Things to See and Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a jam-packed city often described as the “Pearl of the Orient”, is a commercial and financial hub bursting with energy from all the hustling and bustling around.

It’s a dizzying blend of old and new. It has a great mix of both Western and Eastern, both when it comes to culture, food, shopping, and architecture. It is a city that has “everything” makes it one of Asia’s most exciting cities.

With the gleaming skyscrapers, towering mountains, and a glittering harbor, the city is an absolute stunner. There are more than enough sights and interesting things to see, from traditional street markets to beautiful temples, there is so much to do here.

These are the highlights of things to see and do in Hong Kong according to us. We hope you find this article helpful when deciding what to see in Hong Kong. 

  1. Explore Lantau Island

  • Ride Ngong Ping 360 – This cable car runs from Tung Chung (MTR) across the bay toward the airport and then onward to Lantau Island, where you can visit the Po Lin Monastery. The cable car gives you a panoramic view of the airport, harbor, and entire city before it travels through the surrounding mountains. The ride lasts about 25 minutes. (tickets start from HKD 130).
  • Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) – Po Lin Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist places and has been called as the ‘Buddhist World in the South’. Opposite to this is the famous bronze Big Buddha statue that sits at 34 metres high and facing north to look towards Mainland China (it is open from 10:00 – 17:30).
  • Go around Ngong Ping Village – This is a 1.5-hectare place where you can find an array of shops and eateries. If you have HKD $40 to spare, you can also watch the multimedia show ‘Walking with Buddha’.
  • Visit Tai O Fishing Village – Known as one of the oldest fishing village in Hong Kong. A lot of photographer’s finds this as an interesting spot to picture. Take note that this is a short bus or taxi ride away, approximately 15 minutes from the Big Buddha. 
Stilt houses at Tai O Fishing Village

  1. Day trip to Macau

The gambling mecca of Macau is a short boat ride away. For about 70 minutes boat ride from Hong Kong’s ferry terminal will take you to this former Portuguese colony, where you can see the charm of both Chinese and Portuguese heritage. Visit numerous World Heritage sites, including Na Tcha Temple, Mount Fortress, the Ruins of St Pauls Roman Catholic Church, Senado Square and Macau Tower. Here the mix of colonial Portuguese architecture blends beautifully alongside East-Asian flair.

  1. Experience the Nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong

LKF is the main nightlife and party area in Hong Kong and is filled with over a hundred of restaurants, bars, clubs and cheap drinks. If you’re up for partying afterwards, you’ll have no shortage of options here. (Nearest MTR: Central Station).

  1. Shop at Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is Hong Kong best shopping district. Even if you’re not planning to shop till you drop, the crowds, the noise and the neon all make it worth a visit with your camera. (Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay Station).

  1. Visit Disneyland

Head to Disneyland, there are various attractions and themed areas here for you to choose from. (MTR: Disneyland Resort Station).

  1. Go to Ocean Park

    Home to thrill rides including four roller coasters, eight themed amusement zones and animals including sharks, bottlenose dolphins, koalas, giant pandas, penguins, walruses, sea lions and more. (Getting there: Ride the Citybus’s Ocean Park Express bus service Route 629 located just outside the Star Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island side or from Admiralty West Bus Terminal outside Admiralty MTR station).

  1. Hop on the Star Ferry

The best way to get across the harbor from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon Island is via the Star Ferry, you can ride the Star Ferry from either Wan Chai pier or Central pier and it only takes about 10 minutes to reach Tsim Sha Tsui pier.

  1. Ladies Market

As the name goes, this is a haven for the ladies. With over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs, put your haggling skills to the test. And you not just find clothing here, everything from watches, cosmetics, bags and trinkets are also up for grabs. There are also branded stores speckled across the area that are relatively inexpensive. (MTR: board the train going to Tsuen Wan (red line) and get off at Mongkok Station, exiting at Bank Center signed E and then E2).

  1. The Hong Kong Museum of History

If you want to learn more of Hong Kong historical, this museum lets you do just that. It provides an excellent overview of Hong Kong’s long and complex past. There are exhibits relating to the archaeology, social history, ethnography, and natural history of the region. It’s big, so allow about 2–4 hours for your visit. Admission is HKD 10 (free on Wednesday) and there is an audio tour available for HKD 10. (Nearest MTR: East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, exit P2 then walk along the Chatham Road South for about 10 minutes).

  1. Kowloon Park

This is a large public park smacked in the middle of the bustling area of Tsim Sha Tsui but it offers tranquility for its guests what with its Chinese garden, lotus ponds and don’t miss the pink flamingos and hundreds of turtles hanging out in the ponds. (Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui Station).

  1. Go up the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building, the International Commerce Center (ICC). You can have a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbor! Tickets are available at the gate. (Nearest MTR: Kowloon Station).

Image credit; Sky 100

  1. Wong Tai Sin Temple

Home to three religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism), its natural setting and beautifully ornamented buildings make it as much a scenic attraction as an important religious center. The temple is dedicated to the Great Immortal Wong (Wong Tai Sin himself). Nearby is Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. (Nearest MTR: Wong Tai Sin Station, exit B2, walk for about three minutes).

  1. Victoria Peak

Ride the peak tram to sky Terrace 428 which boasts the most stunning views of the city and the iconic skyline at Victoria Peak. You can buy Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 tickets at the gate, but the line to the Peak Tram can often be unbearably long so you may want to purchase a Fast Track pass as well. It’ll allow you to bypass the line and get combo tickets to other attractions at Victoria Peak like Madame Tussaud and the Art of Chocolate Museum. (Nearest MTR: Central Station, exit E).

  1. Man Mo Temple

The Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), both of whom were worshiped by ambitious students looking to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China. Located on busy Hollywood Road among the antique shops, Man Mo really is a pleasant surprise. This 1800s temple features a lavish, traditional interior with tons of incense spirals overhead. (Nearest MTR: Central Station, exit D2 and turn right to Theater Lane. Walk along Queen’s Road Central towards The Center. Then take the Central Mid-Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road).

Hope you enjoyed these suggestions for things to see and do in Hong Kong.

Note: The information provided in this post was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service.