• By: RIYANKA
• Feb 26, 2026
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50 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Hong Kong? Well, this is one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations, a vibrant fusion of towering skyscrapers, centuries-old temples, bustling street markets, lush nature trails, world-class food, and thrilling attractions. Whether you are here for skyline views, cultural experiences, theme parks, foodie adventures, or hidden gems, this city delivers unforgettable memories at every turn.

When I travelled to Hong Kong, I did not have a bucket list. I carried my Lonely Planet guide, wandered wherever curiosity led me, and let the city surprise me. But if you are planning a trip and want to experience Hong Kong in the most remarkable way possible, I have got you covered.

So here it is, the 50 best things to do in Hong Kong (and yes, you can thank me later).

1. Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak

The Peak Tram climb is an experience in itself, with the city tilting dramatically as you ascend the steep track. As vintage charm meets futuristic skylines, the ride builds anticipation for what waits at the top. Once you arrive, the view opens up into a sweeping panorama of Victoria Harbour, where skyscrapers curve around the water and ferries glide below, making it one of the most unforgettable first impressions of Hong Kong.

2. Take in Sky Terrace 428

Standing on Hong Kong’s highest open-air viewing platform feels like being suspended above the city. The wind, the height, and the endless skyline create a moment that makes you pause and just take it all in. Visit around sunset to watch the city transform from soft golden tones into a sea of neon lights, when Hong Kong truly starts to glow.

3. Cross the Harbour on the Star Ferry

This humble ferry ride is one of Hong Kong’s simplest pleasures and somehow one of its most memorable. As you drift across Victoria Harbour, the skyline rises around you, with the wind in your hair and the gentle rhythm of the water below. It is a short journey, but it captures the heart of the city in a quiet, timeless way that no fancy tour ever could.

4. Cruise Victoria Harbour at Night

Seeing Hong Kong from the water at night feels like stepping into a movie scene. The skyscrapers shimmer with reflections, neon signs glow against the dark sky, and the city feels alive but strangely peaceful from the harbour. Whether on a traditional junk boat or a modern cruise, this is when Hong Kong shows off its most glamorous side.

5. Take a Tour on Big Bus Hong Kong

Hopping on a Big Bus tour is one of the easiest ways to get your bearings in Hong Kong, especially if it is your first visit. The open-top ride lets you glide past major landmarks, busy neighbourhoods, and waterfront views without worrying about directions or transport. It is a relaxed way to see a lot in a short time, and you can hop on and off whenever something catches your eye and invites you to explore further.

6. Spend a Day at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is the best place to relive your childhood. From colourful parades and gentle rides to thrilling attractions and immersive shows, the park offers something for every age. Even if you are not a hardcore theme park fan, the atmosphere, music, and little moments of joy make it a surprisingly relaxing and feel-good way to spend a day.

[Also read: Is It Worth Visiting Hong Kong?]

7. Explore Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park Hong Kong offers a unique mix of adrenaline and nature, with roller coasters, aquariums, and animal encounters all set against dramatic cliffside views. One moment you are peering into underwater worlds, and the next you are soaring above the sea on a cable car with panoramic ocean views. The contrast between thrilling rides and peaceful scenery makes this park feel more like a full-day adventure than just another amusement park.

8. Walk the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Strolling along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to experience Hong Kong’s skyline. The harbour breeze, the slow movement of ferries, and the constant shimmer of skyscrapers across the water create a postcard-perfect scene. Come in the evening, when the city lights reflect on the harbour and the entire waterfront feels alive with quiet magic.

9. Ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

The Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride feels like floating through a moving postcard, with sweeping views of lush mountains, winding rivers, and the open sea. As the city slowly fades behind you, the landscape becomes calmer and more spiritual. By the time you reach Ngong Ping Village, the journey itself already feels like one of the highlights of your Hong Kong trip.

10. Visit the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha)

High on Lantau Island, the Big Buddha sits in quiet grandeur, watching over the surrounding hills and sea. The climb up the long staircase is gentle but meaningful, with each step offering wider views and a growing sense of calm. Even if you are not religious, the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic scenery make this a deeply grounding and memorable experience.

