Looking for the best places to visit in Hong Kong? Hong Kong is a place like no other, and there are so many things to do there you’ll never get bored.
With each new street brings something new and exciting. The food, the sights, the buildings and textures, make Hong Kong a must-visit destination. Here are all the fun things you can get up to for a fun Hong Kong itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong
1. Victoria Peak
Either referred to as The Peak, Victoria Peak, or Austin Hill, this is a huge hillside in Hong Kong. It’s should top any Hong Kong itinerary as it is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong.
While the top is off-limits due to telecom towers, the area around it is full of lush green public parks, and the highest points accessible to travelers offer some of the best 360° views of the entire city. There are also gardens, restaurants, and shopping centers up the hillside.
- Location: West side of Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: There is a tram to take you as close to the peak as possible.
2. Victoria Harbor
Victoria Harbor is a naturally-occurring landform harbor. Its location, along with the deep, sheltered water, are both part of the reason Hong Kong became such a huge trade post following its British colonization.
The area has beautiful skyline views, and you’ll see every manner of vessel – from yachts to massive ocean liners. The colored spotlights bouncing off buildings at night makes for a great show, taking place at 8 pm most evenings.
- Location: Central District, South Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: Take a ferry ride to get an all-encompassing view of the harbor.
3. Lantau Island
One of the best places to visit in Hong Kong is Lantau, and you’ll find many tourists heading there. Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong’s islands, with a mountainous landscape and a peak known as one of the best spots to view the rising or setting sun.
It used to be comprised of small, rural fishing villages, but in recent decades – thanks to tourism and population increase – has expanded and developed. Today, it is a unique blend of tropical beaches that stretch on endlessly, Buddhist structures, and even modern shopping malls.
- Location: West of the main island
- Insider Tip: Take the crystal cable car to the summit for a view you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Tian Tan Buddha
The Tian Tan Buddha is a massive, bronze Buddha statue situated atop a peak on Lantau Island. Seeing this amazing sight is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong. Nestled among lush green foliage, it is intended to symbolize the unity between nature and man, and between humanity and their faith.
Standing at over 110 feet tall, the statue sits at the top of 268 steps. The site attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over Asia and the rest of the world and is a significant tourist attraction.
- Location: Lantau Island
- Insider Tip: Get a better view and avoid the crowd at the same time by taking the Wisdom Path.
5. Ngong Ping 360
Ngong Ping is an area on Lantau Island, the region where the Tian Tan Buddha, as well as the Po Lin Monastery (more details on that one below), are located. The Ngong Ping 360 is a cable car attraction connecting nearby Tung Chung to Lantau Island.
The cable car ride offers different cabins, from glass-bottomed cars to entirely private cars for a more relaxing ride. Regardless, the aerial views are among the best in the country (don’t forget your camera).
- Location: Lantau Island
- Insider Tip: Get tickets ahead of time online to avoid waiting in line.
6. Avenue of Stars
A little taste of California, but in Hong Kong. The Avenue of Stars is modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring prominent Hong Kong actors, directors, producers, and other big names in the national film industry.
This is a great insight into the cultural identity in Hong Kong, where national film and tv stars are as big here as American stars are in the U.S.
- Location: Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, 星光大道
- Insider Tip: The avenue is located along the Victoria Harbor shoreline, so this could be an add-on to your harbor adventure.
7. Po Lin Monastery
A popular Hong Kong attraction is the Po Lin Monastery. There’s clearly a lot to do on Lantau Island, because the Po Lin Monastery is another attraction atop this lush and mountainous island.
The monastery and temple complex is a huge attraction for travelers, but maintains its authentic cultural identity, as it is frequented just as often by locals. Some parts of the complex are newer but no less impressive, like the recently-completed Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which contains relics, a library, and a worship and meditation hall.
- Location: Lantau Island
- Insider Tip: Hit up the Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant on nearby Jordan Road.
8. Repulse Bay
If you consider yourself a beach bum, then this is probably right up your alley. It’s widely considered one of the nicest beaches in Hong Kong.
The area has a resort-like feel, thanks to nearby hotels not far from the sandy, crescent-shaped beach, but colonial-style architecture, top-rated restaurants, and an excellent range of shops make up for the excess of hotels. You can also visit Stanley Markets, another beach area not far away.
- Location: Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island
- Insider Tip: To get a more quiet and laid back experience, head to Repulse Bay early in the morning before the crowds hit.
9. Lamma Island
Lamma Island is the laid back, hippie paradise of your dreams and one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong. Once a tiny fishing village, today, it is a multicultural melting pot full of locals, travelers, and expats of all ages from around the world.
