Hong Kong Star Ferry with Victoria Harbour

21 Things Not to Do in Hong Kong (And What You Should Do Instead)

Red taxi in front of old heritage building in Hong Kong with text overlay Temple Street night market in Hong Kong with text overlay Hong Kong city at night with text overlay Man changing incense at temple in Hong Kong with text overlay

Wondering what not to do in Hong Kong? Read on to avoid making any Hong Kong travel mistakes!

Are you traveling to Hong Kong for the first time? As with any new travel destination, there are some important dos and don’ts that you should know before traveling to Hong Kong.

Lanterns in Hong Kong

Keep reading for some insider tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time in Hong Kong and avoid any gaffes and missteps – take it from someone who’s lived in Hong Kong for more than three decades! Without further ado, here are the top things not to do in Hong Kong.

What not to do in Hong Kong

Traffic in Hong Kong

There are some important travel mistakes to avoid making in Hong Kong. Here are a few to bear in mind when you visit the Fragrant Harbour.

1. Don’t ask where the Great Wall is

View of Hong Kong from an airplane

Let’s start with a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people ask me how I like living near the Great Wall of China or if I speak Japanese. Guys – Hong Kong is made up of more than 230 islands in the South China Sea, and shares a border with Mainland China, and there might be a “mini Great Wall” on Cheung Chau Island but I don’t live near the actual Great Wall of China.

Great Wall of China near Beijing
The Great Wall of China – nearly 2000 kilometres from Hong Kong

So, is Hong Kong part of China? Yes, and no. Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region” governed under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Under this principle, China has agreed to give Hong Kong a “high degree” of autonomy. Read more about the history of Hong Kong here and here.

Dense Hong Kong skyline drone shot

However, in reality Hong Kong operates much like its own country, at least for now. Hong Kong has its own currency (the Hong Kong Dollar), passport and immigration channels, legal system, flag, dialect and sports teams. In order to travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China you will require a China travel visa – this process may take a few days so be sure to plan accordingly.

Chinese visa in passport

For the record, Hong Kong is nearly 3,000 kilometres from Japan, and the Great Wall of China is in, well, China!

2. Don’t assume that everyone believes that Hong Kong is part of China

Zhuhai Macau Hong Kong bridge
The newly constructed Zhuhai-Macau-Hong Kong bridge

It’s been 20 years since the handover of Hong Kong back to China, but not everyone identifies as “Chinese” or would say that Hong Kong is part of China. Hong Kong is, understandably, going through a major identity crisis and experiencing cultural dissonance as China’s influence over the city grows stronger.

Umbrella movement in Hong Kong
Photo credit: Scott Wong / Shutterstock

You can read more about it here, but it’s an issue to be mindful of before you visit. Don’t strike up a conversation about Hong Kong, China, “One Country, Two Systems”, the Umbrella Movement, proposed extradition law or national security law with just any random, especially if you’re not sure what their stance is as it can get (extremely) heated.

3. Don’t ask people why they speak “such good English”

Bilingual signs in Hong Kong

The main language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese, a local dialect. However, many people speak English (or at least basic English), and almost all signs are bilingual. After all, Hong Kong was a British colony for more than 150 years!

Dragon's Back sign in Hong Kong

Nothing irks me more than when people ask, “why is your English so good when you’re from Hong Kong?” There are tons of international schools in Hong Kong, and the majority of the local schools teach English as well. Don’t act too shocked when you hear people from Hong Kong speaking with a British or American accent.

Ready to book your Hong Kong trip? Look for hotels located along the Island (blue) line of the MTR subway system. Look into hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay for maximum convenience.

There are some fantastic boutique hotels in Hong Kong: I’m a fan of The Fleming, a boutique hotel in Wan Chai which features Hong Kong-inspired design and furnishings, Little Tai Hang in a happening neighborhood on the edge of Causeway Bay, as well as The Murray, a luxury boutique hotel in Central which used to serve as government offices. Click here for current rates and availability at The Fleming, click here for rates and availability at Little Tai Hangclick here for rates and availability at The Murray or click here to see other highly-rated accommodation in Hong Kong!

4. Don’t stand on the left

Don't stand on the left in Hong Kong

I mentioned this in this article on things to know before visiting Hong Kong, but when you are walking anywhere that has escalators or a moving walkway/sidewalk in Hong Kong, remember to stand on the right and let people pass you on the left!

Hong Kong escalators

People get extremely annoyed when people block the left side of the walkway and it’s always a telltale sign that you’re from out of town. If someone is standing on the left and you need to get pass, just say “mm goi” politely to ask them to move.

