Surging travel in Europe spikes concerns over tourism's drawbacks

MADRID (AP) — Suitcases rattle against cobblestones. Selfie-snappers jostle for the same shot. Ice cream shops are everywhere. Europe has been called the world's museum, but its record numbers of visitors have also made it ground zero for concerns about overtourism.
Last year, 747 million international travelers visited the continent, far outnumbering any other region in the world, according to the U.N.'s World Tourism Barometer. Southern and Western Europe welcomed more than 70% of them.
As the growing tide of travelers strains housing, water and the most Instagrammable hotspots in the region, protests and measures to lessen the effects of overtourism have proliferated.
Here's a look at the issue in some of Europe's most visited destinations.
What's causing overtourism
Among factors driving the record numbers are cheap flights, social media, the ease of travel planning using artificial intelligence and what U.N. tourism officials call a strong economic outlook for many rich countries that send tourists despite some geopolitical and economic tensions.
Citizens of countries like the U.S., Japan, China and the U.K. generate the most international trips, especially to popular destinations, such as Barcelona in Spain and Venice in Italy. They swarm these places seasonally, creating uneven demand for housing and resources such as water.
Despite popular backlash against the crowds, some tourism officials believe they can be managed with the right infrastructure in place.
Italy's Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè said she thinks tourism flows at crowded sites such Florence's Uffizi Galleries that house some of the world's most famous artworks could be better managed with AI, with tourists able to buy their tickets when they book their travel, even months in advance, to prevent surges.
She pushed back against the idea that Italy — which like all of its Southern European neighbors, welcomed more international visitors in 2024 than its entire population — has a problem with too many tourists, adding that most visits are within just 4% of the country's territory.
'It's a phenomenon that can absolutely be managed,' Santanchè told The Associated Press in an interview in her office on Friday. 'Tourism must be an opportunity, not a threat — even for local communities. That's why we are focusing on organizing flows.'
Where overtourism is most intenseCountries on the Mediterranean are at the forefront. Olympics-host France, the biggest international destination, last year received 100 million international visitors, while second-place Spain received almost 94 million — nearly double its own population.
Protests have erupted across Spain over the past two years. In Barcelona, the water gun has become a symbol of the city's anti-tourism movement after marching protests have spritzed unsuspecting tourists while carrying signs saying: 'One more tourist, one less resident!'
The pressure on infrastructure has been particularly acute on Spain's Canary and Balearic Islands, which have a combined population of less than 5 million people. Each archipelago saw upwards of 15 million visitors last year.
Elsewhere in Europe, tourism overcrowding has vexed Italy's most popular sites including Venice, Rome, Capri and Verona, where Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' was set. On the popular Amalfi Coast, ride-hailing app Uber offers private helicopter and boat rides in the summer to beat the crowds.
Greece, which saw nearly four times as many tourists as its own population last year, has struggled with the strain on water, housing and energy in the summer months, especially on popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and others.
The impact of overtourism
In Spain, anti-tourism activists, academics, and the government say that overtourism is driving up housing costs in city centers and other popular locations due to the proliferation of short-term rentals that cater to visitors.
Others bemoan changes to the very character of city neighborhoods that drew tourists in the first place.
In Barcelona and elsewhere, activists and academics have said that neighborhoods popular with tourists have seen local shops replaced with souvenir vendors, international chains and trendy eateries.
On some of Greece's most-visited islands, tourism has overlapped with water scarcity as drought grips the Mediterranean country of 10.4 million.
In France, the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, shut down this week when its staff went on strike warning that the facility was crumbling beneath the weight of overtourism, stranding thousands of ticketed visitors lined up under the baking sun.
Angelos Varvarousis, a Barcelona- and Athens-based academic and urban planner who studies the industry, said overtourism risks imposing a 'monoculture' on many of Europe's hotspots.
'It is combined with the gradual loss and displacement of other social and economic activities,' Varvarousis said.
What authorities are doing to cope
Spain's government wants to tackle what officials call the country's biggest governance challenge: its housing crunch.
Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to take down almost 66,000 properties it said had violated local rules — while Barcelona announced a plan last year to phase out all of the 10,000 apartments licensed in the city as short-term rentals by 2028. Officials said the measure was to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents.
