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I stood on the Victoria Peak observation deck at 11 PM, below me glowed one of the densest urban landscapes on the planet, and hundreds of people stood silently beside me — and no one wanted to leave. That's when I understood: Hong Kong is not just a city, it's another dimension. If you haven't been yet — here's everything you need to know before your trip.
🌤 When to go
The best time is from October to early December. The heat drops, humidity becomes tolerable, and the city literally breathes. I arrived in early November and got perfect +24°C weather with clear skies. January and February are also good, but there can be cool rains.
Avoid June–September: typhoons are not a metaphor. The city literally closes down, transport stops, and you risk spending two days in a hotel staring out a rain-soaked window. Plus humidity at 90% makes walks an ordeal.
🛂 Visa and entry
Good news: Russian citizens don't need a visa to Hong Kong for stays up to 14 days. Hong Kong is a separate administrative unit, and visa rules here differ from mainland China. You just need a valid passport and a return ticket.
At passport control they may ask for your accommodation address — keep your booking handy. The queue at Chek Lap Kok airport usually moves quickly, about 20–30 minutes, even during peak hours.
🚇 Transport and accommodation
The MTR metro is a model of efficiency. Clean, fast, air-conditioned, and covers almost the entire city. The Airport Express will get you from the airport to the center in 24 minutes, a ticket costs about 115 HKD (roughly 1,400 rubles). Buy an Octopus Card for 150 HKD — it works on the metro, buses, trams, and even at 7-Eleven.
The trams on Hong Kong Island are a special pleasure. Double-decker, unhurried, running along the north coast. A ride costs 2.6 HKD. That's cheaper than a cup of tea and much more atmospheric.
Accommodation is trickier: Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world. A budget hostel in Mong Kok costs from 400–600 HKD per night, a decent hotel in Kowloon from 900 HKD. I stayed in Tsim Sha Tsui — convenient, everything is close, and you get a harbor view thrown in.
🍜 Food and must-see places
Food in Hong Kong is a religion. You must try:
- Dim sum at Lin Heung Tea House — the classic, breakfast with trolleys and a lively atmosphere, portions from 35 HKD
- Egg waffles — buy them on the street for 25–30 HKD and eat them on the go
- Fish balls on sticks in Mong Kok — 6 pieces for 15 HKD, spicy and delicious
- Wonton noodle soup at any small noodle shop — 40–55 HKD, and it's pure happiness
As for places — Victoria Peak is a must, but go up in the evening. Avenue of Stars on the Kowloon waterfront, Temple Street night market, the Soho district with its bars and graffiti, and definitely — the Star Ferry crossing for 2.7 HKD. It's the cheapest and most beautiful view of the skyline.
💡 Practical tips
- Cash is needed: many street markets and small shops don't accept cards
- It's cold in the metro and shopping centers — bring a light sweater, even in November
- Google Maps works great, but download an offline map just in case
- Tips are not required — most restaurants already include 10% service charge
- For connectivity, it's best to get an eSIM for Hong Kong — options available from 53₽, activated before departure and works immediately upon arrival
Hong Kong doesn't let go. I planned to stay five days — and left with the feeling that I should have stayed at least ten. The city lives in its own rhythm, unlike anything else, and knows how to surprise you even when you think you've seen it all.
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