Things to do in Hong Kong and Everything You Need to Know
Explore bustling markets, ride the iconic Star Ferry, enjoy authentic food at traditional eateries, discover vibrant street art, ride the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, hike mountains for views across the vast skyline, have a cocktail at the world’s highest rooftop bar, stroll through tranquil parks and gardens and ride the ‘Ding Ding’s. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong and everything you need to know for your visit.
Hong Kong; an exciting bustling metropolis and a magnificent blend of East meets West and old meets new. It’s a city of contrasts where traditional wet markets rub shoulders with gleaming shopping malls, historic temples and traditional architecture perch nestled underneath imposing glass skyscrapers and tranquil parks full of wildlife sit amongst hectic streets.
Hong Kong makes London look small! Huge tightly compact skyscrapers as far as the eye can see, shopping malls at every turn and over 17,000 restaurants, it’s a city like no other.
Past the skyscrapers, you’ll discover mountain peaks waiting to be hiked for fantastic views over the iconic skyline or out across the vast South China Sea to the Outer Islands where turquoise ocean and sandy beaches greet lush verdant mountains.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Hong Kong that will provide you with a fantastic and memorable insight into this exhilarating destination full of adventure at every turn.
In this guide, as well as all the top things to do in Hong Kong, you’ll also find out everything you need to know before you visit, including where to stay, how to get around, the best time to visit Hong Kong and much more.
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Contents
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong
Dine at a Dai Pai Dong
One of the absolute best things to do in Hong Kong is dine at a dai pai dong.
A dai pai dong is an open-air no-frills food stall where you sit on plastic stools and eat authentic local food. It’s the ultimate Hong Kong experience. The atmosphere is energetic, the food is fresh, delicious, full of flavour and incredibly cheap!
Unfortunately, many dai pai dongs are closing down as the government has stopped issuing new licenses. Luckily, grandfather laws are keeping the remaining ones open so as long as licenses are passed down to the next generation, these fantastic places to visit in Hong Kong will continue to be enjoyed.
One of the best dai pai dongs is Woosung Street Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar. Several stalls make up this eatery, chairs and tables spill out onto the streets and the energy in the air is alive and buzzing with everyone chatting and mingling.
Try some delightful seafood dishes washed down with a cold beer before heading to Temple Street to browse the market.
Explore the Markets; best things to do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers an array of shopping options but some of the best authentic shopping experiences you’ll find in the city’s many street markets.
Each market offers a unique experience and they’re the perfect place to hunt for bargains and great souvenirs to bring home.
Our top tip: bargaining is a must! Never accept the first price offered, this will be much higher than what the vendor is willing to settle on. If you turn and walk away, they’ll probably call after you and you’ll be able to settle on a compromise.
Some of the top markets in Hong Kong are:
Temple Street Night Market: this is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong at night and the most famous market in the city. Every evening hawker stalls line the street selling everything you could possibly imagine; clothes, accessories, shoes, antiques, handmade trinkets, watches, toys and more. You’ll also find tents with fortune tellers, street performers and delicious street food.
Ladies Market: another of the city’s most famous markets and home to over 100 shops and stalls. As well as tons of womenswear at bargain prices, you’ll also find accessories, souvenirs, toys, jewellery, football clothing and even art.
Flower Market: although as a visitor you probably won’t be looking to buy anything from here, Flower Market is a delight to stroll through. Beautiful floral smells waft through the street from florists whose stock spills out onto the streets from every flower and plant imaginable.
Upper Lascar Row: a tiny picturesque street tucked away on Hong Kong Island best known for antiques. It’s over 100 years old and you’ll find jade jewellery, imperial Chinese furniture, intricate porcelain, Buddha statues and more.
Our top tip: you’ll often find Bird Market or Yuen Po Street Bird Garden on lists of the best things to do in Hong Kong. We found this market quite difficult to see. Birds are shoved into tiny cages or tied to posts for people to gawp at and hold and they’re quite clearly distressed. I’d recommend avoiding this market and absolutely avoid giving people any money to hold their birds for photos!
Admire the View at the Peak
Victoria Peak, also known as The Peak, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and offers spectacular views over the city’s iconic skyline, Victoria Harbour, rugged mountains, Outlying Islands and Kowloon.