Elsewhere, authorities have tried to regulate tourist flows by cracking down on overnight stays or imposing fees for those visiting via cruises.
In Greece, starting July 1, a cruise tax will be levied on island visitors at 20 euros ($23) for popular destinations like Mykonos and 5 euros ($5.70) for less-visited islands like Samos.
The government has also encouraged visitors to seek quieter locations.
To alleviate water problems, water tankers from mainland Greece have helped parched islands, and the islands have also used desalination technology, which separates salts from ocean water to make it drinkable, to boost their drinking water.
Other measures have included staggered visiting hours at the Acropolis.
Meanwhile, Venice brought back an entry fee this year that was piloted last year on day-trippers who will have to pay between 5 and 10 euros (roughly $6 to $12) to enter the city during the peak season.
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AP journalists Laurie Kellman in London, Derek Gatopoulos in Athens and David Biller in Rome contributed.

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Tourism For The Soul: Eight European Pilgrimage Routes And Ancient Trails

Father and son rest on the rocky sea side during their pilgrimage journey. It is said that pilgrimage is the original form of mindful travel. And in our turbulent times, a walking (biking or running) journey through ancient, historical or religious routes -- particularly those renowned as European pilgrimages -- is a growing trend not only as tests of endurance but as paths to find calm for the spirit, a comforting form of 'tourism for the soul' through gorgeous destinations. Europe is full of venerable trails steeped in history where travelers can experience a meaningful inner adventure -- spending time outdoors, transversing natural beauty, and learning about amazing places. 'In a noisy, angry world, the simple act of walking each day toward a defined goal is an appealing, powerful prospect,' writes The Telegraph. 'A pilgrimage (secular or religious) forces you to ask what's important.' Lonely Planet describes the experience as 'a sacred path to spiritual renewal, a journey from head to heart, a test of endurance or a life-changing road to enlightenment.' Whatever the motivation and 'despite our secularising world, pilgrimage is enjoying a boom not seen since the Middle Ages,' The Guardian reports. Shadow silhouette of pilgrims in a road in Spain 's Camino Primitivo European Pilgrimage Routes Out of Competition Any list of a selection of the best European tours for the soul invariably starts with the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage destination so popular worldwide that we can declare it 'out of competition.' In the past few decades, the numbers of people walking to Santiago de Compostela have increased from 74,324 in 2003 to 440,370 in 2023 and to a record 499,239 pilgrims receiving the 'Compostela' certificate in 2024, an 11.9% increase from the previous year, according to Santiago's Pilgrim's Office.. Camino de Santiago -- also known as the Way of Saint James, deeply rooted in Christianity and functioning since the 9th century -- consist of an extensive network of ancient routes created by people walking from their homes across Europe and coming together at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where the remains of the apostle Saint James lie. While many are motivated by religious believes, other secular walkers do it as a 'mindful' journey, a physical achievement or as a practical way to explore European culture, historical sites and history itself. With a well-established infrastructure and extensive marketing efforts of related businesses, pilgrims find hostels, hotels, restaurants and stores along their way and the length of their journey can vary from many weeks to complete long traditional routes or shorter, partial itineraries according to taste. The vast and varied network of the Camino de Santiago has been compared to a river system where small brooks join together to make streams, and those streams come together to make rivers that 'flow' to the cathedral. During the Middle Ages, people walked out of their front doors and started off to Santiago, which was how the network grew. People walking along footpath crossing the dunes on the Portugal route to Santiago de Compostela The most popular journey (and very crowded in summer) is the Camino Francés, stretching 780 kilometers (some 500 miles) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago. This route is fed by three other major French paths: the Voie de Tours, the Voie de Vezelay, and the Voie du Puy. It's also joined along the way by the Camino Aragones, (fed by the Voie d'Arles that crosses the Pyrenees at the Somport Pass), the Camí de Sant Jaume from Montserrat near Barcelona, the Ruta de Tunel from Irun, the Camino Primitivo from Bilbao and Oviedo (more below) and by the Camino de Levante from Valencia and Toledo. As explained by UNESCO, which has declared the Camino an Outstanding World Heritage and offers a complete itinerary: 'To reach Spain, the pilgrims had to pass through France. Pilgrimage