5. Don’t treat Hong Kong like your own personal Instagram backdrop

Hong Kong Wan Chai Blue House

Yes, it’s true that Hong Kong is an extremely colourful and photogenic city, but it’s important to respect residents who live at places made popular by Instagram such as Choi Hung Estate and Montane Mansion.

Taxi in front of the Blue House in Wan Chai Hong Kong

In fact, local residents in a building in Sham Shui Po are constantly overwhelmed by trespassers who take photos from their private rooftop, and residents in Choi Hung Estate are tired of not being able to use the basketball courts and dealing with Instagrammers leaving their trash everywhere.

Montane Mansion in Quarry Bay Hong Kong_public notice

Hong Kong has some incredibly colourful landmarks that are rich in culture and heritage – click here to read up on some of the most colourful places in Hong Kong!

Montane Mansion in Quarry Bay Hong Kong

When I visited Montane Mansion (the “Transformers” Building), there were clear signs asking people not to step on the roof area, but I saw dozens of people climb up for their Instagram photos time after time.

Montane Mansion in Quarry Bay Hong Kong_people ignoring rules

Please, the rules are there for a reason, and people are just trying to live their everyday lives – remember that before you intrude for a photo!

People playing basketball at Choi Hung Estate in Hong Kong

If you want to visit the Instagram hot spots in Hong Kong, be quiet, don’t get in the way of locals, don’t hop a fence or trespass, read up on the history of the place so you appreciate the heritage, take your photo and leave.

Love taking photos? You’re in for a treat – there are plenty of opportunities for Hong Kong street photography if you know where to go!

6. Don’t stick to just Central and Soho

Twin Peaks Hike in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is more than just a city with hundreds of towering skyscrapers. In reality, the skyscrapers only cover a small portion of Hong Kong and the city is made up of more than 200 islands, country parks, hiking trails, beaches and waterfalls…most of them located no more than an hour away from the central business district.

Crab Cave at Cape DAguilar in Hong Kong

Some of the coolest things to do in Hong Kong are off the beaten track, so make sure you hit up some of the lesser-known places in Hong Kong.

Ham Tin Beach in Tai Long Wan drone photo

You won’t want to miss out on some of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong – make sure you check out my guide to visiting Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung!

Waterfall on Lugard Road in Hong Kong

Read on for fantastic Hong Kong day trips that don’t involve too much hassle and travel time, click here for the best short hikes in Hong Kong that aren’t too strenuous, or head on over here for things to do in Hong Kong that most probably aren’t in your guidebook!

7. Don’t hop into a taxi without cold, hard cash

Taxis in Hong Kong

One of the first things you have to do when you arrive in Hong Kong is get an Octopus card. It is a stored value card that works on all forms of public transportation as well as all convenience stores (and some other shops). You can purchase your tourist Octopus card in advance here – pick it up from the airport when you arrive, and it comes with HK$50 already pre-loaded!

But here’s the thing – 99.9% of Hong Kong taxi drivers do not accept the Octopus card or credit/debit cards. Cash only, baby. Taxi drivers in Hong Kong also don’t accept $500 or $1000 bills (unless you ask them before getting in), so make sure you have $100 notes or smaller.

View from a Hong Kong taxi

Getting into a taxi and trying to pay for a large note is a big faux pas in Hong Kong, and taxi drivers can get really irritated as they often don’t carry enough change – just one of those things not to do in Hong Kong that you don’t realize until it happens to you.

Don’t have cash on you? Some taxi drivers use the “HKTaxi” taxi hailing app – you can pay by Visa or Mastercard via the app, but there is a 3% administration fee for credit card payments. Make sure you set up your account and add your credit card before you hop into the taxi, don’t dilly dally at the end of the ride.

Planning your Hong Kong trip and not sure where to stay? Look into hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay – click here to book accommodation in Hong Kong!

You may want to check out Ovolo Central (a boutique hotel right above Lan Kwai Fong in Central), The Hari (a sophisticated luxury hotel steps away from Wan Chai MTR station) or The Figo (a budget-friendly city hotel located between Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan).

8. Don’t take taxis everywhere

Mini bus in Hong Kong

Though taxis in Hong Kong are cheap, you don’t need to take them everywhere. In fact, its often faster to take the MTR subway system, ferry, minibus or tram, especially if you’re crossing the harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong. Taxis can also be hard to catch during “shift change” time from 3-4 PM.

Star Ferry in Hong Kong

Public transportation is efficient, cheap and clean, and the network is very extensive – there aren’t many places that aren’t accessible by public transport. The best way to get to and from the airport is via the Airport Express train.

