Hong Kong – Asia’s Most Exciting City for Families
Looking for a destination where futuristic skyscrapers meet colourful street markets, cable cars glide over jungle-covered mountains, and you can eat some of the best food in the world? Welcome to Hong Kong.
This vibrant city is one of the most exciting places to visit in Asia — and surprisingly very family-friendly. One moment you’re standing between some of the tallest buildings on earth, the next you’re riding a ferry across the harbor, hiking in green mountains or visiting a giant Buddha statue.
Even better: Hong Kong is incredibly easy to explore. English is widely spoken, public transport is fantastic, and Western apps like Google, Instagram and WhatsApp work perfectly here.
In this Travelicious guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Hong Kong, tips for getting around, and why this city is such a great destination for families.
Where Is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong lies on the south coast of China and consists of 263 islands. The most famous areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Lantau Island.
Although Hong Kong officially belongs to China, it operates under a special system with its own laws, currency and government. That’s why the city feels quite different from mainland China.
The mix of cultures makes Hong Kong incredibly fascinating — you’ll find traditional temples next to luxury shopping malls and street markets right below futuristic skyscrapers.
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
The best months to visit Hong Kong are October to April, when temperatures are pleasant and humidity is lower.
Summer (May to September) can be extremely hot and humid, with occasional tropical storms.
Travelicious tip: November and December are fantastic months to visit — sunny weather, clear views and comfortable temperatures for exploring the city.
Our Experience: Visiting Hong Kong During Chinese New Year
We visited Hong Kong in February during Chinese New Year, and it turned out to be one of the most special moments to experience the city.
The atmosphere was incredible. Streets and shopping malls were decorated with red lanterns, golden dragons and festive flowers everywhere. You could really feel the excitement in the air as locals celebrated the start of the Lunar New Year of the Horse with family gatherings, markets and traditional decorations.
Even better: the weather was absolutely perfect. We had blue skies, sunshine and comfortable temperatures — ideal for exploring the city with kids. While many people expect Asia to be hot and humid, February in Hong Kong is actually one of the nicest times to visit.
Travelicious tip:
If you’re planning a trip around Chinese New Year, book your accommodation early. It’s a popular holiday period for locals traveling around the region.
But if you don’t mind the festive crowds, visiting during Chinese New Year adds an extra layer of magic to your Hong Kong trip — and it’s a cultural experience you won’t easily forget.
How to Get Around Hong Kong
One of the best things about Hong Kong is how easy it is to get around. The city has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world.
The metro system of MTR connects almost every part of the city, and there are also buses, trams and ferries.
The easiest way to pay for transport is with the Octopus Card. This rechargeable card works on metro lines, buses, ferries and even in convenience stores.
Take the Peak Tram to the Best View in Hong Kong
One of the most iconic experiences in Hong Kong is riding the historic Peak Tram to Victoria Peak.
The tram climbs steeply up the mountain and offers spectacular views over the skyline as you ascend. At the top, you’ll find several viewpoints — including the famous observation deck Sky Terrace 428.
From here you’ll see Hong Kong’s famous skyline, Victoria Harbour and the surrounding islands. On a clear day the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Travelicious tip:
Try to go early in the morning or around sunset to avoid the biggest crowds.
Ride the World’s Longest Outdoor Escalator
Hong Kong is full of unique surprises — including the famous Central–Mid-Levels Escalator.
This escalator system stretches for more than 800 meters and connects the Central district with the Mid-Levels neighbourhood.
Locals use it daily to commute to work, but for travellers it’s a fun and easy way to explore the city while passing cafés, restaurants and trendy shops.
Visit Hong Kong Disneyland
Traveling with kids? Then a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland is a must.
This Disney park is smaller than the ones in the United States, but that actually makes it perfect for families. You can see most attractions in one day and the lines are usually much shorter.
Expect magical shows, fun rides and plenty of Disney characters.
Check out our separate blog for more tips!
Take the Cable Car to Lantau Island
One of the most scenic excursions from Hong Kong is the cable car ride on Ngong Ping 360.
The gondola glides high above mountains, jungle and sea on the way to Ngong Ping village on Lantau Island.
At the top you’ll find one of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks: the impressive Tian Tan Buddha.
This giant bronze Buddha statue sits on top of a hill and is reached by climbing 268 steps — but the view is absolutely worth it.
Travelicious tip:
Get a fast pass, to avoid long waiting lines.
Street Food at Temple Street Night Market
Hong Kong is a dream destination for food lovers. One of the best places to experience the local food culture is the famous Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon.
Every evening the street turns into a lively market filled with food stalls, restaurants and souvenir vendors.
Here you can try local favourites like dumplings, noodles, seafood and bubble tea while enjoying the buzzing atmosphere.
Internet in Hong Kong
Your European data bundle usually won’t work in Hong Kong.
Most hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, but if you want internet everywhere, an eSIM is a great option. With an eSIM you can connect to local 4G or 5G networks without buying a physical SIM card.
Perfect for navigating the city, booking attractions and sharing your travel photos.
Why Hong Kong Is Such a Great Destination
Hong Kong is a city that constantly surprises you. One moment you’re walking through neon-lit streets and busy markets, and the next you’re riding a cable car above tropical mountains.
For families, it’s the perfect mix of:
✨ big city adventure
✨ amazing food
✨ nature and beaches
✨ world-class attractions
And that’s exactly why Hong Kong deserves a place on your travel bucket list.