Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

/ China, Global Travels / By

Hong Kong is one of those destinations where there always seems to be something happening. One minute you can be surrounded by skyscrapers and busy streets, and not long afterwards you can be crossing the harbour on a ferry, wandering through a local market or heading out to one of the quieter islands.

There is far more to Hong Kong than its famous skyline. Temples, traditional fishing villages, street markets, walking trails, islands and incredible food all sit alongside the modern city, making it surprisingly easy to experience several very different sides of Hong Kong in one visit.

Why Visit Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a great destination if you enjoy a mixture of city life, culture, food and easy exploring. Its excellent public transport makes it relatively simple to move around, while ferries and cable cars make getting from one place to another part of the experience itself.

You can spend the morning looking across the city from Victoria Peak, the afternoon wandering through markets or exploring a neighbourhood, and finish the day beside Victoria Harbour watching the skyline light up.

Our Experience

Hong Kong skyline

We spent seven very busy days in Hong Kong, staying with our friends Dean and Lenora on Ma Wan Island. Having friends who lived there made a huge difference because we were able to see far more than we probably would have discovered on our own.

Our days took us all over Hong Kong. We rode the Peak Tram, crossed Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, explored Kowloon and its markets, visited the Big Buddha and Tai O, spent a day on Cheung Chau Island and joined a local food tour.

Even with seven days, we felt like we had barely scratched the surface. Hong Kong is compact on a map, but there is an enormous amount packed into it, and some of our favourite experiences were actually away from the busiest parts of the city.

These are the things to do in Hong Kong that stood out for us, along with a few tips we picked up along the way.

Table of Contents

Victoria Peak & The Peak Tram

Victoria Peak is one of Hong Kong’s best-known attractions, and for good reason. Sitting high above Hong Kong Island, The Peak gives you sweeping views across the city, Victoria Harbour and towards Kowloon.

Part of the experience is getting there. The historic Peak Tram climbs steeply up the hillside from Central, with the city changing below you as you make your way towards the top.

Why Visit Victoria Peak?

  • Ride the Peak Tram: The steep journey up the hillside is part of the experience.
  • See Hong Kong from above: Get a completely different perspective of the skyscrapers, harbour and surrounding hills.
  • Visit Sky Terrace 428: Head to the viewing platform for panoramic views across the city.
  • Take your time: There are shops, places to eat and walking paths around The Peak if you want to explore beyond the main viewpoint.

Good to know: The Peak can get extremely busy, so expect queues for the tram during popular times. We found seeing Hong Kong from above really showed us just how densely packed the city is, while the surrounding hills were a reminder that there is much more to Hong Kong than skyscrapers. Visibility makes a huge difference, so if your plans are flexible, choose a reasonably clear day.

Tohu Tip: Give yourself time at the top rather than heading straight to the viewpoint and back down. There is more to The Peak than simply getting the skyline photo.

Lantau Island, Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery

A trip to Lantau Island gives you a completely different view of Hong Kong. Away from the dense city streets and skyscrapers, you’ll find green mountains, walking trails, monasteries and one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmarks, the Tian Tan Buddha.

One of the best ways to arrive is aboard the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which travels from Tung Chung across the hills to Ngong Ping Village. The journey takes around 25 minutes and, on a clear day, offers fantastic views across Lantau Island and the South China Sea.

What to See & Do

  • Ride the Ngong Ping 360: Choose a standard cabin or, if heights don’t bother you, one of the glass-bottom Crystal cabins.
  • Climb to the Big Buddha: There are 268 steps leading to the base of the Tian Tan Buddha.
  • Visit Po Lin Monastery: Take some time to wander through the monastery complex opposite the Buddha.
  • Explore Ngong Ping Village: You’ll find shops, cafés and restaurants between the cable car terminal and the monastery.
  • Combine it with Tai O: The traditional fishing village makes a great addition to a day on Lantau Island.

Good to know: This can easily take up a good part of your day, particularly if you combine it with Tai O. We enjoyed having time to explore rather than treating the Big Buddha as a quick photo stop. The steps can also feel like hard work in Hong Kong’s heat and humidity, so take your time and carry water.

Tohu Tip: If the weather is clear, the cable car is worth doing for the journey alone. Try to avoid rushing Lantau Island. There is plenty here beyond the Big Buddha.