Hong Kong Airport Express train interior

Tickets can be purchased at the station and the train stops in Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island – it takes just 24 minutes from end to end! Want 20% off your Airport Express ticket? Buy your ticket ahead of time online here!

Traveling to Hong Kong for the first time? Click here for for the most iconic sights and must-see places to add to your Hong Kong itinerary!

9. Don’t buy any knick knacks from Temple Street

Hong Kong Temple Street neon signs

Temple Street is one of those iconic Hong Kong landmarks that has a lot of history behind it, so naturally it is on most visitors’ itineraries. But the truth is, most of the stuff being sold along Temple Street market is junk – cheap electronics that break down after a week, or inauthentic souvenirs that were made anywhere but in Hong Kong.

PMQ in Hong Kong

If you want to pick up authentic Hong Kong souvenirs, pick up some local baked goods or wander through PMQ and The Mills for products from local designers. The Hong Kong Convention Center also has a design gallery shop showcasing local brands and designers.

10. Don’t just eat Dim Sum

Dim sum lunch Hong Kong

While I’m a sucker for dim sum, there’s more to Cantonese cuisine than dim sum, and there’s more to Chinese cuisine than fried rice and spring rolls.

Peking duck in Hong Kong

Chinese regional cuisines are the different cuisines found in different provinces, and there are actually 8 major types of Chinese cuisine, each completely unique from one another.

Cheung Chau seafood restaurants Hong Kong

When you’re in Hong Kong, take advantage of the fact that there are thousands of restaurants spanning almost every single cuisine in the world. Here are some of my go-to restaurants in Hong Kong that never disappoint!

11. Don’t skip the street food

Street food dai pai dong in Hong Kong

As we’ve established, Hong Kong has outrageously good restaurants and you’ll be spoilt for choice. But you’d be missing out if you didn’t try the street food in Hong Kong.

Egg waffles in Hong Kong

These little mom and pop shops are all over Hong Kong and you can find them in the back streets of Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po easily.

Cheong fun in Hong Kong

Hong Kong street food is considered a staple for locals, especially students and office workers who need a quick, cheap and tasty snack. The food (and smells) can be overwhelming and confusing, but you absolutely need to try the cheong fun (rice noodle rolls often served with a peanut and hoisin sauce), curry fish balls (made from fish paste) and garlic noodles. Feeling adventurous? It’s not for me but you might want to try out the intestines or lungs.

Wondering where to stay in Hong Kong? You may want to check out TUVE (a small industrial-chic boutique hotel just next to Causeway Bay),  Little Tai Hang (a boutique hotel and serviced apartment complex tucked away from the hustle and bustle) or The Fleming (featuring Hong Kong-inspired décor and design in Wan Chai). For even more options click here to book accommodation in Hong Kong.

12. Don’t miss out on the cool bars

Ce La Vi rooftop bar in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to an burgeoning cocktail scene and has some of the best bars and bartenders in the world. Here are some of my favorite local haunts and the best rooftop bars to check out in Hong Kong.

Ping Pong Gintoneria Speakeasy in Hong Kong

If you do your research in advance, you’ll be able to check out some outrageously funky bars – like this bar which is disguised as a ping pong equipment shop, or another which looks like a high-end umbrella shop!

SipSip Rooftop Bar in Hong Kong

I drank my way around all of the best Hong Kong speakeasies and hidden bars, read my recommendations by clicking here.

13. Don’t stay in an inconvenient area

Hong Kong skyline at night from Victoria Peak

Most visitors opt to book hotels on Hong Kong Island or on Kowloon side. But you might want to check out the location review scores before you commit. There are a lot of little side streets and walk-ups in Hong Kong, especially if you’re planning on booking an AirBnB, and some cheaper hotels aren’t the easiest in terms of public transportation accessibility.

TUVE entrance in Hong Kong

I’ve listed out some of the top boutique hotels in Hong Kong in this article, tried-and-tested by yours truly! But here are 2 of my favorites:

The Fleming urban hotel in Hong Kong queen sized bed

Want a hotel with maximum convenience and easy access to the MTR? Look into hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island. I’m a big fan of The Fleming, a boutique hotel in Wan Chai just steps away from the MTR and a perfect base for city exploration.

The hotel’s design is inspired by Hong Kong’s heritage and the iconic Star Ferry, and offers visitors the opportunity to stay in a space that celebrates the spirit and essence of the city. Click here for current rates and availability at The Fleming!

