Last Updated on January 9, 2023
A majestic skyscraper-laden skyline enhanced by abundant greenery, Hong Kong is a dreamland. With its luscious cuisines, futuristic architecture, protected nature, rare birds, and fun shopping, there are several things to do in Hong Kong.
Noted as Asia’s largest shopping destination and having the most spectacular cityscapes in the world, Hong Kong’s history is deep-rooted in its landmarks. The global financial hub and cosmopolitan destination are famous for a plethora of things.
The following is a list of the best things to do in Hong Kong which you must experience on your holiday spent in Hong Kong.
#1. Hop-On the Legendary Star Ferry on a Cruise
Watching the dramatic skyline from the waters is a magical experience. Star Ferry takes regular commuters and tourists between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since 1880. The ferry plies the waters of Victoria Harbour, where many Hollywood movies are shot.
If you are on a budget, the ferry trip is the cheapest and the best thing to do in Hong Kong. The landscaped vistas from the ferry will melt your heart.
Opening Hours: You can hop on Star Ferry every day, Monday to Sunday, even on holidays. Morning and night tours are available lasting for an hour.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier operates from 11:15 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. The Central Pier No.7 is open from 11:45 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. And the Wan Chai Pier is open from 12:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Star Ferry (Daytime Tour): Book on a daytime tour on Shining Star ferry. Sail on the cruise, watching the panoramic views of beautiful Hong Kong during the day time along the shorelines of Victoria Harbour.
Star Ferry (Night Tour): Go on an hour-long cruise circling the Victoria Harbour, and witness the breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s night scape.
Watching the multimedia laser show A Symphony of Lights surfacing the water is a must-do in Hong Kong.
Prices: The Star Ferry’s harbor day tour adult fare costs HK$110 and concessionary fare HK$95. The day tour plus afternoon tea set costs HK$ 205 for adults and HK$ 195 concessionary fare.
The Star Ferry’s harbor nighttime tour adult fare costs HK$200, and concessionary fare costs HK$175.
The laser show A Symphony of Lights adult fare costs HK$230, and concessionary fare costs HK$200.
Website: http://www.starferry.com.hk/
Telephone: (852) 2118 6201 / (852) 2118 6202
Email: [email protected]
Note: The views from the upper deck of the ferry are more appealing.
#2. Victoria Peak, “Mountain of Great Peace”
Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong island. The most-visited tourist spot, Victoria Peak, is definitely among the top things to do in Hong Kong. Towering at a height of 552 meters, the Peak will show you incredible views of Hong Kong.
Tai Ping Shan (Mountain of Great Peace) and Tse Ki Shan (Mountain of the Hoisted Flag) are the Chinese names of the Peak given when the Peak was sprawling with pirates before the Opium War.
The Peak is named after Queen Victoria as it was under the reign of Her Majesty during the Opium War. Learn historic tales of the Peak on your visit to this picturesque and undergo top of the world experience.
You will reach the Sky Terrace 428, at level 5, 428 meters above sea level. At this point, you can capture the bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong. The harbour, a forest of skyscrapers, and Kowloon will make a perfect background for your Instagram pictures.
Near the summit of Victoria Peak is the Peak Tower, a shopping complex. From sightseeing to shopping, you can do a lot of things at the Peak. Madness 3-D Adventure and Madame Tussauds are the must-visits on your trip to the Peak.
How to Get to Victoria Peak
There are many ways to get to Victoria Peak. The quickest, most-used way is by the Peak Tram. You can catch a Peak Tram at the Lower Terminus. In seven minutes the Tram will take you to the top of the Peak. The Peak Tram usually operates from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
The queues for Peak Tram are long; sometimes one needs to wait up to two hours. This can be frustrating. Choose to travel through a travel agency if you are planning to go by Peak Tram, as travel agencies are given access to the Tram.
If you are traveling on your own, we suggest you to use the Peak Tram while returning, as the waiting line at the upper terminus is usually short.
You can also hire a taxi to go to the Peak. Hong Kong taxis strictly cost per meter. It takes twenty minutes from Central to Victoria Peak at a taxi fare of HK$100.
To make the most of the trip to Victoria Peak, we suggest you to take a bus. From the Central Bus Terminus, take Bus 15. You can catch scenic views of Hong Kong on your bus ride to Victoria Peak.
Website: https://www.thepeak.com.hk/
Telephone/Email: (852) 2849 0668 / [email protected]
Opening Hours: The Peak Tower is open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. On weekends and public holidays, the Tower is open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Peak Tram operates from 7:00 a.m. to midnight almost every day.
#3. Tian Tan Buddha—The Big Buddha
At the western hills of Lantau Island, at thirty-four meters high, sits the statue of Buddha. Tian Tan Buddha is the world’s biggest outdoor seated Buddha, and it draws a pool of people all over the globe. Made of Bronze, the Buddha was built in 1993. It sits at the Po Lin Monastery, which is regarded as a significant Buddha sanctum.