Tai O Fishing Village

On the western side of Lantau Island, Tai O offers a glimpse of a very different side of Hong Kong. This traditional fishing village is known for its stilt houses, narrow lanes, seafood stalls and long connectio

n with life on the water.

It feels worlds away from the skyscrapers and shopping centres of Central and Kowloon, making it a great addition to a day exploring Lantau Island.

What to See & Do

  • Wander the village lanes: Explore the small streets lined with local shops, food stalls and traditional houses.
  • See the stilt houses: Many homes are built above the tidal flats and waterways, creating one of Tai O’s most distinctive sights.
  • Browse the local market: Expect plenty of dried seafood, shrimp paste and other traditional ingredients.
  • Take a boat trip: Small boats head through the waterways and out towards the coast, giving you a different view of the village.
  • Try something local: Tai O is a good place to sample seafood and snacks you may not come across elsewhere in Hong Kong.

Good to know: Tai O is still a living community rather than an attraction created for tourists. We really enjoyed simply wandering around and taking in the atmosphere, so allow yourself time to explore without feeling you need to rush from one sight to another.

Tohu Tip: Combine Tai O with the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping for a full day on Lantau Island. Starting reasonably early gives you much more time to enjoy both.

Visit Tsz Shan Monastery

Tucked into the hills of Tai Po in the New Territories, Tsz Shan Monastery was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places we visited in Hong Kong. Surrounded by green hills and overlooking the surrounding landscape, it feels a world away from the busy streets of Central and Kowloon.

The monastery is known for its Buddhist architecture, tranquil gardens and enormous Guan Yin statue, which rises above the complex and can be seen from quite a distance.

What to See & Do

  • See the Guan Yin statue: The towering white statue is one of the monastery’s most striking features.
  • Explore the monastery grounds: Take your time wandering through the courtyards, halls and gardens.
  • Enjoy the peaceful setting: This is somewhere to slow down rather than rush through with a sightseeing checklist.
  • Visit the Buddhist Art Museum: The monastery is also home to a museum displaying Buddhist art and artefacts.
  • Take in the surroundings: Its location among the hills is a huge part of what makes the monastery so special.

Good to know: Getting to Tsz Shan Monastery was a bit of a mission, but for us it was absolutely worth the effort. It was one of the most peaceful places we experienced during our week in Hong Kong and such a contrast to the city. Visitor numbers are controlled and advance registration is required, so this is one attraction you need to plan ahead rather than simply turning up.

Tohu Tip: Allow plenty of time to get there and don’t try to squeeze the monastery between several other attractions. Once you arrive, slow down and enjoy it. This is one place where the peaceful atmosphere is every bit as memorable as what you came to see.

Explore Kowloon & the Markets

Kowloon is where you can really immerse yourself in the busy, colourful and sometimes chaotic side of Hong Kong. Neon signs, street markets, tiny shops, local restaurants and packed streets make simply wandering around part of the experience.

We explored Kowloon as part of a walking and food tour, which was a great way to get beyond the obvious tourist stops and learn more about the neighbourhoods, markets and everyday life along the way.

What to See & Do

  • Explore the street markets: Wander through stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to household goods and local snacks.
  • Visit Mong Kok: One of Hong Kong’s busiest neighbourhoods and a great place to experience the energy of Kowloon.
  • Walk Nathan Road: One of Kowloon’s main thoroughfares, packed with shops, restaurants and people.
  • Join a walking tour: A local guide can help you discover places you might otherwise walk straight past.
  • Try the local food: Kowloon is packed with small eateries, bakeries and street food stalls, making it easy to combine sightseeing with eating.

Good to know: Kowloon can feel incredibly busy, particularly around the markets and main shopping streets. We found the guided tour worthwhile because instead of simply wandering through, we learnt more about what we were seeing and discovered places we probably wouldn’t have found ourselves.

Tohu Tip: Don’t try to rush Kowloon. Some of the most interesting finds are tucked down side streets and away from the busiest roads, so give yourself time to wander.

Victoria Harbour & The Star Ferry

Victoria Harbour sits between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and is at the heart of some of the city’s most famous views. Surrounded by skyscrapers, ferries and boats constantly moving across the water, the harbour is just as impressive during the day as it is once the skyline lights up at night.