The Murray hotel in Hong Kong

If you’re looking for another luxury heritage hotel in Hong Kong, then I recommend checking out The Murray in Central. The architecturally-centered building was restored from its former site as government offices, and given a stylish second life. The rooms are spacious and classy, and the dining facilities are fantastic – I’m partial to Popinjays which is one of my favourite rooftop bars in the city.

The hotel is a stone’s throw from Hong Kong Park, or a short 10-minute walk from Central (which offers you numerous transportation links throughout Hong Kong). Click here for current rates and availability at The Murray or click here to see other highly-rated accommodation in Hong Kong!

Looking for more options for where to stay in Hong Kong? Look into hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay – click here to book accommodation in Hong Kong!

You may also want to check out Ovolo Central (a boutique hotel right above Lan Kwai Fong with a view over Tai Kwun), The Hari (a sophisticated luxury hotel steps away from Wan Chai MTR station) or The Figo (a budget-friendly quirky boutique hotel located between Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan).

Not a first time visitor to Hong Kong and want to get off the beaten path? Check out this article listing unique things to do in Hong Kong that probably aren’t in your guidebook!

14. Don’t forget to pack a sweater for indoors and umbrella for outdoors

K11 Musea shopping mall in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has an unfortunate addiction to air conditioning. Owing to the fact that Hong Kong suffers from extreme humidity, most shopping malls, shops and office buildings blast the A/C to prevent mold and moisture build-up. In the summer months from June to August, you might experience massive temperature fluctuations throughout the day.

Air conditioning units at Montane Mansion in Hong Kong

You’ll want to make sure you have a sweater, cardigan or scarf when you’re stepping indoors, and an umbrella for unpredictable rain showers. Trust me, it’s better than having to fork over HK$50 for a cheap, flimsy umbrella during a rain storm!

15. Don’t forget that Hong Kong has 4 seasons

Flower Market Chinese New Year Mong Kok Hong Kong

Hong Kong is not a year-round tropical country as many people seem to believe. Summers are HOT with the temperature reaching over 30 degrees Celsius, and it gets fairly cold during the winter months (December to February) – sometimes the temperature dips to below 10 degrees Celsius! Because Hong Kong can get extremely humid, 30 degrees Celsius often feels much warmer (and stickier), and cold weather is amplified and can chill you to the bone.

Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong

The best time to visit Hong Kong is from March to early June, and September to November when the temperature and humidity is milder.

16. Don’t visit Hong Kong during Golden Week

Fireworks in Hong Kong

What is “Golden Week”, you ask? It is a national Chinese holiday and takes place during the first week of May and first week of October. During this week, Hong Kong gets extremely busy with visitors from China and hotel prices are exorbitant. Time your visit before or after Golden Week, but not during.

17. Don’t forget about the major festivals and events in Hong Kong

Don’t visit Hong Kong at the wrong time of year, especially as hotels can double in price and book out months in advance – Golden Week is not the only time of year that Hong Kong gets significantly busier with tourists.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens South Stand

If you are a rugby fan, Hong Kong hosts one of the major sevens tournaments in March/April every year, the Hong Kong Sevens. Rugby fans from around the world travel to Hong Kong for the 3-day tournament and hotel rooms are in high demand over Rugby 7’s weekend.

Hong Kong is also a major convention hub, which means it hosts a number of massive trade shows, fairs, conferences (like the Asia Yoga Conference) and expos throughout the year and receives an influx of business visitors all clamoring for hotel rooms.

Chinese lanterns in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year is another time of year (January/February depending on the lunar calendar) when hotels tend to book up quickly, so make sure you reserve a room in advance if you are planning a visit to Hong Kong!

For a full list of things you ought to know before your trip, head on over here for 15 things you should know before visiting Hong Kong!

18. Don’t pay full price for entry tickets

How to use Klook airport express

Klook, Asia’s largest travel experience booking platform, was founded in Hong Kong in 2014, so naturally it has tons of partner merchants in the city including Hong Kong Disneyland, the Ngong Ping Cable Car, the Airport Express, the Peak Tram and more.

Smartphone with Hong Kong in the background

If you’re visiting Hong Kong you absolutely must download Klook in advance. Get 15-30% off your one-way or round trip Ngong Ping Cable Car tickets and skip-the-queue, get 10-15% off your Aqua Luna harbour cruise, get 20% off your Airport Express ticket, or buy Hong Kong Disneyland tickets at nearly 15% cheaper than the price at the gate! Looking for more deals? Click here to check out even more Klook deals in Hong Kong.

Sign up for a Klook account using this referral link and get HK$25 (US$3.5) off your first travel booking!

