Experience the best of both worlds in Hong Kong – a captivating fusion of traditional Chinese heritage and modern international flair. From soaring skyscrapers to ancient temples, Michelin-starred dining to authentic street food, this dynamic city offers endless possibilities for every traveler.
Discover our carefully curated selection of must-see attractions and hidden gems, handpicked by local experts to help you create unforgettable memories. Get ready to explore a destination where every corner reveals new surprises and every experience tells a unique story.
1. Admire Hong Kong's Skyline from Victoria Peak
Experience Hong Kong’s iconic skyline from its highest point! Ride the historic Peak Tram – a 135-year-old funicular railway – to discover the city’s most photographed viewpoint. At the summit, enjoy leisurely walks with panoramic harbor views, then explore shopping and dining options with unparalleled scenery.
Perfect for families: combine your visit with Madame Tussauds and Monopoly Dreams attractions. This unforgettable journey to Hong Kong’s rooftop promises picture-perfect memories that will last a lifetime.
2. Cruise Victoria Harbour and Watch the Light Show
Experience Hong Kong’s legendary harbor aboard traditional junk boats, modern yachts, or the charming Star Ferry. By day, watch the city’s vibrant water traffic; by night, witness the spectacular Symphony of Lights show dancing across the skyline.
For the perfect land view, visit the Avenue of Stars – home to handprints of film legends like Jackie Chan and a bronze statue of Bruce Lee. Whether you cruise or stay ashore, Victoria Harbour offers unforgettable moments at the heart of Asia’s world city.
3. See Lantau's Big Buddha via the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
If you have more than two days in Hong Kong or are staying near the airport and want to visit nearby attractions, Lantau Island is highly recommended. You can reach Lantau Island by taxi, bus, or the popular and interesting option of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which offers a 25-minute ride with views of the South China Sea and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. On Lantau Island, you can see the world’s largest seated bronze Buddha, visit temples, and enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian meal. You can also take a bus or taxi to Tai O to experience the charm of a traditional Hong Kong fishing village.
4. Experience Chinese Fortune Telling at Wong Tai Sin Temple
Located in Kowloon, Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong’s most popular temples, dedicated to numerous Chinese deities, including Wong Tai Sin himself. Every day, many Chinese people visit to pray for wealth, happiness and peace. One important ritual is “Kau Cim” (fortune sticks), where you silently ask a question, shake a bamboo cylinder containing sticks, and interpret the answer based on the number on the stick. The temple also has many Chinese fortune-telling stalls, some of which offer services in English. Fortune-tellers can “predict” your future and offer advice based on your birth date, palm lines, and facial features.
5. Experience Local Life by Riding the Ding Ding Tram or Star Ferry
The Ding Ding tram, known for its “Ding Ding” bell sound, and the Star Ferry, connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, are traditional modes of transport that have been in operation for over a century. Unlike the fast-paced MTR, these slower-paced options allow you to enjoy Hong Kong’s cityscape and local life. Riding the Ding Ding tram through Hong Kong Island’s streets or taking a short Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour are meaningful and affordable experiences, with fares under one USD. For a more extensive harbor tour, the Star Ferry Water Tour costs around USD $22-26, depending on the time.
6. Relaxing Fishing Village Experience on Outlying Islands
Hong Kong’s outlying islands are hidden gems, perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy the relaxed vibe of fishing villages. Popular islands include Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, and Peng Chau. You can rent a bicycle, swim at the beach, or enjoy a coffee while taking in the serene coastal views.
Lamma Island’s Lamma Fisherfolks Village offers various activities, such as fishing, salted fish making class, preserved kumquat making class, and workshops for making kites and mugs, making it an excellent destination for families with children.
7. Enjoy Hong Kong's Nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong or Sky Bars
Lan Kwai Fong, located in Central, is synonymous with Hong Kong’s nightlife. This area is densely packed with unique bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, making it a popular gathering spot for young people and city workers looking to unwind after work. Lan Kwai Fong also boasts several bars listed among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, such as COA, Penicillin, and Quinary. If you’re an enthusiast of alcoholic beverages, this is a must-visit.
Additionally, Hong Kong also has many fantastic sky bars, often located on the upper floors of hotels or skyscrapers, offering stunning views of the city’s nightscape. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a romantic atmosphere.
8. Try out the Local Snacks Near the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator
The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator is a landmark in Central, Hong Kong, connecting the Central Market and Tai Kwun. Beneath it are numerous snack shops that have been operating since the 1950s and ’60s. The most famous are Lan Fong Yuen, known for creating the Hong Kong-style beverage “Yuenyeung” (a mix of coffee and milk tea), and Tai Cheong Bakery, renowned for its egg tarts and Sata andagi. Additionally, some old-established wonton noodle shops are also worth trying.
9. Savor Global Cuisines, Including Michelin-Starred Restaurants
As an international city, Hong Kong attracts people from all over the world, bringing diverse flavors with them. The city offers a wide range of culinary options, from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern to European delights. There are ample halal and vegetarian choices, catering to various religious and dietary preferences. Hong Kong is also renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, from affordable Bib Gourmand recommendations to high-end dining experiences. Food enthusiasts can explore and indulge in the city’s rich culinary scene.
10. Explore Hong Kong's Diverse Museums
Hong Kong is home to numerous exquisite museums. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, located by Victoria Harbour, offers exhibits related to Chinese calligraphy, painting, and ceramics. Nearby, the small yet fascinating Hong Kong Space Museum is perfect for families, offering insights into astronomy and geography. The Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District displays artifacts from Beijing’s Palace Museum, providing an engaging look into ancient Chinese royal life and customs. The adjacent M+ Museum showcases modern art. Other notable museums include the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of History, both worth exploring.
11. Stroll or Cycle in the West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is a newly developed cultural hub in Hong Kong. Besides the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the M+ Museum, it features the Art Park, a great spot for seaside walks, cycling, and watching the sunset. The park offers bike rentals and is an excellent place to picnic on the lawns or relax at nearby restaurants and cafes, enjoying views of Victoria Harbour and the bustling Hong Kong Island.
12. Visit Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park
Hong Kong caters to visitors of all ages, including children. The city has two very popular theme parks. One is the world-renowned Hong Kong Disneyland, a fairy tale paradise for both kids and adults. The other is Hong Kong Ocean Park, a combined zoo and amusement park where you can see pandas as well as marine animals like penguins and seals.
13. Shop at the Various Malls
Almost every district in Hong Kong has shopping centers, especially the famous shopping areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. For those who enjoy shopping, Hong Kong is a true shopping paradise. You can find a wide range of international and local brands, from clothing and accessories to electronics.
14. Hiking to Enjoy Hong Kong's Natural Scenery
While Hong Kong is often seen as a bustling modern city, it’s actually a place where mountains cover most of the land-around three-quarters of the territory is green. This makes Hong Kong home to some excellent hiking trails. For example, you can hike to the city’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, or explore Dragon’s Back, which Lonely Planet has named the best hiking trail in Hong Kong. For outdoor enthusiasts and those wanting to see a different side of the city, hiking is a fantastic option.
15. Watch Local Theater - Cantonese Opera
Despite over a century of Western colonial influence, Hong Kong remains a key representative of Cantonese culture, with Cantonese opera being one of its cultural icons. This traditional art form, sung in Cantonese, is a window into the region’s rich heritage. In Hong Kong, you can experience Cantonese opera performances at the Xiqu Centre, where tea and snacks are also served. Watching Cantonese opera is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of local culture.
