If you’re on the lookout for amazing places that don’t quite look like they belong in our world, you’re going to have the time of your life in Hong Kong. Historically and culturally rich, it has mastered the skill of combining the old with the new, creating a stunning mix of tradition and modernity.
No matter how much time you spend in Hong Kong, you won’t be able to see absolutely everything it has to offer. However, here are just a few of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
1 USD – 7,75HKD
30 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong
Victoria Peak in Hong Kong Island
For your daily dosage of incredible views, get to the top of Victoria Peak. The hill rises over 550 meters above Hong Kong and offers the best view on countless skyscrapers and reaching for the skies.
Climb to the observation platform on Peak Tower to get a closer look at the postcard-like image in front of you. I loved Victoria Peak for having such a wonderful view above Hong Kong. If you want to take amazing shots, this is the best thing to do in Hong Kong to feed your gram.
After that, stop by the shopping mall at the end. For the full experience, grab a tram to get to Victoria Peak. Riding in a red box through a forest will give you a little sneak peek of the view you can expect at the top.
Also, it’s worth noting that Victoria Peak is one of the best wheelchair-friendly places in Hong Kong, which is very convenient.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends
Peak Tram Sky Pass: 99HKD for adults, 47HKD for children
Big Buddha (Tian Tian Buddha)
At 34 meters tall, the Hong Kong Big Buddha is the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world. Climb the 260 steps to the top of the hill and you’ll be treated to the views from the Big Buddha.
For example, the stunning greenery of Lantau Island, the blue waters of the South China Sea, and planes rushing to the airport. Certainly, in Hong Kong, you’re always under divine protection.
Interesting fact about Hong Kong: Tian Tan Buddha is one of the largest images of Buddha in the world.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance fee: 78HKD to visit the exhibition halls
Symphony of Lights at Victoria Harbour
The tall Hong Kong skyline is a sight to admire at any time of day. However, it turns exceptional right after sunset. Once the sun sets, 42 skyscrapers towering over the sea edge light up in the rainbow of colors and their shadows start dancing on the water.
As neon lights dye the sky in green, purple, and red, it’s easy to feel more attracted to this unique city. The Symphony of Lights show starts at 8:00 PM every day. To sum up, if you’re looking for a free attraction in Hong Kong to bring nice memories back home, this is the Symphony of Lights.
If you want one of the best things to do in Hong Kong for free, the Symphony of Lights show is definitely the one.
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
One of the most unusual places to visit in Hong Kong is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Consisting of five temples and a pagoda, it sits at the top of the hill, overlooking the forests of lush green trees with grey skyscrapers stretching out below.
It takes 430 steps to get to the Monastery. However, you’ll barely notice the climb as all the way up the stairs you’ll be accompanied by gold-painted statues of Buddha, some deceptively alike but none exactly the same. Needless to say, this is one holy but extremely interesting thing to do in Hong Kong.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cruise on Aqua Luna – HK’s Red-Sail Junk Boat
To get a feel of life in Hong Kong at the beginning of the 20th century, head down to the Victoria Harbour and get on the Aqua Luna. A red-sail junk boat that will take you around while witnessing the Symphony of Lights. It certainly has a contrast against the modern buildings it passes by, but that just makes the cruise even more magical.
Get on the Aqua Luna, with its iconic red flag, to spend an hour floating in the waters of the beautiful Victoria Harbour. After that, go to enjoy a fantastic Cantonese dinner around Victoria Harbour. You can’t say you’ve been to Hong Kong without cruising the Aqua Luna.
Sailing Time: 6:55 PM for the night cruise – 7:55 PM for the cruise with the Symphony of Lights
Price: 200/175HKD for the night time cruise – 230/200 for the cruise with the Symphony of Lights
Spend Quality Time at Disneyland Hong Kong
Are you missing some fairy tale magic in your life? Then you’re in luck: the self-proclaimed “happiest place on Earth” is ready to open its doors for you and add some childlike wonder into your life. Return back to your childhood for a few hours by spending an afternoon at Disneyland Hong Kong. Ride roller-coasters and watch your favorite characters wave at you during a parade.
