you. Last but not least is the much smaller Peng Chau, which has a more intimate feel.