15 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong: Top Attractions & Travel Guide

Victoria Peak, also called “The Peak,” is the most famous spot in Hong Kong. It has been a popular place since colonial times because of its cool climate and beautiful views. Today, it is the top tourist attraction where you can see the entire skyline and harbour from above.

The experience starts with the historic Peak Tram, which has been carrying visitors since 1888. The tram climbs up a steep track, and the views of the city tilting below you are unforgettable. Once you reach the top, you can visit Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong. Walking paths like the Peak Circle Walk give you a chance to enjoy fresh air, green trees, and more photo spots.

Highlights:

• Panoramic skyline views
• Peak Tram historic funicular
• Sky Terrace 428

Local Tip: Visit during sunset or evening when the city lights shine brightly.

Hong Kong Disneyland is the perfect place for family fun and magic. Opened in 2005, it is one of the most popular theme parks in Asia. Visitors love it because it brings Disney’s world of fairy tales, characters, and thrilling rides into a beautiful park by the sea.

The park has different themed lands, like Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. You can enjoy rides like Space Mountain, watch colorful parades, and meet Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie. There are also seasonal events, like Halloween shows and Christmas lights, which make each visit special.

Highlights:

• Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland
• Daily parades and fireworks at night
• Meet and greet with Disney characters

Local Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to save money and avoid long queues.

Ocean Park is a mix of theme park and aquarium, making it one of Hong Kong’s best attractions. It has been around since 1977 and remains a favorite for both locals and tourists. The park is divided into two sections, connected by a cable car with scenic sea views.

You can enjoy exciting roller coasters, watch giant pandas, and see marine animals like dolphins and sharks. The park also has educational exhibits, making it fun and informative for families. Its location by the ocean gives it a unique setting compared to other theme parks.

Highlights:

• Cable car with sea views
• Giant panda exhibit
• Thrilling roller coasters and water rides

Local Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the big weekend crowds.

The Star Ferry is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable experiences in Hong Kong. It has been running since 1888 and connects Kowloon with Hong Kong Island. For just a few Hong Kong dollars, you can enjoy a ride across Victoria Harbour.

From the ferry, you get one of the best views of the city skyline. During the day, you can see tall skyscrapers and green mountains in the background. At night, the buildings sparkle with colorful lights. The ride is short but gives you a feeling of the city’s energy. Many locals still use the Star Ferry daily, so it also feels like part of Hong Kong life.

Highlights:

• Budget-friendly harbour ride
• Day and night skyline views
• Historic transport experience

Local Tip: Sit on the upper deck for the best photos.

The Big Buddha, also called Tian Tan Buddha, is one of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks. Located on Lantau Island, this giant bronze statue stands 34 meters tall and can be seen from far away. It was built in 1993 and symbolizes peace, harmony, and faith.

Visitors need to climb 268 steps to reach the statue, but the journey is worth it. At the top, you can admire the statue closely and also enjoy sweeping views of mountains and the South China Sea. The nearby Po Lin Monastery is another highlight, with its beautiful temple halls and vegetarian meals.

Highlights:

• 34-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue
• 268 steps climb with great views
• Po Lin Monastery nearby

Local Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler weather.

The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is one of the most exciting ways to see Hong Kong’s natural beauty. The ride takes you from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village near the Big Buddha. Stretching over 5.7 kilometers, it offers stunning views of the mountains, airport, and sea.

You can choose between a standard cabin or a glass-bottom “Crystal Cabin” for a thrilling experience. At the end of the ride, Ngong Ping Village welcomes you with shops, cultural shows, and easy access to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

Highlights:

• 25-minute scenic ride over mountains and sea
• Crystal Cabin with glass floor option
• Easy access to Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village

Local Tip: Book tickets online to skip long waiting lines.

The Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, celebrating local film stars. Located along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, it gives you great views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island’s skyline.

At night, the spot becomes even more magical with the Symphony of Lights show. This free multimedia show uses lasers, LED lights, and music to light up the city’s skyscrapers. It happens every evening at 8 PM and lasts about 10 minutes. The Avenue also has statues, handprints of celebrities, and photo spots with the harbour in the background.

Highlights:

• Famous Symphony of Lights show
• Statues and celebrity handprints
• Beautiful harbour views

Local Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to grab a good viewing spot.

Temple Street Night Market is one of the liveliest places in Hong Kong after sunset. It is famous for its street stalls, buzzing atmosphere, and colorful lights. You can shop for clothes, gadgets, souvenirs, and even traditional Chinese items. The market is also filled with fortune tellers who read palms and tarot cards.

