8 Apps You'll Want to Download When You Go to Hong Kong

First time in Hong Kong? Download these (free) apps!

Hong Kong is a city that will certainly make a big impression on you if you're visiting for the first time. Some parts are very modern, while in other parts of the city, the chances of meeting someone who speaks good English are slim. Before you go, check out our list with an explanation of the nicest neighborhoods in Hong Kong. I have a folder on my smartphone with a few apps I use a lot when I'm in Hong Kong. Long live modern technology :-). From food apps to handy public transport apps. Download these apps before you travel to Hong Kong for a great start to your holiday!

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8 Apps You'll Want to Download Before Going to Hong Kong

This list links to the app store so you can download these apps directly. If you're using Android, it's best to search for the app name in your app store!

MTR Mobile: For short distances, a taxi can be handy in bad weather, but for longer distances, the MTR is recommended. Hong Kong's metro system is incredibly efficient and takes you to every corner of the city. The MTR app is incredibly useful for planning your journey from A to B, and you can also find detailed information about each station in the app. The app is free to download!

XE Currency: I can safely say that I can no longer live without XE Currency when I'm traveling to a country where you can't pay with Euros. In this app you can set the currency of the country you're going to on holiday, and once you've arrived at your destination you can convert the Hong Kong Dollars to your own currency at any time.

OpenRice: The most well-known restaurant website in Hong Kong is undoubtedly openrice.com. Highly recommended for foodies, because here you'll find real tips on where the locals go. There are even street food stalls! The app lets you easily search by neighborhood, cuisine, and budget, and you can even see photos from locals who have already been there. This app is free, by the way!

Food Panda: In the Netherlands, we have Foodora, and in Hong Kong, they have Food Panda. This app lets you order food from restaurants and have it delivered to your hotel or Airbnb. Handy if you're suffering from jet lag or just don't feel like dining out.

HK Weather: Nothing is as unpredictable in Hong Kong as the weather. This app provides accurate weather forecasts for Hong Kong using data from sources including the Hong Kong Observatory. You can use it to see the weather up to nine days ahead, and it's free.

Uber: Good news for anyone who, like me, regularly takes Uber abroad. This taxi service is still legal in Hong Kong! Just keep in mind that you'll need a mobile data connection.

Hong Kong Taxi Translator: Tip: If you're taking a taxi in Hong Kong, always have the address handy, preferably one you can display on Google Maps and written in Chinese. This can sometimes be a reason to take an Uber ;-). While most taxi drivers can easily find their way to more common locations, it can be helpful to use the Hong Kong Taxi Translator app. This app costs $0,99 in the App Store and includes over 3.000 locations and street names.

Beanhunter: If you're a true coffee lover, you'll definitely want to know this app. With this app, you don't have to rely on the big, well-known coffee chains for your caffeine fix. Based on your location, it shows you the best independent coffee shops where you can get specialty coffee. This app isn't just handy if you're traveling to Hong Kong; it also has tips for 179 other cities worldwide!

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Hong Kong Travel Tips

HOW TO GET THERE: During my trip, I flew with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong. From Hong Kong, you can then fly to dozens of destinations in Asia. Find your tickets here >>
> Tip: For just €100, you can make a stopover in Lithuania, Vilnius!
YOURLBB'S FAVORITE HOTELS IN HONG KONG:
- The Peninsula: beautiful view of the Hong Kong skyline
- Mandarin Oriental: unprecedented luxury in that classic hotel
- Ritz Carlton: This hotel also houses the famous Ozon bar
- Hotel Stage: hip hotel near the Temple Street Night Market
- Madera Hollywood: The location of this hotel in the heart of Soho is perfect!
- The Jervois: one of the best hotels in the trendy Shueng Wan district
- Cordis Hotel: wonderful luxury hotel in Kowloon next to a mega shopping mall
- East Hong Kong: nice lifestyle hotel with a cool rooftop bar
- 99 Bonham: nice hip hotel in the nice Shueng Wan district
- W Hong Kong: Highly recommended if you are in Hong Kong in the summer because they have a swimming pool!
- Cue Hotel: very affordable lifestyle hotel in the Wan Chai district
- One96: Staying in Hong Kong for a longer period? Then choose a serviced apartment!
- The Park Lane Hotel: nice hotel in Causeway Bay with a fantastic rooftop bar

Discover more city guides

TIP: discover more great addresses and travel tips in my books THE AMSTERDAM CITY GUIDE & WANDERLUST!

WITH LOVE,
ANNE