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You may think Hong Kong… just another city, but you will be surprised how many things there are to see and how much ground there is to cover. Because this – you cannot really treat it as just another city with attractions. What is more there are not many “points” to visit in HK, rather the “areas” …
Attractions, places, areas? – you will encounter many of them just strolling along the streets, but for others you will need to dedicate a whole day, or two, to experience fully. Here, even the mere action of shopping or eating can be sooo fascinating and you will surely need some time to experience that!
Let this, not that short, list be a guide for you. It will introduce you to the places, themes, and ideas for visiting and even some possible one-day trips. With it you will surely know what you can do in HK, and what can you see while doing it. Later – you can direct yourselves to more detailed articles in Light Visit or Stories sections.
Since a “light visit” article is supposed to give you, more or less, 10 the most visited attractions in a place… we add a short list at the end of the article. But a list is just that – a list, and HK is more about feelings and experiences.
Enjoy reading
1 Victoria Harbour and Starr Ferry
Connecting two most known shores of modern Hong Kong – Victoria Harbour is a sight that has to be noticed. Seeing it bustling with life it is difficult to imagine it almost empty in XIX century. For many years it was a popular, local typhoon shelter in these parts of the South China Sea. Later, with the coming of the British, it got busier with ships from all over the world.
And so it is until this day…
Two cities grew on the shores of this passage. One is the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Kowloon – the former true city of Hong Kong. The other one is the Central district, on what is now called the Hong Kong Island. Apart from the harbour crossing they are also connected with metros and underwater roads. But ferries take the most scenic route.
And there is much to see there, that is certain. On the one hand there is the Avenue of Stars, with the modern shaped museums and neon lights of Kowloon shops, galleries, and hotels. On the other hand, there is the Central Pier region, with the skyscrapers line behind it. It is breath-taking – especially in the evening when the buildings are lighted with lights forming different patterns – depending on the building. The AIA – Ferris Wheel is an attraction on its own – giving one of the best views of the surrounding area.
The cheapest way to enjoy the harbour it is to have a walk along either shore. But the Star Ferry could be a good idea. A 5-minute ride separates the two shores, and the boat has a panoramic deck where you can experience the views. It works into the late hours of the evening so you can get the full scope.
At 8 PM every day there is a laser show for tourists (Symphony of the Lights, lasts 10 minutes). Not only the buildings themselves have patterns but there is an actual plan built into the show, with some laser lights brightening the sky. Thing about being there then.
2 Central pier region
When British landed here in XIX century the region was nothing that it is today. The Opium War and the land occupation lay at the beginnings of the Government Hill and of the first colonial buildings. You can still find some of those scattered around – Central Police Station being one of the oldest or St John Cathedral and Government House being the most famous.
Somewhere along the way Victoria City changed info the financial centre of Hong Kong – full of people, tourists, and vehicles. Instead of 2 storey colonial pearls, you have majestic skyscrapers of the most known companies – like Bank of China, IFC towers or the Central Plaza. Walking around is hazardous! You just want to look up all the time!!! Think about taking a tram ride of the northern part of the Hong Kong Island (at least travel between Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay).
That is not all of course. The region is packed with shops, souvenir streets, wetmarkets, fun districts (like local and quite famous – Soho), eateries, great views and panorama opportunities and landmarks (Victoria Peak or Golden Bauhinia Square being only one of them).
So yes – Central. But for the locals Central is more than just a name on the map. It is the whole strip of land in this part of the island, it is a way of life, it is a place to be.
3 Tsim Sha Tsui region
This area is the southernmost part of Kowloon City, or another shore of Victoria Harbour if you prefer it this way.
Hong Kong grew on many shores. The proof of this may be that the village bearing the original name was close to Aberdeen. It was just a newcomer’s mistake. A passage between the mainland and an island called today – Hong Kong Island, became the colonial site of development. City turned from hundreds to hundreds of thousands in only a few years.
As the Island became mostly a place for the foreigners and later – of the grand businesses… the mainland became a residential place with local shops and places. With time and money bigger things grew – the harbours or ICC complex with its fascinating Arch Skyscraper. Some of the best hotels are in the vicinity and the local fame grows even more with the existence of… the Avenue of Stars! (no… we are still in HK, not in Cannes).
