I am finally taking a round the world trip, and have the option to stop in either Hong Kong or Singapore on the way home (December). Always up for discovering new places, I would like to stay for 3 or 4 days and see the city. My problem is I can’t choose which one! I will be travelling alone, and so safety is a priority. I think at that point, I will be looking for somewhere to relax, do some shopping and take in some of the city sites. Which city should I choose?

For December I would choose Singapore as Hong Kong can be rather cool or cold. As far as safety you can't beat Singapore either!

I don't think you could go "wrong" with either. Both are very safe, both offer a myriad of things to do and see. Singapore has great street food and a mix of Indian and Malay culture which is interesting, Hong Kong has the harbour/mountain/scenery going on that really is hard to beat for drama and photographs. We also have excellent hiking, ferries to outlying islands for getting out of the city, and some very good restaurants (street food is not as good as Singapore, but otherwise good food generally). Shopping in both is good, I would not pick one or the other for shopping really, as both offer a lot more in terms of culture and sight-seeing. Both will be decorated for Christmas with skyscrapers and shops lit up. I have lived in both and think both would be a very good place for 3-4 days.

I have to say I disagree with the advice abvove about the weather in Hong Kong; as the weather is actually just about perfect in December, dry and sunny and temps in the 70s F/22 C most days, cooler at night. Cold temps can occur, but are generally later in the year, and even that is qutie relative, it does not go below about 50 F or 12 C ever. It is the weather we wait for all year. Singapore will be in the rainy season, so overcast would be the norm with rain, sometimes heavy at times, but it not really that important as you are not going for the beaches and even heavy rain would not affect your ability to see and enjoy the place. See weatherbase.com for info on both.

"Cold temps can occur, but are generally later in the year" - I thought December is pretty late in the year unless you're on the lunar calendar.

100% with Cicerone. Weather in Hong Kong is great in December.

Safetey is not a concern in either place.

With 3-4 days, I'd definitely recommend Hong Kong, which has more to offer in places to see. If you're tired of it, hop on a ferry and go to Macau for a day trip.

Either would be a fine choice. I'd probably vote for Singapore as it's more manageable in three or four days. For me anyway, there is so much to see and do in Hong Kong that I'd be frustrated with just three or four days (and I've been there several times before). Singapore has plenty to keep you interested and occupied, but as it's a small city-state you can see a lot and get a real feel for the place in just three or four days.

As other have said, both cities are quite safe, though there is likely no safer city on earth than Singapore.

Singapore. Happy Travels!

3-4 days is not too short for Hong Kong. In fact, I think the majority of travelers will think that's about right. It doesn't have a Lourve or Versailles that will take all day, and transportation is efficient that it doesn't take that long to go from one place to another (except for the islands).

That's interesting, Ray. My trips to Hong Kong have always been at least 5 or 6 days and I always leave feeling that there is so much I didn't have time for!

Kathie - If someone says they have 10 days and want me to show them around Hong Kong, I can find stuff for them, easy.

But for most travelers, 3-4 days is not too short. Heck, 2 days in Paris is not too short for me, if I have two days to spend.

3-4 days will cover all the highlights of Hong Kong easily. It's definitely NOT a reason to NOT visit HK.

I prefer SP and i found it warmer (i wentto HK this past December and it was 15c brrrr)
They are however both great places but i think SP is easier to navigate as Kathie sad.

We just did a 3 night stopover in HK last month, and were so glad we did!

Dec? Definitely Hong Kong! Perfect for 3-4 days. In Dec all the decorative lights will be on buildings both sides of the harbor. Take the cross harbor ferry for the amazing view. The atmosphere will be wonderful. The weather will be cool enough to stroll through the night markets. Shops in HK generally close later than Singapore so you can sightsee during the day, take a break, then shop in the evening. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar so you will get more bang for your buck. No sales tax in HK vs. 7% in Singapore. Nothing against Singapore but walking around the city all hot and sweaty isn't what I find relaxing.

Thanks so much for all of the helpful responses. I have to say I am leaning towards Hong Kong right now....
J