Hong Kong is a crossroads. A metropolitan melting pot where east meets west, island-life meets the mainland and tradition meets modernity. Look hard enough and within the high-rise buildings you’ll find little gems of architecture including Chinese temples, colonial residences and even the odd zoo.
Oh and the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, but more on that in a minute. Then there’s Kowloon, an urban sprawl that seeps out into the New Territories before connecting to Mainland China. There are also over 200 outlying Islands that can only be accessed by boat.
Despite all of its diversity many people rush through Hong Kong, spending no more than a couple of days in the city before travelling onward. Take your time, no need to rush.
Hong Kong’s biggest advantage is that all the attractions are concentrated within a relatively small area so you can experience most of them without much strain.
Here are our recommendations for things you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Hong Kong.
1. Explore Central
The Central Business District has lots of well-known stores, but the best thing to do is meander through “The Lanes” that sell everything from dried fruit to fancy dress.
This area is a great introduction to bustling Hong Kong, for a local experience stop for some noodles in a Dai pai dong (open air food stall/market), head to the escalator and just take it up to the very top on Conduit Road.
Then walk back down (it only goes down in the morning) or hop on a mini bus that will take you back down to Central or to the Star Ferry terminal.
2. Light Show
A skyline of magnificent sky scrappers welcomes you to Hong Kong. However, unlike many other major cities, the skyline is absolutely magical because the sky scrappers are concentrated within a small area. The two biggest skylines can be found at the Hong Kong island and at Kowloon across the Victoria Harbor.
Adding to the stunning beauty of the sky scrappers, the “Symphony of lights” come alive at night providing a sight to behold. At 8:00pm there is a really amazing light show which is really popular with tourists.
This is a combination of LED lights, laser spotlights and music which features a total of 44 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. Live narration and music, can be heard at the Avenue of Stars or at the Promenade. On special occasions, a magical display of fireworks is added to the menu.
For the best viewing locations head to Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Avenue of Stars, the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai, or catch a sightseeing ferry in the Victoria Harbour.
Have your camera ready!
3. Lantau Island
Lantau is a great Island with so much to do and explore. Everyone visits the Big Buddha, a large bronze statue of Buddha, completed in 1993, and located at Ngong Ping.
The Big Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha, completed in 1993, and located at Ngong Ping. Whilst on Lantau, don’t also miss out on Tai O, a traditional fishing village built on stilts – this is one of the most unique places to see in Hong Kong.
The easiest way to get to Lantau is to take a ferry to Mui Wo from Central then Bus No 2 from the Mui Wo Ferry Pier. Alternatively, the most enjoyable way to reach the Big Buddha is via the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR station.
4. Take the Long Road to Stanley Harbour
Jump on the 6A bus from Exchange Square and enjoy the route as it takes you over to the south side of the island through Repulse Bay and ending at Stanley. Once there walk through the touristy market, buy a cold drink, and sit on the harbour wall feeling smug about knowing all HK’s little secrets.
5. Take a Junk to Lamma Island
Lamma Island has some of the best scenery in Hong Kong and also some of the tastiest seafood restaurants. Some of the restaurants will provide a free junk to take you there and back if you book in advance. Go in the evening so you can see the famous nightly laser show over the skyscraper skyline.
6. Walk The Dragon’s Back
A well-known local hike that – depending on your starting point – can end or begin on the beach at Shek O. When you make it to the beach stop for tasty Thai food and rent a paddle board from a local shop to SUP on.
You can find the route online to do independently or you can book with local travel companies and tour guides. The views and scenery are spectacular, and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
7. Take in the Views from Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak (known locally as The Peak) is a huge hill on the western half of Hong Kong. It is 552 metres high making it the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island, and the views here are incredible.
You’ll get that perfect Instagram snap of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, which looks spectacular both during the day and at night. The local tram makes getting here easy.
8. Go Shopping
Hong Kong is home to some of the best shopping malls in Asia. Expect worldwide brands, pretty boutiques, and high-rise malls with options for all budgets.
Being a duty free port you can shop as much as you want without paying anything in taxes. You will also find a huge variety of products from all the majors brands. In fact, people cross over from mainland China just to shop!
Some of the best places to go shopping include Kowloon Shopping Street, Landmark Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Temple Street Night Market, and Harbour City.
To get a glimpse of authentic local life, visit one a local market in Hong Kong for an authentic experience.
9. Camp On Tai Long Wan
This is one of the more alternative things to do in Hong Kong and will definitely appeal if you like beautiful beaches. Highlights of Tai Long Wan include eating in the local beach restaurants, hiring a surfboard, walking along the 3km long stunning bay and also camping.
Tai Long Wan is one of the most popular camping destinations in Hong Kong, due to the beautiful natural scenery and also for stargazing at night. Waking up at sunrise to a panoramic ocean view is one of the best things to do in China and certainly beats the standard small expensive Hong Kong hotel experience.
There are several ways to get here including hiking if you’re feeling energetic, or jumping on the MTR and bus if you’ve eaten too much dim sum the night before.
10. Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife
Do you fancy a night out? Hong Kong’s, famous night life is available for you. You can either enjoy a simple stroll around the streets or if you have the energy to party, visit the local pubs and bars to enjoy drinks and nice music.
Some of the night spots normally frequented by visitors include: Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai and Tsim Tsa Tsui. However, if you want a more quiet and relaxed night out, you can opt to sail on luxury night cruise over the Victoria Port. While at this cruise you will be able to get a perfect view of the “Symphony of Lights”.
Ladies, check out which bars are doing ‘Ladies Nights’ where you can drink for free. We’re not saying it’s fair… just don’t forget to drink responsibly.
If you want drinks with an incredible view of the Hong Kong skyline some of the best rooftop bars include Ozone at the Ritz Carlton in West Kowloon, Plume in Central, Skye in Causeway Bay, Cruise Restaurant & Bar in North Point and Faye in Lan Kwai.
Other Hong Kong Must Dos
If you have a flexible schedule and more time to explore this city, these are some more popular things to do:
• Go to the Races at Happy Valley on a Wednesday night
• Head to the roof of the IFC mall and enjoy being able to take your own drinks
• Explore one of the many museums in Hong Kong, especially the Heritage Museum.
Plan a Trip to Hong Kong
If you are thinking of Hong Kong, hopefully our tips will give you the chance to experience a holiday that you will remember for the rest of your life.