If it’s your first visit to Hong Kong, taking the Peak Tram is an absolute must. The tram has been running since 1888 and back in the day, it transported the governor and residents of the luxury properties on the mountain.
The journey is just over 1km and rises from 28 to 396 metres above sea level in around 10 minutes. As the tram makes it way higher, you’ll get glimpses of the city between the trees.
Our top tip: sit on the right side of the tram going up and left coming down for the best views of Hong Kong as you soar high above.
At The Peak, you’ll find shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, a Madame Tussauds, among others; very much here for the tourists.
However, leave (some of) the crowds behind and enjoy one of the trails that weaves its way around the mountain. We’d recommend the Peak Circle Walk. A 3.5 kilometre paved tree-lined path loops around The Peak offering fantastic views of Hong Kong from the vast skyline to the mountainous Outlying Islands.
Our top tip: sunset is a great time to visit The Peak, as you’ll see the city lit up in a fiery glow. However, unsurprisingly this is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong so expect crowds. Try to find a spot to watch the sunset away from the observation deck.
Ride the 'Ding Dings'; best things to do in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong tram is known by locals as the ‘Ding Ding’ and hopping on one at some point is an absolute must!
The ‘Ding Dings’ hold the title for the world’s largest double-decker tram fleet still in operation and are a fun and unique way to get around Hong Kong Island.
The tram has been operating since 1904 and was Hong Kong’s first large-scale transport system. It’s an important historical symbol providing a fascinating insight into local life.
The old trams provide quite a contrast to the huge gleaming skyscrapers as this traditional mode of transport drifts through the streets
Things to know before riding the Ding Ding
- Enter at the back and exit at the front
- Pay the fare when you leave either by electronic payment methods such as the Octopus card or credit card or by using cash – no change is given
- Fares are 3 HKD for adults, 1.5 HKD aged 3- 12 and 1.3 HKD for over 65
Enjoy the Delicious Food
One reason we were most looking forward to visiting Hong Kong was for the food! Hong Kong is an absolute paradise for foodies with influences from many global cuisines. There’s something to suit every taste and budget from simple street food you enjoy on plastic stools to fine dining swanky restaurants and everything in between.
Some of the best food to eat in Hong Kong is:
- Dim sum: an absolute must-try, these small dishes are often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch and often consist of meat or vegetables wrapped in dough or a wrapper and either fried, steamed or baked. Some of our favourites are char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings). This is a very social meal often enjoyed with friends or family over tea.
- Wonton noodles: a Hong Kong staple of springy egg noodles and shrimp and pork wontons cooked in a flavourful broth.
- Roast meats: Hong Kong is renowned for its roast meats. Make sure you try Peking Duck, barbecue pork and roast goose.
- Roast meats: Hong Kong is renowned for its roast meats. Make sure you try Peking Duck, barbecue pork and roast goose.
- Egg tarts: Hong Kong’s take on Portugal’s pastel de nata. A sweet pastry with a flaky crust and silky custard filling.
- Egg waffles: one of Hong Kong’s most loved street food snacks. They’re made from sweet, egg-rich batter which is put into a special bubble-shaped waffle iron becoming crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. While a lot of modern twists include a variety of toppings, we’d recommend sticking with the original.
- Street food: one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is sample an endless range of street food you’ll no doubt smell as you amble the bustling streets. Fish balls in curry sauce and siu mai are a must.
Our top tip: don’t rely on Google reviews when looking for places to eat. Service in Hong Kong is very different to Western culture which, unfortunately, leads to bad reviews. Service is no-nonsense, fast and efficient serving as many people as possible. It’s all about turnover and getting you out as quickly as possible for the next people. You’ll also share tables with others so more can be served. For a more relaxed dining experience, go to the high-end restaurants over the traditional eateries. Or, get over it and embrace a different culture!
Tian Tan Buddha (The Big Buddha)
Sitting at 482 metres above sea level on Lantau Island amongst incredible mountain scenery, visiting Tian Tan Buddha is one of the top things to do in Hong Kong.