11. Explore the Hong Kong Museum of History

This museum is one of the best places to understand how Hong Kong became the city it is today. Walking through its exhibits feels like moving through time, from quiet fishing villages and traditional customs to colonial influences and modern urban life. The displays are immersive and thoughtfully designed, making history feel alive rather than distant or dry.

12. Light Incense at Man Mo Temple

The quaint Man Mo Temple feels like another world, where the air is thick with incense smoke, and the city’s noise fades into a distant hum. Giant coils hang from the ceiling, slowly burning as prayers rise with the smoke. It is a peaceful, deeply atmospheric space that invites you to pause, reflect, and simply take in the moment.

P.S: During my trip, Man Mo Temple was one place that made me fall in love with the city and filled me with gratitude. I went with a local guide to explore the cultural sites of Hong Kong, and I would definitely recommend it 🙂

13. Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is always buzzing with movement, colour, and belief. Locals come here to pray for good fortune, health, and love, often shaking fortune sticks and lighting incense with quiet hope. The energy of devotion is contagious, and even as a visitor, you cannot help but feel the powerful sense of faith that fills the air.

[Also read: A Guide to Exploring the Cultural and Romantic Gems in Hong Kong]

14. Wander Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery

These beautifully designed gardens and temples feel like a calm breath in the middle of the city. With wooden bridges, lotus ponds, and carefully placed rocks, the space feels like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting. The nearby skyscrapers only make the serenity more striking, reminding you how closely peace and chaos exist in Hong Kong.

15. Discover Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O offers a glimpse into a slower, more traditional way of life that still survives on the edges of modern Hong Kong. Wooden stilt houses line the waterways, seafood dries in the sun, and the smell of the sea lingers in the air. It is rustic, wonderfully photogenic, and feels refreshingly untouched by the rush of the city. If you wish to experience Hong Kong beyond its glamour and glitz, then you’ll have to visit Tai O fishing village.

16. Explore Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street truly comes alive after sunset, when neon signs flicker on, and the street fills with the sounds of bargaining, sizzling woks, and chatter. Food stalls spill tempting aromas into the air, fortune tellers call out to passersby, and vendors sell everything from souvenirs to quirky gadgets. It is chaotic in the best way, and wandering here feels like stepping straight into the heartbeat of local nightlife.

17. Shop the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok

Stretching across several busy blocks in Mong Kok, the Ladies’ Market is a sensory overload of colours, voices, and movement. Stalls are packed with clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, and bargaining is expected, even encouraged. It is not just about shopping here, but about experiencing the lively street culture that defines Hong Kong’s everyday rhythm.

18. Visit Stanley Market by the Sea

Stanley Market offers a much calmer shopping experience, with breezy sea air and relaxed coastal vibes. After browsing through stalls selling art, clothing, and souvenirs, you can wander along the waterfront or settle into a café with ocean views. It feels more like a slow afternoon by the beach than a typical city market, making it a perfect escape from the urban rush.

19. Stroll the Goldfish and Bird Markets

These charming and slightly surreal markets offer a glimpse into local traditions you might never expect to find in a modern city. Rows of tiny plastic bags filled with goldfish line the stalls, while nearby, birdsong fills the air from ornate cages. Walking through this area feels strangely peaceful and curious at the same time, like discovering a secret corner of everyday Hong Kong life!

20. Walk Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen Street)

Fa Yuen Street is a dream come true for sneaker lovers and streetwear fans. Shop after shop showcases the latest drops alongside rare finds, with locals and tourists hunting for the perfect pair. Even if you do not buy anything, soaking in the energy here feels like tapping into the city’s fashion pulse.

21. Go on a Dim Sum Adventure

Dim sum in Hong Kong is not like the one you probably eat in your city! They’re something that you’ll crave after you have a bite. Steaming bamboo baskets arrive at your table filled with delicate dumplings, fluffy buns, and silky rice rolls. Each bite is comforting and full of flavour, and hopping between different dim sum spots quickly becomes a food adventure of its own.

