10 Things to Do in Hong Kong: Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences

Hong Kong is one of the must-visit destinations in East Asia, known for its impressive skyline and stunning harbour views. From bustling street markets and world-class theme parks to shopping districts and a diverse food scene, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether it’s your first or fourth visit, you’ll always discover new experiences and places to explore in Hong Kong.

In this travel guide, I’ll share the ten things to do in Hong Kong, along with practical tips to help you plan your trip. I’ve rounded up iconic attractions and recommended neighborhoods that showcase the best of the city. No matter your travel style, this post offers plenty of ideas for your Hong Kong itinerary.

Want to stay organized for your trip? My Travel Planner can help you plan out your itinerary, manage your budget, and enjoy your trip without the stress.

Visit The Peak

The Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions, known for its panoramic views of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour. Visitors can ride the historic Peak Tram all the way to the Peak Tower, making the journey part of the experience. Beyond the spectacular views and the tram ride, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore, including Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Peak Galleria.

We visited on a Sunday afternoon, so there was a long queue to ride the tram all the way to The Peak. There was a separate line for visitors who purchased their tickets online and those buying on site, but both options still had a waiting time. For visitors wanting to check out Sky Terrace, there is an additional fee to enter the viewing platform. However, it’s not ideal to pay for admission to Sky Terrace during the heat of the day. The best time to visit would be around sunset or in the evening, when you can enjoy the views, especially the Hong Kong night skyline.

If you want to save money, you can skip the Sky Terrace, as there are still plenty of viewing points in the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria. You can find restaurants with skyline views, where you can have a meal while taking in the scenery. Overall, The Peak is definitely a must-visit, especially for first-timers in Hong Kong, as it offers an unforgettable view of the city and a chance to ride the Peak Tram.

Additional Tip: If you’re looking for a nice cafe to relax, Tram View Cafe is a great option where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the Peak Tram go up and down the mountain.

For more information about visiting The Peak, check the official website.

Ride the Hong Kong Tram (Ding Ding)

Experience riding the Hong Kong Tram, locally known as the Ding Ding, when exploring Hong Kong Island. It’s one of the best ways to get around this part of the city, from Central to Causeway Bay or even as far as Kennedy Town. It’s an enjoyable ride that lets you hop from one place to another while taking in the sights along the way. If you want to visit other areas of Hong Kong Island, the Ding Ding is surely not to be missed, as it’s not simply a form of public transportation, but an experience in and of itself.

If you want to try riding the Ding Ding, you can easily hop on one at Central before or after your visit to The Peak. From there, you can explore other neighborhoods, such as Wan Chai or Sheung Wan, and discover some hidden gems around the city. During our trip, we paid for our rides using our Octopus cards, although mobile payment and QR code options are also available. If you prefer to pay in cash, make sure to prepare the exact fare, as no change is provided on board.

Additional Tip: You can also book a TramOramic Tour for another way to experience the Ding Ding while exploring the city. Check the official Hong Kong Tramways website for more details.

Explore Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is a lively retail district on Hong Kong Island, with plenty of shopping and dining options. It’s surrounded by popular malls, such as Hysan Place and Times Square, as well as SOGO, one of the largest department stores in Hong Kong. Aside from the variety of shops and restaurants, Causeway Bay also offers unique and local finds, making it an excellent area to explore on foot.

While exploring Causeway Bay, you can check out Kai Chiu Road, where you’ll come across interesting spots along the street. The whole district also becomes more vibrant in the evening, with its bright neon lights that are part of Hong Kong’s charm. Causeway Bay is well worth adding to your itinerary, especially since it’s easily accessible from Central by either tram or MTR.

Additional Tip: If you’re looking for a halal-friendly restaurant in Causeway Bay, I highly recommend checking out Wu Zhi Jian Beef Noodles. We happened to come across this small local shop while walking around the area, and it was one of the best meals I had in Hong Kong.

If you are planning your trip to Hong Kong, compare flight options and fares through Trip.com to find one that works best for your travel plans.

Take the Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is a mode of public transportation that crosses Victoria Harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. It’s a reliable and efficient option to get to these two key areas while offering visitors a wonderful experience of the city. While riding the Star Ferry, you can soak in the views of the harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, making the whole journey a memorable part of your trip.