To reach the Big Buddha, hop on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car through one of the most beautiful places to visit in Hong Kong. Soar high above North Lantau Country Park and admire the views of the rolling green mountains, the vast South China Sea and planes landing and taking off from the airport.
Our top tip: take a crystal+ in one direction as they offer 80% more visibility with glass bottoms and fully-glassed windows.
After the cable car, walk through Ngong Ping Village where you’ll find several shops and eateries. We didn’t enjoy Ngong Ping Village much. It’s all done for tourists, everything is overpriced and nothing is authentic. However, pass through the village and you’ll come to some local eateries on your left.
While here, you can also visit Po Lin Monastery; an architecturally beautiful world-renowned Buddhist monastery.
Our top tip: to escape the crowds and enjoy some incredible views over the mountain scenery, head to the Ngong Ping Viewing Platform.
Ride on the Star Ferry; most iconic things to do in Hong Kong
Riding the Star Ferry is one of the most iconic things to do in Hong Kong.
Dating back to the 1880s, the Star Ferry connects Central on Hong Kong Island with Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and is used daily by both locals and commuters.
The views in either direction are spectacular! We’d recommend taking the ferry both during the day and at night when the skyscrapers are lit up in their neon lights.
To use the ferry, you’ll need an Octopus card which you tap at the gate at the ferry port. Services are frequent and can be checked online here if needed.
Stroll the Avenue of Stars
Inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Avenue of Stars celebrates Hong Kong’s film industry and those who have made great contributions.
Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui and discover handprints from Hong Kong stars including Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee while taking in the views of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island.
The Avenue of Stars is one of the top Hong Kong attractions so arrive early before it gets super busy.
Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden are two of the most beautiful historical places to visit in Hong Kong.
They’re next to each other, connected by a footbridge and are Tang dynasty-style attractions. Visiting these are two of the best things to do in Hong Kong for an insight into its religious heritage.
Dating back to 1934, Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple built entirely from wood. It’s a gorgeous peaceful oasis with koi ponds, perfectly landscaped gardens, beautiful bonsai trees and impressive golden statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Over the bridge, a stroll through Nan Lian Garden will immediately make you feel at peace. Every detail has been carefully thought out and arranged to elicit harmony and balance. Tree-lined paths wind their way through the garden passing koi ponds and timber structures to the intricate Golden Pavilion of Perfection.
Dine at a Traditional Cantonese Restaurant; Lin Heung Lau
For a true authentic dining experience, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is to visit one of the city’s oldest restaurants and a historic tea house, Lin Heung Lau.
This historic tea house has been around for over 100 years and serves dim sum on old-school trolleys. There’s no menu, you’re handed a piece of paper and you approach each of the trolleys to see what they’re serving. If you want what they’re serving, the server at that trolley will mark on your paper what you’ve taken.
The atmosphere is alive and vibrant. It’s always busy, fast-paced and you’ll more than likely be sat at a table with other people. Having breakfast at Lin Heung Lau was one of my absolute favourite things to do in Hong Kong for a real authentic experience.
Ride the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators
For one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong, you need to check out the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators; the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator.
This 800-metre escalator travels an elevation of over 135 metres between Central and Mid-Levels to provide an improved link between the two districts without people having to walk up the steep streets.
There are 16 one-way escalators and 3 travelators that change direction in peak hours. They take you down between 6am and 10am and up from 10:20am to midnight.
As well as a mode of transport, the escalators have become one of the top Hong Kong attractions for tourists.
Hike Lion Rock; for one of the best views of Hong Kong
You may be surprised, but one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is hiking. Although the city is incredibly compact and busy, just beyond the city and out to the islands, Hong Kong is lush and mountainous.
One of the best hikes in Hong Kong is Lion Rock which will reward you with sweeping 360-degree views across Kowloon, Hong Kong Central and the mountains in the north.
The hike is around 7 kilometres and will take around 3 hours depending on exactly where you start and end. It’s very steep in some sections but the path is well-maintained and there are plenty of places you can stop for a break and enjoy the view of the city through the trees.
Visit Man Mo Temple
Visiting the beautiful Man Mo Temple is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong for a moment of calm and slower pace amongst the busy city streets.
