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53 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture | Outdoor | Beaches | Cool & Unusual | Kids | Food & Drink
After living in Hong Kong for over 17 years, and exploring its many corners, hiking trails, beaches, museums, and urban streets, I can still find a wealth of new and exciting things to do.
There’s an endless supply of activities to keep you busy in Hong Kong – it’s constantly changing. From top-end restaurants to cha chaang tengs, from shopping malls to hikes into the wilderness, Hong Kong has something for everyone.
You’ll find a list of the main attractions and things to do here, plus some off-the-radar places that other tourists will not know about. Use this and my guide to where to stay in Hong Kong to start planning the trip of a lifetime.
53 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong
Victoria Peak
Admire one of the most iconic skylines in the world.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2522-0922 | Website | Hours (Peak Tower): 10 am – 11 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 10 pm Sat, Sun, Public Holidays | Entrance: HK$80, adults, HK$50 aged 3 – 11, over 65 | 👉 Book Peak Tram, Dim Sum & Cultural Sights tour on Viator
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to Victoria Peak. The iconic views over the city, especially at sundown as the city lights up, are definitely worth the effort. Ideally, make the journey up here on a clear day so that both sides of Victoria Harbour can be seen.
There are two main ways to get up there: the Peak Tram and the number 15 bus. The Peak Tram is more famous, but the queues can be long, and the ticket price has recently been increased. I recommend the 15 bus, which leaves from Central Ferry Pier. For great views, sit on the right-hand side of the top deck of the bus.
There are three places for the view: Sky Terrace 428 in the Peak Tower, Lions Pavilion, to the right of the Peak Tower, or Lugard Road, to the left of the Peak Tower, with about a 20-minute walk to the viewpoints. The pathway has views all the way along, and with the extra bonus of being free!
Star Ferry
Cross the harbour the old-fashioned way.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2118-6213 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 11:30 pm daily | Entrance: HK$5, adults, HK$2.9 aged 3 – 12
The Star Ferry is Hong Kong’s most iconic mode of transportation and a must-do when visiting the city. The ferries chug across the harbour at regular intervals (approximately every 10 minutes).
If crossing from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central, sit on the upper deck, on the right side, near the front, for up-close views of the skyscrapers. It’s especially atmospheric at sunset. If you want to go back across again, you’ll have to disembark first, then pay again to get on the next ferry. The Tsim Sha Tsui to Wanchai route is an alternative option.
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Visit a huge, seated, bronze Buddha statue.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2985-5248 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Big Buddha, Crystal Cabin Cable Car & Tai O tour on Viator
Sitting high on a peak of Lantau Island, Tian Tan Buddha is a huge bronze Buddha statue worth the climb up the steps to reach it. Getting there is half the fun. Ngong Ping can be reached by cable car, bus, or, if you’re feeling fit and adventurous, hiking from Tung Chung.
The Buddha is part of the peaceful Po Lin Monastery, which is also worth a visit and has a vegetarian restaurant on-site. Other eating options can be found in the outdoor mall of Ngong Ping Village.
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Find inner peace exploring this Chinese-style garden and nunnery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2354-1888 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily, (Nan Lian Garden), 9 am – 4:30 pm daily, (Nunnery) | Entrance: Free
Chi Lin Nunnery and the accompanying Nan Liam Garden across the road offer some serenity amongst the hustle and bustle. The main attraction of the nunnery is the large wooden Buddhist temple. It was completed without using a single nail. Visit during the summer, and you’ll see lotus flowers blooming in the pond.
Nan Lian Garden offers a traditionally designed Chinese garden and architecture, with winding paths through the greenery. The golden pavilion and red bridge are the star attractions.
If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a vegetarian restaurant in the garden.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Stroll along the promenade and take in the skyline and harbour.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is the place to witness the iconic Hong Kong Island skyline. This is where virtually all visitors will come at least once.
Start at the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, just outside the Star Ferry pier, and either stroll past the fountain or head up to the viewing deck for uninterrupted views across Victoria Harbour.
Further along is the Avenue of Stars, which displays handprints of Hong Kong’s movie stars and the often-posed-next-to statue of Bruce Lee. You can stay for the (soon-to-be-discontinued) Symphony of Lights laser and light show at 8 pm daily.