One of the simplest ways to experience it is aboard the Star Ferry, which has been carrying passengers across Victoria Harbour for well over a century. The journey is short, inexpensive and gives you fantastic views in both directions.

Ways to Experience Victoria Harbour

  • Ride the Star Ferry: Cross between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island rather than taking the MTR at least once.
  • Walk the waterfront: Take your time along the harbourfront and enjoy the changing skyline views.
  • Visit after dark: Hong Kong’s illuminated skyline gives the harbour a completely different atmosphere at night.
  • Watch the harbour traffic: Ferries, traditional boats and modern vessels make the water almost as busy as the streets.
  • Take an evening cruise: If you want more time on the water, harbour cruises offer another perspective of the skyline.

Good to know: The Star Ferry isn’t simply a tourist attraction. It remains part of Hong Kong’s public transport network, which is one of the things we loved about it. You’re getting one of the city’s classic experiences while simply travelling from one side of the harbour to the other.

Tohu Tip: Ride the ferry at least twice if you have time, once during the day and again after dark. The same short journey feels completely different once the city lights come on.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade & Avenue of Stars

The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is one of the best places to simply slow down and take in the Hong Kong skyline. Running along the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour, the promenade looks directly across the water towards Hong Kong Island.

It is also home to the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s tribute to its film industry, with handprints and statues celebrating some of the biggest names in Hong Kong cinema.

What to See & Do

  • Walk the promenade: Enjoy uninterrupted views across Victoria Harbour towards Hong Kong Island.
  • Explore the Avenue of Stars: Look out for handprints from Hong Kong film stars and the famous Bruce Lee statue.
  • Visit the Clock Tower: This historic landmark is a reminder of the former Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus.
  • Stay for sunset: Watch the city change as daylight fades and the lights begin appearing across the harbour.
  • Watch A Symphony of Lights: The nightly light and sound show can be viewed from the Kowloon waterfront.

Good to know: You don’t need to rush through this area or plan a complicated itinerary around it. We enjoyed having time to wander the waterfront and take in the views, and it’s an easy place to combine with the Star Ferry, Kowloon or an evening exploring nearby.

Tohu Tip: If you’re planning to watch A Symphony of Lights, arrive a little earlier and enjoy the waterfront beforehand rather than turning up just as the show begins.

Spend a Day on Cheung Chau Island

If you want a break from Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and busy streets, Cheung Chau Island makes an easy day trip from the city. With no private cars, a relaxed waterfront, beaches, walking trails and plenty of small places to eat, the pace feels noticeably different from Central or Kowloon.

Getting there is part of the experience, with ferries departing from Central and carrying you across to the island.

What to See & Do

  • Explore on foot: Cheung Chau is compact and easy to wander without needing a set itinerary.
  • Walk the waterfront: Fishing boats, small shops and local restaurants line the harbour area.
  • Visit the beaches: Tung Wan Beach is within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal.
  • Follow a walking trail: Head away from the village to discover coastal views, rocky bays and quieter corners of the island.
  • Eat while you explore: Seafood, fish balls and local snacks are a big part of a visit to Cheung Chau.

Good to know: We enjoyed the slower pace here after spending time in the much busier parts of Hong Kong. You can arrive with a list of things to see, but Cheung Chau is also the sort of place where wandering, stopping for something to eat and seeing where you end up is half the fun.

Tohu Tip: Don’t book yourself into a tight schedule. Give Cheung Chau most of the day so you can explore beyond the area immediately around the ferry terminal.

Ride the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator

The Central–Mid-Levels Escalator is one of Hong Kong’s more unusual ways to explore the city. Rather than being one continuous escalator, it is a series of escalators and moving walkways stretching for more than 800 metres through the steep streets between Central and the Mid-Levels.

Originally built to help commuters travel up and down the hillside, it has also become a great way for visitors to explore neighbourhoods that can otherwise involve some fairly serious uphill walking.

