Looking for things to do in Hong Kong? This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to make the most of your time in Asia’s most exciting city.
We love Hong Kong. It’s exotic, it’s chaotic, and it’s electrifying. The city is just so big and there are so many attractions in Hong Kong, it can be overwhelming. However, we’re here to help. When you read this guide, you’ll have a good idea of the top attractions, best tours, and suggested itineraries.
Things to do in Hong Kong
I don’t think there is any city skyline that I love more than Hong Kong. Sure Shanghai has an eye-popping set of buildings, but it’s the sheer mass and aesthetic layout of Hong Kong that takes my breath away. Furthermore, there are a lot more things to do in Hong Kong than you would expect.
1. Sky100
For a panoramic view of Hong Kong, visit the Sky100. Located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, the Sky100 is the perfect spot to get your bearings and orientation of the city. From here, you can see all the districts of Hong Kong, the harbour, and the mountains. Moreover, an observation deck like this is a great place to start your adventure.
When you are staring out the windows of Hong Kong’s tallest building, you really get a sense of just how huge Hong Kong truly is. For prices and information, visit the Sky100 website. We recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets to make the most of your time in Hong Kong. You can purchase them here.
2. Peak Tram
For another high lookout, a trip up the Peak Tram is a must. Opened in 1926, this funicular railway travels 1.4 km up to an elevation of 400 metres above the city for a magnificent view of the Hong Kong harbour.
You can spend a day exploring its hiking trails and perusing the indoor shopping centre. There’s even a Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum up there. However, it’s really all about the view and scene of the Hong Kong skyline twinkling with lights at sunset. For tickets and hours of operation, visit the Peak Tram website.
Lines can be very long at the Peak Tram. Get Your Guide offers Skip the Line Tickets for short notice bookings or easy cancellation, providing an efficient way to avoid long waits at a reasonable price.
3. Symphony of Lights – Clock Tower Kowloon
After the sun sets, make your way to the harbour and watch the world’s largest continuous light show. There are several great ways to enjoy the Hong Kong Light Show, and I suggest a cruise in the harbour as a fabulous way to see the choreographed light display.
If you are a photographer, head over to the clock tower and line up with the other tripod-carrying artists to capture the spectacle of neon lights and laser beams, carefully crafted to music.
Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with drinks is a great option for a tour in Hong Kong. Experience the Symphony of Lights from the water—a memorable experience! The 1.5-hour cruise sails along the Hong Kong Harbour while the spectacular symphony of lights plays along the skyline, plus you get unlimited drinks!
4. 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
For a touch of culture and serenity, visit the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Pai Tau Village. The walk-up is enough to take your breath away—one because it’s a bit taxing after eating all that amazing Chinese food in the city, and two because hundreds of golden Buddhas line the path.
Once you reach the top, explore temples and pavilions along with a nine-story pagoda. A highlight for me was the turtle pond and the gardens, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
Hot Tip: Get around Hong Kong on the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour. It includes ferry rides between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and fast track up the Peak Tram and Sky100. Choose from 1-2 days starting at $77.66.
5. Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
This 25-minute scenic ride up to Ngong Ping village is considered one of the great cable car rides in the world. The cable car, located on Lan Tau Island, starts in the village of Tung Chung and ends at Ngong Ping Village. This themed village is kitschy fun with 5D theatres, multimedia events, shopping, dining, and even a martial arts show. When you reach the top, grab a Starbucks coffee.
- Lantau Island and Cable Car Tour – This is a very cool tour, and you must get out of downtown Hong Kong at least once while strolling around the village and taking in the sights.
- Visit the Tian Tan Big Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery. Then travel by boat to see Tai O, a quaint fishing village where the houses are built on stilts. Check for tours here.
6. Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
Ngong Ping Village is located just five minutes from the Tian Tan Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. The energy transforms into a serene setting as one of the world’s largest Buddhas looms overhead while you explore the still-working monastery. If you are fortunate, you may witness monks chanting their morning prayers.
