Hong KongCapital
Hong Kong · Country profile
Hong Kong is a dramatic, dense city of glittering skyscrapers and green mountains, where East meets West in a single, fast-moving metropolis. On one side the iconic harbour and Victoria Peak skyline, on the other the neon bustle of Mong Kok, traditional markets, dim sum houses and misty country parks with serious hiking. The Star Ferry and the Peak Tram offer postcard views, while the food — from street stalls to Michelin dim sum — is legendary. Its islands, beaches and the old fishing village of Tai O are a ferry ride away, making Hong Kong both a pulsing city and an escape hatch.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the capital of Hong Kong. The city's documented population is around 7,498,900 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Chinese and English are spoken; the dialling code is +852. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Hong Kong International Airport.
Skyscrapers, Harbours and Green Peaks Rising Behind the Neon
Hong Kong is a dense, vertical city wrapped around a dramatic harbour, with green mountains rising steeply behind the skyscrapers. It moves fast and packs a huge amount into a small, easily navigable area — the harbour ferries, the Peak Tram and a superb metro stitch it together. The food culture is central and legendary, from street stalls to high-end dim sum. Strip back the neon and there are islands, beaches, hiking trails and fishing villages a short ferry away, giving Hong Kong an unusual blend of ultramodern energy and quick nature escapes.
The Octopus Card, Peak Tram Queues and Humid Showers
An Octopus card is the essential travel purchase — it covers the metro, buses, ferries and even shops, and it removes all friction from moving around. Book the Peak Tram and the popular dim sum venues in advance; the queues are long, especially on weekends. Carry an umbrella — the climate is humid and showers are common. Card and mobile payment are near-universal, and cash is less needed than in many Asian cities. The two airport options connect by express rail and ferry, and cross-border travel to mainland China is easy through the high-speed train from the station.
Star Ferries, Market Streets and Hiking Above the Skyline
The MTR metro is fast, clean and frequent, and the small island is easy to cover by a mix of metro, ferry and walking — the Star Ferry across the harbour is both cheap and scenic. The Peak offers the classic skyline view, but the lesser-known hiking trails on the islands provide a way to see the city from above with fewer crowds. Mong Kok and the market streets are lively, so keep belongings secure. Tipping is generally not expected at the counter but appreciated at full-service restaurants. The city is safe and well-ordered — a contrast to the hustle of the markets.
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- Country
- Hong Kong
- Population
- 7,498,900
- Coordinates
- 22.3080, 113.9185
- Capital
- Hong Kong
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Languages
- Chinese, English
- Calling code
- +852
- Country code
- HK
Entry requirements for Hong Kong
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Hong Kong for tourism.
Getting to Hong Kong
Airports we list for Hong Kong:
Frequently asked questions
Is Hong Kong the capital of Hong Kong?
Yes — Hong Kong is the capital of Hong Kong.
What currency do I need in Hong Kong?
The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Languages spoken in Hong Kong include Chinese and English.
What is the dialling code for Hong Kong?
The international dialling code for Hong Kong is +852.
Which airport should I fly into for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is the airport we list for Hong Kong.
Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and India currently enter Hong Kong visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Hong Kong? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.