What to See Along the Way

  • Explore Central: Jump on and off as you make your way through one of Hong Kong’s busiest districts.
  • Stop around SoHo: The surrounding streets are packed with restaurants, cafés and bars.
  • Discover side streets: Step off the escalator to explore some of the smaller streets and older buildings along the route.
  • Give your legs a break: Hong Kong is surprisingly hilly, so the escalator can be very welcome after a long day of walking.
  • Watch everyday life: This is part of the city’s transport system, so you’ll be travelling alongside locals going about their day.

Good to know: The escalator system changes direction during the day, travelling downhill during the morning commute before switching uphill later. We found it was as much about exploring the neighbourhoods along the route as riding the escalator itself.

Tohu Tip: Don’t just ride from one end to the other. Hop off whenever somewhere catches your eye, explore for a while, then continue your journey.

Sail Victoria Harbour on a Traditional Junk Boat

For a different view of Hong Kong’s famous skyline, head out onto Victoria Harbour aboard a traditional-style Chinese junk boat. With their distinctive red sails, these boats have become one of the most recognisable sights on the harbour.

While the Star Ferry gets you from one side to the other, a harbour cruise gives you time to sit back and enjoy the city from the water without actually needing to be anywhere.

Why Take a Harbour Cruise?

  • See the skyline from the water: Get wide views of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
  • Experience the harbour at a slower pace: Sit back rather than rushing between attractions.
  • Go around sunset: Watch the skyline change as daylight fades and the city lights begin to appear.
  • Take plenty of photos: The open harbour gives you some fantastic angles of the skyline.
  • Enjoy something different: A junk boat cruise offers a contrast to Hong Kong’s busy streets and packed neighbourhoods.

Good to know: We had already crossed Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, but being out on the water aboard a junk boat was a completely different experience. It gave us time to simply sit and enjoy the skyline rather than using the harbour as a way of getting somewhere else.

Tohu Tip: If you have a choice of departure times, late afternoon or early evening gives you the chance to see the harbour in daylight and watch the skyline begin to light up.

Explore Central & Sheung Wan on Foot

Central may be known for its skyscrapers and business district, but some of the most interesting parts are found in the streets tucked between the high-rise buildings. Head towards neighbouring Sheung Wan and you’ll find temples, markets, traditional shops, street art and older buildings sitting alongside modern Hong Kong.

This was one of the parts of the city we particularly enjoyed. There was always something happening, and simply walking the streets often turned into an experience of its own.

What to Look Out For

  • Wander the side streets: Step away from the main roads and explore the smaller lanes and steep streets.
  • Visit Man Mo Temple: One of Hong Kong’s best-known temples, dedicated to the gods of literature and war.
  • Explore Sheung Wan: Discover traditional shops, dried seafood stores, cafés and markets.
  • Look for street art: Colourful murals are scattered throughout Central and Sheung Wan.
  • Stop along the way: There are plenty of small eateries and cafés when you need a break from walking.

Good to know: Hong Kong’s hills become very noticeable around here. Comfortable shoes are a must, but the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator makes exploring much easier and gives tired legs a welcome break.

Tohu Tip: This is an area where you don’t need a strict plan. Pick a direction, wander the side streets and allow yourself to get a little distracted along the way. That was part of what we loved about it.

Ride the Hong Kong Observation Wheel

Sitting on the Central Harbourfront, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel gives you another

way to enjoy Victoria Harbour and the surrounding skyline. At 60 metres high, the enclosed gondolas slowly carry you above the waterfront for views across the harbour and city.

What we particularly loved, though, was the story behind its remarkably low ticket price.

Why We Think It’s Worth a Ride

  • It’s incredibly affordable: Adult tickets are currently just HK$20, with discounted tickets for children aged 3–11, seniors and visitors with disabilities. Children under three ride free.
  • There’s a reason it’s so cheap: When a new operator took over in 2017, the adult price was reduced from HK$100 to HK$20, helping make the waterfront attraction far more accessible to local families as well as visitors.
  • Enjoy the harbour views: The ride takes around 15 minutes, giving you time to sit back and see Central and Victoria Harbour from above.
  • Visit the waterfront: The adjoining AIA Vitality Park was created as a public space and hosts free activities and events throughout the year.

Good to know: This was something that really stuck with us. In a city where attractions can easily become expensive, we loved the idea of keeping such a prominent waterfront experience affordable enough for local families to enjoy too.

Tohu Tip: At only HK$20, don’t overthink this one. If you’re exploring the Central waterfront and the weather is clear, jump aboard and enjoy the view.