Things to do and see include incredible beaches, a preserved fishing village where you can learn about traditional Hong Kong community culture, and even a Kamikaze cave, where small speedboats were hidden before being deployed on suicide missions against Allied Forces.
- Location: Southwest of Hong Kong island
- Insider Tip: Try the salt-n-pepper prawns at the island’s Rainbow Restaurant—known for its incredible fresh seafood.
10. Lan Kwai Fong
A square located in the Central district of Hong Kong, Lan Kwai Fong is your doorway to the best nightlife the city has to offer. The area is extremely popular with expats, and there are nearly 100 bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to all ages of travelers who pass through. The area often hosts celebrations for major holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
- Location: Central, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: Pay attention to the time, as it does get a little sketchy in the early hours of the morning.
11. Tung Choi Street
No list of places to visit in Hong Kong would be complete without a mention of at least one street market. Tung Choi Street is one such market, with stalls selling anything you can think of along this long and winding street.
At the northern end is the Ladies’ Market, which sells women’s goods, while the southern end, known as Goldfish Street, sells plants, small animals, and especially goldfish (hence the name, and considered lucky in Chinese culture).
- Location: Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: There is also a nearby flower market and a bird market.
12. Sky 100 Observation Deck
There are clearly more than a few places in Hong Kong to get insane panoramic views of the city. The Hong Kong International Commerce Centre is one of them, with the Sky 100 Observation Deck sitting on its 100th floor.
The spot has 360-degree views of the city, along with interactive displays, a high-tech zone for virtual reality (including a trip back in time), and an elevator fast enough to zoom you from the 1st to the 100th floor in under a minute.
- Location: 1 Austin Rd W, West Kowloon
- Insider Tip: Come after sundown to see the city glittering in a magical way!
13. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is a religious place bringing together Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, with classical elements of the practice of Feng Shui (if you know a little bit about the latter, you may notice the shrines to each of the five elements). The temple is brightly colored; fiery reds, rich golds, and greens, blues, yellows and more come together for something you can’t take your eyes off.
- Location: 2 Chuk Yuen Rd, Chuk Un
- Insider Tip: There are a lot of hawkers here, but if you’re up for something harmless and fun, visit a fortune teller!
14. Temple Street Night Market
Think street market, but at night – more music, more lights, more energy. The Temple Street Night Market is the city’s best after-hours market, where vendors have spread out their tables with everything you could think of for sale at a market – tea, produce, meats, electronics, clothing, gifts, and even ready-to-eat food like noodles and rice dishes, with the freshest ingredients available.
While the items for sale are more trinkety than anything else, this is a good place to go for the atmosphere.
- Location: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
- Insider Tip: Get your haggle on; this is a place where you can easily bargain for lower prices.
15. Peak Tower
If you see a roof shaped like an enormous wok, you’re in the right place. The Peak Tower is a building on Victoria Peak with a shopping complex, historical exhibits of Hong Kong City, and even a multitude of restaurants—all with the same unparalleled views you get from Victoria Peak’s observation decks. You can take a tram or bus to the top, where you’ll get more of the same beautiful views.
- Location: 128 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: The view is an entirely different one when you are up here after sundown!
16. Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a relic of the colonial days of Hong Kong and is situated at the site of the old Kowloon-Canton Railway. While the observation deck is currently closed for renovations, once it reopens, tourists will once again be able to climb the interior steps and look out over the region, as the top deck stands at 44 meters.
The station that was once at the clock tower location, while long gone, serves as a reminder of the 1910s, when many immigrants would leave on a train seeking better fortunes.
- Location: 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Insider Tip: This is a great spot to view the light show, since it’s so close to Victoria Harbor.
17. Hong Kong Wetland Park
The Hong Kong Wetland Park is an ecotourism park dedicated to conservation and education. You can find populations of most of the city’s wildlife here, along with a visitor center and the vast wetland reserve, which you can explore to gain a better understanding of the ecosystem in which the city sits.
Think wild birdwatching and ponds full of fish and reptiles, and a beautiful marsh-like area where you can observe the flora and fauna of this part of the world.
- Location: Wetland Park Rd, Tin Shui Wai
- Insider Tip: The off-season is a better time to see the wildlife in a more natural, unobstructed way.
18. Hong Kong Museum of History
This is the spot for any history buff; the first museum on the list. The Hong Kong Museum of History provides a wide-angle look at the history of Hong Kong and Southern China, including its archeology (including an impressive array of relics), ethnics, and biology to examine how modern Hong Kong emerged from its roots. There are also several different exhibits happening throughout the year on specific topics.