For a more scenic ride, it’s best to take the Star Ferry in the late afternoon to catch the sunset or in the evening to enjoy the city lights. During our visit, we took the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and chose to sit on the upper deck, which costs more than the lower deck. We used our Octopus card to pay for the fare, although cash and other electronic payments are also accepted.

Additional Tip: If you’re taking the Star Ferry in the late afternoon or evening, consider traveling from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. From the pier, you can take a short walk to the Avenue of Stars, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, as well as the Symphony of Lights in the evening.

For more information about the Star Ferry, including its schedule, fares, and available tours, visit the official Star Ferry website.

Stroll Along the Avenue of Stars

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is visiting the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront along Victoria Harbour. You’ll find tributes to famous Hong Kong actors, such as Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, throughout the promenade. Whether you want to enjoy the breathtaking views or take a leisurely stroll, the Avenue of Stars offers a relaxing way to admire Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.

Aside from the promenade, there’s also K11 MUSEA, a luxury shopping complex located at Victoria Dockside. From shopping and dining to visiting its nature park, the mall offers plenty of things to do for visitors. But the main highlight along the waterfront that you shouldn’t miss is the Symphony of Lights, which is held every night at 8 p.m. It is one of the free activities you can try in Hong Kong, making it an unforgettable experience during your trip.

If you have more time, make sure to explore more of Tsim Sha Tsui beyond the Avenue of Stars. There are plenty of nearby attractions, such as the Clock Tower, as well as famous malls and restaurants throughout the area. Tsim Sha Tsui is also very walkable, making it a pleasant area to explore on foot while taking in the sights.

Additional Tip: The Symphony of Lights can get crowded, so try to find a good spot along the waterfront before the show starts for a better view.

Looking for a place to stay in Hong Kong? Check Agoda or Trip.com to compare hotel options and rates.

Check Out Temple Street Night Market

Another place worth checking out in Hong Kong is the Temple Street Night Market in Jordan. It’s a great spot to try street food and local dishes at more affordable prices compared to other dining options in the city. The market has a lively and vibrant energy, with a variety of food stalls, souvenir shops, and other interesting finds for visitors. It’s certainly a fun addition to your itinerary, especially if you want to experience Hong Kong’s night market culture.

The Temple Street Night Market is also quite accessible, as it’s just a short walk from both Jordan and Yau Ma Tei MTR stations. Since it’s a night market, the food stalls start opening in the late afternoon and stay open until around 11 p.m. or later. But the whole place becomes even livelier in the evening when the hanging lanterns are all lit up.

Additional Tip: If you love Indian food, check out Tikka Taco Panda, an Indian-Mexican fusion restaurant. You can find them at one of the food stalls in the market, or choose to dine at their restaurant if you prefer to sit down and enjoy your meal.

Shop at Sneakers Street

Sneakers Street is located right in the heart of Mongkok and is home to a huge collection of sportswear shops, including famous brands like Nike and Adidas. The street features rows of shops selling everything from sneakers and running shoes to athletic clothing. If you’re looking for a new pair of sport shoes, Sneakers Street is a highly recommended place to visit in Hong Kong.

During our trip, I was looking for a pair of tennis shoes and found the one I wanted at a discounted price. Aside from the wide selection of shops, you can find plenty of good deals with some items either on sale or offered at a discount. I also got HK$100 off the tennis shoes I bought, helping me save a little on my purchase.

Additional Tip: Consider staying in Mong Kok, where you’re only a few steps away from Sneakers Street and can easily drop off your shopping bags at your hotel before heading out again. We stayed at The Beacon, which was conveniently located within walking distance of Sneakers Street.

Browse Ladies Market

Ladies’ Market is another popular shopping destination in Mong Kok, located just a short walk from Sneakers Street. The market is a long stretch of stalls offering a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and other goods. It’s a great place to find affordable items and souvenirs to take home from your Hong Kong trip. Visitors can also get a discount when buying multiple items, making it a budget-friendly option.

Shopping at Ladies’ Market is indeed enjoyable, but make sure to haggle and avoid buying from the first stall you come across. It’s better to browse around and compare prices before making a purchase, as you may find the same item at a lower price further along the market. I learned this the hard way after buying a mug, only to find similar ones being sold for less at other shops.

Additional Tip: Since Ladies’ Market is close to Sneakers Street, consider visiting both while you’re in Mong Kok. Exploring the two on the same day can save you time and make it easier to plan your itinerary.

You can also browse tours and activities on Trip.com to book experiences and attractions for your trip.

