The Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Today, it has evolved into a behemoth of a city with excellent infrastructure, hundreds of restaurants, and there are so many things to do in Hong Kong that you will need a long holiday to fulfill all of them.

If you are someone who loves heights, then Victoria Peak is the first place you should head to after landing on the tarmac. Measuring nearly 552m in height, this natural beauty is the highest peak you can find on the island. Featuring as one of the top tourist attractions, you can get an excellent view of both Kowloon and Central across Victoria Harbor. All you have to do is book a seat on the Peak Tram, which is a funicular railway which is almost 125 years old. It has a steep climb from Hong Kong Park located in Central.

The ride ends at the top of Peak Tower, and you can pay a small amount to head towards the observation deck situated at the very top. A useful tip here would be to instead head to the top deck of the Peak Galleria shopping center, from where you can get the same views for free. If the views amaze you, then you can wander along what is called the Morning Trail and is a 3.5km hike that runs alongside the Peak Lookout. However, if you are looking for something less strenuous, then you can head to the gardens located on Mt Austin Rd, which is around 500m northwest of the peak. You will see the ruins of the old governor’s summer lodge which was burnt down by the Japanese army during World War II.

So if all these activities are your forte, then a hike up to Victoria Peak is something you should begin your trip with. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Hong Kong, and you will not regret it.

Hong Kong is a huge city, and there are so many things you can do. One of them is riding on a Chinese junk boat. Don’t worry as these boats aren’t carrying junk. It’s just the name given to these boats which have a distinctive style to their sails. Mostly they will be painted bright red and will resemble the fin of a fish. Once used ubiquitously in China for trade, now you can experience a bit of history on these handcrafted ships. They will also provide you with 45-minute loops around the harbor with the first alcoholic drink free of cost.

Sailing on a Chinese junk boat might not sound exciting, but is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Hong Kong. It is the most efficient way to view the Symphony Of Lights, which is a visual treat in the night. Drink in the light show as it runs through the skyscrapers along Victoria Harbor. The fact that you are sailing the same water body that an ancient Chinese junk boat might have plowed through truly gives you the chills.

There are things you can do on the way to the junk boats as well. You can take a short walk from the Avenue of Stars which is akin to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. You might not recognize most artists, but look closely, and you might spot the names, Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. Once you have made your short tryst with fame, you might need to wait at the loading pier. If you have booked prime seats for yourself, then comfy lounge chairs and blankets await you on the top deck.

Situated in Kowloon, the Temple Street Night Market is a marvelous experience one should not miss. If exploring a nightly street bazaar gets your juices flowing, then this is perfect for you. Featuring in our list of the top things to do in Hong Kong, this market offers a dizzying array of knick-knacks.

Few of the reasons to visit would be the colorful fans, bric-a-brac, watches, clothes, and knock-off paintings of famous artists. They are all available to you at very reasonable prices, but if you want to haggle there is enough room for that as well. Things which you should look out for and not miss would be the street-side karaoke or the various fortune-tellers who are there with smiling faces and open palms. Prices will vary from each session, but an average is around $500 for one sitting.

There are also some outdoor dai pai dong cafes which make for some good eating.

Nestled on a picturesque walkway along the southern tip of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is an excellent place to catch beautiful views of Victoria Harbor. Running from the KCR Clock Tower, which is close to the Star Ferry terminal, to the Hong Kong Coliseum, it is lined with buildings which display splendid architectural skills. A walk across the entire promenade will bring you to the Cultural Centre and the magnificent Museum of Art.

At the end of your walk, you will reach the Avenue of Stars, which commemorates the city’s movie industry which was illustrious at one point of time. Believe it or not, big names like Jackie Chan started their careers with the Hong Kong film industry. Be sure to keep a lookout for the Bruce Lee statue which has been sculpted from bronze and is a pretty sight to see. In the late evenings, around 8 PM, the entire promenade becomes a stage for an exquisite laser light show. Projected from skyscrapers all around you, the experience is a visual treat which you shouldn’t miss.

If you have arrived during the time of the Chinese New Year, which is in early January or February, you will find the place packed with locals and tourists alike. The highlight of the evening would be the fireworks and boat rides on colorful crafts which go around the bay to take part in the Dragon Boat Festival, which occurs in June. Tsim Sha Tsui also houses the Hong Kong Cultural Center and the Hong Kong Space Museum.

With a large number of shops, you can purchase knick-knacks to your heart’s content. However, remember to haggle if you feel the price is too much. All this and much more make a walk along Tsim Sha Tsui one of the most fantastic things to do in Hong Kong.

If you are traveling with your family and you have kids, then Hong Kong’s Disneyland is a must-visit. The Asian take on America’s most popular theme park, it is located on Lantau Island, which in itself is a short MTR ride from Hong Kong airport. This is easily one of the most fun things to do in Hong Kong.