churches, simple sanctuaries, hospitals, bridges, roadside crosses bear witness to the spiritual and physical aspects of the pilgrimages. Spiritual exercise and manifestation of faith, the pilgrimage has also influenced the secular world in playing a decisive role in the birth and circulation of ideas and art." The other main routes of the Camino de Santiago, followed by almost half of the pilgrims, are the less crowded Camino Portugués, rolling along the coasts of Portugal and Spain – a month-long, 620-kilometer walk from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, or the 10-to-12 day, 265-kilometer hike from Porto. A lonely pilgrim walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The most popular part of this most popular route is the final 100 kilometers, starting in Sarria and ending in Santiago. But, as explained by The Telegraph, 'you don't have to walk to Santiago. You don't have to rough it in hostels. You don't even have to walk (an e-bike pilgrimage, maybe?). There are as many pilgrimages as there are people." Here are other spiritual paths related to the Camino de Santiago but less traveled: Wool Route, Spain The 700-kilometer Ruta de la Lana (Wool Route) links Valencia and Alicante with Burgos. It follows the path of the wool, running from the south of the country and dating back to before the Middle Ages, used by sheep-shearers and wool merchants and to take livestock to markets. Still today, they're taken by shepherds and their often-huge flocks, traveling to milder climates nearer the coasts for winter and to higher mountain pastures in summer. The route includes many iconic Romanesque churches and beautiful landscapes, including the Rio Dulce natural park, and the canyon of Caracena. Two larger towns, Cuenca and Sigüenza, are worth a rest day, and neither is on the overseas tourists' map. Camino Primitivo, Spain The Camino Primitivo is said to be the original and oldest way to Santiago, tracing the route taken by King Alfonso II in the 9th century. Today, fewer than 5% of pilgrims to Santiago choose the Camino Primitivo. This route is demanding, but its scenery and history make it a unique experience with steep ascents and descents and exceptional mountain views. It begins in Oviedo, taking ancient paths through lush peaks, valleys, and centuries old Spanish villages. Abbey Island, the idyllic patch of land in Derrynane Historic Park in County Kerry, Ireland Kerry Camino, Ireland On their long way to Santiago in the Middle Ages, Irish pilgrims would head to St. James Church in Dingle and from there sail to northern Spain to continue their walk. Modeled on the Camino de Santiago and linked to sixth-century St Brendan, the Kerry route starts in Tralee and winds down Ireland's Dingle Peninsula, which has some of the most dramatic scenery and coastlines. On the way, hikers pass ancient oratories, beaches, lively pubs, wave-bashed shores and some places to get pilgrim passports stamped. Via Jacobi (Jakobsweg), Switzerland Starting in Lake Constance and going to Lake Geneva, this 450-kilometer stretch of the Camino de Santiago has been described as one of the most majestic. The Via Jacobi slides along the foot of the Alpine chain, through historic churches, monasteries and chapels, – including the UNESCO-listed St Gallen -- hostels and lake-hugging Interlaken and Lausanne. Walkers are flanked by the Central Swiss Alps, the Bernese Oberland, the Freiburger Alps and Jorat's endless forests and can choose between various paths or follow them in succession. Via Francigena, Emblematic European Pilgrimage Monteroni d'Arbia's fields along the route of the via Francigena in Siena, Tuscany Another emblematic pilgrim route, also spread around different European countries, traces that described by Sigeric, then-Archbishop of Canterbury, on his return from Rome in AD 990. It focuses on the meanderings of St. Francis of Assisi, born in his namesake town of Assisi in Umbria in 1181, founder of the Franciscan order, and one of the most venerated Italian saints who lived a life of utmost poverty and penance, loved nature, saved animals and was said to perform miracles. Then there's the very challenging 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage from the UNESCO-listed Gothic Canterbury Cathedral (where Thomas Becket was killed in 1170) to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia, Italy, with crossings through France and Switzerland via breathtaking vineyards, flowing rivers, forests, olive tree-blanketed hills and the snow-covered Alps. Medieval towns, gothic abbeys and castles grace that route. The most popular sections of the Francigena are the Italian stretches that include gorgeous towns including Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and Siena. Via Francigena signpost in front of a sunflower field in central Tuscany Pilgrim's Way An alternative ancient route also related to Thomas Becket and followed by many medieval pilgrims, the Pilgrim's Way connects Winchester's massive cathedral to the shrine of the martyred archbishop in Canterbury via the River Itchen, the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs, first following St