Hong Kong: a charming city of contrasts, where the lights of towering skyscrapers and neon billboards illuminate traditional storefronts and ancient temples. Dine on street food and sip cocktails in luxury rooftop bars; hike up cloud-shrouded mountain peaks and sail across calm blue waters; shop the latest trends in mega malls or negotiate a bargain in one of the city’s timeworn markets. Discover all our tips and our favorite things to do in Hong Kong!
Things to do in Hong Kong
This famous city in Asia, located south of China, is divided into three islands: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and Lantau – each boasting fantastic sights. Public transport connections are great, and we found it easy to travel between the islands using the subway and ferry.
Tip: At the top, you can also visit the 360-degree viewing platform, Sky Terrace 428. The price is HKD 52 (7 USD), which is worth it for unobstructed views. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, don’t worry; there are plenty of other great spots on the peak to get some beautiful snaps of Hong Kong.
How to Visit Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is one of our favorite things to do in Hong Kong! Here are three ways you can visit the peak:
Tram to Victoria Peak
The famous Peak Tram is one of the most popular and fun ways to reach the top. The journey is so steep that travelers on the tram experience an optical illusion; the skyscrapers look as if they’re tilting on their side! For the best views (and most chance of experiencing this optical illusion,) sit on the right side of the tram.
Opening times + Tickets: 7 AM – Midnight. A return ticket costs HKD 108 (14 USD). It’s the quickest but most expensive way to get to the top (only a 7-minute journey). The tram gets packed quickly, so book tickets in advance!
Alternatively, you can buy a combined ticket for both the tram and the Sky Terrace. Book your ticket in advance here
Bus
Take bus number 15 from the Central Bus Terminus as a cheaper alternative. On average, there are buses every 10-15 minutes. The fare is HKD 9.80 for adults (1.50 USD), so it’s considerably cheaper than the tram. You can pay with your Octopus card by simply scanning the card as you board the bus.
Walking
If you’re up for a challange you can walk to the top in a 1-hour steep climb through green parkland. We recommend only doing this if you have time on your itinerary.
Tip: Something we didn’t do was checking the live cams to see if there is a view at Victoria Peak, as it can often be cloudy at the top – so we had to come back another day. On a clear day, go to Lugard Rd (on the peak) for unbeatable views of HK. Here is the exact location.
2. Hike Braemer Hill
Another great viewpoint in Hong Kong is Braemer Hill. It’s also one of the easiest hikes, as it only took us 30 minutes to walk to the peak. Best of all, it’s less famous than Victoria Peak!
Tip: Time your hike to arrive for sunset when you can watch the sky turn from beautiful pastel colors to bright neon lights. We weren’t that lucky as you can see below. ;-)
Getting to Braemer Hill
From Causeway Bay, we took bus 25 to Braemar Hill. Alternatively, you can take your most convenient MTR (check schedules here). Once you get off the bus, there is a small path with stairs next to the big building. This will take you straight to the top.
Although you can choose from several routes on this hillside, all with their unique character, the main route up to Braemer Hill is the most visible. This route usually takes you to Red Incense Burner Summit (another viewpoint), whereas Braemer Hill is further up.
What’s really unique is that there’s now a glass-bottomed cable car to reach the top, so you can have a bird’s-eye view of the remarkable landscapes below you as you travel. One of us is quite afraid of heights and this was fine, so it’s doable even for those who might be scared!
Once at the top, you’ll find a few temples and even a tiny village with modern amenities. For example, there’s a 7-Eleven store, a Subway, and a Starbucks!
Tip: Because you’re high up here, it can get really cold, so always remember to bring a jacket. Like the other peaks in Hong Kong, it’s worth checking the weather before you leave.
Getting to Lantau Island
Which MTR you take will depend on where you’re leaving from. However, from the most popular spots in the city (including Hong Kong Central), you’ll want to take the Tung Chung line. Check MTR schedules here.
From Tung Chung, walk for a few minutes to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, which will take you to Tian Tan Buddha.
Tip: We recommend taking the cable car as the most enjoyable and quickest way to visit Tian Tan Buddha (book your tickets here). However, there’s also the cheaper option of bus number 23 (departs from near the station) but this does take a bit longer.