Hong Kong Sites & Attractions
Nathan Road
Take a walk along Hong Kong’s most well-known road.
Nathan Road stretches from the bottom of the Kowloon peninsula all the way to Prince Edward. The whole length can be strolled in a couple of hours. Although its allure has faded somewhat from its past glories, there are still a number of interesting stops.
Starting at the Peninsula Hotel, turn the corner and pop into Chungking Mansions for Indian food. Relax a while in Kowloon Park, then pose in front of the red-brick St. Andrew’s Church. Shop in Mira Place mall and finish in the chaos of Mongkok.
Tai Kwun
Eat and drink in a former prison in the heart of Central.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 3559-2600 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Tai Kwun is a former prison that has been beautifully renovated and turned into a museum, restaurant, bar, and cultural hub. You can tour the old prison cells to get a feel for what it was like to “do time.”
Afterwards, pause for a drink in one of the bars in the main courtyard or taste some of the cuisine on offer at a restaurant. There is also the JC Contemporary Art Museum within the complex. The modern architecture contrasts well with the colonial red-brick style.
Happy Valley Racecourse
Enjoy the night cheering on the horses.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2966-5895 | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 11:30 pm Wednesdays | Entrance: HK$10, adults
If you fancy a flutter on the horses, then head to Happy Valley Racecourse for an evening’s entertainment. Most race meetings are held on Wednesday nights from September to July. Entry is only HK$10, but those under 18 are not allowed in.
Once inside, there is a beer garden, viewing access to the parade ring, and usually a live band performing. The atmosphere is always relaxed, with many people letting their hair down and socialising after a day’s work.
Filling in a betting slip is fairly straightforward, but if you need any help, there will be someone on hand to ask. Remember to gamble responsibly!
Man Mo Temple
Step into a religious time capsule of old Hong Kong.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Personalised Hidden Gems tour on Viator
Man Mo Temple is the most atmospheric temple on Hong Kong Island. This Taoist temple is a hive of activity with many locals offering prayers at the shrines inside.
This temple is well known for the hanging incense coils, so look up at the ceiling as you enter through the smoky air. There are many hanging lanterns in the main hall, making great photo opportunities.
Kai Tak Sports Park
Explore a new sports space with dazzling architecture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 3711-5050 | Website
Located at the former Kai Tak airport, the surrounding area has been revitalised with the new 50,000-seater stadium and other infrastructure. There is easy access via the Kai Tak MTR station.
Entry to Kai Tak Stadium is only permitted during events, but you can walk all the way around it, and there are large grass areas to relax on. There are the Kai Tak and nearby Airside malls if you need a break, as well as the Kai Tak Arena, which hosts indoor sporting events.
Times Square
Shop to your heart’s content in this shopper’s paradise.
Times Square is the entertainment and shopping beating heart of Causeway Bay. This multi-floored shopping mall and the whole area around it contain innumerable ways to keep you busy. It comes alive at dusk as workers finish their day and head out for dinner.
The new digital clock tower outside the mall is a popular meeting place. For more shopping nearby, there are the Hyman and Lee Gardens malls. Russell Street provides high-end shops, and around the corner, Tang Lung Street has great eating options.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wander the grounds and pray for luck at this Taoist temple.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2327-8141 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Kowloon Temples and Market tour on Viator
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is a large Taoist temple complex that welcomes many local worshippers praying for luck. It’s located right outside the Wong Tai Sin MTR station, and gets especially busy during the Lunar New Year holidays.
It’s worth wandering the grounds to see the koi carp swimming in the pond, strolling along covered walkways, and admiring the many statues.
Trams
Watch the streets slowly pass from the top deck.
Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: HK$3.30, adults, HK$1.60, aged 3 – 12
Affectionately known by Hong Kongers as “ding dings,” trams have operated on Hong Kong Island since 1904. A very cheap, but leisurely, way to get from Kennedy Town as far as Sai Wan Ho, they’re a great way to get an inexpensive tour of the island.
Get on at the back and pay as you get off at the front. Try to get a tram to North Point Terminus as the track passes through Chun Yeung Street wet market. Pay attention to the tram’s final stop – it will be on the front.