Whether you’re a couple with a child or simply want to go back to your childhood, Disneyland is certainly of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime birthday party or just a fun day out with your family, Disneyland Hong Kong won’t disappoint.
Opening times: 10:30 – 20:00
Entrance fee: from 639 HKD for adults and 475HKD for children
Shop at The Ladies Market
What’s a vacation without shopping, and when you do shop, why shouldn’t you do it with locals? This train of thought will undoubtedly lead you to the Ladies Market – a busy street market with over a kilometer’s worth of goodies.
It started out as a selling point to buy cheap womenswear, hence the name. However, over time, it got into a place to get everything from tech products to suitcases to clothes. The only two things you need before heading to the Ladies Market is your wallet and some bargaining skills; the rest you’ll find there.
I personally got some bargains but you’ll need to negotiate. NEVER accept their first offer. For instance, if you got offered a HK$600 suitcase, bargain at least 50%. I’m not saying that it’s easy, but it’s definitely doable. I got a suitcase for $25 and Apple Airpods for $75. To sum up, if you want to shop at a cheaper price while discovering the best things to do in Hong. Kong, the ladies’ market is for you.
Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Avenue of the Stars
There’s no better place for an evening stroll than the Avenue of the Stars. A scenic seaside promenade, it also pays homage to Hong Kong contributions to the film industry.
As you walk, you’ll find handprints of famous movie stars like Hollywood’s favorites Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Moreover, you’ll also see various exhibitions and statues celebrating the art of film.
Be sure to time your evening walk correctly. The Symphony of Lights starts every day at 8:00 PM. You’ll hardly find a better place to enjoy the show than from the paved brinks of the Avenue of the Stars.
Spend The Day at Hong Kong Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong fully combines the thrill of riding a rollercoaster with the excitement of seeing cute animals. Head to HK’s Ocean Park to see how it all works together as you go through loops in the rollercoaster and admire the views from the Ferris Wheel.
After that, you’ll end up in the animal kingdom to walk through the exhibitions on koalas and penguins.
In addition, stay for the sea show to watch sea lions and dolphins leap out of the water. Don’t forget to check out the aquarium to see the strangest and most beautiful creatures of the sea. This is a day out that you will remember.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance fee: 498HKD for adults, 249HKD for children
Eat at Jumbo Kingdom
One of the best things you can do in Kong Kong is go for a meal at Jumbo Kingdom. Even if you don’t know what it is, you can’t possibly miss it: a massive restaurant firmly standing on two barges that keep it afloat in the water, shaped like a traditional Chinese pagoda colored in red and gold.
Whether you want to taste the local cuisine or have a new culinary experience, Jumbo Restaurant is the best thing to do in Hong Kong.
Once you get over the visual, don’t worry about the restaurant floating away. It’s still rooted to the ground so you can forget about any possible motion sickness. Jumbo Kingdom offers a selection of Western and Asian dishes to satisfy everyone.
Their menu offers many dishes varying from seafood and meat. Their prices go from HK$1080 for 2 people to eating and paying single dishes from HK$130.
Opening hours: Monday through Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Spend the Afternoon in Quarry Bay
Hong Kong’s way of providing something for everyone can be found at Quarry Bay. A stark mix of modern cultures is put on display as grandiose commercial and office buildings stand together with cozy art galleries and rooftop bars.
Stop at the street market to look at some local goods. Meanwhile, have a relaxing cup of tea in a tea house, and take a picture of a bizarre residential place called the Monster Building. To sum up, walking around Central and stopping by Quarry Bay is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Spend the Night at Temple Street Night Market
To add a bright splash of colour to your vacation, head down to the Temple Street Night Market. This is where you watch the local culture of Hong Kong unfold in front of your eyes in the form of restaurants, street performances, and endless rows of shops.