Swithun's Way and then the North Downs Way with woods, water meadows and vineyards, priories, burial chambers and medieval inns along the way. St Olav's Way, Norway and Sweden St. Olavsleden (St. Olav's way) is one of the world's northernmost pilgrim paths, extending for 564 kilometers from the Baltic Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, through Sweden and Norway and eleven municipalities. It follows the steps of Olav Haraldsson, the Viking king of Norway from 1015 to 1028, who brought Christianity to the country, and runs from Sundsvall in Sweden to Nidaros Cathedral, his burial place in fjord-side Trondheim, Norway. Pilgrims follow various Ways to reach his tomb. From verdant forests to majestic fjords, each step is an ode to nature and serenity. St Olav's Waterway in Finland: Porvoo, a popular destination with it's old wooden houses and shops St Olav's Waterway, Finland This strand of St Olav's Waterway takes walkers island hopping from medieval Turku and its cathedral on the Finnish mainland through the Finnish archipelago, one of the most beautiful in the world, via Åland – the islands of peace. It's a pilgrimage-cum-ferry hop across some of the Finnish Archipelago's 20,000 isles, passing charming harbours and churches. From there, committed pilgrims continue into Sweden. Once there, travelers can choose from several alternative routes to reach the final destination of Trondheim in Norway. Some start a pilgrimage route for spiritual reasons; others find spiritual fulfilment along the way. Most people set out on an European pilgrimage for spiritual reasons, others find spiritual fulfilment along the way. Undeniably, reaching the final goal is as rewarding as any of the beautiful journeys that lead to them. MORE FROM FORBES

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For Travel + Leisure's column Traveling As, we're talking to travelers about what it's like to explore the world through their unique perspectives. We chatted with Thor Pedersen of Denmark, who spent nearly a decade on a single journey to 203 countries around the world, never once getting on a plane. During the project, he detailed his experience on his blog, Once Upon a Saga , and visited Red Cross offices in 192 nations as a Danish Red Cross Goodwill Ambassador. His book "The Impossible Journey" came out this spring, with a documentary by the same name on its way. Here's his story… My mother was great at instilling in me adventure and imagination as a child. I would picture I was a part of Robin Hood's gang, Ivanhoe, or Indiana Jones. When I got older, I became fascinated with proper adventures of those who had gone inside the deepest, darkest jungles and followed the longest rivers, circumnavigated the planet, found their way to the North and South Poles, and made it to the moon. Eventually, I realized I was born too late. I couldn't be the first to reach the top of Mount Everest, for example, because that was done in 1953. The great firsts were gone. I felt a bit sad, like there was nothing left for the rest of us. Then, in 2013, my dad sent me an email about extreme travelers, people who'd gone to every country in the world. I had no idea this was possible. I thought it would take a lifetime, and you'd have to be a millionaire. Back then, about 200 people had already done this, and some were in their 20s, so that was quite inspiring. But, I realized, no one had traveled to every country without flying. I was 34 and figured I was likely on a path like everyone else my age: Start a family and continue my career. But I just couldn't leave the thought, so I started planning. I bought a map and blue and red pens, and sat down with my sister to plot out the route. I wanted to start in my home of Denmark, and then cover about two-thirds of the European countries, before going over the North Atlantic, North America, Central America, South America, and then up through the Caribbean. Then, I'd come over the Atlantic and go from West Africa to North Africa, finish the rest of Europe, and then go to the Middle East. That would connect to Asia, and then down through and around Australia and the Pacific. Eventually, I had a fully formed project and funding. Thor with camels while in Ethiopia in 2017. At the time I was planning the journey, I was in a new relationship with a wonderful woman I met in 2012, and we started dating in 2013. She wanted to do the Berlin Marathon that year, so we completed that together in September, and I set my departure date on Oct. 10 at 10:10 a.m. since the four 10s had a nice ring to it. I set three cardinal rules. First, I had to be in each country a minimum of 24 hours, but I could stay as long as I wanted. 