Hong Kong: Visit the city before it's too late – see the neon lights of Kowloon and Suicide Cliff at the top of the mountain is written by Josephine Neckelmann

Why you should go to Hong Kong
If you're wondering whether Hong Kong is worth a visit, you don't have to be. There are far more reasons to visit this vibrant city than most people realize. But it won't last. If you have the chance to visit Hong Kong, you should take it.
After living in the city for six months, I found that Hong Kong has more to offer than most other big cities in Asia. So I've written an insider's guide to how to make the most of your visit!

A British colonial town
After the 'takeover' in the 90s, when Hong Kong transitioned from belonging to Great Britain to belong to China, both culture, politics and the city's appearance have changed significantly. Hong Kong's electric, colorful and multicultural spirit is unfortunately being erased under Chinese influence.
Your journey there will not just be a city trip. Hong Kong is actually a region that covers over 250 islands and a large land area that borders China. The city itself is also an island. It is divided into two: Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. In between stretches Victoria Harbour, where underwater tunnels connect the city.
Both on the Kowloon side and on the island – as well as the additional two areas that make up the Hong Kong region – there are beautiful mountains to hike in and white sandy beaches to sunbathe on. There are small nearby villages, and not least fantastic islands with small island communities.
Everything is easily accessible, and there are frequent departures by metro, buses, ferries, Uber and taxiThe region is not very large. Funen is actually three times larger than all of Hong Kong combined.
An interesting note about the Kowloon side of Hong Kong is that it was once one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Almost 33.000 people lived in an area of about 26.000 square meters. This corresponds to a population density of about 1.255.000 people per square kilometer. Although this is different today, it is still an experience to visit and see the apartments that are still incredibly close together.
There are over seven million Hong Kongers living in the entire Hong Kong region. With an area three times smaller than Funen, but a population larger than all of Denmark, Hong Kong can feel both incredibly small and incredibly large. And actually very homely.
Do it right: Travel at the right time of year
Hong Kong has a reputation for being chaotic, overwhelming and expensive. And it is an intense city! But roughly speaking, there are two ways to visit this exotic city: The good way and the bad way. And the first part of traveling to Hong Kong the good way is choosing the right time.
Hong Kong is located in Southeast Asia The city faces the South China Sea and can experience quite violent weather. At times, the city is subject to such heavy rainstorms that the city floods.
But the rainstorms come, like so much other weather, within a certain season. So they can be avoided.
The rainy season is in the summer between May and August. Hong Kong should definitely be visited in the fall or spring. The best months are October and April if you like heat and sun. During those months you will experience temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees. However, from December to February the temperature can drop to around 15 degrees.
As I said, more people live in Hong Kong than in Denmark. And that's on an area that is one third of the size of Denmark. FynBut it's a shame to let that scare you, because Hong Kong can do it all.
Are you tired of the intensity of the city and need some fresh air? Then you can visit over 40 different beaches that are never overcrowded. Do you need peace of mind, a meditatively beautiful view or a good hike in scenic surroundings? Then there are over 500 challenging mountain trails, 400 regular hiking trails and over 100 running routes.
Do you think Hong Kong is just expensive enough? There is still a way to do it the good way.
Whether you are young, old, couple, family or solo, there are great accommodation, without having to empty your wallet completely. A good idea is to split your stay. Spend a few nights in a hotel or Airbnb in the city center. I myself have been happy to stay in the down-to-earth Sheung Wan neighborhood, where you can walk straight from your apartment or hotel into a lively and cozy atmosphere. Here, the prices are of course higher.
Then you can spend the rest of your stay on one of the many fantastic islands. Here you will find that prices can be a tenth of those in the city - without compromising on quality. There are many ferry departures during the day between Hong Kong city centre and the nearby islands. This way you also get to experience more sides of Hong Kong.
Lamma Island is definitely a favorite island! I stayed here myself at a small hotel, Bali Holiday Resort, which was decorated very homely and almost like a summer house. They have a strong island community with a school for the local children, a small town center with good restaurants and many beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
If you still want to stay in the city, there are many fantastic things to do. You can try the old double-decker trams, which can take you around the whole of Hong Kong Island for a flat tenner. Or experience horse racing in Happy Valley every Wednesday. It's a wild experience with free admission.
In addition, the city has a high quality of cafés – both in terms of comfort, atmosphere and food and drinksYou don't have to stroll far before you find a cozy corner where you can sink into the seat and digest all the impressions.
Of course, you must first have been to the bustling Ladies Market, visited Victoria Peak by tram to the top and walked along Victoria Harbour to enjoy the skyline. These are the must-see sightseeing spots.
But most importantly: remember to look up. The crazy buildings and skyscrapers are breathtaking. When you move around Hong Kong, it's impossible not to be enchanted by the city's all-encompassing architecture.
Hong Kong's cornucopia of culinary experiences
With immigrants from near and far Asia, and from many different walks of life and economic classes, Hong Kong has over time become an Asian New YorkYou will find both some of the world's finest Michelin restaurants and the wildest street food. There are almost all types of Asian cuisine of the highest quality.
If you love food, you'll never be bored in Hong Kong. In 2024, there were 77 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and more than 100 restaurants that were Michelin recommended. And unlike here, a recommendation from Michelin not necessarily the food expensive.
However, eating at a restaurant in Hong Kong is not like at home.
In many places it's not about looking after and caring for the guests. It's all about good food and execution, because there are many mouths to feed. Consider it a crazy and fantastic experience to be seated at a table with local strangers and sit shoulder to shoulder.

