Our list of the best things to do in hong kong is so varied that it would take more than one trip to fit them all into your itinerary. Whether it’s morning hikes, temple visits, frantic shopping sprees, or amusement park excitement, Hong Kong remains busy and exciting all year round.
Hong Kong is an endlessly fascinating destination due to its rich history and cultural diversity. Modern skyscrapers and centuries-old temples dot Hong Kong’s bustling central district, resulting in a unique landscape unlike most cities in Asia.
What are the best things to do in Hong Kong?
Causeway Bay
If this is your first time to Hong Kong, head to the shopping street district around Causeway Bay, where you can immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s iconic street scenes – busy, bustling and always on the move .
The streets around Jardine’s Crescent are crowded day and night – they are also popular places to get acquainted with the city. You’ll be able to spot the trams running along Hennessy Road, the huge flashing billboards, street vendors and flagship fashion stores catching your eye at every turn.
Location: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Peak
The Peak Hong Kong not only offers breathtaking views of the harbor and neighboring islands, but it is also a foodie destination and a place of historical interest.
This Hong Kong attraction is very popular with first-time visitors. You can take the tram or hike to the top, which is 552 meters above sea level. Don’t forget your camera: Peak Hong Kong offers panoramic views of Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
Location: Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Open: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Phone: +852 2849 0668
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is one of Hong Kong’s largest theme parks. This is where you’ll find your favorite Disney characters parading the streets of this sprawling theme park, as well as a wide array of fun rides for all ages.
There’s something for everyone at this world-famous attraction, from romantic boat rides and live shows to indoor roller coasters and space adventures.
Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Open: Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Phone: +852 3550 3388
Tian Tan Buddha (Great Buddha)
Tian Tan Buddha, one of the tallest seated Buddha statues in the world, is a sight to behold. Located in Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, the structure is 34 meters high and rests on a three-tiered platform.
It was built to symbolize the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. Po Lin Monastery has many other interesting features, including a lotus pond, several prayer halls, a tea house, a tea plantation, an orchid garden, and many restaurants.
Location: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Plateau, Tung Chung Town, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
Open: Every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stanley Market and Murray House
Stanley Market and Murray House is located in Stanley Town, adjacent to Chung Hom Kong and Repulse Bay on the south coast of Hong Kong. The market is made up of winding alleys where you can find an assortment of gifts, clothing, antiques and watches.
Less than 5 minutes from this outdoor market is Murray House, a restored colonial building that was moved from Central. It houses several restaurants on the 1st floor, all of which overlook Blake Pier and the South China Sea.
Location: Stanley Municipal Services Building, 6 Stanley Market Rd, Stanley, Hong Kong
Open: Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Temple Street Night Market
The Temple Street Night Market is a very lively market that will surprise you with its diversity. It usually opens at 5 p.m., but it really does come into its own after dark, with a slew of brightly lit stalls selling souvenirs, fashions and cheap electronics. Most of the items are directly from factories in Mainland China.
You will also find plenty of fortune tellers and herbalists, as well as the occasional free open-air Cantonese opera. Snack stalls and restaurants surround the Temple Street Night Market, adding to its already colorful and boisterous spectacle. Read more
Location: Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
Open: Every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo
Lan Kwai Fong and Soho are usually bustling with hip locals and tourists looking for a cool place to hang out and have a few drinks after the sun goes down. These areas are arguably the liveliest nightlife areas in Hong Kong.
Lan Kwai Fong is a cobblestone maze of restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the middle of Central in Hong Kong. SoHo caters primarily to Hong Kong’s elite, thanks to its wide array of high-end multicultural restaurants and chic bars.
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Star Ferry Hong Kong
The Star Ferry Hong Kong is one of the best places to experience the city’s living history. Founded in 1880, it is also a symbol of the city and often appears in local movies and TV shows.
There are two ferry crossings of the bay, although the most popular route is from Central Ferry Pier in Kowloon. Star Ferry fares start at HK$2.70 (HK$3.70 weekends) per adult and HK$1.60 (HK$2.20 weekends) per child 3-12 years old. Ferries depart every 10-15 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Hong Kong rooftop bars
Lounging at a rooftop bar in Hong Kong is definitely one of the best ways to spend your evenings, admiring the incredible cityscape while sipping a cocktail in a cooling breeze. Plus, there are rooftop bars and restaurants dotted throughout the city – on both sides of Victoria Harbor – so you’re never far from a prime Hong Kong vantage point.
Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Symphony of Lights
The Avenue of Stars is a promenade that overlooks Victoria Bay in Kowloon. It is a short walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MRT Station and is popular for soaking up the panoramic views of Hong Kong Island. You’ll also see over 100 stars on the promenade, which pays homage to legends of Hong Kong’s film industry, much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
This waterfront promenade is also one of the best places to attend the famous light show called “Symphony of Lights”. This nighttime laser show begins at 8 p.m. and is set against the backdrop of one of the most incredible cityscapes in the world.