22. Try Street Food Classics

Hong Kong’s street food scene is a full sensory experience, where the air is thick with the smell of sizzling batter, sweet waffles, and savoury spices. You will find golden egg waffles being flipped fresh on hot irons, curry fish balls simmering in fragrant sauce, and silky cheung fun rolled and drizzled with soy and peanut sauce right in front of you. The sounds of oil crackling, vendors calling out orders, and people chatting over quick bites become part of the experience.

Eating on the go here feels wonderfully natural. You stand beside office workers grabbing a late snack, students sharing skewers after school, and locals who know exactly which stall makes the best version of their favourite dish. And you never know, you might just find your favourite food in some hole in the wall!

23. Eat at a Cha Chaan Teng Café

Cha chaan teng cafés are where Hong Kong’s nostalgia lives, serving comfort food that blends East and West in the most unexpected ways. You will find creamy milk tea, baked pork chop rice, and thick slices of French toast dripping with condensed milk. The décor may be simple, and the service fast, but the flavours and atmosphere feel deeply authentic.

24. Feast on Seafood in Sai Kung

A trip to Sai Kung is a seafood lover’s dream, where you can point to live fish, prawns, and crabs in tanks and have them cooked fresh on the spot. The harbour breeze, clinking plates, and casual open-air restaurants give the meal a relaxed, coastal feel. It is the kind of lunch that turns into a slow, lingering feast you do not want to end.

25. Dine at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Hong Kong’s food scene moves effortlessly between humble street stalls and world-class fine dining, and nowhere is this more evident than in its Michelin-starred restaurants. Sitting down at places like Lung King Heen, known for its elegant Cantonese cuisine, or T’ang Court, famous for its beautifully refined classics, feels like stepping into the city’s culinary spotlight.

For something more modern and creative, restaurants like Bo Innovation and Caprice showcase bold techniques and fusion flavours, where every dish is thoughtfully crafted and meant to be savoured as an experience rather than just a meal.

26. Party in Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is where Hong Kong’s after-dark energy spills onto the streets in full force. Neon-lit bars, rooftop lounges, and packed clubs sit side by side, creating a buzzing playground for locals, expats, and travellers. Even if you are not in the mood to party hard, wandering through the streets, people-watching, and soaking in the electric vibe is an experience in itself.

27. Watch the Symphony of Lights

Every night, Hong Kong’s skyline turns into a giant stage as skyscrapers light up in sync with music and lasers of the ‘Symphony of Lights’. The show is bold, flashy, and unapologetically dramatic, but that is exactly what makes it so fun to watch. Standing by the harbour with the city glowing around you feels like being part of a living postcard.

28. Experience the Hong Kong Sevens (if visiting in season)

During the Hong Kong Sevens, the city transforms into a festival of sport, music, and pure celebration. Rugby fans dress in wild costumes, the stadium roars with energy, and the party spills into bars across the city. Even if you are not a big rugby follower, the infectious excitement and carnival-like atmosphere make this an unforgettable cultural moment.

29. See the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is a powerful display of teamwork and tradition, with teams racing vividly decorated boats to the beat of pounding drums. The crowds cheer from the shore, the water churns with movement, and the air buzzes with excitement. It is both a thrilling spectacle and a beautiful reminder of Hong Kong’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.

30. Witness the Fire Dragon Dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is one of Hong Kong’s most dramatic and atmospheric traditions, with a massive dragon covered in burning incense winding through narrow streets. Smoke fills the air, drums echo through the neighbourhood, and the glowing dragon moves like a living flame. Watching it up close feels intense, mysterious, and completely unforgettable.

31. Hike Dragon’s Back Trail

Dragon’s Back is one of those rare hikes that delivers breathtaking views without demanding hardcore trekking skills. The trail winds along breezy ridgelines, opening up to sweeping views of the South China Sea on one side and rolling green hills on the other. It is the kind of walk that makes you forget you are in a megacity, even though the skyline is never too far away.