Food lovers will enjoy the open-air street restaurants. Try local favorites like clay pot rice, noodles, and seafood dishes. Walking through the market feels like stepping into the heart of Hong Kong’s street culture. It’s a mix of shopping, eating, and exploring.

Highlights:

• Souvenirs, clothes, and gadgets
• Local street food and seafood stalls
• Fortune tellers and street performers

Local Tip: Bargain politely at the stalls, as prices are often negotiable.

The Ladies Market in Mong Kok is one of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping streets. Despite its name, the market sells items for everyone, not just ladies. You will find fashion clothes, bags, toys, accessories, and souvenirs at affordable prices.

The street is always full of energy, with locals and tourists walking side by side. It’s a great place to buy gifts and enjoy the busy market vibe of Hong Kong. The market is about 1 kilometer long, so take your time to walk through and explore the variety of shops and stalls.

Highlights:

• Fashion clothes and accessories
• Souvenirs and cheap gifts
• Energetic street shopping experience

Local Tip: Visit in the evening when the market is busiest and most colorful.

Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong. Dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a Taoist god believed to bring good health and fortune, the temple attracts both tourists and worshippers.

The temple is known for its beautiful Chinese architecture, colorful roofs, and peaceful gardens. Visitors often come here for “kau cim,” a fortune-telling practice where sticks are shaken in a bamboo cup to get predictions. The temple also has Buddhist and Confucian elements, showing Hong Kong’s cultural mix.

Highlights:

• Taoist temple with bright architecture
• Fortune-telling practice (kau cim)
• Peaceful gardens and statues

Local Tip: Respect local traditions, avoid loud behavior inside the temple.

Man Mo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, built in the 1800s. It is dedicated to Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. In the past, students came here to pray for success in exams.

The temple is small but filled with history. Inside, you will see giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling, filling the air with a smoky fragrance. The temple’s dark wooden beams and golden statues create a calm and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a peaceful spot in the middle of the busy city.

Highlights:

• Historic temple from the 1800s
• Giant incense coils hanging inside
• Dedicated to gods of literature and war

Local Tip: Visit in the morning when it’s less crowded and the incense atmosphere feels magical.

Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s most famous nightlife district. Located in Central, it’s a small area packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants. At night, the streets come alive with music, laughter, and people from around the world.

It’s the best place to experience Hong Kong’s party scene. You can try cocktails, enjoy live music, or dance in busy nightclubs. There are also many international restaurants, making it a great spot for food lovers. Even if you’re not into partying, walking through Lan Kwai Fong at night is an experience by itself.

Highlights:

• Bars, pubs, and nightclubs
• International dining options
• Lively nightlife atmosphere

Local Tip: The area gets crowded on weekends, go on a weekday for a more relaxed vibe.

The Hong Kong Museum of History is the best place to learn about the city’s past. The museum takes you on a journey from ancient times to modern life. Its most popular exhibition is “The Hong Kong Story,” which covers local culture, history, and traditions.

You can see life-size village models, old costumes, and displays about festivals. The museum is big, but the layout makes it easy to follow. It’s educational yet fun, making it great for families and students. Spending a few hours here helps you understand Hong Kong beyond its skyscrapers.

Highlights:

• “Hong Kong Story” permanent exhibition
• Life-size models and cultural displays
• Family-friendly learning experience

Local Tip: Entry is often free on Wednesdays, plan your visit then if possible.

Dragon’s Back is one of Hong Kong’s most famous hiking trails. It gets its name because the ridge looks like a dragon’s spine. The hike is not too difficult and offers some of the best views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

The trail takes around 2–3 hours to complete and ends near Big Wave Bay, a beach where you can relax or even surf. Along the way, you’ll see green hills, small villages, and the coastline stretching far into the distance. It’s a perfect escape from the busy city life.

Highlights:

• Famous ridge hike with ocean views
• Ends at Big Wave Bay beach
• Easy-to-moderate trail, good for beginners

Local Tip: Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Stanley Market is a popular seaside shopping area on the south side of Hong Kong Island. The market is known for souvenirs, art, clothes, and handicrafts. It has a more relaxed feel compared to the busy markets in Mong Kok.

Nearby, Repulse Bay is one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches. The soft sand, calm water, and scenic views make it perfect for swimming and relaxing. Many visitors enjoy spending a day combining shopping at Stanley Market and sunbathing at Repulse Bay.

Highlights:

• Souvenirs and art at Stanley Market
• Relaxing beach at Repulse Bay
• Scenic seaside views

Local Tip: Take a bus ride from Central, it’s cheap and gives you great coastal views on the way.