Stanley
Escape to the south of Hong Kong Island.
Stanley is the southernmost settlement on Hong Kong Island, and makes for a great day out. A winding bus ride drops you off in the town centre. From here, you can head 5 minutes walk east to Stanley Main Beach or west to the promenade.
There are plenty of dining options here, including British-style pubs. It gets busy during weekends. At the far end of the promenade is the colonial-era Murray House, which also has restaurants inside. For the shoppers, Stanley Market provides Hong Kong style souvenirs.
Hong Kong Museums & Culture
Palace Museum
Discover Chinese treasures within modern architecture.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2200-0217 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, 10 am – 8 pm Sat, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: HK$70, adults, HK$35 aged 7 – 11
Palace Museum is an architectural marvel on the outside and a cultural marvel inside. Located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, this museum has temporary exhibitions varying from Egyptian artifacts to digital art.
Its permanent exhibitions display treasures from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Once you’ve had enough culture, the surrounding park and lawns can be enjoyed. There are some dining and refreshment options outside the museum.
M+
Hang out and relax or take in modern art in this communal space.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2200-0217 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, 10 am – 10 pm, Friday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: HK$190, adults, HK$100 aged 7 – 11
Just across from the Palace Museum, the M+ houses modern art. You can enter the cavernous main hall for free but the exhibitions require a paid ticket. There are spaces inside for relaxing and taking in the harbour view. The rooftop is also worth a visit for the views and some modern art sculptures dotted around.
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Experience Chinese art in a newly designed installation.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2721-0116 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon, Wed, Fri, 10 am – 9 pm Sat, Sun, Public holidays, Closed Thursdays | Entrance: Free
As you walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, you’ll reach the striking, metallic-looking Hong Kong Museum of Art. The permanent collections include Chinese paintings and calligraphy, pottery, and other Chinese antiquities.
There are also other specialist temporary exhibitions that may range from ancient Chinese art to modern local artists, which require a fee. The interior has many spaces for relaxation, contemplation, or taking in the harbour view. There are also some photo-worthy spots dotted around.
Police Married Quarters (PMQ)
Visit a rejuvenated cultural and arts hub in Sheung Wan.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2870-2335 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm (Studio and shops), 9 am – 11 pm (cafes and restaurants), daily | Entrance: Free
Like the nearby Tai Kwun, the Police Married Quarters (PMQ) has been restored from its function of providing accommodation to those in the police force, to a cultural and arts hub.
PMQ focuses mainly on arts, crafts, and supporting local artists and small business owners. Walk along the corridors of the upper floors and pop into any store that takes your fancy. There are also a few cafes and restaurant options if needed. The main courtyard sometimes hosts exhibitions or interactive art displays.
Oi!
Take time to visit this quiet art space and garden in Fortress Hill.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2512-3000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tues to Sun, 2 pm – 8 pm Mon | Entrance: Free
Oi! was a former yacht club. Now, this historic red-brick building showcases local and international artists’ art and sculptures. Named after Oil Street in Fortress Hill, where it is situated, it is easily accessible by the MTR. The garden area is very peaceful, and there are sometimes workshops in the facility. There are several cafes and restaurants in the streets nearby.
Pak Tai Temple
Seek out this hidden temple for a cultural and contemplative visit.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2573-2086 | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily, | Entrance: Free
Pak Tai Temple is an atmospheric temple hidden away from busy Queen’s Road East in Wanchai and is just past the Blue House. It has an intricate and detailed roof with many statues and dragons, whilst the interior has many colourful lanterns hanging over the shrines. It’s a perfect place for quiet contemplation. You’ll probably have the place to yourself when you visit.
K11 Musea
Step into a visually and conceptually stunning shopping mall.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 3892-3890 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
K11 Musea is a beautifully designed shopping mall that doubles as a cultural-art hub, with permanent and temporary exhibitions on various floors. There are plenty of food and drink options available throughout, and interesting conceptual stores dotted about. Rooftop gardens add an extra dimension to its appeal.
While here, make sure you stand in the main foyer area and look up at the ceiling. You can pop in at the end of the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade walk.
