Hong Kong remains a vibrant city with loads of appeal. Food, shopping, attractions and a seemingly endless number of things to see just walking down the streets.
Shopping is likely the first thought, and the choices are wide and diverse, from multi story malls, to on-street shops and markets.
As above, many markets are themed making the choice to visit (or not) easier. It’s unlikely any tourist would buy a bird or fish or animal from those specialty markets, but that doesn’t diminish the interest in seeing the exotic varieties, if that is your thing.
We took the opportunity to also have a day at the Hong Kong Disneyland, and whilst on a smaller scale than Anaheim, it was a faithful Disney experience for the kids.
Tourists visiting Hong Kong, generally choose between staying on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon on the mainland. Depending on what you want to visit and see, there is more available within walking distance if you are staying nearby Nathan Rd in Kowloon. Nathan Rd also has convenient access to a good MRT train system that will get you most places.
While Hong Kong is a shopping mecca, a train trip to Schenzhen can put you in front of even cheaper products. Quality can be a question, but I got some new luggage that has lasted. You will need to process immigration at the chinese border as you get off that train, and visa’s are required (from on-site) to cross to Mainland China. So this can be a bit of a hassle, but if you are chasing bargains, Lo Wu Shopping Plaza is right across from the immigration exit, an easy few metres walk.
Hong Kong still has an little old-world Asia feel about it, with a clear British influence.
Tips:
Some hotels are specifically designed to accommodate people on very short stopovers or with a delayed connecting flight. Such rooms are TINY ! Barely a foot of floor space around a bed; so if you are booking accom for a longer stay, make sure you check out the advertised floor size.
Try not to look like a tourist when you exist immigration at Schenzhen. A Tout will likely latch on immediately, and become your private guide, whether you want them or not. Also, they will take Hong Kong Dollars, but prefer Chinese Yuan which is yet another exchange rate to consider.
Bargain hard when shopping, you can usually find the same thing at multiple vendors and the best price is almost always when you are walking away.