Best Things to See and Do in Hong Kong

What are the best things to see and do in Hong Kong? The city has plenty of things to offer to visitors. We make a list for sightseeing, shopping, and travel with kids.

Best to See in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Ocean Park is a world-class theme park combining animal exhibits, thrill rides, and performances. It features two main areas, Summit and Waterfront, and includes eight themed zones such as Marine World and Rainforest. The park hosts five major events throughout the year, including Halloween Fest and Christmas HOHOHO. Visitors can explore the park using the cable car, Ocean Express, or the outdoor escalator, one of the longest in Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's highest point and offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take the historic red tram, Asia's oldest funicular system, to reach the summit. The Peak Tower, with its 360° Sky Terrace 428, is a prime spot for viewing Victoria Harbour, especially at night. Other attractions include Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the Peak Post Office. 

Central, Hong Kong is the city's political and commercial center, hosting banks, multinational corporations

, and consulates. The area features a mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers like the Bank of China Tower and IFC. Central is also known for its luxury shopping malls, including Landmark and IFC Mall, offering designer and international brands.

Victoria Harbour is Asia's largest seaport and one of the world's top three night views. Every night at 8 PM, it hosts the "Symphony of Lights" show and is the main venue for fireworks in Hong Kong. Visitors can take a sightseeing boat or Chinese junk to experience the harbor's beauty from a unique angle. The Ocean Terminal Deck at Harbour City is a prime spot for enjoying the stunning views.

Mong Kok is a bustling area in Hong Kong known for its vibrant street markets, including Goldfish Street and Sneakers Street. It's a shopping hotspot for young people with stores for cosmetics, electronics, and more. The area is famous for its diverse street food, including Japanese pastries and Taiwanese drinks.

Tsim Sha Tsui is at the southern tip of Kowloon and is a central hub in Hong Kong. It offers popular attractions like the Avenue of Stars and Victoria Harbour, and is great for night views. The area is a shopping hotspot with many malls and international brands. It also has cultural spots such as the Hong Kong Museum of History and Science Museum, ideal for family visits.

Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong, is twice the size of Hong Kong Island and features a range of attractions. Key highlights include Tai O, a historic fishing village known for its stilt houses and nickname "Hong Kong's Venice," and the Tian Tan Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car, the longest dual-cable car system in Asia, offers stunning panoramic views of the island. Additionally, Lantau Island is home to Hong Kong Disneyland, adding to its diverse appeal.

Hong Kong Disneyland is a magical theme park full of fairy-tale charm, featuring enchanting castles, exciting performances, and a variety of attractions. It’s the perfect destination for families and a great place for adults to rediscover their sense of wonder. Visitors can interact closely with Disney characters and enjoy endless fun.

Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong's most visited temples, known for its association with Wong Tai Sin, who is believed to grant wishes. The temple features traditional Chinese architecture, including the Three Saints Hall and Chung Shin Garden, and a small, picturesque park. A unique aspect of the temple is its “Five Elements” layout, with various structures representing metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a 60-meter-tall Ferris wheel on the Central Harbourfront. Each ride offers 15 to 20 minutes of panoramic views of Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island, and Victoria Harbour. The best photo angle is from the overpass between Central MTR and Central Ferry Pier. The climate-controlled cabins ensure comfort year-round.

The Star Ferry operates from its terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui, located at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, near Harbour City and the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. It offers two routes to Hong Kong Island, stopping at Central and Wan Chai piers. In addition to being a crucial transportation link across Victoria Harbour, it is also a popular tourist attraction due to its historical significance.