Cat Street Antique Market
Browse Chinese trinkets, antiques, and souvenirs.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Tucked down some steps from Hollywood Road, Cat Street Antique Market (officially known as Upper Lascar Row), has stalls and shops selling Chinese trinkets, antiques, and souvenirs. These range from Chairman Mao posters and porcelain figurines to calligraphy brushes and Chinese pots.
If you are after some Chinese antiques, it might be wise to take someone who knows their originals from their fakes. A number of cafes have opened along the lane in recent years. The market can be visited together with the nearby Man Mo Temple.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Museum
Learn about one of the founding fathers of modern China.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2367-6373 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon, Tue, Weds, Fri, 10 am – 7 pm Sat, Sun, Public holidays, Closed Thursdays | Entrance: Free
Housed in a red-brick Edwardian-era building, this museum tells the story of Dr. Sun Yat Sen. Revered in Chinese culture for founding the Republic of China and his role in ending Qing rule, the museum has many exhibits from his life, including his time studying in Hong Kong. The building itself, Kom Tong Hall, is worth a visit with its blend of Chinese and Western styles.
Asia Society Hong Kong Centre
Visit a former ammunition storage hidden between skyscrapers and the forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2103-9511 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Tue to Sun, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free
Squeezed between the skyscrapers of Admiralty and the surrounding forest, this former ammunition (or “explosives magazine” on the entrance sign) storage facility has been converted into an arts hub.
The colonial era buildings have been restored and now house a theatre, laboratory, and exhibition spaces. There is an additional modern building as you enter that has great views from its rooftop garden. Check the website to see which art exhibitions are currently being displayed.
Outdoor Attractions in Hong Kong
Dragon’s Back Hike
Get on your hiking boots for some stupendous views.
Dragon’s Back Hike is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hong Kong, and it’s also one of the most spectacular. Best accessed by bus 9 from outside Shau Kei Wan MTR station, disembark at Cape Collinson, climb the steps, and begin the hike south.
You’ll be treated to some stunning views over Shek O beach and the golf course, as well as spying parasailers gliding on the thermals. Once back at the main road, bus 9 can be taken to Shek O or back to Shau Kei Wan.
Sai Wan Ho to Kennedy Town Waterfront Walk
Stroll along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island.
Due to the newly opened section of the East Coast linking North Point and Quarry Bay, it is now possible to walk the 13km from Sai Wan Ho to Kennedy Town. The whole walk can be done in a leisurely 3 or 4 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.
Great views of the harbour and Kowloon side can be had from practically the whole walk. There are many places for refreshments and food along the way, as well as plenty of restrooms. The preferred direction would be from Sai Wan Ho to Kennedy Town, as there are more dining options in Kennedy Town.
Tai O
Visit a stilt village at the western edge of Hong Kong.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Lantau Island tour on Viator
Tai O is a world away from the skyscrapers of Central. This stilt fishing village is on the far west of Lantau Island. Seafood is in abundance – whether dried or freshly cooked in the many restaurants.
You can walk through the village to view the Macau-Zhuhai Bridge, and if you’re feeling energetic, walk the two-hour Tung O Ancient Trail back to Tung Chung. Tai O is best accessed by the buses leaving from Tung Chung. Weekends are almost always busy, so a midweek trip would be preferable.
Hong Kong Park
Wander the paths in the shadows of the skyscrapers.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2521-5041 | Website | Hours: 6 am -11 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Hong Kong Park might be the first park you visit in Hong Kong. With the skyscrapers of Admiralty rising behind it, the park provides plenty of greenery and respite from the hectic streets of Central and beyond. The park contains a pond area complete with turtles and koi carp, the Museum of Tea Ware, and the highlight for me: a walk-in aviary. Obviously, not a good idea if you have a fear of birds, though.
Aberdeen Harbour
Visit a slice of Hong Kong maritime tradition.
Aberdeen Harbour is on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, where the main fishing fleet is moored and the place to catch a sampan (a small traditional boat). Sampan rides around the harbour can be arranged along the promenade. A ferry to Lamma Island can also be caught from here. Stroll along the promenade and cross the main bridge to Ap Lei Chau – one of the most densely populated islands in the world!
Cheung Chau
Sail to an off-the-radar island with seafood, beaches, and hikes.
