What to do in Hong Kong: your guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: vibrant, hectic, busy – there’s something for everything in this city that truly never sleeps. One of the most peopled areas of the world, the sheer density of the population here is a marvel. A true East-meets-West, where Chinese culture intersects with British colonial history, visiting Hong Kong is a fascinating experience. Read on for the best things to do in Hong Kong.
Remember to buy travel insurance for your trip. Receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.
What to do in Hong Kong: Your Guide to the Best Things to do in Hong Kong
1) Start the day at a Typical “Cha Chaan Teng”
Visiting a cha chaan teng is a uniquely Hong Kong experience! These cafes sprang up all over Hong Kong in the 1950s. They serve a style of cuisine that stems from British expats introducing Hong Kong locals to practices such as mixing tea with milk. Since then, these traditions have evolved into a distinctly Hong Kong blend of east and west.
Cha chaan tengs are essentially the equivalent of visiting a British “greasy spoon” cafe – a delicious start to the day for those who need to be up and about early. The service is speedy, the prices low, tables are shared, and don’t be surprised if the staff are a bit gruff – it’s all part of the experience! My favourite cha chaan teng that I’ve visted so far is Kam Wah Cafe in Mong Kok, open from 06:30am. This family business has been going since 1973. Ask for a buttered pineapple bun and a mug of milk tea – absolutely delicious, and you’ll be buzzing all morning!
2) Marvel at Architecture Photo Spots
There are several buildings and housing estates that have become famous photo spots in Hong Kong, and for good reason! The impossible jumble of apartments at the Monster Building has to be seen to be believed. And the cylindrical Lai Tak Tsuen building is mesmerising inside. Some of these locations have been used as film sets. Most of these spots are generally best visited in the mornings to avoid the crowds, but weekday afternoons are also usually ok. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Lok Wah South Estate, Kowloon (1984): Located on top of a car park – circles
- Choi Hung Estate (“Rainbow Estate”), Kowloon (1964): Colourful facade and basketball courts. Gets busy so go morning / weekdays.
- Lai Tak Tsuen, HK Island (1975): Optical illusion style photos / circular / pink
- Yik Cheong “Monster” Building, HK Island (1960s): Composite building
- Ping Shek Estate, Kowloon (1970s): Vertical stack
Read more about Top Architecture Photo Spots to Visit in Hong Kong.
3) Enjoy “Dim Sum” – Cantonese Brunch
Real dim sum is a uniquely Cantonese brunch experience, and is best described as Hong Kong tapas, but for the morning / early afternoon. Dim Sum is usually served between 9am and 2pm, but this depends on the individual restaurant. There’s a plethora of dim sum restaurants to choose from, just type dim sum into Google Maps and see which ones are well-reviewed near you. Prices do vary, and it’s easy to overspend as you select a range of small dishes, so keep that in mind when choosing.
Restaurants in Hong Kong get busy, so you usually get given a numbered ticket when you arrive and then wait outside until that number comes up on the screen in the window before going inside to your table. I went to Log Ye Dim Sum and it was delicious! I particularly liked the radish cake! Alternatively, if you fancy treating yourself, book this Hong Kong ‘Aqua Luna’ Dim Sum Cruise and enjoy dim sum while floating along the river on a traditional Chinese sail boat.
4) Visit Lantau Island
Lantau Island (in the West where the airport is located) is definitely worth a visit. There is a lot to do, enough to fill up an entire day. This mountainous island is green and beautiful, and best enjoyed by riding the Ngong Ping Cable Car, from which you can get views of the giant Tian Tan Buddha. This giant Buddha is located in Po Lin Monastery, which is also open to the public. The monastery dates back to 1906. The giant Buddha is much more modern (built in 1993), but still pretty awesome to see. On the west of Lantau Island you can visit the traditional fishing village Tai O, known as the “Venice of Hong Kong”. Here you can find traditional stilt houses built over the water.
You can visit independently, or alternatively book a private tour for groups of up to 4 people: Lantau Island Tian Tan Big Buddha Excursion.
5) Cruise on the Star Ferry
The sea is a prominent feature of Hong Kong, dividing the city between Kowloon on the mainland and then Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island, beyond which are the Outlying Islands. Although you can easily use the MTR (metro) to get between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, it’s quite fun to do it the old fashioned way and take the iconic green and white Star Ferry. The panoramic views of the city from the river are gorgeous. The Star Ferry runs between Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Star Ferry Pier, Central on Hong Kong Island. The ride does not take long, and tickets are cheap. (See schedule and fares).
6) Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong Island
The term “Man Mo Temple” actually means a particular type of temple, usually dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). There are several Man Mo temples in Hong Kong. The most popular one for visitors is the Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan. Built in 1848, this temple is very photogenic. Huge coils of incense hang from the ceiling and sunlight streams in through the windows. Admission is free, but if you’d like to learn about the history and cultural significance of Man Mo Temple while visiting, you can book a guided tour such as this Private Hong Kong Tour with a Local.
7) Catch the Victoria Peak Tram
The Victoria Peak Tram is one of the oldest funicular railways in the world. The beautiful dark green trams have become an iconic Hong Kong attraction. They have large windows and glass roofs so you can enjoy the amazing views of the city on the way up and down. The trams take you to the top of Victoria Peak, where you can see the entire city below. It’s very steep, so you’ll be glad that you’re not walking up! The tram runs daily from 7:30am – 11pm.
8) Day to Night at Victoria Peak
The views of the city and the river are incredible at Victoria Peak. You can opt to pay to access the Sky Terrace 428 viewing deck, or just watch the city from the walking track for free. I recommend getting there in the late afternoon so that you can watch the sunset. The views over Victoria Harbour are incredible as you watch the sun fade and the city lights turn on.
9) Victoria Harbour Nighttime Boat Cruise
The harbour comes alive at night with the twinkling lights of all the buildings. The best way to experience the city at night is from the water. There are numerous companies offering boat tours of Victoria Harbour. These are often in traditional Duk Ling boats with the distinctive red sails. Book a 45-minute evening cruise.
Practical Guidance for Hong Kong
Hopefully you have found this guide on What to do in Hong Kong: Your Guide to the Best Things to do in Hong Kong useful. I have also included some practical guidance below so that you can get the boring stuff sorted and make the most of your trip!
Transport in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around. I highly recommend using the MTR (metro / subway system) as it’s clean and efficient. Most of the signs are in both Chinese and English. You’re best off buying a Octopus card that you can then top up as much as you need. I purchased mine at the airport subway station before getting the train into the city. It is also possible to buy single journey tickets but this will end up more expensive and time consuming.
Withdrawing Cash in Honbg Kong in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
To withdraw cash at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Hong Kong Dollars (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then withdraw cash in Hong Kong without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
Get your WISE card here.
Travel Insurance
Make sure that you have travel insurance to cover you for your trip. I can highly recommend Heymondo. I use them to cover me for all my trips and their app is very easy to use.
Purchase Heymondo travel insurance.
Leave a Reply