Spend a Day at HK Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids and it’s your first time visiting the theme park. Both children and adults will have fun, as there are plenty of rides and attractions for all types of visitors. There are also several shops selling Disneyland apparel, accessories, and other merchandise to take home as souvenirs. Since there’s a lot to see and do, it’s best to allot a full day to enjoy all the activities in the resort.

Visitors will also find lots of places to eat, and the Mickey waffles are definitely worth a try. Although the restaurants are on the pricier side, dining at the park is part of the whole experience. If you want to save money, you can skip shopping for souvenirs and focus on the rides and attractions instead. To make the most of your visit, stay until the evening to catch the Nighttime Spectacular at 8 p.m. and enjoy the magical show at the castle.

Additional Tip: If your budget allows, consider staying at one of the hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Since queues for some rides and attractions can be long, spending two days at the park gives you more time to see and do everything without feeling rushed. You can also check hotel rates and availability on Agoda or Trip.com when planning your stay.

Visit the official Hong Kong Disneyland website for updated information on park hours, ticket options, and rates.

Experience Ocean Park

Ocean Park is another theme park worth visiting in Hong Kong, featuring exciting rides as well as animal attractions. There are a variety of animal exhibits, including pandas, as well as a dolphin show for visitors to enjoy. Aside from all the activities, visitors can savor different dishes from the restaurants and food stalls while taking in the beautiful scenery throughout the park.

One of the main highlights of Ocean Park is the scenic cable car ride to the Summit, which offers breathtaking views along the way. Once you reach the Summit, you can watch the vibrant cable cars passing by, which looks quite spectacular and makes for an unforgettable experience. Apart from the cable car, visitors can also take the Ocean Express, a funicular train that travels between the Waterfront and the Summit. I recommend taking the cable car from the Waterfront to the Summit, then riding the Ocean Express on the way back so you can try both.

Additional Tip: Allotting a full day to Ocean Park is ideal so you have enough time to explore the various attractions and make the most of your visit. You can also consider booking at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, which offers a complimentary shuttle service to Ocean Park. We stayed at the hotel during our trip, and the beautiful surroundings and ocean views let you experience a different side of Hong Kong.

Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip. I personally use SafetyWing for all my international travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get around Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a very efficient public transport system, from trains and buses to taxis, trams, and ferries. However, the MTR is one of the best ways to get around the city, as it’s both affordable and convenient. Although you may need to transfer between lines at times, it’s still one of the quickest options. If you plan to use public transport frequently during your trip, purchasing an Octopus card is highly recommended. It makes getting around much easier since you can simply tap and go instead of buying a single ticket for every journey.

How many days should I spend in Hong Kong?

Ideally, you should spend at least 5 days in Hong Kong, especially if it’s your first time visiting. This gives you enough time to explore several tourist attractions at a more relaxed pace instead of rushing and trying to fit too many activities into one day. If time and budget allow, staying for 7 days is also a great option, as you can visit more places and even include some hidden gems and the Outlying Islands in your itinerary.

When is the best time to visit?

The best months to visit Hong Kong are from December to March. Having been there five times, I find winter the perfect time to explore, as the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing and walking around the city. Avoid visiting during the summer months if possible due to the high humidity, as this period also typically falls within the typhoon season.

Is Hong Kong expensive to visit?

Yes, Hong Kong is quite expensive, especially if you visit during peak seasons. Although hotel accommodations and restaurant prices are on the pricier side, you can still find affordable options by Hong Kong standards. However, you can still keep your travel expenses manageable by setting a budget and finding ways to save, such as taking the MTR instead of a taxi and visiting free attractions.

Where is the best area to stay in Hong Kong?

One of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong is in or near Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side. Tsim Sha Tsui is a walkable neighborhood, offering plenty of attractions and shops for visitors to enjoy. Whether you prefer to stay in Kowloon or on Hong Kong Island, make sure to choose your accommodation within walking distance of an MTR station for convenience.

If you prefer to stay in Kowloon, check out my guide on Where to Stay in Hong Kong for the best areas and hotels to consider for your trip.

Hong Kong is a vibrant destination with plenty of things to see and do, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another trip. From iconic attractions and bustling neighborhoods to theme parks and incredible views, there’s something for every type of traveler. I hope this guide helps you plan your Hong Kong itinerary and make the most of your time exploring this amazing city.

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