4. Victoria Harbour
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without looking across the epic Victoria Harbour. This body of water separates the two islands of Hong Kong and Kowloon and is always bustling with ships of all kinds. However, it’s most known for its iconic skyline view, particularly at night, when you can see all the twinkling lights of the city reflected in the water.
Tip: There is no bridge (only tunnels taking cars across), so most pedestrians choose to take the iconic Star Ferry to cross the harbor. And this is the best way to see it! (read here)
Another great spot to view the harbor is from the dazzling ‘Avenue of Stars’ in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon). This spot is Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, where you’ll find stars imprinted into the promenade to celebrate all of Hong Kong’s most famous actors.
Note: There are two good times to visit Avenue of Stars. The first is before 9 AM when you’ll share this spot only with locals. After that, it does get busy with tourists. It’s also a good spot to watch the sunset over Hong Kong!
5. Boat Ride on the Star Ferry
One of the best ways to see the magic of the Hong Kong skyline is from the water. It offers a totally different perspective; there’s nothing quite like seeing the skyscrapers reflected in the milky blue water!
Although you can join organized boat tours, one of the best views is from the Star Ferry, which is designed to bring locals across the harbor. The trip is very short, but there’s no better way to watch Hong Kong from the bay!
Important information: The Star Ferry crosses between Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wanchai. When entering the ferry, make sure you go through the upper deck walkway. This will give you the best views (there are different paths for the upper and lower decks). There are also different prices, with the upper deck being a bit more expensive (HKD 5) because of the better views. See all fare options and schedules here.
Evening Harbor Cruise
There’s also the option to pay more for an evening harbor cruise, which takes you on an hour-long trip during the ‘Symphony of Lights’. Unlimited drinks are included, and it’s a great way to see one of the top things to do in Hong Kong.
6. Watch the Symphony of Lights Show
One of the most iconic things to do in Hong Kong is to see the Symphony of Lights, a show that takes place every night on the waterside. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the soundtrack, which echoes across the city as lasers and neon lights dance over the tranquil water and Hong Kong’s iconic buildings.
Timing: The show is free and takes place at 8 PM every night. It usually lasts just under 15 minutes.
The best places to watch the show are the Avenue of Stars, Wan Chai Boulevard, or on this boat tour.
7. Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula Hotel
The Peninsula Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Hong Kong, if not the world! It’s hosted the rich and famous for nearly 100 years, forming a key part of the city’s cultural identity. The decor is influenced by the colonial era, with luxury rooms, English afternoon tea, and a fleet of green Rolls-Royces parked out front. There’s even a helipad on the hotel roof.
Tip: Revel in its glamour for a moment by enjoying a cocktail or English afternoon tea one evening. The prices are high, but it’s worth it to see inside. (Book your table in advance here)
8. Dine on Dim Sum
Hong Kong is all about the art of dim sum, a variety of small Chinese dishes (usually dumpling-based) most often served at brunch. The dumplings can be steamed, fried, or baked and contain meat, fish, or vegetables. Servers bring round trolleys piled high with bamboo steamers.
Our Favorite Dim Sum Restaurants
- Tim Ho Wan (cheapest Michelin-star restaurant in the world!)
- Dim Sum Square
- New Hing Fat Dim Sum
If you’re a foodie, a food tour in Hong Kong is an absolute must! It’s a great way to learn about local dishes and the melting pot of cultural influences. Book this popular street food tour in Hong Kong
9. Go Shopping in Causeway Bay
Welcome to Causeway Bay: the shopping haven of Hong Kong! Get your retail therapy fix at one of the vast shopping malls, surrounded by bright flashing lights and neon billboards. There’s also a good mix of small streets and cute shops in between, so you can easily spend an afternoon absorbing yourself in the Hong Kong fashion scene.
Our top tip: This area is a good place to watch the sunset as it looks back onto Kowloon’s skyline. You can also take the Star Ferry (check the schedule) from Causeway Bay or the bus to Braemar Hill, so consider combining one of these activities with your visit.
