The largest park on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Park makes the most of having Causeway Bay as a backdrop. Named after Queen Victoria, there are over 5500 trees spread over the 19-hectare park. Admission to the park is free although there are some facilities within the park that charge a user fee. That said, there are several sports facilities, such as the roller skating rink and basketball courts, which are free to use. The more sedentary visitors can enjoy the pebble walking path, 2-hectare central lawn, and model pool. There are seating areas throughout Victoria Park. Easily accessed by public transportation, Victoria Park is open 24 hours a day.

Located at West Kowloon’s southern tip, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade offers visitors a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of this waterfront park. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, cycle on the cycling track, enjoy the landscape, watch the children enjoy the play area, or sit quietly in the pergola and take in the sights and sounds. Open from 6AM to 11PM, there is plenty of time to spend letting the stresses of the day wash away as you enjoy the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.

As with so many of the parks in Hong Kong, Quarry Bay Park is open from 6AM and 11PM. This park offers an exquisitely designed waterfront promenade to relax on, a serene Tai Chi Garden, jogging path, lookout towers, sports facilities, cycling track and a children’s area. It is a great place to take the family to for a relaxing day out leaving the hustle and bustle behind. Meander through Quarry Bay Park and enjoy the day or take your tennis racket or basketball to have a game or to work of some energy.

Take some time to enjoy the waterfront jewels that are designed to allow visitors to unwind and relax. There is so much to do in Hong Kong that it is easy to overlook these wonderful areas.

Car rentals, even for a small car, are extremely expensive in Hong Kong, costing upwards over $600 per day. The roads in this densely populated area are heavily congested and laid out in a complex, confusing maze, at least to the uninitiated. If by chance a driver gets to where they want to go, they are unlikely to find a parking space because of the rarity of parking spaces. In the event that renting a car is unavoidable, unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does recognize International Driving Permits and driving is on the left side of the road. Be warned that if you decide to drive to, or in, mainland china; you will need license plates from the Guangdong authorities and a Chinese issued driver’s license.

Taxis are likely the most tourist-friendly mode for travelers to get around in Hong Kong. You get the views and retain efficiency. One important thing to remember is that taxi drivers are required to change bills up to 100 Hong Kong dollars so if you need something bigger changed, make sure that you get change before getting in the taxi. There are three colors of taxis and the color indicates the areas that it serves. Red taxis are the ones to take when in doubt but red taxis cannot go to Lantau Island. Blue taxis serve Lantau Island and green taxis service the New Territories. The best news is although tips are appreciated, they are not expected however drivers will usually round up to the nearest dollar when they give change.

Buses, trams, bicycles, trains, ferries are other forms of transportation around Hong Kong. A common form of payment for a lot of the transportation is an Octopus card that is a prepaid smart card. Octopus cards can also be used at some fast food chains, most convenience stores, roadside parking, vending machines and some parking lots.

The transportation options for getting around Hong Kong are numerous and all have pros and cons. For the first few days of your visit, it is worthwhile to get to know the options that are in the vicinity of your hotel and get hotel staff to help you with instructions. It will make your visit to Hong Kong more enjoyable if your transportation needs are met efficiently.