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I thought, if I follow the rules, then there's a clear definition of what it means to visit every country without flying. But not being able to fly meant the countries all had to connect. Not getting a single visa could be an issue. If there was one country blocking me, I couldn't move forward. Thor on a train in Sri Lanka in 2023. There were many highlights. Venezuela is such a gorgeous country—I couldn't believe my eyes. There's something about the mountains, vegetation, and the size of the valleys, plus the coast and islands. I also went to Machu Picchu in the afternoon and had it to myself, since all the tours come in the morning. That was cool—standing in the mountains, seeing the clouds in between peaks, and looking at the ancient town. There was also the time I was on a container ship between Iceland and Canada during a four-day storm. The ship shook greatly for several days. It was winter and we got a report saying there was ice in the water—and we weren't far from where the Titanic sank. It was not a good situation. But at the end, a mirror-like condition hit the surface of the water, and it was just beautiful. Any time the surface broke, it was a whale or a dolphin. At night, we saw the northern lights. Four hours before we could see Canada, we could smell its forest since the wind blew pollen out east. It was incredible. When I was in the Pacific, where the water was a light turquoise blue, there was a moment the ship headed toward a huge rainbow. I was on top of the bridge and asked the officer, 'Is this normal?' He said he hadn't seen it before. But at its heart, my journey was about the people. My motto was, 'A stranger is a friend you've never met before.' Thousands of people had their hands in this project. People who would pat me on the back when I had a bad day, or give me a meal, a place to sleep, or just point me in the right direction. People would help with translations and connections. I was never alone—people around the world were helpful, funny, and generous. I knew it was going to be fun. I was going to meet people and eat great food. All that happened, but a couple of years into the project, it became challenging. I had to be in a country, whether or not I wanted it. In most countries, it wasn't a problem. But if I went to a place with armed conflict or was unable to get a visa, then the 24 hours becomes an issue. Not returning home was a tough rule. For instance, Equatorial Guinea is a beautiful little country with amazing flora and fauna. But it's also in a hard part of the world, with dictatorships and corruption. It's changed a lot since I was there in 2016. Back then, they were strict about who they wanted inside their country. It took me three months to get the visa. I went from one diplomatic mission to the next to the next, often going back to countries I had already been to and having to get visas so I could re-enter those countries just to go and get denied a visa. When I finally got the visa, the borders were shut. It was rumored there had been a coup attempt and that it had failed. I only had 30 days to enter before my visa expired, so I was desperate. I tried so many things. Three days before its expiration, I met a French expat working in Equatorial Guinea, who was able to take me inside the country. The project was estimated to take less than four years, but it ended up taking nine years, nine months, and 16 days. This meant I was in a long-distance relationship for almost a decade. My now-wife came 27 times, which corresponds with 27 different countries. (She used a plane every time.) We had our ups and downs in the first few years. She was studying to become a doctor, got her PhD, and then she started a career. 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She almost danced all the way down the mountain. At the bottom, we had some popcorn and tea. There were even monkeys on the rooftop. I was down to the last nine countries when the global pandemic hit. I was supposed to spend four days in Hong Kong to make transit between two ships. In the beginning, the country was tightly closed. I ended up being separated from my fiancé for a year and a half. There was no way I could get her inside Hong Kong unless we were married. Then, I learned there was an agency in Utah where you can get married online. She was in Copenhagen at 10 p.m., I was in Hong Kong past midnight, and we had family and friends logging on from all over. Due to the time difference, we were not technically married on the same day. We got the paperwork, and that was good enough for Hong Kong to allow her to get a visa. She did three weeks in hotel quarantine, and then we were together. But after that, we couldn't get the paperwork past Denmark. So after I left Hong Kong, we met again in Vanuatu, a beautiful island nation in the Pacific. We just happened to meet a German who had been living there for a long time. He had a resort and arranged many weddings. So we decided to get married there. In a short span of time, we got married on the beach, had cake, and took photos. But Denmark said no for a second time, stating it wasn't a real wedding. So we finally got married in city hall in Copenhagen after I got home. It's a funny thing, we've been married three times now. Even though the journey came with smiles and laughs, I wanted out two years into the project. And I pushed for almost eight more years to complete it. The two years of the pandemic, not knowing how long it was going to be, was mentally very stressful. In the moment, I would look back, thinking about all the people I'd met, places I'd been, and