Hong Kong or Singapore: Which one is best for a holiday?

Are you deciding whether to visit Hong Kong or Singapore? Instead of tossing a coin and leaving it to chance, read this Trip.com guide to which one is best for a holiday. Spoilers: both are fantastic for different reasons, but it’s worth researching them both to see which destination tickles your fancy the most. If you're going to spend over ten hours in a plane, you want to feel confident in your decision.

✈️ Hong Kong or Singapore: Key Travel Differences

As with any trip planning, the first place to start is research. From average travel budgets to payment options, knowing what to expect when visiting Hong Kong or Singapore will help you decide which location is best for you.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between the two to get you started.

Hong Kong or Singapore: Which destination is cheaper?

Hong Kong is narrowly cheaper than Singapore, but only by a small margin. Both destinations are very much on par, but things like accommodation, nightlife, and attraction tickets are marginally more budget-friendly in Hong Kong. Public transportation in both locations, however, is cheap, so there’s no need to worry about forking out for expensive train rides!

🎯 Hong Kong or Singapore: Which is the better fit for your travel style?

🍜 Hong Kong or Singapore for food lovers: Which has the best cuisine?

Both Hong Kong and Singapore are renowned for their incredible food scenes. Which one appeals to you will all depend on what you like to eat when on holiday. Hong Kong has a strong focus on Cantonese-style dishes, whereas Singapore draws from a wider range of influences, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan.

To whet your appetite and give you a little insight into what you might find in each location, here are some of the top eats across Hong Kong and Singapore.

Best food to try in Hong Kong

• Bo Zai Fan (Clay Pot Rice): A fantastic option to warm up with when it’s a little cooler, Bo Zai Fan comprises rice and meat cooked in a little clay pot. This cooking technique allows for the juices to seep down into the fluffy rice, with a delicious, crunchy layer found right at the bottom.
• Beef Brisket Noodles: For a taste of everyday Hong Kong fare, a bowl of beef brisket noodles is a great choice. This popular dish is a mixture of tender beef brisket, springy egg noodles and spices in a satisfyingly savoury sauce.
• Typhoon Shelter Crab: If you’re in the mood for seafood, give this crab dish a go. The whole crab is deep-fried and covered in garlic, chilli, fermented black beans, and spring onions.
• Dan Tat (Egg Tarts): A Hong Kong take on a British classic, these delectable custardy treats are best enjoyed with a milk tea!

Best food to try in Singapore

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: A Singapore signature, this dish is made up of poached chicken and rice cooked in chicken stock, garlic, and ginger, with a little bit of chilli on the side. Simple and very affordable!
• Chilli Crab: Another one for seafood lovers! This time, the whole crab is cooked in a rich, sweet, and not-overly-spicy tomato sauce along with egg. It’s often served with mantou buns, which are perfect for mopping up the sauce.
• Katong Laksa: Creamy, spicy, and savoury, this coconut soup comes with thick noodles and seafood.
• Char Kway Teow: A staple of hawker food culture, Char Kway Teow is a hearty stir-fried noodle dish known for its smoky flavour.

🏙️ Hong Kong or Singapore for a city break: Which is the most exciting?

Choosing between Hong Kong and Singapore for a city break all depends on what sort of city experiences you like. If you’re after lively energy and non-stop nightlife, Hong Kong is the clear winner. However, if you like your city breaks a little more chilled and organised, Singapore may be the better option.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the top neighbourhoods in both destinations to give you an idea of what’s in store.

Best neighbourhoods to visit in Hong Kong

• Wan Chai: This lively district offers a fantastic mix of skyscrapers, historic buildings, markets, and restaurants, and is well connected to Central, too!
• Central District: Central is where you’ll find Hong Kong’s most famous sites, as well as an exciting mix of modern architecture and temples.
• Kowloon: Where you’ll want to head to for your holiday shopping. Find markets and affordable eateries in this district.

