Editorial Credit: sumitro moo / Shutterstock.com Hong Kong is divided into three major areas: The mainland (which comprises the Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories), Hong Kong Island, and Lantau Island. When planning your vacation, figure out what area is most convenient based on your itinerary so you can book your hotel on that side of town.

Don’t worry about crossing the harbor to visit the other areas. The country’s public transportation is amazingly convenient and well-connected, whether you go by bus, MTR, or ferry. Read The Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong Shopping: Top 15 Places to Go

Yes, you heard it right: A number of hotels in Hong Kong offer guests free smartphones with unlimited data and free calls to use during their stay. This added service is really convenient especially when you are traveling in a big group—no need to worry about getting separated or having different itineraries throughout the day. Having access to Google Maps will also come in handy when you’re exploring.

Editorial Credit: ssray / Shutterstock.com The Airport Express is a train that brings passengers from the international airport to the city center in 25 minutes or less. You may also try the free in-town check-in service which allows you to store your luggage in lockers upon arrival or before departing the country. This would come in handy in case you booked a red-eye flight but have to check out of your hotel earlier. If traveling with a big group, a better way to get to the city center and back is by renting a low-cost airport taxi in advance to save some money and travel in style.

Editorial Credit: Phuong D. Nguyen / Shutterstock.com An Octopus Card is a contactless smart card that can make electronic payments, mainly in the MTR and bus stations. It not only saves you money, but it also saves you time—you can purchase one of these cards and simply tap away instead of buying individual tickets throughout the trip. The great thing about it is you can also use it in other establishments like supermarkets and convenient stores. You can also keep this card for the next time you visit Hong Kong–no need to worry about leftover balance! For a weekend trip, the best option would be the “Sold Tourist Octopus Card” which is only HK$39.

Editorial Credit: Baiterek Media / Shutterstock.com The weather in Hong Kong is notorious for its unpredictability. Despite having a subtropical and humid climate, it still has four seasons, with summer being hot and humid with typhoons, and winter being cold, windy, and dry. Because of this, you never know what type of weather you will experience. Pack a raincoat or a jacket, and definitely bring some comfortable sneakers for walking in sunny or rainy weather.

Hong Kong is considered the home of dim sum, therefore having it for breakfast or brunch is a definite must. Most restaurants start serving these dishes in trolleys and trays as early as 6:30 AM. In more traditional establishments, the servers come to your table with a variety of dishes and you can just simply choose which ones you think you would enjoy eating. Dim sum is usually served with tea, and this meal combination is called “Yum Cha,” which literally means to “drink tea.” When you take a seat, the server will bring you some tea that is constantly refilled throughout the meal. You can start with Lei Garden and One Dim sum, both of which are one Michelin-starred restaurants. Read Top Hong Kong Michelin-star Restaurants That Won’t Hurt Your Wallet

Editorial Credit: Sergio Delle Vedove / Shutterstock.com For food lovers, Hong Kong is the mecca for good eats. From tiny hole-in-the-wall places to the most extravagant restaurants led by the most well-known chefs, you will find everything in this bustling city. One Michelin-starred restaurants are a dime a dozen, which will give you the experience of eating like kings without breaking the bank. Hong Kong’s street food is also something that should definitely be experienced. A favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant is one that was recommended by the late Anthony Bourdain. Under the Bridge Spicy Crab is located in Wan Chai and is definitely worth the visit. Try to translate the menu and guess what type of food they serve. Don’t worry—it's all delectably tasty!

Image Credit: leo.wan Hong Kong is more popularly known as the concrete jungle of Asia, but locals know that the real attraction is the natural landscape, and what better way to explore it than hiking? Its hills, mountains, and parks offer breathtaking panoramic views of the isolated beaches dotting the coast. Lantau Island houses two popular trails called the Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak, and they are definitely worth a visit!

Hong Kong is the shopping paradise of Asia because of its tax breaks. Most international brands have outlet stores scattered around the city, but that’s not the only place to find great deals. You can also score discounts on electronics, jewelry, and art. Be sure you have enough space to take all your shopping finds back home with you. Read Drop the Unnecessary Baggage: 8 Things You Should Stop Packing

When visiting a fast-paced and bustling city, time is of the essence. This is why booking your hotel in Hong Kong in advance—especially when traveling with children or a big group—will come in handy. It is also advisable to book Octopus Cards and tickets to the Airport Express, Disneyland, and Ocean Park in advance. Not only will you skip the long lines, but it will also help you save money for more shopping, eating, and sightseeing! Here are some of our recommended hotels:

Explore these all-time favorite Hong Kong tourist spots! Be sure to check out deals and promos for yourhotel in Hong Kong here . ]]>