19. Don’t go on a cheap pink dolphin tour

Pink dolphin watching tours in Hong Kong

I’m all for saving a buck, but not when it comes to animal welfare. Unbeknownst to most people, Hong Kong is home to a small (and shrinking) population of dolphins. And not just any dolphins – pink-coloured dolphins! This endangered species can be spotted off the coast of Lantau Island, and several tour operators run pink dolphin watching tours.

Pink dolphin watching tours in Hong Kong

However, not all tour companies are made equal, and many companies don’t abide by dolphin watching codes of conduct and will chase the dolphins, often scaring the animal or injuring them with motor propellers.

Pink dolphins in Lantau Hong Kong

Instead of going on any random cheap pink dolphin tour, I recommend Hong Kong Dolphinwatch – you can read more about the Hong Kong pink dolphin by clicking here!

Ready to book your Hong Kong trip? Click here for more accommodation options.

Here are some personal tried-and-tested recommendations: I’m a fan of The Murray (a Hong Kong luxury heritage hotel in Admiralty), Little Tai Hang (a modern boutique hotel-slash-aparthotel on the fringe of Causeway Bay) and The Hari (a classy Wan Chai boutique hotel with a fantastic Italian and Japanese restaurant).

20. Don’t expect to “do” Hong Kong in 3 days

Hong Kong waterfall

Though Hong Kong may be small, it packs a punch. While it is easy to get around, you’ll find that 3 days in Hong Kong is not truly enough if you’re looking to explore the city beyond the top tourist attractions and explore all of its nooks and crannies.

Hong Kong sunset skyline from secret hike

If it’s your first time to this city, you’ll need 4 to 5 days in Hong Kong at the very minimum just to cover the most iconic and “must-visit” places. If you think about it, 3 days = only 9 meals, and that is not nearly enough time for all the delectable food in Hong Kong!

21. Don’t just stick to the main sights

Fishing vessels in Hong Kong

One of the biggest travel mistakes you can make in Hong Kong is to only visit the famous attractions. Sure, you’ve heard about the Peak Tram, the Big Buddha and Stanley Market…

Woman standing on Tai Wan Beach in Tai Long Wan Hong Kong

…but there are a whole host of off-the-beaten-path places to visit and things to do in Hong Kong that the guidebooks don’t tell you about. It’s not difficult to explore Hong Kong off the beaten path and get away from the crowds, you just have to know where to go.

Hong Kong Hollywood Road garden

Read on for unique things to do in Hong Kong or head on over here for easy Hong Kong day trips to do if you are able to spend a week or even longer in the city – trust me, you won’t regret it!

Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Head on over here for more Hong Kong travel tips and advice!

✈️ To get into Hong Kong you’ll need to fly into Hong Kong International Airport. A cab from the airport to the city costs approximately HK$350-450 and typically takes less than 45 minutes/1 hour from door-to-door, or you can pre-book your private airport pick up or drop off here. You can also take the Airport Express train which stops in Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Central – it takes just 24 minutes from end to end. Get 20% off your Airport Express ticket if you buy your ticket ahead of time online here.

🛂 Most visitors to Hong Kong do not require a visa for entry. See here for more details.

💱 The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. The exchange rate is approximately 7.6 HKD to 1 USD/1 Euro. Most places accept Visa or Mastercard.

📱 Buy a local SIM card. You can get a 7 day Hong Kong tourist SIM card and pick it up from the airport on arrival.

🚗 Getting around Hong Kong is easy. Public transportation is efficient, cheap and clean, and the network is very extensive. Taxis are cheap as well if you are in a hurry. One of the first things to do when you arrive in Hong Kong is get an Octopus card.

🛏️ Wondering where to stay in Hong Kong? I recommend checking out hotels located on Hong Kong island in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay so you have easy access to public transportation, shops and restaurants – click here to book accommodation in Hong Kong!

You may want to check out TUVE (a small industrial-chic boutique hotel just next to Causeway Bay), Island Shangri-La (a luxury Hong Kong hotel steps away from Hong Kong Park) or The Fleming (featuring Hong Kong-inspired decor and design in Wan Chai).

Visiting Hong Kong? Here are some insider guides you might find helpful:

I hope this guide of what not to do in Hong Kong helps you to better plan your trip to my home and understand things to avoid in Hong Kong!

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4 Comments

    1. Hi Johanes, thanks so much for taking the time to read this! You could go to a bar a day and never get through all of them in Hong Kong.

  1. Perfect to do list! Hong Kong is always my favorite place & will never be bored to visit again 🙂 I will choose a few of to do’s from this list on my next visit. Thanks for sharing such a great list.

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