Best neighbourhoods to visit in Singapore

• Marina Bay: Home to an iconic skyline and one of the world’s most famous hotels, Marina Bay has some of Singapore’s most popular attractions. Best experienced after dark!
• Orchard Road: If you want to go shopping, go to Orchard Road. This boulevard is where you’ll find huge malls, department stores, and some incredible futuristic architecture. Worth it even if you’re not a big shopper!
• Katong and Joo Chiat: If you want a more relaxed pace, the neighbourhoods of Katong and Joo Chiat are a little calmer. Here you’ll find ornate and colourful Peranakan shophouses, and a fantastic food scene.

🌳 Hong Kong or Singapore for nature lovers: Which has the best landscapes?

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centres, both Hong Kong and Singapore have great nature destinations to unwind in. Hong Kong offers more dramatic and varied landscapes, from mountains to coastlines, whereas Singapore’s parks are far more manicured.

Keep reading to learn more about Hong Kong and Singapore's most popular natural attractions to see which ones take your fancy!

Best nature spots in Hong Kong

• Tai Mo Shan Country Park: Home to Hong Kong’s highest peak. Although just a stone’s throw from the city, this is a great place to escape into nature and go hiking.
• Dragon’s Back Trail: This picturesque hiking route takes you up into the mountains and offers spectacular views of Hong Kong’s coastline.
• Plover Cove Country Park: Great for getting off the beaten track, Plover Cove is quiet, green, and a fantastic destination to take a breather from the city.

Best nature spots in Singapore

• Pulau Ubin: This little island is an oasis of mangroves and wetlands, and a fantastic place to take a bike ride.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens: Right in the heart of Singapore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a breathtaking collection of tropical plantlife and manicured gardens.
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Spend some time in the rainforest through this nature reserve’s hiking trails.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Hong Kong or Singapore: Which is best for families?

Your decision on whether to head to Hong Kong or Singapore may hinge on which is best for a family trip. Both destinations are absolutely fantastic for families of all ages, with plenty of activities to pick from.

To help give you an idea of what’s available at each location, here’s a rundown of some of the most popular family attractions across Hong Kong and Singapore.

Best family attractions in Hong Kong

• Ngong Ping 360 cable car: This scenic cable car ride is fantastic for all ages, with Crystal Cabins featuring glass floors available for those feeling a little adventurous. A great option to see the mountainous landscapes without tiring little legs.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: Including both Frozen and Toy Story-themed lands, with plenty of new and old characters to meet along the way, Hong Kong Disneyland will be a sure-fire hit for many families.
• Ocean Park: With rides of all thrill levels and all sorts of animal exhibits, there’s plenty at Ocean Park to keep the whole family entertained, happy, and out of trouble!

Best family attractions in Singapore

• Universal Studios Singapore: The only Universal park in Southeast Asia, Universal Singapore is home to attractions inspired by beloved movies including Jurassic Park, Despicable Me, Shrek, and more. Plus, children under four can enter for free!
• Gardens by the Bay: This spectacular waterfront garden blends futuristic technology with nature, with its cloud forest and towering Supertrees that come alive at night.
• Adventure Cove Waterpark: Cool off and have fun in the water at this family-friendly waterpark, with plenty of attractions to suit children of all ages.

🕐 What to see in Hong Kong or Singapore, depending on the length of your trip

Whether you’re going to Hong Kong or Singapore, it’s now time to start thinking about your itinerary. With so much to do, planning a trip can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

To help you out and give you an idea of how much you can fit into a set number of days, here are some itinerary ideas for both destinations.

🌤️ Best time to visit Hong Kong and Singapore

Choosing whether to go to Hong Kong or Singapore might be as simple as when you’re able to get annual leave. While both subtropical destinations can get very hot and humid, which can make sightseeing a little tricky, some times of year are more comfortable.

Let’s take a closer look at what weather to expect across Hong Kong and Singapore throughout the year.

🇭🇰 When to visit Hong Kong

For a comfortable, drier climate, we recommend visiting Hong Kong in October and December. This makes getting out and about much easier, so you can tick off more things on your holiday to-do list.

🇸🇬 When to visit Singapore

Singapore is consistently hot year-round, but most people agree the best time to visit is between February and April. It’s at its driest during these months, which can make sightseeing much easier.

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