Private tour in Hong Kong William S

Streets of Hong Kong Local Style (Half Day Tour)

4.9

(34) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

William S.

4.9

Guide rating

145

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Experience The Streets of Hong Kong With An Accomplished Artist, Professional Photographer and One of ToursByLocals Most Highly Rated Hong Kong Guides. . . Greetings Fellow Travelers, Welcome to Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient! Allow me to share with you the finest ways to experience all facets of this truly magnificent city, culturally, historically and visually, just as we locals do; so that when we are finished, you will be able to confidently and knowledgeably relate the modern story of Hong Kong as an inquisitive and well informed cultural traveler. I'm an American of Asian descent and I have lived as a local in an old neighborhood of Kowloon called To Kwa Wan for 22 years. I spent substantial amounts of time here on business and pleasure over the years following my earliest visits in the 1970s and witnessed the evolution of this city as well as the rest of North and South East Asia over the past 50 years. I am also a retired international lawyer and have reinvented myself as a professional artist, urban street photographer, and a street-savvy premium Hong Kong guide. I have performed 1500+ premium private tours to date. My artwork and photography have been featured on prominent American and international websites for over a decade and I sell prints to collectors from all over the world. I have literally spent thousands of hours walking the streets of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and Old Macau, camera in hand, searching for all manner of intriguing people, local points of interest, fine eateries and the wonders of Cantonese street culture in all of its curious manifestations. In my preparations to serve as your premium guide, I have also logged countless hours engaging in cultural and historical research of pre-colonial, colonial and modern-day Hong Kong. I pride myself in being a keen social observer, an artist/entertainer, a lover of good food and a culturally intelligent human being. Much of my knowledge of Hong Kong is a knowledge that I acquired long before I started preparations to offer premium guide services. Knowledge I acquired when my Dad had offices here in the 1970s and I visited during summer breaks, living in an old Chinese neighborhood in a 'Chinese style' building, interacting with family and relatives in Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau, observing local holidays and traditions, relishing all manner of local cuisine and nightlife, wandering and exploring the many old urban and rural neighborhoods as a raw street photographer and just being a curious and alert cultural observer. I have spent a lifetime honing my skills as a communicator and I have redirected these skills to sharing my unique portfolio of local knowledge and experience with maximum efficacy. I have plenty of intriguing local facts and anecdotes to share with each and every one of you. It is one thing to blather on about the much-touted "hidden gems" of the universe, it is quite another to put in the requisite elbow grease to build and share a comprehensive framework connecting the multitude of cultural and historical dots in an engaging and user-friendly manner. Hence, my mission can be encapsulated as follows: To provide all of my clients with an entertaining, deeply informative and street savvy premium travel experience ultimately leading to cherished memories, a portfolio of stunning on-tour photographs, an urge for further cultural and historical investigation and a strong desire to return to this fascinating city that I will call my home for many years to come. All of my premium tour engagements are performed soulfully by me. Accordingly, you can expect the utmost attention to detail in preparation, proactive communication, positive attitude and demeanor and the highest standard of client service professionalism. Warm regards from Hong Kong! William Resident of Hong Kong for over 20 years. Lived and/or worked for substantial periods in the following cities: NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, London, Warsaw, Kobe, Singapore, Shanghai and Bangkok. Master Digital Artist and Professional Photographer (i.e., people from around the globe purchase my works). Tourist Guide License TG12434 issued by Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. First Aid Certification Hong Kong Red Cross Retired International Lawyer (admitted NYC Bar 1982) Featured in Hong Kong's Apple News Daily (William, an American who knows his way around Hong Kong like a native Hong Konger) 1500+ Premium Private Tours Delivered to Date. Tours By Locals Guide On-Boarding Team (2018-2020). Tours By Locals Night Tour recently featured in June 2019 issue of American Airlines Inflight Magazine. Five HarvardX Courses Completed: -Ming China -Modern China's Foundations; The Manchu and Qing -Invasions and Rebellions and the End of Imperial China -Creating Modern China: Birth of a Nation -China and Communism Please note the following: A. I do not offer food tours and am unable to handle complicated dietary requirements. For this I can refer you to another capable guide. B. I am not a commercial driver. However, I can engage a late model air conditioned car or van with driver at reasonable cost, if requested.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message William S.

