What are the best things to do in Hong Kong? Read on to learn more about them. Hong Kong, an autonomous territory in southeastern China, is a global financial hub, and a popular tourist destination among Western and Eastern tourists alike.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated regions, and it has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world (more than 300!), most of them situated around Victoria Harbour.

However, a large number of skyscrapers and modernity are not the only reasons tourists flock to Hong Kong. It’s also the city’s unique cuisine, great shopping opportunities, and incredibly fancy restaurants. Also – stunning nature, numerous hiking trails, and amazing beaches are among the reasons why to go on your next vacation to Hong Kong!

6 best things to do in Hong Kong

1. Enjoy views from Victoria Peak

As you already know, Hong Kong has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world. Most of them are surrounding Victoria Harbour.

One of the best places to see Hong Kong’s impressive skyscrapers is Victoria Peak. The views are spectacular, also during the dark.

We recommend you to head to Victoria peak in the evening so that you arrive there shortly before the sunset.

From the Victoria Peak lookout platform (entrance – free) you get unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Skyline and the Kowloon Skyline.

Entrance to the platform at the top of the complex, Sky Terrace 428, however, is not free. Sky Terrace 428 is a lookout platform standing at 428 meters above sea level, making it the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong.

To get to Victoria Peak take the Victoria Peak Tram. Or walk, and take a tram on your way back down. There are several trails you can choose from to get to the peak.

If there is a long queue at the Victoria Peak Tram station, and you don’t want to walk, consider taking a taxi. But make sure they use the meter.

2. Visit Lantau island

Hong Kong is not only skyscrapers, fancy stores, and expensive hotels. Hong Kong also has a beautiful nature.

And Lantau island is of the best places for nature lovers here, in Hong Kong.

But probably the most popular landmark on Lantau island is Tian Tian Buddha, a 34 meter-tall bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Being a major center of Buddhism in Hong Kong, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong, and the main reason why so many tourists come to Lantau.

But there’s more to Lantau that Tian Tian Buddha.

Lantau is also home to a few nice beaches: Cheung Sha, Pui O, Tai Long Wan, Silvermine Bay, Big Wave, and Tong Fuk. Cheung Sha is the longest beach on Lantau. But Tai Long Wan and Big Wave are the best places for surfing. Yes, you heard me right, surfing!

Ngong Ping 360 cable car is a great way to see the beauty of Lantau – its jungles, mountains and the sea.

Hiking is another thing you can do on Lantau. Lantau Trail is a 70 km long circular hiking trail starting and finishing in Mui Wo. It is divided into 12 sections of different difficulty levels. The trail has good facilities and is well marked.

Disneyland is also located on Lantau island. If you want to have some fun at an amusement park, this is the place to go.

3. Explore Hong Kong island on a double-decker tram

Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of Hong Kong. It’s also the place where most of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers are located.

A double-decker tram is a good and cheap way to see this part of Hong Kong. Hop on it and enjoy views of the magnificent buildings and the busy life of Hong Kong! Hop off it and go for a walk along the busy streets.

What we like the most about Hong Kong island that it’s actually a blend of new and old. You’ll see old traditional shophouses as well as the new shiny buildings, banks, and stores. There are also some old monster high rise buildings next to the new ones.

By the way, the best place on a double-decker tram is on the second floor, at the front, just by the windscreen. And the best time to explore Hong Kong island on a tram is during the day, off-peak hours.

Hong Kong is one of a few places where double-decker trams are still in service.

Take the famous Star Ferry from Kowloon to get to Hong Kong island.

4. Go for a hike

Lantau Trail is not the only trail in Hong Kong. There are plenty of other trails in The New Territories, the area north of Kowloon.

MacLehose Trail is one of the most popular trails. It’s 100 km longt and divided into 10 stages.

But you don’t have to go all the way to The New Territories to go on a hike. Dragon’s Back Trail, a trail in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, is another great place for hiking. In fact, it’s one of the most iconic and scenic trails in Hong Kong.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, you’ll enjoy hiking in Hong Kong. In our opinion, hiking is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong!

5. Visit Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is an impressive temple complex in The New Territories.

Even though the name says monastery, it’s actually just temples, shrines and pagodas. No monks live there.

But more than 10 000 statues of Buddhas do!

6. Shop and eat at Mong Kok

Mong Kok, an area in Kowloon, is one of the busiest areas of Hong Kong, and it’s known for shopping.

The Ladies Market is one of the most famous markets in Mong Kok. It’s a 1 km long stretch which is packed with stalls selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.

One of the best shopping malls in Kowloon, Langham Place, is located in the heart of Mong Kok. It’s a 15-level shopping mall, and home to more than 200 stores. Langham a great place for shopping, for any budget!

Goldfish Market is another interesting place in Mong Kok you should visit. It’s an entire street full of stalls selling live fish and accessories.

Mong Kok is the place where to go if you want to try local street food. You’ll find a lot of street food stalls on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Fa Yuen Street, Dundas Street, and Soy Street.

Hong Kong travel tips

 

1. You don’t need a visa to travel to Hong Kong. Citizens of most European Union countries (and not only the EU countries) are entitled to visa-free entry for up to 90 days. British citizens are granted 180-day entry on arrival.
2. Rental cars are not popular in Hong Kong. Rent and parking are expensive, as well as petrol. Traffic can be heavy in rush hour, and parking is sparse. That’s why tourists use a taxi (or Uber), or public transport to get around Hong Kong.
3. Getting around in Hong Kong is easy, as the public transport system is efficient and sophisticated. Hong Kong has an extensive MRT (Mass Transit Railway, or metro) network, and there are hundreds of bus routes. There are also other means of transport like trams, funiculars, minibusses (Public light buses) and ferries.
4. Unlike in so many places in Asia, accommodation in Hong Kong is not cheap. For cheap accommodation, go to Chungking Mansions. It is a large building known as the cheapest accommodation in Hong Kong. It is home to many cheap budget hotels and hostels, but only some of them can be found on booking.com and agoda.com.
5. Hong Kong is more than just a bustling city. Do not limit yourself to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Visit at least one of the surrounding islands!