10. Explore Hong Kong’s Markets
Among the modern skyscrapers, digital billboards, and neon lights of Hong Kong, you’ll still find charming old markets spilling down the avenues and alleys. It’s this melting pot of modernity and history that makes the city so exciting! Here are some of our favorite markets to visit on your trip:
Flower Market
Imagine an entire street filled with flower shops! We visited during the holiday season, and many locals were buying flowers to take as offerings to the temples. Although we thought it would be a bit bigger, we still enjoyed it.
Yaumatei Fruit Market
This is a very local market with a surprising amount of strawberries on offer. Although it’s nothing special, we think it’s a fun stop on your market hop. You can visit Yaumatei on this market walking tour. (book tickets here)
Ladies’ Market
Discover the famous Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok, one of the city’s busiest and most authentic neighborhoods. This long market has tons of shops selling endless souvenirs, each separated by a very narrow path. Although it can feel crowded, this is all part of the experience!
Tip: At the North end of the Ladies’ Market, after the bus terminal, head to the metro overpass, which offers a fantastic view of the hundreds of shops in the market.
Temple Street Night Market
Although this market is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong, it didn’t live up to the hype for us. That said, it has a beautiful food area with many options, making it an excellent stop if you want to try local delicacies. (Try the best street food on this popular market tour)
11. Enjoy Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
With such a range of skyscrapers in Hong Kong, make the most of the endless luxury rooftop bars. After a day in the hot, crowded streets of the city, take the elevator up to the top floor, where you’ll emerge into the cool air above. Not only is this a great way to finish off a day of exploring, but you’ll see the city’s finest views — perfect at sunset!
Most of the rooftop bars in Hong Kong are hosted in exquisite hotels, which is a nice way to experience some luxury, even if you’re traveling on a budget. Remember that most bars will have a minimum spend and a dress code, so read the small print before you book. Here are some of our favorites:
- Ozone: Hosted in the Ritz-Carlton, this is the highest bar in Hong Kong! Reserve your table here.
- Aqua: Stunning skyline views with an Italian and Japanese menu. Book here
- Sugar: This rooftop has some of the best water and mountain views in the city. Book your table in advance.
- SKYE: French brasserie located at Park Lane, Hong Kong. Reserve your spot in advance.
Party in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF)
Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) is the place to visit in Hong Kong if you want to party. The hillside district has over 100+ bars spilling down its slopes, each serving unique beverages, music, and international vibes.
If you’re lucky, you might also catch some live music; bands are often there to accompany your drinks. This is a great warm-up before you head out into the LKF’s vibrant club scene. (See the complete event calendar here)
Did you know? To reach Lan Kwai Fong, take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator!
Man Mo Temple
Although Man Mo Temple was much smaller than we expected, exploring it was magical! It’s incredibly sacred, and you’ll see people praying and burning incense as the sun’s rays stream through the holes in the ceiling. This beautiful light is best seen in the morning around 9:30 AM. During this time, you can also see the incense coils at their biggest, as they are lit first thing in the morning and keep burning the entire day.
Here are a few tips before your visit to Man Mo Temple:
- Avoid the weekends as it gets very crowded. Mornings during the week are the perfect time. The temple is open from 8 AM – 6 PM.
- Wear old clothes that you don’t mind smelling of incense. If you go inside, the fibers of your clothes will easily pick up the intense smell.
- Be respectful when taking photos (look out for signs and avoid using flash)
- Travel to Sheung Wan Station, which is the closest MTR, just a 10-minute walk away. Plan your route here.
- Entrance is free, although we recommend leaving a donation.
SoHo Area
Just outside of LKF (south of Hollywood Road), discover bohemian Soho, which is one of the coolest areas in Hong Kong. We loved to go for drinks and dinner here, with plenty of restaurants and clubs to choose from.
Aside from eating and drinking (our fave thing to do!), you’ll also find loads of fantastic art galleries, homeware shops, and boutiques selling one-of-a-kind pieces that are perfect to take home from your travels.
Customise your itinerary on this private walking tour of Hong Kong. Book your spot here.
