10 must-do experiences for visitors in Hong Kong

Written by Time Out Hong Kong

From conquering mountain trails to exploring neon-lit streetscapes, Hong Kong is a city that offers myriad possibilities and experiences. Go from ancient temples to glistening skyscrapers, then dip into bustling city markets before decamping to seaside villages. The only question is — where to start? Read on for a list of unmissable experiences to tick off your Hong Kong wish list.

Gaze across Hong Kong and Kowloon from The Peak

Hike up the Morning Trail to the Peak Galleria, where refreshments await — along with classic picture-postcard skyline views across both sides of Victoria Harbour. Alternatively, the Peak Tram offers a scenic sprint up to the top with stellar views along the way. For a different view, come at sunset when the sky erupts into brilliant reds before blinking back to life with a million lights below.

Devour local delicacies like dim sum

Hong Kong’s restaurants serve up flavours from across Asia and the West. Not to be missed are the bamboo steamers piled high with dim sum at classic all-day spots like Luk Yu Teahouse . Elsewhere, try local favourites like char siu fan (barbecue pork and rice) and pineapple buns with butter at a cha chaan teng like Kam Wah Café and Sun Kwai Heung.

Get arty at galleries, museums and more

Spend a few hours perusing exhibitions, shops and restaurants within Tai Kwun Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info , a police station turned cultural hub in Central. Across the harbour, discover world-class collections at the Hong Kong Museum of Art Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info and Cantonese opera at West Kowloon Cultural District’s Xiqu Centre Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info . Then take a tour of street art adorning Sham Shui Po’s shopfronts and residential buildings.

Hike Hong Kong’s great outdoors

You can easily hike or hit the beach and be back for dinner. Or, do all three with Dragon’s Back: a breathtaking trail finishing with a meal on Big Wave Bay or Shek O beach. Adventurous hikers can try Sai Kung’s 100-kilometre MacLehose Trail, explore the UNESCO Global Geopark ’s unique rock formations or scale Lantau Island’s stunning Sunset Peak.

Climb the steps up to the Big Buddha

Take a pilgrimage up the 268 steps to the Tian Tan Buddha Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info , a 34-metre-tall bronze statue. While there, explore nearby Po Lin Monastery and elevate your experience by riding the Ngong Ping 360 Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info cable car from Tung Chung for stellar views across Lantau Island’s hills and the glittering South China Sea.

Drink in the city’s never-ending nightlife

Start with sundowners on Popinjays’ 4,500-square-foot terrace overlooking Central’s skyscrapers, before visiting award-winning bars like Mexican-inspired COA Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info for creative cocktails. Then sing your heart out at karaoke spots like Red Mr, or bop along to the rocking jukebox soundtrack at Soho bar The Pontiac Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info . End the night at Amazonia, where cover bands smash out rock and pop hits.

Take in the Hong Kong skyline from all angles

Snap Hong Kong skyline views (and a selfie with the Bruce Lee statue) from Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars — complete with A Symphony of Lights performance at 8pm. For alternative angles, go east along Hung Hom and Kwun Tong promenades. Lei Yue Mun offers perfect sunset skylines and quaint fishing village vibes. Or get up high at sky100 observation deck and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel .

Get a thrill at theme parks

Hong Kong’s proudly homegrown theme park Ocean Park has been entertaining kids and adults alike with its thrilling rides and animal encounters for over 40 years. But you can also head to Disneyland to meet Mickey, ride Space Mountain and enjoy the rides at Toy Story Land and other areas of the magical kingdom.

Try your luck at Happy Valley Racecourse

Horse racing truly is the sport of the people: entrance is cheap, snacks and drinks are plentiful, and the roar of the crowd cheering on the horses and jockeys is truly electric. Head to Happy Valley Racecourse Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info , where races take place on Wednesday evenings during the racing season (September to June/July).

[Remarks: Racecourses, including Happy Valley, may be implementing restrictions or special procedures, such as requiring reservations, for entry. Please check the official website before you visit.]

Take yourself on self-guided tours of neighbourhoods

The best way to experience the charms of the city’s distinct neighbourhoods is on foot. The emerging neighbourhood of West Kowloon connects the traditional craftsmanship, historic buildings, authentic dining and shopping experiences in the city to the new bustling energy of an international art and culture district. Take yourself through Central’s backstreets, markets and the historical buildings surrounding Graham Street wet market. Get to know the quirky cafes, galleries and boutiques sprouting up in Sham Shui Po’s traditionally working-class neighbourhood. And go further to experience laid-back Sai Kung’s seaside restaurants and rural villages.

Information in this article is subject to change without advance notice. Please contact the relevant product or service providers for enquiries.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.