That is the name for the promenade, where you can encounter the most famous names of Asian cinematography. Not to mention the statue of Bruce Lee. This is also the place to best experience the Symphony of Lights Show. If you are bored, you can go for some fancy shopping in the Gateway or the Elements. If you want something different – you will find a Space Museum here. Kowloon Park will be for those in need of some peace and quiet in the zen atmosphere of the local parks. You can also go the Clocktower square – full of oversized decorations during the Chinese festivals but still – quite a scenic place for photo-hunters. It is also in the vicinity of Star Ferry – which will take you to the other shore, allowing to admire the harbour at its fullest.
There is plenty to do in Tsim Sha Tsui, but there is even more when you go a bit further. Close to the Hung Hom MTR there is the Hong Kong Museum of History or Science. And if you go even further… check below in the markets section.
4 Victoria Peak and Gardens + tram to get there
The most visited place in Hong Kong deserves a place of its own. The Peak – as it is normally called, is the most scenic place in the city. You get the whole panorama of Victoria Harbour and its skyscrapers. On the clear day the views go far up to the mountains or to the China Sea on the other side. This is also a rare occasion to see Lamma Island from above. In the night it provides you with great experience as well and some decide to see the Harbour Light Show from here.
You can get up there in many ways – on foot or by bus – both starting close to the Central MTR. But the most attractive (although paying) way is to take the Peak Tram. It is the reminiscence of the colonial times, kept in the same old-school form (which makes it adorable! And worth taking a picture of it). It was introduced to the Island in 1888 so it is a piece of history too. Before people had been using sedan chairs to get to their home at the Peak. After the tram had been built there was a construction boom and more places started to appear there.
You can find its starting point not far from Chater Garden (Central MTR exit J). It then takes you up to the Peak Tower and Peak Gallery.
The Peak is the name of the general area and there are many attractions there. Peak Tower with the view deck for those wanting to pay a bit to see the most of it. Galleria is the shopping centre with some theme mini-park places (like Monopoly-land) and its own views possibilities.
If you do not wish to pay – your best choice will be the Peak Circular Route with the Lugard Lookout (there is some walking, very mild, but it is free. The route takes about an hour to go around). Before you go down you can rest in the Victoria Gardens, looking at the summit of Victoria Peak – 552 metres high. If only it was not reserved for the radio towers… so don’t worry and rest.
5 One day tours from Hong Kong
Hong Kong may seem like a city from afar, but it is a tiny country when you are physically in there. Some places deserve and need a whole day to visit.
Lantau’s Tian Tan Buddha Statue and Monastery is one of the top places to be in HK. It is difficult to say what makes a bigger impression – a 34-metre-tall statue of the sitting Buddha or the Ngong Ping Cable Car that takes you to it from Tung Chung. You will find a Wisdom Path at the top if you would like to try to meditate. It is also said that the monks make quite good vegetarian dishes (it may be just a rumour but the restaurant on top serves quite a good food).
You can make a joint one-day tour and connect the Buddha with the Tai O Village at the western shores of the Lantau Island. It is one of these traditional, fishing, Cantonese villages that is difficult to find in modern times. Many disappeared along the way of Hong Kong’s development (like Ma Wan’s village). You can have a great seafood dish there and return to Tung Chung MTR with a ferry.
Lamma Island should also be of some interest to you. Among many islands – this is the one that you should try to visit in HK. If you like hiking, but not too much of it – its Family Trail will be perfect for you. The way the people live there will shock you after wandering around Kowloon and Central. But yes – green oasis does exist in this skyscraper city. Among many things you can stay on the beach there, eat good seafood, do some handcraft souvenir shopping or bar hopping and enjoy a lazy day. You can read more about a day trip there here.
Sai Kung or the UNESCO Global Geopark are worth a day trip as well. The area is packed with hiking trails and nature’s wonders. You can hire a local junk boat to take you to one of many islands or a speed boat to the most beautiful beaches (!) in the area (why not a day on the beach?). There is also a lot of possibilities here for kayaking or diving so plan carefully.