There’s also a growing street art community here, with mural artists now quite famous for their work. You can visit the areas yourself or join a private walking tour to learn more about the underground scene. Here are some of the best photo spots:
Choi Hung Estate
This estate is one of the city’s most iconic images. Colorfully painted buildings surround a vibrant basketball court, where local children compete for the day’s win. Remember, this spot is right in the middle of an apartment complex, so respecting the people who live here is essential.
Getting here: This photo spot is at the top of the car park, so you must climb the side stairs to reach it. Here is the location.
ARTLANE
Head to Sai Ying Pun, where you’ll find incredible murals painted along the streets by local artists.
Visit ARTLANE on this private walking tour of Hong Kong. Book your spot here.
Monster Building
A series of five towering, interconnected buildings merge to create this mind-blowing Monster Building! Looking up across thousands and thousands of little windows in these huge buildings, it’s hard to imagine how many people really live inside. This is the sad reality of the overcrowding and housing problems in Hong Kong.
Discover the dark side of Hong Kong (and its capitalist system) on this fascinating tour. See tickets and availability here.
To take the classic photo of the Monster Building and admire its density and scale, head for the two internal courtyards. Just go through the small tunnel, and you’ll reach it. (Here is the location)
Note: This location has become so popular among tourists that an %Arabica coffee has opened inside the famous courtyard. Please be super respectful when visiting this area; it’s someone’s home, not just a photo spot.
Tip: People in Hong Kong are not always happy to see tourists, especially if you’re not discreet with your camera. Always ask if you can take a photo of someone or something, and be mindful of local people going about their daily lives.
14. Mong Kok
Mong Kok tops the list of ‘favorite spots’ for most visitors to Hong Kong. Located in Kowloon, it’s full of life, with the narrow streets teeming with people from all walks of life. (See all hotels in Mong Kok)
It definitely has one of the more traditional atmospheres in Hong Kong — most famous for its neon signs, which are sadly slowly being destroyed. There are not so many left, but there are still a few around this location where you can feel the true ‘essence’ of Hong Kong!
Tip: While you’re in Mong Kok, check out Ladies Market or ‘Sneaker Street’ if you’re a shoe fan! It’s also one of the best locations to get street food, with plenty of local delights, such as egg waffles or Cheung Fun (filled rice rolls).
15. Yaumatei Tin Hau Temple
We absolutely love this temple in Kowloon, Hong Kong! Although Yaumatei Tin Hau Temple has similar vibes to Man Mo Temple, there are fewer people here and much more space, making it a more relaxed experience. This temple is dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of sailors, fishermen, and mariners.
Like Man Mo, it also has incense coils, so you’ll leave the temple smelling pretty smoky from the burning. Take in the beautiful carvings and lanterns, and perhaps offer some incense yourself.
Tip: Combine Yaumatei Tin Hau Temple with Temple Street Night Market, which is just a short walk away.
At the top of the garden, you’ll also find Chi Linn Nunnery, a picturesque Buddhist temple with a pretty landscaped garden. There’s even a traditional Chinese tea house! From this point, you have a view of the city and the infamous ‘Suicide Cliff’ – the dramatic rockface many climbers love tackling on their trip to Hong Kong.
One of our favorite things to do on any big city trip is to take a picnic to the park when we want to relax. Here are some other fantastic gardens you can visit in Hong Kong.
- HK Botanical Gardens: One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world! As it’s located near Victoria Peak, you can also get great views from here. Immerse yourself in the tranquil environment of lily ponds, palms, and cactus gardens with this excellent free thing to do in Hong Kong!
- Hong Kong Park. Located in the central district, this lovely green space is surrounded by skyscrapers, which is a great mix. It’s a great place to see locals doing tai chi, running, or practicing yoga.
17. Sheung Wan (Authentic Thing to do in Hong Kong!)
Sheung Wan is one of the oldest areas in Hong Kong. Here, you’ll find a mixture of tradition and innovation, with trendy specialty cafes alongside time-worn shopfronts.