Cheung Chau has a completely different atmosphere, but it’s actually only a 50-minute ferry ride from Central Ferry Pier number 5. If you love fresh seafood, leisurely hikes, or quiet beaches, then Cheung Chau is a great option for a getaway from the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island.
Seafood restaurants line the promenade and bay on the west side of the island. A 5-minute walk across the “neck” of Cheung Chau brings you to Tung Wan beach. It’s a short hike to the observation platform in the north or you can complete the southern island loop by following the signs.
Bowen Road Fitness Trail
Join the locals for after-work exercise on this hidden path.
Many locals and expats jog, walk, and work out along this hidden path that winds its way through the forested slopes behind Wanchai. Taking a taxi to Bowen Road at the junction of Magazine Gap Road may be the easiest and quickest option. Once on the trail, it’s an easy and flat path all the way to Stubbs Road, from where buses can be caught to Wanchai or Central.
It should take about 45 minutes of leisurely walking to complete, but make sure you admire the views of Admiralty, Wan Chai, and Happy Valley whilst on the trail.
Hong Kong Beaches
Repulse Bay
Visit the most accessible beach on Hong Kong Island.
Repulse Bay may be one of the most expensive residential areas in the world, but you can visit this stretch of golden sand for free! An easy bus ride from Central or Admiralty leads to probably one of the widest and longest beaches in Hong Kong.
There is some shade provided by trees on the upper part of the beach, and the water starts off shallow, but drops off quite steeply a little way out. The Pulse mall provides a choice of restaurants and refreshments. Tour groups often stop here in the afternoons, so enjoy the sand early if you can. Public showers and changing rooms are provided.
Shek O
Swim and laze on the most laidback beach in Hong Kong.
Shek O is a great place to hang out if you enjoy outdoor activities. Paragliding is done from the ridge behind the beach, and hikers often make their way down to the sand from the Dragon’s Back trail. Umbrellas can be hired if needed; the sand is soft and clean, but the waves can be quite big at times.
The short walk across the Lovers Bridge to the headland gives an alternative view of the beach. There are a few small restaurants in the village, but they can be seasonal. Public showers and changing rooms are provided.
Clearwater Bay Second Beach
Enjoy the gentle waves and warm water on this family-friendly stretch of sand.
As the name suggests, the water at Clearwater Bay Second Beach is usually clean and warm. It is ideal for families as the tide and slope out are very gentle. Morning is the best time for sunshine, as the sun disappears behind the hills in the afternoon, although more shade from the trees becomes available.
There is a small kiosk for simple food and drinks that is open during the summer months. Public showers and changing rooms are provided.
Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Hong Kong
Central-Mid Levels Escalator
Save your legs and ride the escalator to the Mid Levels.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 6 am – 10 am (downwards), 10:20 am – 12 am (upwards)
The longest (covered) escalator in the world begins at the corner of Queen’s Road Central and Cochrane Street. You can choose to walk up the gently sloped escalator or simply stand on it and watch the streets underneath.
It passes through the dining hub of Soho and up to the Mid Levels, which is mostly residential. It is split into a number of sections, so you can hop off at any time if you fancy exploring a particular area or street. See if you can spot it in The Dark Knight movie.
Villain Hitters
Get your bad luck driven out by some shoe hitting.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: HK$50 (per beating)
Described on Google Maps as “Bowrington Villain Hitting,” this Cantonese ritual allows you to “hit” your enemy. In reality, women sit under the flyover at Canal Road East in Causeway Bay, and you can make a paper effigy of the person who is giving you misfortune. They will then, for a fee, hit the effigy with a shoe to drive away the evil and bad luck. Whether it works or not, you can find out for yourself.
Monster Building (Yick Cheong Building)
Pay a respectful visit to a local residential high-density block.
Fans of the Transformers movies will love visiting this housing estate that played a starring role in Transformers: Age of Extinction. Architectural fans will also enjoy the high-rise density of the buildings.
The entrance is on King’s Road, Quarry Bay, next to Gentle Bakery. There are a couple of cafes inside the complex if you need refreshment. Remember, this is a residential building, so please behave accordingly.
Central Murals
Pose in front of street art on the steep streets of Central.
