Best things to do in Hong Kong

An eclectic mix of Chinese, Portuguese and British heritage, Hong Kong has a unique and proudly fierce identity. With its hi-tech infrastructure, buzzing nightlife and marvellous wildlife, there’s something for everyone in this small and mighty region. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a well-seasoned traveller, we’ve got the low down on things to do in Hong Kong.

The information in this article is inspired by Pocket Rough Guide Hong Kong & Macau, your essential guide for visiting Hong Kong.

1. Temple Street Night Market, Kowloon

At the centre of the square, you’ll find Tin Hau Temple, which originally faced the waterfront and is dedicated to a Chinese sea goddess. Temple Street and the night market stretch on from the far side of the square, where more alfresco dining and gift-worthy bargains await.

Hong Kong is a vibrant and appealing city, with its waterside location and towering skyscrapers, it offers the visitor modernity and tradition, the exotic and efficient. This tailor-made trip to Hong Kong Highlights is perfect for a family break, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained from Central to the New Territories and beyond.

2. Tian Tan Big Buddha, Lantau island

First, you’ll enter through Po Lin Monastery, the largest Chan (Zen) Buddhist temple in Hong Kong, before reaching a dizzying flight of stairs. At the top, the mighty, bronze-figured Buddha sits 34m high, surrounded by a ring of lotus petals and Buddhist angels known as apsaras. It’s worth the journey, as the views from here are incredible.

3. Star Ferry, Hong Kong Island

This is the cheapest way to view what’s arguably the most photographed spot in Hong Kong, which gives you all the more reason to treat yourself to a tasty bite to eat once you reach the other side.

4. Partying in Lan Kwai Fong - one of the best things to do in Hong Kong

With most places opening early afternoon and not closing until dawn, needless to say, it’s a popular choice with expats, visitors and office workers alike, looking to let off some steam. So stay for a drink or two and see where the night takes you.

The bustling and dynamic city of Hong Kong is brimming with opportunities to explore its colonial past and rich Chinese heritage and culture. The perfect destination for the intrepid explorer, this unique tailor-made trip won’t leave you disappointed.

5. Tai Po, The New Territories

When looking for things to do in Hong Kong next, pack a picnic and head out to Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, where you can take one of the walking trails through Plover Country Park. You'll want to pause at Bride’s Paul for lunch by the pretty waterfalls. Tai Po is also home to Hong Kong’s tallest mountain, Tai Mo Shan (957m high). You can find Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens here, a working farm focusing on sustainable agriculture.

6. Kowloon Walled City Park

Today you can still see traces of the former walled city, from carved stone blocks to the yamen, the imperial government administrative building. There’s also an interesting photo collection in the former military headquarters which provides an insight into the political and social history area.

A teeming, exotic and alluring metropolis, Hong Kong is uniquely rich in both cultural diversity and contrasts. In fact, there is so much packed into Hong Kong, it can be hard to know where to start. Want to experience Hong Kong without the hassle of planning or booking? See our completely customisable tailor-made trip.

7. Maritime Museum, Hong Kong Island

If you have a bad-weather day or have some time to kill and you're looking for things to do in Hong Kong, this is the ideal place.

8. The Peak, Hong Kong Island

You'll enjoy better views with your head up instead of focusing on the path below. The Peak is also home to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, which you can reach through a peaceful, well-signposted walk through the woods.

9. Hong Kong Space Museum

Hong Kong’s Space Museum reopened in early 2017 after the renovation and traces its entire history with hands-on displays and interactive exhibits. There’s also a Space Theatre planetarium here, which presents Omnimax shows for an additional fee.

10. Wong Tai Sin Temple

Large numbers of fortune-tellers, some of whom speak English, have stands to the right of the entrance and charge around $50 for palm-reading, and about half that for fortune stick interpretation.

11. Stanley Market

The latter gravitate towards Stanley Market, a couple of covered lanes selling a mishmash of souvenirs including clothes, embroideries, paintings and trinkets. Stanley also hosts Hong Kong’s liveliest dragon boat races, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually falling in June.

12. Nan Lian Garden

Opposite Chi Lin Nunnery and connected by a walkway, the tranquil and beautiful Nan Lian Gardens continue the Tang theme in an exquisite reconstruction of a contemporary garden. There are contorted pine trees, artfully shaped hillocks, ornamental ponds populated by fat koi carp, and brightly painted bridges and pavilions.

13. Tai O Fishing Village

The main street is lined with stalls selling dried and live seafood – the smell here is from locally made fermented prawn paste, which features on menus all over, including the plush Tai O Heritage Hotel.

14. Lamma Island

The rest of the island is covered in open, hilly country, with an easy hour-long trail out past a couple of beaches to Sok Kwu Wan, a tiny knot of seafood restaurants on the east coast. Walk from one to the other, enjoy a meal, and then catch a ferry back to Hong Kong.

15. The beaches

The Dragon's Back is a quick and easy coastal hike in Hong Kong, taking only a few hours and is popular on weekends. Take bus #9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR station and get off at To Tei Wan for the starting point. The trail offers views of Stanley and the coast before leading to Big Wave Bay, which has beaches, snack stalls, and a 2km walk south to Shek O Beach.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

• For luxury: Royal Plaza Hotel
• For price and quality: Gateway Hotel, Marco Polo
• For stylish stays: Page148
• For couples: One-Eight-One Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Hong Kong, or read our guide to the best area to stay in Hong Kong.

Ready for a trip to Hong Kong? Check out the snapshot of Pocket Rough Guide Hong Kong & Macau or The Rough Guide to China.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to China without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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Top image: A view from the Peak, Hong Kong © leungchopan/Shutterstock