You are never at a loss of things to do when visiting Hong Kong. This past month was my second visit and I enjoyed it just as much as my first venture there. Check out my Top 10 things to see and do in Hong Kong!
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Hong Kong
How to Get Around
The Mass Transit Rail system, known as the MTR, is the best way to get around. It covers most major districts and is very easy to navigate. I recommend downloading the MTR Mobile app as it helped me get to and from destinations with ease, and also offered a nice directory of places to go.
We used a refillable card, Octopus, to get around. It is super convenient because you can use it to pay on the MTR, buses, mini buses, trams and ferries – even some stores accept it for payment.
Where to Go!
Explore Central: Central reminds me so much of SoHo in New York City (there is even a portion of Central named SoHo). Streets filled with shops and restaurants line the mountainous backdrop. The streets are steep to walk up, so I recommend taking the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator to the top and explore by foot all the way down.
If you are a street art aficionado like we are, peek down some of the corridors and alleyways to find some cool installations.
Big Buddha: If there is one place you definitely want to go, it is to visit Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. I am afraid of heights but I put it all aside to take the cable car ride and am so glad that I did. Climb aboard at Tung Chung for the most breathtaking views.
Once on the island, we journeyed up the very long flight of stairs to meet one of the world’s tallest outdoor bronze Buddhas. Lunch was ramen noodles from one of the restaurants in the village, followed by shopping (of course). If you have time, walk the Wisdom Trail – it’s beautiful!
Star Ferry Ride: Take a round trip ride between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wanchai to get a different view of Victoria Harbor.
Laser Light Show (from Kowloon side): We stayed at the Sheraton in Kowloon and loved to watch the laser light show every evening at 8 p.m. It’s amazing to watch the synchronized lights from buildings on either side of the harbor.
Victoria Peak: Victoria Peak on the Wanchai side of the harbor is the place to go to get a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. My husband and I love to walk, so the Morning Trail was perfect. All along the trail you can see different perspectives of the harbor, getting glimpses of the mansions lining the mountainside.
Macau: We set aside a day to visit Macau. After arriving via the Macau TurboJet (get on at Shenung Wan), we took a bicycle to visit the historic area to see the Ruins of St. Paul, Senado Square, and also searched out some street art.
Check out the video below of our bicycle tour through Macau!
Next stop was to check out the casinos such as The Venetian, the biggest casino in the world.
10,000 Buddhas Monastery: Located in Sha Tin, this was one of the many recommendations passed along by my friend Melinda of Curated Cool. The path up to the monastery is flanked on each side by golden life-size buddhas – all different in some form.
Hung Shing Temple: Built in the 1840’s, this temple on Queen’s Road in Wanchai was the first temple we visited while on the island.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel: Definitely do this at night to get yet another beautiful perspective of Central’s waterfront. I think it was the most beautiful 20 minutes!
Shopping: No one can forget shopping! There are so many places to shop, whether in a local market such as the Jade, Night and Ladies’ markets, one of the many- and I mean MANY – malls (or arcades).
My absolute favorite was Harbourside Mall.
If you have a few days in the city, I highly recommend visiting one of the many bespoke tailors to have a suit, or in my case, shirts made to your exact measurements.
But there’s more!
There are so many other things that you can do and see while in Hong Kong. Amusement park aficionados can take the MTR over to Disneyland or Ocean City for a super fun filled day. For the outdoor adventurer, there are numerous beautiful hiking trails to discover!
I hope this guide was helpful for you – I had an amazing time exploring Hong Kong and I think you will as well!
Heather with WELLFITandFED says
My husband travels a lot to Hong Kong and wants me to come one time. I have never wanted to go but you are tempting me!
Dana says
Heather you should totally go with him at least once! There are so many great things to do AND it is super safe and clean if you want to explore on your own while your husband is doing business.
Ashleigh says
I have always wanted to go to Hong Kong and your photos make me want to go even more! It looks and sounds like such a wonderful place! Thank you for sharing your adventure!!
Dana says
Ashleigh I highly (highly) recommend it! I am so glad you enjoyed the photos and would love to know if you do venture to HK! Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
Farrah says
My favorite things to do in HK mainly revolve around all the food and shopping, haha. :] Victoria Peak is definitely awesome to visit though. I haven’t been to the other places you mentioned in ages, but they’re definitely cool to get to see too! :] Glad you had fun there!
Dana says
Thanks Farrah, it was a great time! There will definitely be future posts about the food so stay tuned! xo
Rachel says
How fun! Those seats on the metro are too funny! And I’d love to check out that giant Buddha statue!
Dana says
The seats reminded me so much of McDonalds. LOL! Big Buddha is something I would recommend NOT missing at all!!!
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says
I’m dying to go to Hong Kong!!! So many awesome things to do! Totally on my bucket list 🙂
Dana says
Natalie, it is so beautiful and there is so much to do – keep it on that bucket list and I hope you go!
Mimi Rose says
Such a helpful guide for Hong Kong – I’m heading there for about 3-4 weeks in October so this will come in handy, I pinned it for future reference as well!
Dana says
Mimi, thank you and I am so jealous you’ll be there in October! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all. I am going to be posting about food recommendations so stay tuned!
adriana says
So jealous you’ve been to Hong Kong! It looks absolutely amazing!!
Dana says
Adriana, it was amazing – I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list 😉
Angie Scheie says
I hadn’t given much thought to traveling to Hong Kong but after reading this it’s a must-see!!!! What an amazing trip:)
Dana says
Angie, I never really thought to add it to my bucket list and can’t believe (now) that I thought otherwise. It was such an awesome experience!
Amanda says
Wow! It’s crazy how different each country is! You captured some great photos of the city!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Dana says
I agree Amanda. Thank you for the kind compliment! 🙂
Rachel G says
We used to live near Hong Kong and took many weekend trips. It’s a place I love to visit! We loved the theme parks, and we also loved getting the chance to do ‘off the beaten path’ type things like visit some of the further-away islands like Tung Ping Chau!
Dana says
Rachel I’d love to pick your brain on exploring other islands! That would be perfect for our next trip there 🙂
Amer says
Beautiful pictures! i love Hong Kong. I met my husband in HK that’s why it’s one of my favorite places in the world!
Dana says
Thank you so much! I love that you met your husband there! <3
Chelsea Pearl says
Travel goals! I want to go to Hong Kong so bad and I am bookmarking all of these spots for a trip… hopefully later this year!
Dana says
Chelsea it is so worth a trip! Please feel free to contact me if you want any more tips!
Kusum says
What a great time, HK has been on my list for a while. Lovely pictures and I particularly love the 10,000 Buddhas monastery. Will be referring back to this post when we plan a trip over there. 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Jennifer L. } Modern Chic says
This guide just reiterated the fact that I need to visit Hong Kong asap! Everything just looks amazing!