The 40-meter-high Buddha statue can be viewed by walking up 262 steps to appreciate its magnificent size. Want to learn more about Lantau Island? See our Hong Kong Day Trip.
- Lantau Island and Cable Car can also be booked through Get Your Guide. It’s a fascinating tour that allows you to escape downtown Hong Kong at least once. Enjoy the Tian Tan Big Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery, then venture by boat to Tai O, a quaint fishing village with stilt houses.
7. Wine and Dine Festival
Every year, the Wine and Dine Festival attracts wine and spirit makers from around the world to showcase their best brews.
- Plan your trip around this event; you will love it!
8. Sai Kung
For a refreshing nature escape, Sai Kung is a perfect day excursion. There are fantastic coastal hikes and you can even have your boat driver drop you off so you can hike back. Sai Kung is excellent for a boat ride, paddling, and hiking. Consequently, once you’ve worked up your appetite, you must try one of the seafood markets.
Taxis are cheap in Hong Kong, and we took a taxi out to Sai Kung, where we hopped on a boat to explore the surrounding islands.
Sai Kung is famous for its seafood street, where restaurants line the waterfront. For an unforgettable culinary experience, there’s even a Michelin Star seafood restaurant in the village.
9. Use the Subway
The best way to navigate Hong Kong is by using the subway. It’s cheap, efficient, and covers extensive routes throughout the city. Get an Octopus Card to make commuting easy. Subway signs are in English, and the service is very fast and orderly.
Note: Taxis are very reasonable in Hong Kong as well. Between the subway and cabs, you can explore the city with ease.
10. Stay at the Mira Hong Kong
We loved our stay at the Mira Hong Kong in Kowloon, conveniently located within walking distance of everything in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Just a short stroll from the Harbour City shopping center and waterfront, it was perfectly situated for our adventures.
They even provided us a cell phone complete with free data, international calls, and preloaded maps and information about Hong Kong to use during our stay. A very cool perk is that every guest receives a cell phone with data when staying at the Mira Hong Kong.
11. Harbour City
Harbour City is Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall, boasting numerous top name brands from around the world. However, it offers much more than just shopping; it also features a wide range of dining options and the ferry terminal. It serves as a great escape from the outdoors.
A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without stopping to people-watch, window shop or grab some food. Make sure to visit here for shopping and dining!
12. Take a Ride on the Star Ferry
If a cruise feels too extravagant, consider taking a trip on the Star Ferry either to Kowloon (if you are staying downtown) or the other way if you are staying in Kowloon.
The Star Ferry is an excellent way to travel through the Hong Kong harbour, allowing you to see the skyline from the water, which is an essential experience. Traveling to Hong Kong? Check out our China Travel Guide.
13. SoHo
Hollywood was once the main street of Hong Kong, and today, everything south of Hollywood (SOHO) is where the action is.
Soho (South of Hollywood) is the trendy part of Hong Kong, bustling with upper-class business people flocking for after-work drinks, dressed in luxurious fabrics. The area is also filled with boutiques, bars, and fine dining options. If you want to indulge in shopping, this is the spot to be!
Moreover, there’s a mix of antique markets along with high-end fashion, and everything in between. What we loved most was just people-watching while enjoying an afternoon cocktail.
14. Ride the World’s Longest Escalator
Soho used to be a run-down area where navigating was challenging due to the steep mountain. However, the installation of the world’s longest escalator transformed it all. Spanning nearly 1 km, the escalator runs up the side of the mountain, effectively connecting all the streets of Soho, making exploration easy.
You never have to walk uphill; simply ride up to the top and begin your walk down to discover all the little nooks and crannies of Hong Kong’s hottest district. Love our Hong Kong photography? You’ll enjoy our China At Night: A Photo Story.
15. Man Mo Temple
Located in the Soho District is a quiet, unassuming temple that should not be missed when in Hong Kong. The Man Mo Temple, found on Hollywood Road, pays tribute to the God of Literature and the God of War. If you’re on a budget, read: 5 Tips to Travel China on a Budget.