things I'd learned. It was also good to look forward, like someday I'll be in Japan. But sometimes it was nightmarish. I didn't realize there would be so much paperwork involved. In some countries, securing a bus or train ticket required a marathon of paperwork. In other places, it took a couple of minutes on the phone. The longest I spent on a ship was about 10 months. Thor, in 2023 while traveling on cargo ship in Fiji. When I was on my way to my final country, the Maldives, someone sent a message saying, 'This is the last time in your life you can visit a new country.' But I love going back to countries. There's always stuff I haven't seen. It's fun to go back and see how things change. Now I'm working on Project 773, which has divided the world into more pieces, and I'm working on trying to visit 773 of them so I can be Denmark's most traveled man. I hope that from learning about my journey, people will be inspired to follow their goals. We have to fight hard for the things we hold dear and fight harder for the things we believe in. Whether you want to finish an education, learn a language, excel in playing an instrument, or a million other things, remember to fight for it. If you're unable to obtain it on your own, then expand your circle. Now, my wife and I have a daughter. We just did a 40-day RV trip across the country, traveling through 18 states and more than 6,500 miles. Hopefully, she will also learn to pursue her goals with some determination—and I hope she will travel. Actually, I hope everyone will travel and cross more borders to meet more people.

Travel + Leisure

2 hours ago

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This East Asian City Has the Most Skyscrapers in the World—Plus Iconic Hotels and Legendary Dim Sum

See Hong Kong from above by riding the gondola up to Ngong Ping village, home to the largest Buddha statue in the city. Party the night away at the tallest rooftop bar in the world at Ozone. Take a Rolls-Royce or helicopter ride at The Peninsula. Dine on modern Cantonese cuisine and listen to 80s Canto-pop at Ho Lee Fook. Try your hand at haggling at the famous Temple Street Night Market. It's hard to imagine a place more international and metropolitan than Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a vibrant hub that sees millions of travelers every day. It's also one of the most significant financial centers in the world, and home to one of the most important commercial ports—a fact that has caused this little slice of the South China Sea to change hands between major world powers a few times in recent history. But all that change and cultural melting pot action has led to one of the most diverse, complex, and vibrant cities that you'll find in East Asia. A trip to Hong Kong is very much a choose-your-own adventure. You could eat noodles at a hawker stall or tuck into Michelin-starred dining. You could get lost in the hustle and bustle of city life or spend a quiet beach day on the outer islands. "Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart," says Virginia Chan, owner of Humid with a Chance of Fishballs, a tour operator offering guided tours of the city. "The vibrant energy is palpable. The best thing is the synergy between the East and the West, and how perfectly the old and the new marry together. Many might not realize that just 20 minutes away from the concrete jungle lies a natural oasis with beautiful hiking trails." Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Hong Kong. Scenes inside the Rosewood Hong Kong. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The Rosewood Hong Kong has large luxurious rooms, amazing views of the harbor, incredible design and artwork, as well as 11 different bars and restaurants, including one of the city's best afternoon teas at the Butterfly Room. Or you could load up on curry, samosas, or chicken tikka at the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Chaat. The Peninsula is arguably one of the most well-known and historic hotels in Hong Kong. On Christmas Day in 1941, British officials surrendered to Imperial Japanese forces in the Peninsula, ushering in four years of Japanese occupation in Hong Kong. Major historical events aside, the Peninsula is known for its distinct, East-meets-West style of luxury (if you couldn't tell by the massive stone lions and bellhops in white tunics). For those looking for a sumptuous stay in the city, there's no better place than the Peninsula, according to Chan. 'Should one wish for a real treat, they can choose to take a helicopter ride for panoramic views of the city, starting at the helipad located on the top of the Peninsula," she says. "Also, The Peninsula boasts the largest fleet of Rolls-Royce cars owned by a hotel, so Rolls-Royce airport transfers are fair game!' For those looking for a luxe option on Hong Kong Island, look no further than Mandarin Oriental. Since it opened in 1963, this hotel has been a favorite among the rich and famous, and has welcomed guests such as Eartha Kitt, Christian Dior, and, more recently, Michelle Yeoh. It's just steps away from Hong Kong's SoHo district, making it a convenient home base to explore all the shops, restaurants, and bars that the one of the city's liveliest neighborhoods has to offer. This iconic hotel recently underwent a major two-year renovation and reopened in 2023 to rave reviews. In fact, it was voted the best in the city by Travel + Leisure readers in 2024. "Regent Hong Kong's location makes it a great place to post up," said T+L editor Susmita Baral. "The Victoria Harbour waterfront means you have stunning views, easy access to museums, and can get around the city through public transit or ferries. But my biggest takeaway is that it feels like a private oasis in the bustling city." The Big Buddha in Ngong Ping village. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure A fun fact: Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world. There are many ways to admire the skyline, but taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak is the best way to see Hong Kong's iconic skyline. In fact, it's one of Chan's favorite tourist attractions. She recommends buying a ticket beforehand or using an Octopus Card to skip the line. 'Take a leisurely stroll to Lugard Road Lookout Point for a magnificent 180-degree view of the city," Chan says. Visiting Tian Tan Buddha (aka the Big Buddha) is truly one of those things where the act of getting there is just as exciting as reaching the destination. The 3.5-mile gondola ride not only has great views of Hong Kong's densely packed cityscape, but you'll also get to see the lush jungle landscapes that hug it. Spend some extra time exploring the surrounding village, the Po Lin Monastery, where you can even enjoy a lunch cooked by the local monks. Chan recommends making it a full-day trip to see the old stilt houses of nearby Tai O, a historic fishing village. This massive complex was originally constructed in the early 1860s and served as the Central Police Station until the 2000s. Over the years, new additions were added to the original building, and it would eventually also have a dormitory and a prison. These days, however, it's now used as a retail and entertainment complex, after a massive revitalization project transformed the building. Visitors can now dine, shop, and even go to the movies at Tai Kwun. Don't skip the museum, which focuses on the building's history and even has some display prison cells. This promenade runs along the harbor on Kowloon and has incredible views of Hong Kong. Here, you'll find the Avenue of the Stars, which pays tribute to famous Hong Kong film stars such as Jackie Chan, who was born in the city. You can also shop till you drop at the massive luxury malls, watch (or catch) the ferries and the junk boats along the water, and watch the twinkling lights of the skyline at night. The bustling Temple Street Night Market. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure For a unique souvenir, go treasure hunting in Hong Kong's first and last hand-painted porcelain factory. As you wander the stacked aisles, you can see employees painting new inventory. But be aware that not everything is painted on-site, so Chan suggests checking the bottom of the pieces that you're interested in to confirm its origin. No matter what you may be looking for, there's probably a street market in Hong Kong that sells it. From Goldfish Street to Flower Market, there truly is something for everyone in the city. Temple Street Night Market is a favorite for trinkets and souvenirs. If you're looking for bags or dupes in general, head to Ladies Night Market. Chan suggests Cat Street (also known as Antiques Street) for unique finds, like charms that will match your Chinese Zodiac sign. Also, don't let the 'Night Market' label fool you—most of the markets are open in the afternoon. This massive compound used to be a dormitory for married police officers, but it's now an artist residence, full of studios and shops. "[There are] lots of unique and very cool one-off stores in here and great souvenirs as well,' Chan says. Your typical souvenir shop, this is not. Gods of Desire focuses on modern, design-forward and modern gifts and has everything from locally designed clothing to Hong Kong-themed games. The Hong Kong skyline at night. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, this is the tallest rooftop bar in the world. While it's a great place to sip cocktails and enjoy small plates atop the city any day, a visit here feels particularly special on New Year's Eve, when the night sky is peppered with fireworks. If you're ready to get the party started, then head to Lan Kwai Fong, one of the city's most popular nightlife hot spots. The streets of LKF (as the locals call it) are lined with live music venues, cocktail bars, and clubs, but you'll also spot young people simply partying it up in the street. If you're looking for a more sophisticated cocktail experience, Chan suggests heading to SoHo, a neighborhood located next to LKF. This small area is packed with award-winning bars that have creative menus and excellent service. Chen especially recommends the Mexican-inspired Coa, Bar Leone, or the Savory Project. 'You'll never have to sober up or have an empty drink in hand before your next," Chan says. Dishes served at Chaat. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Eating at this Michelin-starred restaurant is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Expect elevated takes on Cantonese classics using the finest of luxury ingredients. Menu highlights include items like braised abalone, honey-glazed barbecue pork, and stuffed crab shells. Ho Lee Fook, owned by the Black Sheep hospitality group, describes itself as "a Chinese restaurant with a Hong Kong heart." Here, you'll find an elegantly decorated space (think boldly patterned wallpaper, a wall of golden maneki neko, and an open kitchen), and solid Cantonese dishes. 'The flavors are more bold and cater to those who like punchier flavors," she says. "[There's also] great cocktails and a great interior to match." You'll have no problem finding Chinese food in Hong Kong, so if you're craving something different, try Louise. This Michelin-starred French restaurant is tucked away in a heritage building and serves seasonally inspired dishes in a cozy ambiance. Indian food in Hong Kong might not sound like a must-do experience, but this restaurant located in the Rosewood Hong Kong serves truly unforgettable meals. Dishes like lobster curry and burrata palak will have you nearly licking the plate. View of a park on along the water in Hong Kong. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, meaning the summer season brings heat and humidity—and sometimes even typhoons. You'll experience the best weather if you visit between October and December, and Hong Kong rarely gets colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers can be hot and rainy, but Chan points out that it's actually a great time to find deals on flights and accommodations. The city also plays host to several huge events throughout the year, the biggest holiday naturally being Lunar New Year, which brings parades, fireworks, and Hong Kong's famous flower markets. Art Basel Hong Kong, one of the largest art shows in Asia, usually takes place in March. There are also a number of smaller, quirky festivals. Chan says her two favorites are the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competition, where racers try to climb up a 46-foot-tall tower of buns, and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which takes place during the Mid-Autumn Festival. As part of the celebration, a 220-foot-tall dragon is constructed out of 12,000 sticks of incense. A plaza in Hong Kong's central neighborhood. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Hong Kong's Central neighborhood is the heart of the city and is filled with skyscrapers, intertwining malls, and bustling streets. It's also home to some of the city's most popular nightlife spots as well as major attractions like the Victoria Peak Tram. This trendy neighborhood has several award-winning bars, including Bar Leone, which holds the title of the best bar in Asia and the second-best in the world. You'll also find a ton of unique Australian coffee shops and fun eateries in the area. If you want a peek into Hong Kong's past, there's no better place to visit than Wan Chai, which seamlessly blends the past and present. In between independent boutiques and cool cafes, you'll find cultural landmarks like the Blue House, the oldest prewar tenement building in the city, and wet markets. This little village on Lantau Island was once a bustling fishing community, but is now one of the more unique destinations in the Hong Kong area. 'Tai O is called the Venice of the Orient for good reason," Chan says. 'You can go on a boat ride through the stilt houses and, if you're lucky, you'll get a glimpse of the pink dolphins that are found in Hong Kong's waters.' She also suggests trying the Chinese-style donuts at Tai O Bakery. Hong Kong International Airport (HGK) is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, about 21 miles from the heart of the city. As a major travel hub, the airport receives multiple direct flights every day from all around the world, including places like Seattle, New York, and even Dallas, thanks to a recently added Cathay Pacific route. Cathay Pacific even has a stopover program that lets passengers explore Hong Kong for a couple of days before heading to their final destination. Passengers on Hong Kong's Star Ferry. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure One of the best things about Hong Kong is its robust public transportation system. The expansive Mass Transit Railway system includes metro lines, buses, and even old-school trams. I also recommend taking the ferries, which give you incredible skyline views for less than a U.S. dollar. The best way to pay for any mode of transportation in Hong Kong is to opt for an Octopus Card. The Octopus Card is also accepted at some stores and restaurants, making it the most convenient way to pay for almost anything in Hong Kong. These can be purchased (and topped up) at the airport or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Taxis (which are red in Hong Kong) are abundant and easy to use—but keep in mind that they're metered and cash-only. Uber is available in Hong Kong, but operates in a legal gray area.