Here are tours covering the mentioned sights:

• Half-day Hong Kong Island Tour

• Half-day Kowloon Private Tour

• Half-day New Territories Private Tour

• One Day Lantau-Ngong Ping Private Tour

Things to do in Hong Kong

Leisure and Sightseeing Activities in Hong Kong

1. Star Ferry: Cross Victoria Harbour on this iconic ferry for scenic views.

2. Hong Kong Observation Wheel: Enjoy panoramic views of Victoria Harbour from this 60-meter-tall Ferris wheel.

3. Victoria Harbour Light Show: Watch the nightly spectacular light show over the harbour.

4. Ding Ding Tram: Ride the historic tram with a bell to see city streets.

5. Ngong Ping 360: Take Asia's longest cable car to explore Lantau Island and its attractions.

6. Tian Tan Buddha: Visit the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery.

7. Peak Tram: Ride to Victoria Peak for stunning views of Hong Kong.

8. Hong Kong Disneyland: Experience the magic of Disney in this theme park.

9. Ocean Park: Enjoy thrilling rides and marine attractions at this amusement park.

10. Happy Valley Racecourse: Feel the excitement of horse racing in this lively venue.

11. K11 Musea: Explore this art and shopping complex in Tsim Sha Tsui.

12. Hong Kong Coliseum: Attend concerts and events at this major performance venue.

13. Central Market and Pottinger Street: Discover the city’s history and walk through historic streets.

14. Central Police Station: Visit this historical site now serving as an art and prison museum.

15. Wong Tai Sin Temple and Tsz Shan Monastery: Seek blessings and admire Buddhist sites.

16. Hong Kong Space Museum: Learn about astronomy and space exploration.

17. Outlying Islands: Explore Tai O Fishing Village, Cheung Chau Island, and enjoy local flavors and festivals.

Cultural and Artistic Activities in Hong Kong

1. West Kowloon Cultural District: Explore this area at a leisurely pace, visit the M+ Museum for world-class      visual art, and see national treasures at the Palace Museum.

2. Street Art: Find murals and graffiti in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun.

3. Peng Chau Island: Discover quirky art installations in a repurposed old leather factory on this former      industrial island.

4. Sai Kung Arts Festival: Participate in the annual arts festival held in the Sai Kung Islands.

5. Clockenflap: Experience Hong Kong's largest international outdoor music and arts festival.

6. Antique and Specialty Shops: Browse antiques and unique stores in Central and Sheung Wan.

7. Yau Ma Tei Theatre: Attend a Cantonese opera performance at this historic venue.

8. The Mills: Visit The Mills in Tsuen Wan to view contemporary art and find creative inspiration.

Outdoor Activities in Hong Kong

1. Cycling: Ride from Sha Tin to Tai Mei Tuk or Wu Kai Sha, and explore ancient villages and temples.

2. Hiking: Climb Tai Mo Shan for sea of clouds views.

3. Walking Trails: Hike Sai Kung's volcanic rock formations, explore wave-cut rocks on Dong Ping Chau, and      camp on Tap Mun Island.

4. Winter Activities: Visit Tai Lam Country Park’s maple forest and Thousand Islands Lake.

5. Water Sports: Snorkel in Sai Kung, surf at Clear Water Bay, and kayak at Shek O and Cheung Sha.

6. Lighthouse Exploration: Visit the historic Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse.

7. Bird Watching: Explore Mai Po Nature Reserve (reservation required).

Food and Dining in Hong Kong

1. Dim Sum: Enjoy traditional dim sum at Lin Heung Lau.

2. Local Street Food: Try authentic Hong Kong dishes at eateries in Tsim Sha Tsui or nearby food stalls.

3. Rooftop Bars: Drink with a view at bars like Aqua and Ozone.

4. Afternoon Tea: Experience afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hong Kong.

5. Temple Street Night Market: Sample international and nostalgic Hong Kong snacks at this lively market.

6. Tea Shops: Visit Bing Kee Tea Stall n Tai Hang for top-notch milk tea.

7. Instant Noodles Museum: Make your own instant noodles at the Cup Noodles Museum.

8. Michelin Guide Tour: Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants for a high-end culinary experience.

Hong Kong Car Rental with Driver

Book a car to explore the city at your own pace. Prices are charged on an hourly basis, with a minimum booking of 4 hours. English-speaking drivers are available for early bookings. Check it on Hong Kong Car Rental Service with a Driver.