Bank of China Tower
The Bank of China Tower, which rises 70 stories, is one of the most impressive landmarks on Hong Kong Island. Designed by renowned architect I M Pei and completed in 1990, it is inspired by the elegance of bamboo and symbolizes vitality, strength and growth.
The 367-meter tall building’s geometric glass facade has been used in many Hollywood movies, including Transformers and Star Trek. The public observation deck on the 43rd floor is free. Bring your ID card to register and gain access to the building.
Open: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (closed Sunday).
Phone: +852 2826 6888
Hong Kong Dragon’s Back Hike
The dragon’s back hike takes you up to Shek O peak and back to the other side. Located in the Shek O Country Park, the trail is popular among those looking to enjoy the outdoors on Hong Kong Island. It takes less than an hour to reach the trailhead from central Hong Kong.
It takes between 2 and 5 hours to cover the 8.5 km of the trail. It can be quite steep in places, so it is advisable to wear a sturdy and comfortable pair of trainers or walking shoes. The Dragon’s Back Trail is listed as section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, which means it is well signposted. Learn more
Location: Shek-O Country Park, Hong Kong
Stock Exchange Square, Hong Kong
Exchange Square, home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is formed by the One, Two and Three Exchange Square buildings. This spectacular complex has been recognized as a significant achievement in architecture. With its three towers of pink granite and silver glass, it is an aesthetic forum where some of the most important financial transactions take place.
Exchange Square Hong Kong is connected to the IFC Mall – and the Hong Kong Airport Express Line station located just below – by a network of walkways. The mall offers trendy restaurants, fashion, beauty and jewelry shops, as well as a cinema.
Location: 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2500 0500
Peak Tram History Gallery
The Peak Tram History Gallery, located in the lower terminus of the Peak Tram, will allow you to experience life in Hong Kong in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum features more than 200 tram-related artifacts, spread across 15 exhibition halls.
The gallery also includes a replica of the first generation of Peak Tram carriages and the loading hall from 1926. It’s a good place to stop before boarding the tram to the top of The Peak Hong Kong. Learn more
Location: Peak Tram Lower Terminus, Garden Road, Hong Kong
Open: Every day from 7 a.m. to midnight
Phone: +852 2849 7654
Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is a public beach located in the southern district of Hong Kong Island, about 20 minutes from central Hong Kong. Although the beach is home to an upmarket residential area, it is also one of Hong Kong’s most popular places for dining, family picnics, sunbathing and water sports.
This crescent-shaped beach is fringed by clear blue waters, with moderate temperatures all year round. The soft sand makes for pleasant walks early in the morning and on cooler days, while in summer there is plenty of sunbathing on the beach.
Location: Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island
Sky 100 Hong Kong
The Sky 100 Hong Kong is a viewpoint located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Center (ICC). Although it is entirely indoors, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the sprawling suburbs of the New Territories.
Standard tickets cost around HK$188 (HK$169 for online booking) per adult and HK$128 (HK$115) per child aged 3-11. Couples who prefer to visit the observation deck in the evening can opt for the Sky 100 Night Package for 2 people, which costs HK$240 (online booking only).Read more
Location: 100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Open: Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Phone: +852 2613 3888
Stanley War Cemetery
Stanley War Cemetery is a colonial-era site located near St Stephen’s Beach in Stanley. Between 1841 and 1866 this plot of land was used to bury deceased British soldiers and their families, although the site also served as the final resting place for those who lost their lives during World War II.
Hundreds of white tombstones dot the green space, many of which do not contain the names of the deceased. You can explore Stanley War Cemetery for free and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding hills and trees, as well as the South China Sea.
Location: Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, Hong Kong
Open: Every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tai Po Waterfront Park
Tai Po Waterfront Park covers an area of 22 hectares in the New Territories, making it one of the largest parks in Hong Kong. On-site facilities include a 32.4 meter high spiral staircase observation tower, equipped with telescopes that will allow you to observe the surrounding skyscrapers.
The park also has a 1.2 km long promenade, gardens, seating areas and a 600-seat amphitheater. You can also enjoy outdoor activities at Tai Po Waterfront Park: a bicycle path runs along the port of Tolo, as well as a jogging track dotted with exercise stations.
Location: Dai Hei Street, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Open: Every day from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Phone: +852 2664 2107
The Fringe Club and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club
The Fringe Club is a colonial-style brick and stucco structure dating back to 1913. Originally used as a cold store for ice cream and dairy products, it is one of Hong Kong’s most popular venues for exhibitions arts and crafts, theater and music. The building also includes a rooftop beer garden and a cozy restaurant.
Located next to the Fringe Club, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) is a popular social and intellectual space, where journalists and photographers meet with businessmen, bankers, authors and artists.
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
The Whampoa
The Whampoa Hong Kong is a ship-shaped entertainment center and shopping complex anchored in the Whampoa Docks. It stretches almost 110 meters in length and is home to department stores, 300 shops and restaurants, as well as a small theme park.
The Whampoa Hong Kong offers great views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. You can get to this unique mall by taking the ferry from Hung Hom Ferry Pier.
Location: 10 Shung King St, Whampoa Garden, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (hours may vary)
Phone: +852 2121 8344