Man Mo Temple is a tribute to the Gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo) and is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong and a declared monument. It was built during the Qing dynasty in 1847 and as well as a place of worship, there’s a community hall where disputes were once discussed and settled.
See Montane Mansion
Visiting Montane Mansion is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong to really appreciate just how densely populated the city is.
Dubbed ‘Monster Building’ by the locals, this housing complex is a conglomeration of five residential buildings and has become an Instagram sensation and a favourite spot for photographers. It’s also featured in films including Ghost in the Shell and Transformers.
Our top tip: remember people live in these apartments and there are businesses on the ground floor so PLEASE be respectful if you come here to take photos and videos.
Have a Cocktail at the Highest Rooftop Bar in the World
One of our favourite things to do when we visit a city is have a drink at a rooftop bar and when we were in Hong Kong, we couldn’t pass up the chance to have a cocktail in the world’s highest rooftop bar!!
Located on the 118th floor of the ICC in the Ritz-Carlton, the highest hotel in the world, Ozone offers sweeping views over the sparkling lights of Hong Kong’s vast skyline.
Enjoy small plates and creative cocktails on the blue-hued outdoor terrace while a live DJ perfectly sets the ambience for a stylish and cosy evening.
Visiting Ozone is definitely one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong at night.
We’d recommend booking in advance as it can get busy.
Amble Through Kowloon Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of Kowloon’s frenetic streets and relax in Kowloon Park; a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Kowloon Park is loved by both tourists and locals for its beautiful features including Bird Lake, home to majestic flamingos and ducks, the Chinese Garden where you’ll find traditional pavilions and koi ponds with turtles, the Maze Garden, woodland walks, contemporary sculptures and the Avenue of Comic Stars featuring statues of Hong Kong comic characters.
A stroll through Kowloon Park is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong when you need a bit of respite.
Explore Tai Kwun; one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong
Another of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong is to explore Tai Kwun; a rich cultural and heritage centre home to a host of entertainment venues.
Tai Kwun used to be the Central Police Station and Victoria Prison and you can visit exhibits and see interactive displays as you walk through tiny cramped cells that once housed prisoners. The former Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh was once held in Victoria Prison.
As well as learning about the history, there are several dining and drinking options in the heritage buildings, art and design boutiques, creative community programs, art galleries, film screenings and more.
Having a drink at one of the bars in Tai Kwun is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong when you need a bit of a break from sightseeing.
Stroll Wan Chai Waterfront
Wan Chai Waterfront is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong to really appreciate the magnificence of the skyscrapers that make up the iconic skyline both in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island.
It’s also a lovely spot to sit and watch the boats across the bustling Victoria Harbour during the day and admire the sparkling lights of Kowloon at night.
See the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower
The Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, often simply called the Clock Tower, is a culturally significant and historical landmark. It’s a symbol of Hong Kong’s colonial past built in 1915 in the Edwardian Classical Revival style.
It was built as part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus connecting Hong Kong to China symbolising Hong Kong’s transformation into a major trading and transportation hub.
The terminus building was destroyed in 1978 and the Clock Tower was left to serve as an important landmark and testament to the early history of the railways in Hong Kong. It was declared a monument in 1990 and is one of the last few remaining remnants of Hong Kong’s colonial past.
The Clock Tower is in a great location along the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and can be visited with the Avenue of Stars and when taking the Star Ferry.
ArtLane; one of the best things to do in Hong Kong
Art Lane is without a doubt one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong and offers a different glimpse into the city.
It’s one of the most colourful places to visit in Hong Kong where you’ll find buildings, stairs and alleys completely covered in beautiful, vibrant street art.
ArtLane is an urban renewal project in Sai Ying Pun, to the west of Central which was quite run down and dilapidated. Certain areas have been transformed and revitalised to create an aesthetically pleasing and desirable place to live in a cleaner environment aimed at younger homebuyers. This included adding creative street art from 17 local and international artists to create 26 beautiful large murals.
You’ll find most of the art on Ki Ling Lane and Chung Ching Street and as soon as you think you’ve seen them all, another huge colourful mural will appear from an alley or facade.
Explore the Shopping Malls
To round off our list of the best things to do in Hong Kong, we couldn’t miss out exploring the shopping malls given the number of them around the city.