32. Visit the Waterfalls on Tai Mo Shan

As you head toward Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s tallest mountain, the city slowly fades into misty forest paths and cool mountain air. Hidden waterfalls appear along the trails, offering quiet moments of calm and a refreshing break from the heat. It feels almost unbelievable that such lush greenery and peaceful scenery exist so close to the dense urban sprawl.

33. Relax at Repulse Bay or Big Wave Bay

Repulse Bay and Big Wave Bay offer two very different beach moods, both perfect for slowing down. Repulse Bay is polished and relaxed, with soft sand and nearby cafés, while Big Wave Bay has a more laid-back, surf-town feel. Whether you are swimming, sunbathing, or simply watching the waves roll in, these beaches provide a much-needed coastal escape from the city’s intensity.

34. Walk Part of the MacLehose Trail

The MacLehose Trail stretches across some of Hong Kong’s most dramatic landscapes, weaving through mountains, reservoirs, and remote coastline. Even tackling just one section feels like a full-day adventure, with changing scenery that keeps surprising you around every bend. It is a powerful reminder that Hong Kong is as much about wild spaces as it is about skyscrapers!

35. Explore Cheung Chau Island

Cheung Chau feels like a different world, with no cars, narrow lanes, and a gentle island pace of life. You can rent a bicycle, wander past seafood stalls, and stumble upon quiet temples and small beaches. It is slow, charming, and wonderfully low-stress, making it a perfect day trip when the city starts to feel overwhelming.

36. Visit the M+ Museum

M+ Museum feels like stepping into Hong Kong’s creative future, where bold architecture meets cutting-edge art and design. The museum celebrates modern visual culture through striking exhibitions that range from contemporary art to film, fashion, and architecture. Even if you are not a museum person, the space itself and the views over Victoria Harbour make the visit feel inspiring and refreshingly modern.

37. Explore the Hong Kong Palace Museum

The Hong Kong Palace Museum connects the city to centuries of imperial Chinese history through beautifully curated artefacts and exhibitions. Walking through its halls feels like travelling back in time, while the building’s grand, modern architecture grounds the experience firmly in the present. It is a powerful blend of old and new, much like Hong Kong itself.

38. Learn at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum

This Maritime Museum tells the story of Hong Kong through the lens of the sea, trade routes, and migration that shaped the city. Exhibits bring to life the port’s role in connecting cultures and economies across Asia and beyond. Set along the harbour, the location adds meaning to the experience, reminding you how closely the city’s identity is tied to the water.

39. Wander the Hong Kong Museum of Art

The Hong Kong Museum of Art offers a quiet, reflective space to explore both traditional and contemporary Asian art. Soft lighting and thoughtfully curated galleries create a calm contrast to the busy streets just outside. It is the kind of place where you can slow down, wander without a plan, and let the artwork set the pace for a while.

40. Watch a Performance at the Xiqu Centre

The Xiqu Centre brings Cantonese opera and traditional performing arts to life in a stunning modern venue. Even if you do not understand the language, the elaborate costumes, expressive movements, and powerful music tell their own stories. Watching a performance here feels like witnessing living culture rather than something preserved behind glass.

41. Ride the Historic “Ding Ding” Tram

Riding Hong Kong’s double-decker tram gives you a front-row seat to the city’s everyday life. The slow, steady movement carries you through crowded streets where neon lights flicker above old storefronts and glass towers rise in the distance. At this gentle pace, the city feels less overwhelming and more intimate, as if you are watching it breathe.

Settle into a window seat on the upper deck and let the scenes roll past you. You will catch glimpses of morning routines, street vendors calling out to customers, and people drifting in and out of shops. It is a quiet, almost meditative way to experience Hong Kong, as if the city is telling you its story one street at a time.

42. Take a Spin on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel offers a calm moment above the harbour, with views that slowly open up as the cabin rises. From the top, the skyline looks softer and more serene, especially in the early evening when the city lights begin to glow. It is a simple, pretty experience that invites you to pause and take in the view rather than rush to the next sight.