Take a Day Trip to Macau or Shenzhen

One of the advantages of spending a little longer in Hong Kong is the opportunity to add another destination to your trip without travelling far. Both Macau and Shenzhen can be visited as a day trip, but they offer two very different experiences.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • Macau: Explore Portuguese-influenced streets, historic buildings, temples, local food and the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre.
  • Shenzhen: Cross into mainland China for a completely different city experience, with modern architecture, shopping, food and sprawling urban neighbourhoods.
  • Allow a full day: Whichever you choose, border formalities and travelling time mean it is worth starting early.
  • Check entry requirements: Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China have separate immigration arrangements, so never assume the entry conditions for one automatically apply to another.

Good to know: Shenzhen is in mainland China, so travelling there means clearing immigration and meeting China’s entry requirements for your nationality. Macau also has its own entry requirements. These rules can change, so check the current requirements before travelling rather than relying on an older travel guide.

Tohu Tip: If you have enough time in Hong Kong, adding Macau or Shenzhen can be a great way to experience somewhere completely different. We’ll cover both in more detail in our Easy Day Trips from Hong Kong guide, including how to get there and what you can realistically fit into one day.

How Long Do You Need in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong may look relatively compact on a map, but there is far more packed into it than you might expect. Between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau and the smaller islands, you can easily fill several days without running out of things to do.

We spent seven busy days here and still felt like we had barely scratched the surface.

  • 3 days: Enough for the major highlights, including Victoria Peak, the harbour, Kowloon and Central.
  • 5 days: Gives you time to slow down and add Lantau Island, Tai O or Cheung Chau.
  • 7 days: A great option if you enjoy exploring at a more relaxed pace and want time for markets, neighbourhoods and the outer islands.
  • Longer: Add a day trip to Macau or Shenzhen and spend more time discovering Hong Kong beyond the main tourist areas.

Good to know: Don’t underestimate travelling time. Hong Kong has excellent public transport, but once you start adding ferries, islands and attractions outside the centre, your days can fill surprisingly quickly.

A Few Tips Before You Go

  • Get an Octopus Tourist Card: You’ll use it constantly for public transport and can also use it for many everyday purchases. There are now mobile Octopus options for compatible iPhone, Apple Watch and Android devices, so you may be able to set one up on your phone before or during your trip rather than buying a physical card. Check compatibility before you travel, as requirements and payment methods can vary.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Hong Kong involves plenty of walking, hills and stairs.
  • Use the ferries: They’re not just transport. Some of our favourite views came from simply travelling across the water.
  • Allow for the weather: Heat and humidity can make a full day of sightseeing more tiring than expected.
  • Mix city and islands: Some of Hong Kong’s quieter areas were among the places we enjoyed most.
  • Don’t over-plan: Leave some room for markets, side streets and those unexpected places you discover along the way.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong surprised us with just how much variety it offered. The skyline and Victoria Harbour may be the images everyone recognises, but there is so much more beyond them. Traditional fishing villages, temples, markets, islands, neighbourhoods and fantastic food all became part of our week.

It is worth knowing that Hong Kong is not one of Asia’s cheaper destinations, particularly when it comes to accommodation, dining in some areas and major attractions. However, that doesn’t mean everything has to be expensive. Some of the best experiences are remarkably affordable, from crossing Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry to riding the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, exploring neighbourhoods and simply wandering the waterfront.

For us, the best way to experience Hong Kong was to mix the famous sights with everyday exploring. Ride the Peak Tram and see the skyline, but also catch a ferry to an island, wander through a market, explore the side streets and stop somewhere simply because it looks interesting.

Seven days gave us an incredible introduction, but it certainly didn’t feel like we had finished with Hong Kong. If anything, we left knowing just how much more there was still to discover.

“The best adventures begin when you follow your curiosity.”

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your “Tohu” guide you “Trust the Journey” and follow what feels right for you.

  • ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
  • 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
  • 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
  • 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
  • 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
  • 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
  • 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
  • 💳 Travel Money – Send, spend and manage money internationally with Wise, with easy currency conversion and a handy option for travellers.
  • 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide, perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
  • 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
  • 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass for UK or US
  • 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.