How to Get to the Buddha
There are two ways to get near the Buddha. One is by climbing the calf-aching 286 steps, and the other is by negotiating those steps by taking a Ngong Ping 360 cable car. We recommend you to take the latter as Ngong Ping 360 cable car itself is an attraction and one of the fun things to do in Hong Kong.
Tian Tan Buddha has a three-platform altar. On the first level sits Six Statues of Bodhisattvas, Buddhist deities.
The second level has a small museum showcasing paintings and articles depicting the life and teachings of Buddha.
On the final level sits the Buddha on a wreath of lotus leaves.
Enjoy the magnificent views of Lantau Island wrapped in valleys and mountains. The place looks like a celebration in the month of May (Buddha’s birthday).
Eat vegetarian, monastic food at Po Lin Monastery.
Address: Ngong Ping Rd., Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Tian Tan Buddha opens from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day of the week.
Prices: Entry to the Tian Tan Buddha is free. You can climb up the stairs without paying a penny. However, it can be tiring. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car costs HK$235 to adults and HK$110 for children up to eleven years old. You can also get a package deal, 360 Fun Pass for HK$290 and HK$180.
#4. Tim Ho Wan, Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise. Tim Ho Wan at Sham Shui Po is the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. You can eat the best dim sum in Hong Kong at Tim Ho Wan. Serving mouthwatering and addictive cuisines, Tim Ho Wan is a must thing to do in Hong Kong.
Char Siu Bao is the famous dish served at this restaurant.
Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po Hong Kong
Opening Hours: The restaurant is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. On weekends it opens from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Website: http://www.timhowan.com/
#5. Man Mo Temple, Wreathed in Sandalwood Smoke
Man Mo Temple is a Taoist temple in Hong Kong. Built-in 1847, the temple features lavish and saturated hues of gold and red incense spirals. The temple is a tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). Students pay a visit to this place for academic or literary success.
The smoky and delightful mysterious interior contrasts lights attract global tourists. The architecture of the temple reflects Chinese culture. The exquisite architecture, ceramic figurines, granite carvings, and series of murals are appealing.
Visitors to the temple say that visiting Man Mo temple is a must-do in Hong Kong. Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing, and Kung So are the three blocks in Man Mo, and all three are open to the public for free.
Address: 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Prices: Entry to Man Mo Temple is free.
How to Get to Man Mo Temple?
Outside Pacific Palace get a Bus 26, and you can get off near Man Mo Temple. You can hike to the temple or take an escalator, from Queens Road Central to Hollywood Road. This escalator is considered as the longest escalator in the world.
If you are hiking, you need to head to Victoria Peak and follow the signs to the temple.
There are exciting things to do near Man Mo Temple. The Hong Kong Cultural Center, Zoological, Botanical Garden, and antique shops are interesting things to do.
#6. Hong Kong Wetland Park—Get Closer to Nature
Situated in the northern part of Tin Shui Wai is a world-class conservation facility— the Hong Kong Wetland Park. The park is a surreal haven of biodiversity. The place is at juxtaposition of city and nature. Once you enter the park, you will forget the outer world and get lost in the flora and fauna.
The landscape of mangroves, rivers, ponds, dragonflies, fish, wildlife, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and another habitat will melt your heart. Appreciate the beauty of nature, get connected to the wildlife, and boost your knowledge on the ecosystem at the park.
If you have kids, they can enjoy the themed exhibition galleries, 3-D cinema, and trick art at the Wetland Interactive World. The Swamp Adventure indoor play area is the best thing to do at the park for kids.
The outdoor Wetland Reserve is designed to suit waterfowl and other wildlife. You shouldn’t miss the Stream Walk, Butterfly Garden, Mangrove Boardwalk, and three bird hides at Wetland Reserve. Look at the new home of celebrity crocodile Pui Pui. Bird-watching, storytelling, and fun activities are held at the park for kids.
Don’t forget to walk at the boardwalk connecting the Fishpond Hide and the Wildside Walk.
Opening Hours: The park is closed only on Tuesdays. On other days, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prices: The admission ticket for an adult costs $30, and the concession fee costs $15. Multi-entry passes and online booking options are also available.
Address: Wetland Park Rd, Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong
How to Get to Hong Kong Wetland Park
There are many options in terms of transportation to Hong Kong Wetland Park. You can use Mass Transit Railway (MTR), car, coach, or bicycle and bus to the Wetland Park.
Bus routes 265B, 967, and 265M will take you to Tin Heng Estate. From there the park is a ten-minute walk.
You can also take the MTR West Rail and Light Rail. At West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station you need to change to LRT 705 to Tin Sau Station (via tunnel) or Wetland Park Station (via footbridge) to the Park.
Website: https://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/
Telephone: +852 3152 2666 (General inquiry), +852 2617 5218 (Ticketing)
Hong Kong is the promised land for tourism. From exquisite shopping to delicious foods, nature-filled landmarks, parks, the extravagant skyscrapers, and an array of entertaining options, Hong Kong is truly amazing. The above list of things is some of the things you need to experience firsthand on your visit to Hong Kong.