43. Visit Monster Building in Quarry Bay

The Monster Building feels almost unreal, with towering walls of tightly packed apartments creating a dramatic, enclosed space. The sheer density of it all gives the place a futuristic, sci-fi movie feel, making it one of Hong Kong’s most striking photo spots. Standing in the middle of the courtyard, you truly feel the scale of how vertically this city lives.

44. Discover Unexpected Urban Gardens

Between the concrete towers and crowded streets, Hong Kong quietly hides pockets of surprising greenery that feel like little secrets waiting to be found. Places like Nan Lian Garden offer classical Chinese landscaping with lotus ponds and wooden bridges, while Hong Kong Park brings waterfalls and shaded paths right into the heart of the business district. Even smaller spaces, like Chater Garden in Central or Kowloon Park tucked behind busy shopping streets, offer calm corners where locals pause, eat lunch, or simply escape the noise for a while.

You might also stumble upon beautifully landscaped estates and green walkways in neighbourhoods you least expect, where flowering trees line narrow paths, and birdsong replaces traffic noise for a few moments. These gentle pockets of nature are reminders that even in one of the world’s busiest cities, there is still space to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with something quiet and green.

45. Make a Wish at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees

The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are tied to a local tradition of tossing wish papers into the branches for good fortune. Watching people carefully write their hopes and gently throw them skyward is oddly moving, even if you do not take part yourself. It is playful and hopeful at the same time, and a beautiful glimpse into the everyday rituals of belief in Hong Kong.

46. Take a Day Trip to Macau

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is to take a day trip to Macau!

Just an hour away by ferry, Macau feels like stepping into a completely different world. Portuguese architecture sits beside glittering casinos, and quiet cobbled streets lead to lively public squares and bakeries selling warm egg tarts. The blend of European charm and modern Asian energy makes Macau a fascinating contrast to Hong Kong, and a day trip here adds a whole new cultural layer to your journey.

47. Visit Peng Chau Island

Peng Chau is the kind of place where time seems to slow down the moment you arrive. Quiet lanes wind past local homes and tiny cafés, and the harbour views invite you to sit and do absolutely nothing for a while. It is perfect for wandering without a plan, letting the gentle island rhythm reset your pace.

48. Explore the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark reveals a dramatic side of the city that few visitors expect to find. Towering volcanic rock formations line the coastline, shaped by ancient eruptions and relentless waves. Walking along these rugged paths feels wild and cinematic, like discovering a hidden landscape far removed from Hong Kong’s urban energy.

49. Wander Lamma Island

Lamma Island is all about easygoing charm, with coastal hiking trails, open-air seafood restaurants, and quiet beaches scattered along the shore. The vibe here is casual and friendly, and it is easy to spend hours wandering without checking the time. It feels charmingly imperfect in a way that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

50. Stay at Noah’s Ark Theme Park (if you love quirky stays)

Staying at Noah’s Ark would be really fun, with a giant ark-shaped structure set against scenic views near the Tsing Ma Bridge. It is unusual, playful, and surprisingly peaceful once you are inside. If you enjoy quirky travel experiences and memorable stays, this one adds a fun, unexpected twist to your Hong Kong trip.

Exploring Hong Kong is not about ticking off landmarks from a checklist. It is about letting the city unfold around you in small, unexpected moments. It is the quiet of a temple tucked between busy streets, the smell of street food drifting through neon-lit alleys, the sudden calm of a hiking trail just minutes from the skyline.

Hong Kong reveals itself in contrasts, and it is in these contrasts that its true magic lives.

You can arrive with a plan or with nothing at all, and the city will still find ways to surprise you. One day, you are floating above the harbour on a ferry; the next, you are wandering through a fishing village, or standing beneath glowing skyscrapers at night. Hong Kong does not ask to be rushed. It invites you to slow down, look closer, and let curiosity lead the way. And long after you leave, it is these layered, in-between moments that stay with you the most.

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