- Location: 100 Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Insider Tip: The museum is free on Wednesdays, and is HK$10 the rest of the week (closed on Tuesdays).
19. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
While this monastery only dates from the mid 20th century, it’s no less impressive than something centuries old. Completed in the 1960s, the monastery consists of five temples, four pavilions, and a pagoda.
It’s a little off the typical tourist map – possibly because of the 430-stair climb. This path to the top is lined with golden Buddhas, each one different than the last (arguably one of the best parts of the site), and despite popular belief, the site actually has around 13,000 Buddhas!
- Location: Pai Tau, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: Beware of fakers posing as monks for money.
20. Harbor City
This is the shopping center to end all shopping centers, and even if you aren’t really the kind of person to partake, the sheer size of Harbor City is worth a visit. The center is divided into five enormous sections and includes a vast network of nearly 500 stores, 70 restaurants, and multiple hotels.
There is even an art gallery, which is probably the first time you’ve seen one inside a mall. This is where more upscale shopping will be located, from haute couture to the highest tech available on the market.
- Location: 3號 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Insider Tip: Due to the high-end nature of the shopping, you might want to just wander through here for the experience rather than actually shop.
21. Golden Bauhinia Square
Golden Bauhinia Square is a substantial public square named after the massive golden bauhinia (orchid) flower statue that sits in the space. The square is dedicated to the 1997 “handover,” when the United Kingdom officially ended their control of Hong Kong as a colony, and the city-state was no longer a colonial hold.
There is a daily flag-raising ceremony, and every Chinese New Year is accompanied by a light show on the grounds of the square. The area is backdropped by Victoria Harbor, so the views are spectacular.
- Location: 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai
- Insider Tip: Look around for the other ‘statues’: Chinese caricatures striking funny poses.
22. Hong Kong Global Geopark
If there’s one thing Hong Kong has in spades, it’s eco and conservation centers. The Global Geopark isn’t just for geology buffs; it’s actually a registered UNESCO Heritage Site, so you know it’s worth a visit.
The area is divided into two parts: the Sai Kung rock region (for conservation around volcanic rocks) and the New Territories region (focusing on sedimentary rocks). Visitors can see areas affected by volcanic eruptions over 100 million years ago, and view rock formations left behind from this part of history.
- Location: Sai Kung, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: This item on the list isn’t well-known, so it’s a bit quieter than your usual Hong Kong tourist haunts.
23. Kowloon Park
Kowloon Park is an idyllic haven of serenity nestled within a bustling metropolis. While the spot where the garden now sits was once the site of a military fortress, today it is comprised of Chinese gardens complete with a lotus pond full of turtles.
This is even a good option for a rainy day, since listening to the rain only adds to the charm and magic (and thanks to a huge covered walkway, you’ll stay dry).
- Location: Kowloon Park Sports Centre, Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Insider Tip: Sundays are a little rowdier, so not the best day for quiet time!
24. SoHo District
In case you hadn’t already gotten your fill of nightlife, Hong Kong’s SoHo District will fill your cup (literally and figuratively). Named for the area south of Hollywood street, SoHo is a neighborhood famous for upscale nightclubs, good wine, and excellent food (good date night option!).
While during the day it is a lively shopping zone full of clothing boutiques and galleries, after sundown, it transforms into an enchanting and electrifying party zone.
- Location: Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: Don’t miss the nearby PMQ Arts Center for a more authentic and cultured shopping experience.
25. Lion Rock
Named for its resemblance to a crouching lion preparing to pounce, Lion Rock is a small, rocky mountain overlooking the city. There is a trail that winds up the side of the mountain, ending on the lion’s head, providing more incredible sweeping views of Hong Kong. The Amah Rock, another well-known naturally-occurring rock structure, is located not far away.
- Location: between Kowloon Tong of Kowloon and Tai Wai of the New Territories
- Insider Tip: This climb is rather steep and suited to seasoned climbers. Don’t forget good shoes!
26. Tai Mo Shan
At over 950 m high and visible from most parts of the city that lies below, Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in Hong Kong. It’s actually very easily accessible on foot, and is incredibly enjoyable – not only for the views, but for its beautiful wildflower blooms, frost patterns, and cloud rings that hover around the peak.
- Location: Centre of the New Territories
- Insider Tip: Even in summer, be prepared for chillier weather.
27. Tai O Fishing Village
Though most of Hong Kong pays homage to its rural days, few places do it as authentically as the Tai O fishing village.
The Tanka people still live here – the original inhabitants of the region -even today; they build their homes on stilts above the shallow waters of Lantau Island. The stilt houses are connected to one another, another representation of the closeness of this community.