Overview of your Hong Kong tour

If you are looking for a 4 hour cultural and historic walking tour of Hong Kong specifically tailored to meet the interests of an inquisitive and discerning cultural traveler, this is the tour for you. I will make sure you will see and experience a truly memorable mix of iconic Hong Kong points of interest as well as plenty of localities far off the mainstream touristic path in a slightly shortened half day time frame. You can still count on plenty of vibrant local street culture. You can also expect a smattering of yummy local street snacking coupled with my sophisticated NYC cab driver style of commentary along the way. As my parents used to say if you truly want to understand a culture you have to look at how the people eat, pray and trade. That means neighborhood street life, local street markets, yummy street food, local eateries and all manner of Taoist, Buddhist and local folk temples and shrines. My bespoke Hong Kong cultural tours are strictly private and tailored to meet your expectations.

Recent Reviews

Ira S.United States
April 2026

Bill led us on a fabulous tour of Kowloon on 18 April 2026. His friendly manner and his deep knowledge of Hong Kong made for a fascinating tour and a great learning experience. We would highly recommend Bill as a guide in Hong Kong.

Belinda S.United Kingdom
April 2023

I enjoyed a great tour around some of Hong Kong with Bill. He is a great guide who is very knowledgeable and takes you around some interesting places. He gave some good tips about where else to visit along with lots of photo opportunities.

Todd B.United States
January 2020

The Streets of Hong Kong tour is a great way to see the city's highlights. Bill is very friendly and knows a great deal about the city. He will show you areas that you might not otherwise see, if you tour the city on your own. Ask him to take you to Hong Kong Island, which we found to be very interesting and so glad that we saw it.

Susan K.United States
December 2019

We will definitely give him five stars. Bill had a great local knowledge and some great insight into the history and political workings of this area. We saw a lot in a short period of time. He took some great photographs. He was very pleasant to be with. Would highly recommend. Richard and Susan

Kris H.United States
December 2019

Thanks, Bill. Loved it all, great information and conversation!! Kris & Cary

Chandra S.United States
September 2019

Wow, I have such rave reviews for Bill. His preparation was my first impression when he emailed me back promptly every time I had tons of questions about HK. He gave me updated info which comforted me & my family before even going. On our day trip together could not have been better, he took extra time & effort (I use a manual wheelchair) to get me around the city. What a day that was, he knows the area so well. Finally He had more ideas of safe places for me to visit while I'm here. Thanks so much Bill!

Your Hong Kong tour itinerary

This is a private walking tour which means the itinerary will be personalized to meet your preferences. You can choose Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. On Hong Kong Island we will visit Victoria peak and the Central District. In Kowloon we will visit Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade; Kowloon Walled City Park; Chi Lin Nunnery and the markets of Mongkok. If you are an avid amateur photographer, phone camera user or simply want to have your visit well documented with cherished photographic memories, I'm your guide.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

The tour is an authentic combination of urban walking and all modes of public transportation including trolleys, ferries, buses, subways and cabs, as needed.

What's included
Other: My services as your private local guide for the day. My seasoned advice before, during and after your tour (including detailed instructions), on how to maximise your pleasure and enjoyment during your visit safely and securely. Important: I put the highest priority on protecting my clients and conducting my tours safely. If you have any questions concerning the current travel safety situation in Hong Kong, feel free to ask.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance fees if applicable.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Your hotel or accommodation.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Boat
Food And Drink
History
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
299996
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Hong Kong best suited for?

This private tour in Hong Kong is best suited for inquisitive and discerning cultural travellers who are interested in a cultural and historic walking tour. It's perfect for those who want to experience a mix of iconic Hong Kong points of interest and localities off the mainstream tourist path. The tour is also ideal for avid amateur photographers or anyone who wants to document their visit with cherished photographic memories.

Can this private tour in Hong Kong be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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