Scattered around the upper levels of Central and Sheung Wan are colourful wall murals, some depicting Hong Kong life. The mural on Graham Street is particularly popular, but there are others on Gough Street, Hollywood Road or Aberdeen Street. If you’re looking for photo ops, this is the place to visit.
Blue House
Visit a colourful and historical residential apartment block.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2833-4608 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Wednesdays | Entrance: Free
The Blue House is, you guessed it, a vivid shade of blue and is easily spotted on Stone Nullah Lane in Wanchai. It is a historical heritage building built in a uniquely Hong Kong style. The courtyard around the back is worth checking out too, with hanging lanterns adding splashes of colour. There are a few dining and cafe options nearby. Visit the Blue House on the way to Pak Tai Temple.
Aqua Luna Junk Boat
Sail Victoria Harbour on a Chinese junk boat.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2116-8821 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8:30 pm daily | Entrance: HK$280, adults, HK$180, aged 4 – 11 | 👉 Book a Dukling, Antique Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour
What could be cooler than relaxing on a junk boat, at sunset, in the middle of Victoria Harbour, with the skyline on both sides? Book a trip on the iconic, red-sailed Aqua Luna, or the smaller Dukling, and you could be doing just that. Boarding is from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade or Central Pier 9.
Things to Do With Kids in Hong Kong
Ocean Park
Learn about the oceans and enjoy the thrill of the rides.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 3923-2323 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm Tues to Fri, 10 am – 6:30 pm Sat to Mon| Entrance: HK$538, adults, HK$269 aged 3 – 11
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s very own theme park, located in Aberdeen on a peninsula. The entrance is right outside the Wong Chuk Hang MTR station and leads to the lower level of attractions. You can reach the upper level by cable car or the “underwater” (tunnel) Ocean Express train.
The park has many ocean animals, from sharks to jellyfish, with a focus on environmental conservation and education. There are also giant pandas, red pandas, meerkats, and giant tortoises in different enclosures.
Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Escape to a quiet haven of trees and animals.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2350-0154 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm (garden), 6 am -7 pm (animals) daily | Entrance: Free
The Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a more relaxed green space, only a 5-minute walk from Hong Kong Park. It contains lawns, a bird section with exotic species, and an animals section that has mostly apes and monkeys, but a few giant tortoises. Ideal for bringing your own picnic if the weather’s not too hot and humid.
Hong Kong Science Museum
Bring out your inner scientist with interactive and hands-on activities.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2732-32-32 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon, Tue, Weds, Fri, 10 am – 9 pm Sat, Sun, Public holidays, Closed Thursdays | Entrance: HK$20, adults, Free, under 4
Both kids and adults will love learning and playing at the Hong Kong Science Museum. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui opposite the Hong Kong Museum of History, recent additions include an AI Gallery, a Living Tech Gallery, and an InnoTech Gallery.
The lower floor has the Earth’s timeline display, including a dinosaur section, and the third floor has a children’s play area with a construction site and hands-on activities. There is a huge kinetic ball machine through the centre of the museum. It has shows at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. All information is in both Chinese and English.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Visit Hong Kong’s take on the world-famous theme park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 3550-3388 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 9 pm daily, 10 am – 9 pm Mon | Entrance: HK$669, adults, HK$499, aged 3 -11
Hong Kong Disneyland was the only one in Asia until Shanghai opened its park. There are seven areas to explore, including Toy Story Land, Adventure Land, and Tomorrow Land, amongst others.
Iron Man Experience, a runaway train ride, Animation Academy, Jungle River Cruise, and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop are some of the activities to do once inside.
There are three Disney hotels on-site if you fancy overnighting: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.
Kiztopia
Bring your kids here for a fun and energetic time.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Mon to Fri, 10 am – 8 pm Sat, Sun, Public holidays | Entrance: HK$208 (1 hour, 1 adult and 1 child)
If it’s raining or too hot and humid outside, then kids will love the indoor playground of Kiztopia. There are a few branches in Hong Kong, with the most central being in the Hopewell Centre (on the 6th floor of the mall) in Wanchai.
You can pay for an hour or two, with weekdays being cheaper. There are plenty of activities from slides and a climbing apparatus to role-playing areas and ball pits.
Food & Drinks in Hong Kong
Dim Sum
Feast on the quintessential Cantonese cuisine.