- Location: Lantau Island
- Insider Tip: There are shops and restaurants, with some of the best and freshest seafood you can find.
28. Get Michelin-starred dim sum (for cheap)
It’s a bucket list item for many people to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in their lifetime, but few can afford it, as these establishments tend to come with high prices. At Tim Ho Wan, this isn’t the case; you can get your fill of some of the best dim sum in the world for not much more money than any other run of the mill restaurant. The menu is small, but what you really can’t skip are the barbecued pork baked buns.
- Location: 9-11 Fuk Wing St, Sham Shui Po
- Insider Tip: Dim sum is a lunchtime meal, so don’t make this your dinner plan!
29. Grab a drink at The Old Man
This neat little spot won Asia’s Best Bar in 2019, so it warrants a mention on the list of things to do in Hong Kong.
The Old Man is an Ernest Hemingway themed bar hailed as making some of the finest cocktails in the city, yet reasonably priced at around HK$90 each. With the dim, slightly sensual, and altogether cool interiors, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a world of emotion, mystery, and delicate but intentional flavor.
- Location: Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central
- Insider Tip: It’s a little tricky to find, but absolutely worth it once you do.
30. Ride the World’s Longest Escalator
Hong Kong’s Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It takes about 20 minutes to ride the whole way up and along the way you get to watch life go by. It’s not the most thrilling thing to do in Hong Kong, but one of those things you do to say that you’ve done!
Note that it’s not a continuous escalator, as there are breaks in the system where you must cross a street. The escalator is free to ride and a proper method of transport for residents. There is no down.
- Location: Jubilee St, Central, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: Start from the bottom and work your way up!
31. Snap a Photo at Montane Mansion
For all the wannabe Instagrammers out there Montane Mansion is a fun place to go to grab a photo or two. Essentially all it is is a residential area where hundreds of units stack high in the sky and encompass a courtyard down below.
I wouldn’t go out of your way to come here as there isn’t much else in the area, but if you’re nearby it’s fun to peak inside!
- Location: 1028 King’s Rd, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: This is a residential neighborhood so be respectful
32. Have Breakfast at the Australia Dairy Company
The Australia Dairy Company is a traditional Hong Kong breakfast spot popular with locals and tourists alike. No it’s not Australian, but the founder had worked on an Australian farm in the 1940s, hence the name. It’s considered an iconic restaurant to eat at in Hong Kong and is one of the oldest in the entire city.
This restaurant specializes in scrambled eggs, pudding, and toast all at a cheap price. This place is popular and a line starts to build up outside the door as soon as they open, so try to get there before 8am (that’s what we did and didn’t have to wait). Seating is communal, but service and food is shockingly fast. We were in and out in less than 20 minutes.
- Location: 47-49 Parkes Street
- Insider Tip: Get here by 7:30am to avoid a line
33. Dragon’s Back
If you’re looking for a hike, one of the best places to go in Hong Kong is Shek O Country Park. Dragon’s Back is pretty much as cool as it sounds. It’s a ridge with a hiking trail along the top, and its elevation makes it a totally unparalleled spot to get some of the best views in the region.
There’s even a sightseeing platform along the way where the views are even better! The trail is part of the broader Hong Kong Trail, and this smaller section is only about 8.5 km; doable in around 4-5 hours. Despite its elevation, it is considered a relatively easy hike in Hong Kong.
- Location: Shek O Country Park, Hong Kong
- Insider Tip: There is no refueling station or any kind of sellers atop the ridge, so bring more water than you think you will need.
34. Visit the Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple is a temple for the worship of the civil or literature god Man Tai. There are a few around Hong Kong, but perhaps the most visited is the Man Mo Temple complex on Hollywood Road. It’s an interesting place to check out!
- Location: Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Rd
- Insider Tip: Pay attention to signs informing you when and where you may take photographs.
35. Wander Around Quarry Bay Park
Quarry Bay Park is an urban park in Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong Island’s Eastern District. It’s a fantastic place to visit in Hong Kong for some relaxation. The park has a great location between the waterfront and the Tai Koo Shing housing estate. We came here towards the end of one of our days to escape the madness of the city and enjoy the waterfront. It’s a great green space and outdoor area and one of the best places to visit tin Hong Kong.
- Location: Hoi Tai St, Quarry Bay
- Insider Tip: Just before sunset here is magical
36. Go Photo Crazy
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is nothing at all. Don’t plan a Hong Kong itinerary and set out to just explore. Around every corner and turn is an exciting and unique place to explore and grab photographs. Seriously, Hong Kong is a photographer’s dream.
What to Pack for Hong Kong
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