It’s most famous for the many dried seafood stores, where you can see lots of weird and wonderful fish hanging from the ceiling and colorful cans lining the shelves. Interestingly, lots of these ingredients are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
As you walk along the dried seafood street ‘Des Voeux Road West,’ you’ll also see Hong Kong’s famous old trams; jump on board for an unusual way to see the city! (Plan your journey here)
Tip: Located just next to Central, Sheung Wan is a good add-on to LFK or Man Mo Temple.
18. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
This beautiful temple is one of the top things to do in Hong Kong — packed with locals, especially on weekends. Wong Tai Sin is the deity of healing, so inside, you’ll discover a series of different statues, each symbolizing a different wish. You’ll see people come to pray, give offerings, and rub specific parts of each statue, evident by the visible markings.
19. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Got a bit more time on your Hong Kong trip? The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is situated in the New Territories of Hong Kong (about an hour from central HK on the MTR).
As the name suggests, you’ll find thousands of gold Buddha Statues linking both sides of the road as you walk up the hillside to the temple, although it’s said there are many more than ten thousand now. Each statue has a different pose and expression; some are quite funny!
When you reach the top, you’ll have excellent views of the city and the forested mountain peaks, serving as a backdrop as you explore the pagodas and shrines.
Note: This area is surrounded by forests where many wild warthogs and monkeys live, so be aware as you walk. The monkeys can be particularly aggressive if you have food, so we wouldn’t advise carrying open food in your bag.
Getting there: Exit the subway at Sha Ti Station and walk to this alleyway. At the end of this little street is a small path on the left, where signs begin pointing to the temple.
Where to Stay
There are a few great districts in Hong Kong that have their own unique characteristics:
Central
Stay in Central if you want to be close to the best things to do in Hong Kong. This area also has many luxury hotels if you’re looking for something special on your trip.
Tsim Sha Tsui
On the other side of the water, discover hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui, which are usually a great option for something more authentic.
Mong Kok
Staying in Mong Kok is our top choice, as you’re still located close to Tsim Sha Tsui (with excellent connections to central), but there are fewer tourists, making it feel more like the ‘true’ Hong Kong.
How Many Days in Hong Kong?
We think 3-5 days is the sweet spot to see everything. This includes enough time to explore one of the nearby islands. Hong Kong is often a layover city between Europe and Australia/Asia, so it’s easy to factor in a few days between flights to discover the magic of this bustling city.
How to Visit
Hong Kong is a major airport hub, so flights arrive from every corner of the world. You can also visit overland/by boat from China (crossing the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge!).
Note: Most countries will not need a visa to visit Hong Kong for vacation. Check the list of eligible countries here.
We always recommend getting a SIM at the airport first so that you can navigate your way around the city. If not, check out how to download Google Maps offline!
You can buy your SIM Card online or at the airport before exiting the departure hall. We noticed that contrary to other destinations, prices are actually lower if you buy your card at the airport. We paid 10 EUR for 80 GB (30 days).
From the Airport
Head straight to 7-Eleven in the arrivals hall and buy an Octopus card for your transport (the complete list of stores selling the card is here). An Octopus card is a rechargeable card that works almost everywhere. You can create it directly on your iPhone and use it contactless all over the city, including at 7-Eleven. It’s also eligible for the subway and bus in Hong Kong, including the express airport train!
Getting Around
The best way to get around Hong Kong is by subway, which is super easy to navigate. The subway works perfectly with Google Maps, which tells you the line, train times, and which exit to use.
You can also walk between the best things to do in Hong Kong (especially in Central), take the famous Star Ferry, or join a walking tour to learn more about the city!
As a port city with a melting pot of cultures due to its high level of immigration, there are so many delicious dishes to discover. Some absolute musts on your trip should be Hong Kong waffles (impossible to find a bad one!), wantons, dumplings, egg tart, and the famous Hong Kong milk tea.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants:
We recommend the winter months for the most pleasant temperatures to explore all the top things to do in Hong Kong. Generally, the weather is sunny and clear, making it the ideal time to explore viewpoints like Victoria Peak (which can often be shrouded in clouds).
Tip: Time your trip right, and you might be lucky enough to catch Chinese New Year celebrations — usually in late January or early February — when the city comes to life with parades and fireworks.
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