The Man Mo Temple is famous for its giant hanging incense, where visitors buy red ribbons to leave a wish or prayer on the end of a giant coil, allowing the smoke to carry their dreams to the Gods above.
16. Tai O Fishing Village
Located on Lantau Island, the Tai O Fishing Village offers a glimpse into historic Hong Kong. Once a thriving community, today the fishermen’s way of life is gradually being replaced by skyscrapers and big businesses.
Tai O transports you back to a simpler time, where daily shopping for fresh catches was the norm and traditional meals were prepared by hand. It’s a charming village to stroll through, and you can even visit one of the stilt houses to see how life has remained unchanged for decades.
17. Pink Dolphins
While in Tai O Village, book a boat tour to spot pink dolphins in the bay. Sightings are not guaranteed, but this is one of the few places where you can glimpse these rare creatures.
Boat tours are brief yet affordable and allow you to see a bit of the beautiful coast while searching for these elusive dolphins. Although the dolphins are quick, we managed to catch a glimpse—honestly!
18. Sham Shui Po Food Tour
Food is an integral part of life in Hong Kong, from fine dining and dim sum to street stalls. A fantastic way to learn about the culinary scene in Hong Kong is by taking a food tour in Sham Shui.
Here, you’ll sample traditional street stalls, shop in local markets, and dine at local favorites. Ask as many questions as you want and get to know as much as you can. It enhances your dining experience when you know what to order. Sham Shui is a vibrant district filled with street markets, old shops, and typical Hong Kong apartments.
This area contrasts sharply with the sleek modern skyscrapers of downtown. Check out Hong Kong Foodie Tours to book your own food tour of Hong Kong.
19. Kowloon
Kowloon is a vibrant district of Hong Kong and where we often stay when visiting. It features pedestrian-only streets free from traffic, bustling with vendors and storefronts.
Mong Kok is Hong Kong’s most popular walking street, located on the Kowloon side of the city. It’s renowned for the Ladies Market, a favorite spot for haggling over bargain clothing and souvenirs. Here, you’ll find everything from clothing and imitation luxury brands to unique gifts and fine jewelry. The best time to visit is at night.
Temple Street Night Market is one of the famous night markets in Hong Kong, selling a wide range of goods from clothing to trinkets, antiques, and seafood. Additionally, Kowloon is home to the massive shopping mall Harbour City, which you cannot miss.
- Kowloon Guided Market Tour – Kowloon is a bustling district, and this tour takes you through the back streets to explore its markets and landmarks.
- Street Food Tour – Hong Kong is famous for its street food. Discover the best food stalls, learn about Hong Kong cuisine, and receive local insider tips. Duration: 2 hours.
Avenue of the Stars
While Hollywood boasts the Walk of Fame, Hong Kong with its vibrant movie industry features the Avenue of Stars, which is a must-visit. Not far from the clock tower in Kowloon on the waterfront, it showcases several famous Hong Kong film stars.
Each honored individual has left their handprints and signatures set in cement along the promenade. Famous handprints you’ll find belong to Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, and more. It’s also a great spot for an evening stroll.
Our #1 Money Saving Tip in Hong Kong
The best way to save money and visit all the sights is by getting yourself a Hong Kong Pass. Available for 2, 3, or 4 days, it includes entrance to all top Hong Kong attractions along with Fast Track access, including:
- Peak Tram Sky Pass
• Ngong Ping Cable Car and Guided Tour (Big Buddha)
• Ocean Park
• Sky100 HK Observation Deck
• Airport Express Return Ticket
• Aberdeen Sampan Ride
• Cotai Jet: Hong Kong-Macau Ferry
• Macau Tower
• Star Ferry Harbour Tour
• Aqua Luna Stanley Cruise (Aqua Luna is a traditional red-sailed Hong Kong junk boat)
• Hong Kong Walking Tour
• Macau Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
With limited time, this pass helps you move swiftly and skip lines at various sites. It’s definitely worthwhile. Get your Hong Kong Pass here.