If Hong Kong area is still not enough for you… how about going to Macau or Shenzhen (China). It is really easy.
6 Monasteries
You cannot really be in Hong Kong and ignore Buddhism. There are many monasteries here, Lantau solitary being only the most known of them.
As the tradition goes, they were always secluded somewhere, although with the growing of the city they are much easier to access now. Try to visit at least one and see how different yet similar they are to their eastern cousins.
They often come with the variety of small buildings, all beautifully representing local architecture – characteristic arches of the roofs, dragons, tiles, mosaics and “zen” harmony with nature. There are houses of prayer, the ones dedicated to goddesses or ancestors. You may see a lot of rituals you do not know – starting with the position people pray in, going through the wishing sticks and finishing with the offerings.
If you want to go somewhere else than Lantau try the Monastery of 10000 Buddhas, founded in 1949. It will be a few hours trip to Sha Tin for you, so you can plan something for the second part of the day (like Hong Kong Heritage Museum close by). The monastery is easily accessible from the bus stop. Although there will be more than 400 stairs to take, you won’t even notice them. The path upstairs is adorned by the statues of Buddhas and it is said that among all of them you will not find two alike. As you reach the monastery you can rest a little bit enjoying the views and the local monkeys. Then explore the halls and the “mini wisdom path”.
A little further away, is the Tsz Szan Monastery. It is more private, and you need to make an appointment to visit. The monastery was created in 2015 mostly for the purpose of teachings. But… why would they build a 76-metre-high statue of the Goddess Guanyin (the One who perceives the Sounds of the World), if they didn’t want tourists… All in all – it is an option if you find yourself having too much free time.
7 Temples
Temples can be easily found in Hong Kong. Sometimes in the most unusual places. Local traditions are the reason for it. It was this tiny piece of heaven on earth where people could ask for protection of the local god/goddess, or make an offering to the ancestors.
They differ in size, but you will recognize them immediately by their characteristic roof line and external decorations (they may be the last remnant of traditional Chinese architecture in HK). Burning incense smell or special pots to stick them in are a common site. As well as some buddha’s figurines and flowers.
If it is only one building, and not a complex, the door will give way to a room inside. There should be a figure there, with flowers, incense and food offerings surrounding it. A common sight is a small stool to kneel and some wishing sticks used to asked for advice/premonitions.
Since Canton region was connected with the sea for a long time, a common name to find is Tin Hua (Mazu in Greater China or Taiwan). This is the goddess of the sea – protecting her worshippers up to this day. Her temples are often close to the seashore since every sailor can ask for her blessing just by passing with his boat close to the temple. You will find a lot of them in Hong Kong.
The most representative inside the city, and somewhat on your way, will be the ManMo Temple in Soho, Central. The other one is a huge temple complex of Wong Tai Sin Temple. They are strongly recommended to see and to experience some taoistic rituals. Remember to be respectful.
8 Street food
Food is part of the local culture and in Hong Kong you find yourself in food heaven. There is so many cuisines to choose from… you physically cannot do it.
Some say that Cantonese kitchen is plain and simple, but you cannot really say that Hong Kong is only Cantonese… Not after all these years and the multitude of nations living here. This being said – eat to your heart’s and belly’s desire. Well – you can go through all regions of China not leaving Hong Kong.
But setting dishes aside. You must try some xiao chi (street foot or direct translation: small eats). Stir frying and frying, boiling in water or curry water, steaming… soups, dumplings, meat, bites… you name it! Just by trying everything from the street vendors you can fill your belly in minutes. And I didn’t even mention sweet things!
The most popular are the meats on the stick (be it duck breast, beef or octopus) – they grill it normally. The other thing are the balls on a stick (fried, grilled or cooked) – made from fish, meat, seafood mix. Among them – famous curry fish balls are a delicacy, often accompanied by rice noodle rolls (cheung fun) or eaten separately. Not to mention all kinds of dim sum, glutinous rice triangles (small but very filling) and steamed buns.