Opening its doors to the public way back in 2005, the park hasn’t looked back since when it came to offering kids with mind-boggling rides and entertainment. It’s slightly smaller than its counterpart in California, but it’s still big enough to warrant a division into seven worlds. These would be Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Adventureland. Although almost all of the attractions are geared to entertain kids, adults can have fun with the family too at the Mystic Manor ghost tour and family-friendly rides such as Mad Hatter Teacups.

If you still crave for some adrenaline-pumping rides, then you can head for the RC Racer halfpipe roller coaster at Toy Story Land, or plummet through nothingness and darkness on the Space Mountain roller coaster. There is a parade which is held daily at around 3:30 PM, which is an enormous hit with the children. With characters from Disney movies making appearances, the entire experience is something you and your family will truly cherish.

Fireworks, music, and delectable dim sums complete the trip making it one of the many things to do in Hong Kong when traveling with little ones.

Featuring on our list of the top things to do in Hong Kong, the Ocean Park is located in Aberdeen which is on the southern part of Hong Kong island. Divided into two parts, the lowland (Waterland) and headland (Summit) are equipped with cable cars and the funicular Ocean Express. This is a beautiful place for children as the experience is educational, thrilling, and a whole lot of fun.

There are several rides which are kid-friendly in Whiskers Harbor, but it also has some thrill-packed offerings like the Hair Raiser rollercoaster on Summit’s Thrill mountain.

The Grand Aquarium is another attraction famous the world over for being the largest aquarium dome ever constructed. Get up and close with some large marine animals before heading out.

Featured as Hong Kong’s cheapest boat tour on offer, the Star Ferry boats have been carrying passengers across the Victoria Harbor since 1888.

You will be surprised to know that this is not only the cheapest way to cross at HK$ 2.5, but it’s an incredibly scenic boat journey which goes on for about ten minutes. Along the way, you will lay your eyes on expansive views of majestic mountains, tall skyscrapers, and the Kowloon skyline. Try catching a boat on a clear night as the views are especially dramatic then. Beckon the photographer in you and position yourself on a lower deck to get some of the choicest shots.

Purchasing a ticket is fairly straightforward, and you can avail one from the ticket window, or from a coin-operated turnstile if you have loose change. Indeed, if you have the time, then a ride on the Star Ferry is most definitely one the many things to do in Hong Kong.

Today Lan Kwai Fong is one of the most happening places in Hong Kong, and is the best place to let your hair down and indulge in a few tipples of wine, along with the choicest drams of Chinese liquor. This area has become so famous that other Chinese cities are trying to replicate its allure, appeal, and charm even today.

The entire area surrounding Lan Kwai Fong is quite small, so you might find that you have to jostle around to keep moving. With streets filled with party-goers, the entire place comes to life rivaling even the famous Pub Street of Siem Reap. Be ready to stumble upon every kind of bar from comfortable dart bars to karaoke bars, as well as dance clubs and a wide selection of restaurants serving some fantastic seafood.

With over ninety restaurants and bars, Lan Kwai Fong truly is the partygoer’s paradise and is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong after the sun has set!

With so many pubs, bars, and restaurants it might be hard to believe that the humble cup of tea features in one the things to do in Hong Kong. If you are looking for an authentic Chinese experience, then a cup of hot afternoon tea will definitely hit the spot.

After World War II ended, there came a time of rapid re-globalization of Hong Kong, which saw small cafes springing up along the streets. Manufacturing was given extra importance as the city had to be rebuilt, and workers would head to these small cafes for a quick and affordable lunch. Head to the Cha Chaan Tengs diner for some great tea. You can also head to some of the ones which offer you a peek into the past, namely Mido Café in Yau Ma Tei, and Hoi An in Sheung Wan.

The best thing to try would be the milk tea which is condensed milk mixed with bitter black tea, pineapple buns, and a scrambled egg toast.

Let’s face it. Eating is something which everyone always looks forward to on a trip and is one of the tastiest things to do in Hong Kong. A trip to Hong Kong or any Chinese city or town would be incomplete without gorging on luscious fat Dimsums or momos. Head to a place called Sham Shui Po which has a Michelin starred restaurant offering dim sums without you having to break your bank. Known to locals as one of the best places for dim sum, they have a variety of baos and buns as well stuffed with all kinds of meat and seafood. A paradise for anyone who loves to eat.

However, be sure to visit the one at Sham Shui Po and not the other branches as the cost shoots up astronomically. Be sure to try the Char Siu Bao which is one of their signature dishes, and is simply a bun filled with delicious barbequed pork.

You will also find stalls lining the streets selling their own versions of dim sums which frankly are quite mouthwatering and addictive. It’s a haven for vegetarians as well because of the wide variety of vegetarian dimsums being sold as well.

On the whole, Hong Kong is a fantastic destination if you are looking for a fun-filled holiday. You can now use this guide of the best things to do in Hong Kong to understand the hotspots and attractions in the city. If you are an overseas traveler looking to visit in the holiday season, then it’s advisable to book your hotel well in advance due to the major rush. So go ahead, plan your travel as Hong Kong truly is, a city of adventure.