Hong Kong is a place we could revisit time and again. It truly is a world city. As it stands, Hong Kong is Asia’s World City. Therefore, it’s no surprise there’s so much to see and do; it’s a city that demands another visit.
Suggested Hotels Kowloon
Mira Hong Kong – Enjoy a wonderful stay with luxurious amenities, Michelin-star restaurants, an indoor pool, and direct access to Miramar Shopping Centre. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Kowloon Shangri-La – This luxurious hotel overlooks Victoria Harbour and boasts seven dining options. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Plan Your Hong Kong Vacation
- 1 USD = $7.80 Hong Kong Dollars. Get the XP Currency Converter App for currency calculations.
- Invest in an Octopus Card – a versatile stored-value electronic card usable for most public transport, as well as for purchases in convenience stores, fast food shops, supermarkets, and more.
- Use your Octopus card to take a ferry to Macau, the Las Vegas of Asia, to explore, try your luck, and take in a show.
- Get Your Guide offers day trips to Macau.
- Traffic flows on the left in Hong Kong; be sure to look right before crossing the street.
- When on the escalator, stand to the right and let others pass on the left.
- Taxis are inexpensive in Hong Kong, so feel free to take them!
- Don’t forget that Hong Kong is rich in parks and greenery. It’s not just a concrete jungle, so venture outside!
- Don’t expect early morning openings for attractions; things generally open later in Hong Kong.
- Consider picking up your Lonely Planet Travel Guide – our trusted city and country guide when globetrotting since 2000.
- For electronics, we rely on the Eagle Creek Travel Adapter along with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector. It allows us to charge five devices simultaneously with three plugs and two USB chargers.
When is the Best time to Visit Hong Kong?
There is truly no bad time to visit Hong Kong; it’s an international city open for tourists year-round. Just like many Asian destinations, the high season for Hong Kong runs from October through May. However, during this time, crowds can be larger and prices higher.
The shoulder season is ideal for avoiding crowds and saving money, and is considered to be June through September.
The summer months of July and August tend to be quite hot, and since Hong Kong is a global city, significant deals may be harder to come by.
When planning your trip to Hong Kong, it’s best to avoid national holidays like May 1, July 1, and October 1.
Selected Hong Kong Tours
Get Your Guide – a fantastic site for tours and discount tickets. We’ve used it across the globe and it offers last-minute tickets and hassle-free cancellation.
Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Drinks – Experiencing the Symphony of Lights from the water is simply magical. Enjoy this 1.5-hour cruise along the Hong Kong Harbour, where the spectacular symphony of lights display unfolds before you. Plus, unlimited drinks!
Hong Kong Disneyland – If you love Disneyland, you must compare this surreal experience to Disneyland or Disney World in the States.
Hong Kong After Dark Tour – Sometimes you crave a lively night out but feel insecure doing it alone. By joining the Hong Kong After Dark tour, you’ll visit night markets, parks, neighborhoods, and the Peninsula Hotel, rounding off the night at one of Hong Kong’s popular bars.
Enjoy all these things to do in Hong Kong? Save this post to Pinterest for future reference.
We’ve merely scratched the surface of all the experiences in Hong Kong and look forward to returning to share more! Have you been to Hong Kong?
What did we miss and what should we do on our next visit? Please share other ideas for exploring Hong Kong.
For additional information about things to do in Hong Kong, visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Website.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next trip? Consider using these resources that are tried and tested by us.
Book Your Flights: Start your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have relied on them for years and have consistently found the best flight deals.
Book your Hotel: For the best hotel prices, check these two providers. If you are in Europe, use Booking.com, and if you are anywhere else, use TripAdvisor.
Find Apartment Rentals: Discover the most affordable prices on apartment rentals using VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it! Here’s what we recommend:
- Safety Wing – for occasional travelers.
- Medjet – for global air medical transport and travel security.
Book Your Activities: If you’re looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more, we recommend Get Your Guide.
Need further assistance with trip planning? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight the companies we trust while traveling.