👉 Book a Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals on Viator
Dim sum is the food most associated with Cantonese dining. It’s most often consumed during yum cha (brunch or breakfast dining time with tea).
You’ll see whole families gather around the large circular tables at weekends. Favourite dishes include fried turnip cake, cha siu bao (BBQ pork buns), spring rolls, siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), and, for those with more adventurous taste buds, chicken feet.
Cha Chaang Tengs
Get your fix of comfort food, Hong Kong style.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2572-5097 | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm, daily
Cha chaang tengs are Hong Kong style diners that provide no frills dining in a classic Hong Kong setting. Hard wooden seats, small tables, local dishes, and cheap prices. A number are still going strong in neighbourhoods all over the city and are popular at lunch and afternoon tea times.
Popular dishes include the ubiquitous pineapple bun with a variety of fillings, shredded pork with noodles, and thick-cut ham sandwiches. One cha chaang teng to try is the Cheung Hing Coffee Shop in Happy Valley.
Afternoon High Tea
Sip on tea and bite on daintily cut sandwiches.
If it’s a splurge on tea, sandwiches, and scones you’re after, then an afternoon high tea set at one of the city’s 5-star hotels will fit the bill. The most prestigious set is served at The Peninsula. But there are plenty of other options, including at the Grand Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, or The Murray, amongst others.
High tea is by no means cheap for a set for two people, but free refills of tea are usually offered, plus top-ups of sandwiches, too.
Temple Street Night Market
Make yourself comfortable on a stool and dive into some local food.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 2 pm – 11 pm daily
If you want to sample old-style Hong Kong street dining, then Temple Street Night Market is the place to come. Situated between Jordan and Yau Ma Tei MTR stations, the market itself has lots of cheap clothing and small electrical products on sale, but the main reason to come is for the dai pai dongs – the street restaurants.
Sit yourself down on a plastic stool and order from the menu. Pretty much all the restaurants will have picture options on their menus and are well used to tourists. Come just before dusk to get a table and enjoy the night vibes!
Note: There is now construction of new buildings in one section of Temple Street, so outdoor tables and seating are not allowed on the road in the meantime.
Central Market
Explore a range of local and international food favourites under one roof.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 3618-8668 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Central Market is located at the foot of the Mid Levels Escalator. This indoor market has been renovated to its original style. There is a food court on the lower floor, ranging from Vietnamese to pizza to bubble tea, with plenty of seating. It also houses local brands and start-ups offering artisanal goods and products specific to Hong Kong. Cafes, snack stalls, and local products can be found on the upper floors.
Ozone Bar
Sip on a cocktail 118 floors up.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 2263-2270 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 1 am Mon to Fri, 12 pm – 1 am Sat, 12 pm – 12 am Sun
Sipping cocktails on a terrace at night, overlooking the harbour, what’s not to like?
The world’s highest bar can be found atop the Ritz Carlton Hotel in West Kowloon. Whilst the view from the outside terrace is the main reason people come to the 118th floor, Ozone also has a full food menu, including snacks and bites, as well as an extensive cocktail menu.
Sip Sip Rooftop Bar
Take in the skyline views as you sip on a sundowner.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (852) 5131-7189 | Website | Hours: 4:30 pm – 3 am daily
Sip Sip Rooftop Bar is a low-key rooftop bar and the place to be, come sundown. An uninterrupted view of Hong Kong Island awaits from its Tin Hau location on the top of a residential building. A wide choice of cocktails, bottled beer, wine, and shisha pipes can be had as you enjoy the night views. If you’re feeling peckish, they even have simple rice and noodle dishes.
Bar Leone
Decide if you’re drinking in the world’s best bar.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am daily
Crowned “The world’s best bar” in 2025, Bar Leone sits beside PMQ in Sheung Wan. There is usually a queue outside by 5 pm, in expectation of some of the cocktails and Italian food on offer. The tequila highball, olive oil sour, and filthy martini come highly recommended. No reservations are taken, so just turn up and see if you can get in.
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Whether it’s shopping, food, luxury hotels, spectacular views, beaches, or hiking, Hong Kong provides a huge choice of activities to keep you busy, for however long you plan to stay! Thanks for reading!