Hong Kong city breaks

There are plenty of reasons to consider a Hong Kong city break - read on to discover some of the best...

The minute you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), you're welcomed to a world where old meets new. There's much to see in this former British colony, with the most popular areas being Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.

Kowloon is full of interesting antique shops and markets. It's a great place to watch the locals go about their daily lives. For a bargain or two, head out to the markets at Hollywood Road and Nathan Road. When it comes to fashion, accessories, bags and cosmetics try your bartering skills at the Ladies' Market. You could also visit Stanley Market on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, where the laidback vibe of the beach and secluded hills show a different side of city life.

History and art lovers will appreciate city breaks in Hong Kong as there's a wealth of museums and galleries to explore. Right in the heart of the city you'll find the Museum of Art, where exhibitions of old and new works can be seen. If you're with the family, spend a day at the Museum of History, where there's lots to do for all ages. Families with children will also enjoy white-knuckle rides at Ocean Park Theme Park.

Hong Kong city breaks have to involve a trip to Victoria Harbour, where a ride on the Star Ferry will provide you with a great view of the city's sights. Try a night-time cruise as well to see the stunning Symphony of Lights display transform the harbour front. Or view the city from above at The Peak, a modern building reached by tram that overlooks the skyscrapers and harbour.

If you want to get away from the busy city, head out to Lantau Island where you can visit the tranquil Lo Pin Monastery, climb the steps to the giant bronze Buddha or visit Hong Kong Disneyland. Alternatively, pay a visit to St John's Cathedral, the perfect contradiction to the city's glass-fronted skyscrapers. For great days out, you can choose from a lazy day relaxing on Repulse Bay beach, experiencing the boats at Aberdeen fishing village or catching the latest race at the Happy Valley Racecourse.

When you arrive on city breaks to Hong Kong you can make use of a number of ways to get to your hotel from Hong Kong International Airport. The Airport Express operates between 5.54am and just before 1am and runs every 10-12 minutes. It will whisk you into central Hong Kong in 24 minutes. 

For a cheaper option to reach the city centre, consider the numerous bus services running from the airport, though journeys can be considerably slower. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals terminal. Red taxis service central Hong Kong, green taxis serve only the New Territories and specific roads in Lantau, and blue taxis operate in and between Lantau and the airport. Agree a price or ensure the meter is running before you set off.

Getting around on weekend breaks in Hong Kong is also relatively simply. Trams are found almost everywhere here. These icons of travel in Hong Kong are cheap and efficient, as well as being a fun way for tourists to get around. The tram system includes the Peak Tram. Alternatively, the city's network of trains, which run under and over ground, provide a fast and efficient way to get around Hong Kong, though it can work out costly for short journeys. The bus network is also pretty useful. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a taxi in Hong Kong. Taxi travel is also fairly reasonable in this city.

If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.

Short breaks to Hong Kong are eternally popular thanks to year-round heat, though spring and autumn are the favoured seasons for travel...

Hong Kong enjoys a hot climate for most of the year. Many people find that the best times to visit are either in the spring, when the temperatures are pleasantly mild, or the autumn, which is usually dry and sunny. July and August experience very hot days as well as high levels of humidity and rainfall. Many travellers avoid the summer due to this extreme weather. Winter days can be warm (around 20C) with little rainfall.

Attend any of these annual events and put an extra spring in your step during Hong Kong short breaks...

Hong Kong Cultural Celebrations; May: Four festivals come under the umbrella of this annual event, merging thousands of years of traditions into a month-long feast of food, music, dance, parades and customs. The four individual events are the birthdays of Buddha, Tin Hau, and Tam Kung, and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.

Dragon Boat Water Parade; May/June: For something more traditional, try to catch the Dragon Boat Water Parade held in the quaint fishing village of Tai O on Lantau Island. The colourful parade of boats with their flags and decorated statues is a sight that shouldn't be missed. It is held during the fifth lunar month so the date changes every year.

Chinese Opera Festival; June-August: As a city that enjoys art and culture, it's no surprise that the Chinese Opera Festival and Le French May Arts Festival are popular events. The opera festival runs across the hot summer months and provides some traditional, cultural - and sometimes comical - relief from the oppressive weather outside. Shows are performed at a variety of venues around Hong Kong.