In the sweet department – try egg waffles, pineapple bun or buns with red/black been or lotus filling. They may be simple, but it is an intriguing local experience.
As for the place – let your nose guide you and tell you where it is grilled fresh. And if you don’t like it – you will find another place just around the corner.
More on local food – here (coming soon). There is a ton more to eat in Hong Kong than just xiao chi!
9 Market streets
Running around the local markets can be a whole day tour or an everyday ritual. There are many to choose from since almost every district has its own. This is a local culture thing… having everything (work, shop, etc.) close by.
Wet markets are the most popular. They bring fresh food to the locals. Meat, vegetables, fruits, dried products – just name it. Sometimes they even have a kitchen space at the top floor, which can serve good, fresh, and cheap meals to the community. And it is somewhat understandable since people often do not have time to make themselves lunch at home. You can even buy your own products in the market and ask the chef to prepare it for you!
Thematic markets are very popular in Hong Kong. There is a whole district designed to provide you fabrics and anything else you would need (starting with a needle, etc). There are buildings called computer centres that provide you with everything electronic or game related. Whole buildings, with tens of shops inside! There is even a toy street if you need something for the small ones.
Mong Kok region is the most popular among tourists. At the far north you have Bird and Flower Markets. You then go south via Golden fish street and the Ladies Market. Watch out for a shoe street or cosmetics centres along the way. If you go further down – you will find Temple Street – it is the local night market – whenever you have troubles sleeping, you can go there. Except the souvenirs you can also try some good seafood and street food there. Further to the south, in Jordaan MTR region you have Jade Market. Although true jade can be quite expensive you can buy some souvenirs made from the artificial one.
Remember that you need to hassle, if you are decided to buy something. Start with going down half price and work from there. But remember that it is impolite in HK, not to buy, after talking to a vendor for a longer time.
10 Fun districts in Cental
Treat yourself to some evening, even night, fun in Central. There are many great places here where you can grab a drink, watch some football, or listen to some life music. Many places offer happy hours promotions (although they are mostly available during the day).
Soho is one of the best know places you can go in Central. Good food, good pubs, and almost tangible, artistic soul of the district. Wall arts are amazing, people are friendly, music is everywhere – what else do you need. Even during the day, it is bustling with life and you can find some surprisingly interesting shops there.
Lan Kwai Fong is the oldest place to be and for that quite expensive. In older times the whole block was bought by a wealthy, foreign businessman that opened here one restaurant and then wanted more. It became a place to be for everyone coming from afar and it is still like that to this day.
The pier area won’t be a disappointment as well. It is quieter, there are less pubs, but locals really like it. You can wander around looking at the port. There is always a place that will serve you a beer or something to eat. Pier 3 has a great bar at the roof – so the views are great. And around weekend there is some life music there as well.
Wherever you go – you will have a great evening.
11 Ocean Park and Disneyland
Created in 1977 close to Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island, Ocean Park is the oldest theme park in the city. It is a combination of attractions, entertainment, and education. Millions of people visit it each year. Among many interesting features you will find some water mammals –marine research, education and protection is one of the Park’s objectives. The theme zones give you a taste of various environments and the animals living in them. The dolphins are not to be missed. What is the most important for many – it is also a home to the local population of Pandas.
Disneyland is a much younger theme park – it was created in 2005 and became the smallest one in the Disney family. It has had some difficult time, mainly because of his competition in HK, but has been growing steadily over the years. As any Disneyland you may be certain that you will find Mickey Mouse there and your younger children should have enormous fun in the park (just watch out for the height limits). Some tourists pick Disneyland Resort Hotels to stay there during their visit to Hong Kong, which is an interesting thought. The park is situated on Lantau Island, with a train line connecting it to MTR lines. It is roughly about 30 minutes to Central Island – which is quite ok.
Top 10 list
- Victoria Peak Circular Route
- Trying the street food
- Oh gosh! the street markets
- Hiking
- Lantau Buddha
- Night fun in Central
- Victoria Harbour at night
- Hong Kong Museum of History (Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Starr Ferry
- Speedboat to the beaches in Sai Kung