Hong Kong is a city that offers myriad possibilities and experiences. Here are 10 things every visitor should put on their must-do list.
1 Visit Victoria Peak
A great way to start any trip to Hong Kong is to visit The Peak, which offers a fantastic perspective of the city below and makes for perfect photo opportunities.
Visit at various times of the day for different perspectives on the scenery and while there check out some great shopping, recreation and dining opportunities.
The iconic Peak Tram is the best way to make the journey. It takes about six minutes, rises to 396m above sea level along a 1,278m-long track and is a visually memorable experience as skyscrapers glide past at what appear to be impossible angles.
When you get to the top, check out The Peak Tower with its famous viewing platform, Sky Terrace 428. There’s also the Peak Galleria, the Peak Circle Walk and the Victoria Peak Garden.
2 Ride the Star Ferry
Another iconic sight in the city, the Star Ferry has voyaged between the Kowloon Peninsula’s southern tip to Hong Kong Island for more than 120 years.
Nine double-ended bottle-green and ivory boats now ply the routes between Central and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui.
3 Visit the Neighbourhoods
The beating heart of Hong Kong can be found in its neighbourhoods, districts that offer a wide variety of experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Three of the most colourful and eclectic are Old Town Central, West Kowloon and Sham Shui Po.
Old Town Central offers modern art galleries alongside century-old temples; West Kowloon was the stomping grounds for a lot of master craftsmen back in the day, some of which survive even now; Sham Shui Po is more traditional, with historic houses and delicious street food that must be tried to be believed.
4 Culinary delights
One thing is sure: you won’t go hungry in Hong Kong. From Michelin starred restaurants to street food, there is something for every taste and every budget.
The famous Michelin Guide awarded 78 restaurants in the city their badge of gastronomic excellence this year, with seven establishments awarded the coveted three stars.
5 Island hopping
There’s plenty of places to visit while in Hong Kong. Make sure you grab a ferry and venture across to Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Island (no cars) and Lamma Island (great for seafood).
Lamma is one of 263 outlying islands in Hong Kong while Lantau is the largest of them all, encompassing hidden gems such as Shui Hau Wan and the Tai O Fishing Village. Lantau can be accessed by ferry or train, while Lamma can be accessed by ferry.
6 Theme parks
Ocean Park Hong Kong combines fun, education and conservation, from a world-class aquarium and giant pandas to polar expeditions and exciting thrill rides.
Ocean Park Water World, Asia’s first all-weather, year-round seaside water park, offers 27 indoor and outdoor attractions.
Another theme park in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has just unveiled World of Frozen, the world’s first and largest Frozen-themed land. Guests can immerse themselves in the epic world of the beloved Frozen films, brought to life before your eyes.
7 Arts and Culture
The West Kowloon Cultural District is a growing arts and cultural hub with performance and exhibition centres, green open spaces and a waterfront promenade perfect for enjoying sunset views and evening strolls.
It is currently home to four exciting new cultural venues, with more opening soon. Must-do’s include M+, the Palace Museum and the Xiqu Centre.
M+ is Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, featuring collections spanning 20th- and 21st-century visual art, design and architecture, moving images and Hong Kong’s visual culture.
The Palace Museum is committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while the Xiqu Centre is an award-winning venue showcasing world-class productions of Cantonese opera and other regional forms of Chinese opera (xiqu).
8 Shopping
Few places in the world offer the variety that Hong Kong presents, from luxurious modern shopping malls to local brands and street markets. No wonder it’s regarded as Asia’s top shopping destination.
If you’re looking for a bargain or just want to practice your haggling skills, make a beeline for Ladies Markets.
You’ll find everything from teawares and traditional crafts to novelty t-shirts and the latest tech accessories but be sure to visit several different stalls so you can compare prices and haggle for the best deal.
9 Nightlife
Even when the sun goes down, Hong Kong doesn’t break stride. Some of Asia’s best bars can be found in the city – if you know where to look.
Asia’s number one bar is COA in Central. It has more than 200 bottles of agave spirits and has been voted ‘Asia’s best bar’ for three years running. Other notables include Argo, DarkSide, The Aubrey and Penicillin.
For rooftop bars, head to Cardinal Point, SKYE or Sugar at Taikoo Shing.
10 Get a different view of Victoria Harbour
It’s back to where we started with a variety of places to see this famous harbour.
The most classic view is from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Here you can stand right in front of the harbour and marvel at the topological and architectural spectacle of Hong Kong’s skyline.
Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is located on the 100th floor of the tallest building in Hong Kong, the International Commerce Centre. It is the highest indoor observation deck offering a 360° panoramic view of Hong Kong and its famous harbour.
Sky100 also houses a VR time travel experience in the Sky-High Tech Zone that brings you back to old Hong Kong. There’s also sky100’s Tales of Hong Kong, a 28-metre-long multimedia story wall showcasing local tales and anecdotes, and the ‘Love is in the Sky’ light show with the harbour’s famed nightscape as the backdrop.