Choose a souvenir or two, buy an I love HK t-shirt or some tech good, and when a fortune teller calls you over, put your skepticism aside for a little while. The fortune-tellers on Temple Street have been known to give some very accurate predictions.
Opening hours: 14:00 – 23:00
Hike one of the Amazing Trails in Hong Kong
With its beautiful scenery, Hong Kong is truly a dream come true for all hiking enthusiasts. The trails stretch for kilometers across the lush greenery of forests to steep hills and rock formations. Most importantly, they will lead you everywhere from the sea caves to old temples constructed centuries ago.
Whether you choose to aim for the mountains or take a stroll closer to the sea, you’re guaranteed incredible views and some quality time in nature. To conclude, if you want to escape the chaotic parts of HK and spend the day with mother nature, this is the best thing to do in Hong Kong for you. Below are the best trails in Hong Kong to make the most of your holiday.
Ride a Double-Decker Bus
For a memorable ride through Hong Kong, hop on a double-decker bus. The name won’t fool you: it is exactly what it says. Rushing through the streets in flashes of bright colors, these buses offer you a chance to marvel at your surroundings from the second deck. Needless to say, that’s certainly one of the cheap things in Hong Kong to enjoy the experience without breaking the bank!
Covered as the protection from the sun or open to let you work on your tan, the second deck is the place with the best view of the bustling street markets and buildings that are aiming for the sky. You can always take a regular bus back home, so why not change it up in Hong Kong?
Price: from 8 to 80HKD depending on the route
Explore Lamma Island
If you want to take a break from the busy city life, you’re going to love it at Lamma Island. Full of beautiful sandy beaches and mountainous hiking trails, it is the perfect place to get away from the routine and be at one with nature for a little bit. In addition, visit the fisherfolk village for a bit of traditional island flair.
Get to know the fishermen tirelessly working to provide for themselves and their families and try your own hand at fishing. That’s definitely a unique experience in Hong Kong! To conclude, your time at Lamma Island is the time to enjoy yourself.
Wander Around Hong Kong Central
For the feel of bustling modern Hong Kong life, make your way to Central. This is the bright and loud heart of HK. Its political and business center where everybody can be found at the top floors of the skyscrapers glistening in the sunlight.
But Central is not just for the businessmen scurrying on the streets with their briefcases. It’s for shopping enthusiasts, ripe with malls and street markets. It is for food lovers, full of cafes and restaurants, and at night, alight with every color under the sun. As a whole, it’s for everybody that wants to have a good time. Life in Hong Kong Central flows at an entirely different speed.
Visit Aberdeen Floating Village
Don’t let the deceptively Scottish name fool you. Aberdeen floating village in Hong Kong is as traditional as it gets. The sleepy waterfront is known to be home to 6,000 people, can your experience in HK get any more unique and authentic?
It’s an extraordinary example of how something as traditional as fishing adapts to the reality of modern life. The wooden boats look hardly different from decades ago, and yet you’re still going to hear catchy mobile phone ringtones all around. If that doesn’t convince you to visit, the promise of scenic and picturesque views should!
While it’s totally possible to get there by yourself, a guided visit is a great way to discover the area with a local. In a place like Hong Kong where everything looks futuristic, you’ll definitely love going back to the city’s roots.
Go Shopping at Argyle Street & Nathan Road
This one is for all the shopaholics frantically researching what to do in Hong Kong. A trip to Argyle Street, in a sense, is a trip to a huge shopping mall: easily accessible from pretty much every corner of Hong Kong, it offers rows upon rows of products, and their cheap price doesn’t reflect their quality.
Argyle Street & Nathan Road are the best places in Hong Kong to buy tech products and eat delicious street food.
Once you’re done at Argyle Street, head to Nathan Road, a place where the locals prefer to do their shopping. Under the bright neon lights, you’ll find everything from clothing produced by international designers to local foods sold in tiny stalls street market-style.