Hong Kong's signature: Neon lights
Hong Kong's signature – the colorful neon lights – are disappearing from the streetscape. You might think there are a lot of neon lights compared to back home, but if you see a picture from Hong Kong in the 1980s, you'll quickly be surprised.
The neon lights are being rapidly dismantled as the Chinese takeover of Hong Kong continues. There are many different explanations for why they are disappearing, but you will often hear from locals that they miss the days when Hong Kong looked like Hong Kong.
The removal of the neon lights is just one visible symptom of the major changes taking place in Hong Kong's hinterland. There are many indications that more of the unique things that make Hong Kong Hong Kong will disappear over the years. It is only a matter of time before the city will no longer be the same.
A good place to see a lot of Hong Kong neon lights is Nathan Road in Kowloon. It is called “The Golden Mile” and stretches from northern Kowloon, Mong Kok, to southern Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui.
So hurry up and experience the electric atmosphere of the city, while the wide streets and narrow alleys are still bathed in screaming bright colors from large and small neon lights.
Hong Kong's nature and culture – Lantau Peak
It may be difficult to keep track of 500 different mountain trails, so here are a few that are highly recommended.
Lantau Peak is a wild ride. It is as steep as it is beautiful. The peak is 1000 meters above sea level, and it goes up almost vertically in some sections.
In return, you will have the amazing experience of looking down at the large seated Tian Tan Buddha, which you will be led to. The tour is a challenging and meditative experience in the most beautiful surroundings with wild bamboo and red soil.
Dragon's Back
Dragon's Back is a hike for everyone, with several different starting points depending on how far you want to go. It's called Dragon's Back because the small mountains that surround Hong Kong Island look, with a little imagination, like a sleeping dragon.
The hiking trail itself goes on top of the dragon's back, and you have a fantastic view down each side of the small mountain. You can end the walk at one of Hong Kong's beaches and walk straight into the warm sea followed by a meal in the local beach town.
Suicide Cliff
My absolute favorite is Suicide Cliff. Despite the brutal name, you won't find a more beautiful view than at the top of Suicide Cliff. The hike itself is calm and not difficult, and it's easy to get to from the city.
Suicide Cliff is located on Kowloon Peak, the highest mountain (600 meters) in Kowloon. Fortunately, it is not called Suicide Cliff because of any specific incident, but more because of the sheer cliff and dramatic view.
The tour has less nature to look at than many of the others, but the view makes up for it. When you reach the cliff itself, which bears the name Suicide Cliff, you will stand gaping, trying to comprehend the amazing view of Hong Kong.
More wants more
Are you one of those people who can't sit still on your trip? Then you can easily get more out of your visit to Hong Kong than just being in the city. Its neighbor is the casino city of Macau, which is Asia answer to the city of sin Las Vegas. In addition, you also have the world's tech capital Shenzhen lying in China's backyard, just across the border.
Macau can be visited with a short ferry ride of 3-4 hours from Hong Kong's city center. In addition to being the world's largest gambling city, Macau is also an old Portuguese colonial city. It is a unique experience to be on the other side of the world, but at the same time walk on cobblestone streets surrounded by Portuguese architecture.
Additionally, you can take the metro to Shenzhen in China. It costs a little to buy a visa at the border, but other than that, there are no major logistical problems in crossing from Hong Kong to China.
If you really want to feel the difference between the two cultures, crossing the border is a great experience. Maybe it will also give you an insight into what future Hong Kong is looking towards.
Shenzhen is first and foremost significantly cheaper than Hong Kong, but on the other hand 10 times wilder and more intense. Very early in your visit you will notice that there is a stronger collaboration with the international world in Hong Kong than in China – for better or worse. Shenzhen is definitely worth a day visit.
Travel to Hong Kong – this is what you should experience:
- Hong Kong Island – the part of the city of Hong Kong that is located on the island of the same name
- Mong Kok and Kowloon – the part of Hong Kong that is located on the mainland
- Big Wave Bay – popular surfing beach
- Shek O Beach – lovely beach
- Sheung Wan – Hong Kong's Soho
- Suicide Cliff, Dragons Back and Lantau Peak – the best hikes
- Happy Valley – the horse racing track with the electric atmosphere
- Sister Wah – Michelin-recommended noodle bar
- Victoria Bay Skyline
- Victoria peak
- Ladys Market, Kowloon City – large flea market
- Central on Hong Kong Island – Hong Kong's answer to Times Square
I hope you get the chance to visit this amazing place. Have a nice trip!
Did you know: Here are the top 7 best nature destinations in Asia according to Booking.com's millions of users
7: Pai in northern Thailand
6: Kota Kinabalu on Borneo in Malaysia
Get numbers 1-5 immediately by signing up for the newsletter, and look in the welcome email:
Did you know: Here are the top-7 best nature destinations in Asia according to Booking.com's millions of users!
7: Pai in northern Thailand
6: Kota Kinabalu on Borneo in Malaysia
Get numbers 1-5 immediately by signing up for the newsletter, and look in the welcome email:
Add comment