Cheap flights to Hong Kong depart from Heathrow and Gatwick airports near London, as well as Manchester Airport. International flights to Hong Kong arrive at Hong Kong International Airport on Chep Lap Kok Island. UK and EU citizens do not require visas for entry to Hong Kong. Colour-coded taxis can be hired from the Taxi Station outside the Arrivals Hall – the colour codes indicate the different destinations. Destinations throughout Lantau are served by blue taxis, green taxis serve the New Territories and red Urban taxis serve all of Hong Kong except South Lantau. Airport Express train services connect the airport to Central in under thirty minutes. A number of bus companies provide local bus services between the airport and various parts of Hong Kong. Buses are available from the Airport Ground Transportation Centre beside the airport.

Taxis are plentiful and run on meters, and are colour-coded for different destinations. The Octopus card is very similar to the Oyster card used on the London Underground and can be used on the MTR, light rail, trams, Star Ferry and buses. Cards can be purchased from ticket machines in MTR stations. The Mass Transit Railway system provides frequent services to most areas of Hong Kong. Local buses are operated by several bus companies including KMB, Citybus, New World First Bus and New Lantao Bus. Check the websites for route maps and timetables. Public light buses operate in most areas of Hong Kong. The green-topped minibuses have fixed routes and only stop at indicated stops, while the red-topped buses are often operated by individuals and may stop at other locations.

Ride the Peak Tram up the steep hills of Victoria Peak to the Peak Tower for stunning views over Hong Kong. The Peak Tower also houses the Hong Kong branch of Madame Tussauds, a shopping centre and a number of restaurants. Victoria Harbour boasts one of the most famous skylines in the world. Visit at night, when the buildings are lit up and a fantastic light show takes place. The Giant Buddha sits on a massive platform serenely looking over Lantau Island. Lantau Island is also home to the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Ocean Park is a theme park with rides, an aquarium and a wildlife exhibit featuring animals such as the giant panda and red panda.

Times Square is a large shopping centre popular with teenagers looking for the latest trendy items. Festival Walk or Pacific Place are stocked with luxury brands and offer a more elegant shopping experience. Despite its name, the famous Ladies Market actually has stalls selling inexpensive clothes and accessories for both sexes. A short stroll away is Temple Street Night Market, where all sorts of gadgets and tools are available for sale. Fill up with dim sum and roast goose at Yung Kee, one of Hong Kong’s most popular restaurants. For fresh seafood, hop on a ferry that takes you to Lamma Island and grab a table at one of the seafront restaurants. Kick off the night with a pub crawl through Lan Kwai Fong. The Kee Club – on the top floor of Yung Kee Restaurant – is a sophisticated establishment where visitors can enjoy plenty of fine art and expensive wine.