It doesn’t matter if you have a specific thing in mind or just have an itch than only a bit of shopping can scratch, a little retail therapy has never hurt anyone.
Ride the Authentic Tram
Trams are a living part of Hong Kong history. First introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, they still remain the cheapest and the oldest public transportation in Hong Kong. The locals call them “Ding Ding” as they announce their arrival and departure with a bell.
You can just hop on a tram at the first tram stop and take a ride through Central, looking at the busy streets from the second deck. Also, take a dive into the past and grab the Tramoramic tour in the 1920s style tram, discovering all the best parts of Central with the audio-guide. Jump inside and start exploring!
Price for one ride: 2.60HKD for adults – 1.30HKD for children
Price for the Tramoramic tour: 95HKD for adults – 60HKD for children
Join a Day Trip to Macao
Leave Hong Kong for a little bit in favor of spending the day exploring Macao, colorfully nicknamed “the Las Vegas of Asia”. Just an hour on the boat will bring you from Hong Kong to its bright and colorful neighbor, boasting sky-high towers, extravagant casinos, and neon lights coming from every corner. Still, there’s more to Macau than partying and gambling.
Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999, and wandering through the streets of Macau can feel European. With old residential buildings and Catholic churches creating an illusion that is shattered by traditional Chinese temples and red advertisements in Cantonese. Finish your walk in the heart of Macau and stop at a casino to try your luck; the saying “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” applies to Macau as well.
Macau is only a boat trip away from Hong Kong which makes it very easy to reach. However, if you want to be accompanied the whole time from your hotel to the attractions in Macau, joining a tour is the best option.
Price the trip from Hong Kong to Macau: 160HKD on weekdays, 175HKD on weekends
Experience the Biggest Elevator in the World
This has to be one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong, and the best part is, you won’t have to pay a cent for it! The longest escalator in the world stretches for 800 meters through a long glass tunnel. With its circular roof and colorful flags, is a work of art in itself. It has multiple stops along the way for people to hop on and off.
If you start at Central, it will take you all the way to Mid-Levels, a green residential neighborhood. The escalator takes you through the prettiest parts of Hong Kong, moving slowly to admire the sights.
It is easy to see why thousands of people rush to take it every day. If you’re looking for a free way to explore Hong Kong, that’s definitely the one.
Have a Tan at Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is your answer to the question, “What to do in Hong Kong? Originally created as an expensive resort for the likes of celebrities to escape their lives in the spotlight, it’s now a place for everyone to enjoy.
Repulse Bay is your answer to What to do in Hong Kong. From its stunning beach to the view on the mountains, you won’t be disappointed.
When you get to Repulse Bay, you’ll get everything that you want from a day off at the beach. Miles of soft white sand, clear blue water washing ashore, and a view to die for no matter where you look. Put on your sunglasses; this is the time to relax. To sum up, if you want a day at the beach, Repulse Bay is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
Get Lost in Pet Street
Everyone who considers getting a four-legged companion or just likes to look at cute animals finds their way to Pet Street. It is a long row of pet shops offering everything from food and toys to furry friends themselves. If you’re looking for something different to do, go window shopping and see puppies, snakes, spiders, and much more.
Also, if you’re an exotic pet lover, you may want to reconsider bringing a snake or a tortoise back to your hotel. However, who doesn’t like window-shopping for adorable fluffy kittens or tiny newborn puppies?
Pray at Wong Tai Sin Temple
For a trip to the more spiritual side of Hong Kong, visit Wong Tai Sin Temple. A traditional Chinese-style temple with a bright orange roof, red paper lanterns at the entrance, and pillars decorated with gold.
Tai Sin Temple was built in honor of Wong Chuping, a young follower of Taoism. Taoism is a philosophy based around the possibility of gaining immortality through righteous actions. It is said that Wong Chuping achieved enlightenment and became immortal. He spent his life helping people and warding off evil spirits. Paying a visit to Wong Tai Sin Temple is nice for its cultural significance, magnificent architecture, and the practice of fortune-telling.
Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:00
Hong Kong’s Suicide Hike Trail
Don’t let the name put you off – a hike to the Suicide Cliff is actually one of the most scenic you can take. To brave the 10-kilometer trail, you’ll need some good hiking gear. In fact, you don’t want to slip on the rocks while staring at the views!
Once you set off on your journey through the hills, you’ll want to see everything. From the surrounding slopes to the ancient rock and, of course, Hong Kong itself. Cameras are a must-have on this hike: the pictures you’ll take from the edge of the Suicide Cliff are incredible.
If you have a drone, that’s the right time to take it with you.
Have a Cantonese Cuisine Feast
Stay true to the adventurous spirit of trying new things and treat your tastebuds to a Cantonese cuisine feast. Start your day with Youtiao, a beloved breakfast dish of a long deep-fried piece of dough. After that, enjoy a curry chicken with curry powder, and vegetables all simmered in coconut milk. Don’t forget to sample some Char Siu before ending your day with one of the many seafood delicacies like white boiled shrimp.
Of course, don’t miss out on Dim Sum. These are sweet or sour dumplings that are loved by locals and tourists alike. It doesn’t matter what your preferences are: you’ll find something in the Cantonese cuisine that will seem like it was made just for you.
Go for a Premium Helicopter Tour
If you want to make sure that your Hong Kong vacation stands out from any other trip you’ve ever taken, take a helicopter tour. Once you’re finished admiring the bustling streets and great skyscrapers from the ground, why not look at them from above. Watching the entirety of Hong Kong slowly unfold in front of you, like a pop-up in a life-sized picture book.
Give yourself an unforgettable experience with a luxurious tinge as you marvel at the landscape below. A helicopter ride above one of the most amazing places in the world is not an opportunity to miss. While it certainly has a high price-tag, it definitely is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong
Sky100 Observatory
If you want to see Hong Kong as if it were placed on the palm of your hand, head to the Sky100 observation deck. It is located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Building. It offers a 360-degree view of Hong Kong, allowing you to see everything from Victoria Harbour to Mid-Levels.
Step inside the lightbox to see all of Hong Kong at once, peek through a telescope to get a closer look at the most interesting sights. Also, be amazed at the tech room and check out the Augmented Reality to feel like you’re walking on air. If you feel like Hong Kong has already done everything to surprise you, definitely visit Sky100.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Entrance fee: 169HKD for adults, 115HKD for children
Madame Tussaud Hong Kong
You’ve definitely heard of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, so why not take this opportunity to actually visit one? Madame Tussaud in Hong Kong displays a vast collection of wax figures that is sure to make you feel important.
Walk from Hollywood’s Angelina Jolie and Robert Pattinson to Hong Kong’s own pianist Lang Lang and actor Andy Lau. After that, take a photo next to Barack Obama and Albert Einstein and, if you want to have an adrenaline rush, go down to the Chamber of Horrors. See some familiar faces and learn about some new ones.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Entrance fee: 290HKD for adults, 245HKD for children
Join a Kowloon Street Food Tour
This tour is for all the foodies that can’t get enough of Hong Kong’s vast cuisine. Follow your guide as they lead you away from the overcrowded touristy places to where the locals meet to share a great meal and a friendly conversation, opening your eyes to a different side of Hong Kong.
Learn more about the Hong Kong culture as you discover new flavours of food that can sometimes look strange. After that, explore the Kowloon area ready to impress you with bright lights and strangely shaped buildings. Kowloon is certainly a charming modern neighbourhood to visit. One thing’s for sure: you won’t leave the tour hungry!
What Is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?
The best time to visit Hong Kong is from September to early December. However, the weather is pleasant almost all year long with March till May having nice temperatures from 18 to 25 degrees.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you get up to in Hong Kong. As long as you go in with an open mind and a positive attitude, you’re going to have an amazing time. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that there are so many things to do in Hong Kong!