Hong Kong is renowned as one of the world’s top shopping destinations and although we couldn’t find an exact number of malls as it seems to constantly change, there’ll always be one within sight.
There’s something to suit everyone from high-end luxury designer brands to independent boutiques, high street labels, no end of restaurants and entertainment venues. They’re also a great place to escape the heat and enjoy some air conditioning.
Everything You Need to Know To Visit Hong Kong
The best time to visit Hong Kong
The best time to visit Hong Kong is any time except the summer (May – August) when the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, it’s incredibly humid and there’s a greater chance of rain and typhoons.
We were there in December which we felt was perfect for city sightseeing and hiking. During the day it was 22-25 degrees Celsius and once the sun went down it was about 18 degrees and you’d need a jacket.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
The two main areas to stay in Hong Kong are Kowloon and Hong Kong Island each with their own character, charm and attractions.
For the most local and traditional side of Hong Kong, you’ll want to stay in Kowloon. Think dai pai dongs, bustling markets, endless street food stalls, intricate temples and incredible views of the iconic skyline make Kowloon a fantastic and culturally rich base when you visit Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Island is much more modern, taller and cosmopolitan. Life is more fast-paced as the business district is here. You’ll also find luxury shops and high-end bars and restaurants. Hong Kong Island is where most of the expats live due to the proximity of the global businesses.
Both are great bases to see the top things to do in Hong Kong and wherever you stay, you can get between the two areas very easily.
We stayed in The Kerry Hotel in Kowloon and loved it. The hotel is stunning and has a rooftop pool overlooking Victoria Harbour and the iconic skyline. It’s just outside of Tsim Sha Tsui so you can escape the crowds but also get around quickly. Hung Hom Ferry Pier is also right outside the hotel giving you quick access to Hong Kong Island.
How long we’d recommend for a Hong Kong itinerary
To see the best things to do in Hong Kong, we’d recommend at least four full days, 5 would be ideal. However, Hong Kong is a great stopover city to Australia and New Zealand and even with just a couple of days, you can get a great feel for the city.
Getting to and From Hong Kong International Airport
There are several ways to get between the city and Hong Kong airport:
- Airport Express: this high-speed train is the fastest way to get between the city and the airport taking around 25 minutes. On your day of departure, at the Kowloon and Hong Kong Stations, if you’re flying with Cathay Pacific or Hong Kong Airlines, you can check your luggage in at the train station and see it at your final destination. This was very handy on our last day when we were flying at midnight and wanted the day to explore without our luggage.
- Bus: On exiting the arrivals hall, turn right and head to Airbuses and city buses. There are a number of buses you can take with ‘A’ on the front.
- Taxi: this is how we got to our hotel on our first day for convenience as it’s very reasonably priced. Bear in mind, if you’re going to Hong Kong Island, there’s a toll you’ll need to pay.
Getting around Hong Kong
Getting around Hong Kong is incredibly easy and efficient with a variety of options. We’d recommend getting an Octopus card as it makes travel cheaper and more efficient.
- MTR: this is Hong Kong’s subway and train system which covers the major districts in the city and will probably be what you use most of the time. It’s very easy to follow and trains run every few minutes.
- Ferry: ferries operate between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and there are numerous routes. The iconic ferries are the green and white Star Ferries between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central which you need to take at least once.
- Taxis: taxis are reasonably priced and easy to flag down. They have different colours depending on where you’re travelling but if you’re staying central, you’ll want a red taxi. Taxis only accept cash.
- Ding Dings: this is the best way of getting around Hong Kong Island. They’re incredibly cheap at 3 HKD no matter the distance and provide a scenic way to see the city streets.
- Buses: buses are comfortable and fairly easy to navigate as the destination and route number are displayed at the top. Fares are paid when you board and are based on how far you’ll travel. You’ll need exact change if paying cash.
Entry requirements
As a UK passport holder, you can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.
Currency
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 USD is approximately 7.78 HKD.
Plug
Hong Kong has two plug types. D; three round pins in a triangle and G; three rectangular pins in a triangle (like in the UK).
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong. If you have any questions or you’d like any more information, please leave us a comment below.
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