What are the best things to see and do in Hong Kong?
A dynamic, cosmpolitan and compact world city, Hong Kong offers a wealth of things to see and do. Start off your visit by perusing the city’s famous food markets. Then, take a day trip to the southernmost point of the region, or one of the city’s many outlying islands. Don’t forget to visit a Chinese temple or find a vantage point to take in the full effect of Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline.
1. Food is an obsession in Hong Kong and restaurants are everywhere, from the ubiquitous and inexpensive cha chaan teng (teahouses), which clink and clank with the sound of clattering crockery and fill with mouth-watering aromas of steaming bowls of noodles, to high-end culinary hideaways like the exclusive Krug Room at the Mandarin Oriental, a private dining room that demands a bill of no less than HK$20,000 (about $2,600 in U.S. currency). Hong Kong’s street markets deliver an assault of sensory experiences, from the sights and smells of live seafood swimming in plastic bins to the sounds of hawkers bargaining. Fruit, vegetables and fresh soy milk can be found on Gage Street in Central, as well as stores dedicated to ginseng, bird’s nest and other dried goods used in both medicine and cooking, including shark’s fin, deer fetus and seahorses, just to name a few. More markets can be found in Kowloon’s Mong Kok neighborhood.
2. A day trip to Stanley, Hong Kong Island’s southernmost point, rewards you with a beachy landscape (beloved by the expats who live nearby) and the kitschy cheap wares of Stanley Market. Head to Exchange Square in Central and jump on a double-decker bus to reach this pocket of the island-be sure to snag a seat on the top level for stellar coastal views of Repulse Bay. Scour the market for things you never knew you needed (coasters embroidered with dragons, knock-off Nikes, silk purses and lacquer boxes are a few of the items whose prices dip lower and lower with persistent bargaining), and then have a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Check out Stanley Plaza’s Murray House, an attractively restored Victorian-era building, dismantled in 1982 from its original site in Central and rebuilt in Stanley.
3. Be sure to hop on a ferry to explore one of the many outlying islands. Lamma Island is famous for fresh seafood and for being actor Chow Yun-Fat’s birthplace. Cheung Chau has a harbor full of wooden boats fluttering with colorful flags, while the stilted houses in Tai O on Lantau Island make for a great photo opportunity.
4. Your first glimpse of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour skyline at night is sure to be a breathtaking and unforgettable moment and you’ll want to get it right. Take the Star Ferry across the water or linger on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. There is a light show starting at 8 p.m. daily that highlights the city’s major buildings. Try to time your dinner reservations at Aqua or Hutong, both perched atop a skyscraper in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, to coincide with the display and you’ll have a free show with your meal. The view from The Peak on clear days or nights is fantastic. Take the Victorian-era Peak Tram up the steep hill and a bus down for the full experience. Scurry right past the souvenir shops to secure an outdoor seat at Pearl on the Peak, where you can sip champagne and sample seared wagyu or roasted duck. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
5. Fit in a visit to a Chinese temple. The modest Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road (at Ladder Street) is a petite space overwhelmed by the scent of the burning incense coils hanging from the rafters. It’s dedicated to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo), and provides an intriguing stop along the antiques shopping trail. The impressive Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon commemorates a famous monk who was born around 328 A.D. It is said that any earnest plea to the gods at this temple will be rewarded. (Offering small change may help seal the deal.)
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3 hours agoNatalie Wearstler answered the question:
Where is the best Hong Kong shopping?
There's no shortage of opportunitites to engage in retail therapy in Hong Kong. Any resident will tell you that the city's shopping culture has two sides: a high-fashion sensibility that appeals to couture shoppers at boutiques selling wares from lines like Chanel and Dior, and a deep appreciation for bargains that drives thousands upon thousands of shoppers to the city's famous markets each day. Most shoppers fall somewhere in the middle, seeking out trusted name brands for wardrobe staples while exploring the more unpredictable markets for accessories, home wares and gifts.
Thanks to the city's efficient subway system, it's easy to navigate the maze of malls and shopping districts. Most high-end stores can be found in the International Finance Centre (IFC) mall in Central or the ritzy Causeway Bay area. Take the escalators in Soho (you can't miss them) to explore the neighborhoods trendy boutiques. I spent four months in Kowloon Tong, and was able to stock up on everything I needed at Festival Walk, a massive shopping center that also included a movie theatre and an ice-skating rink.
My favorite markets are the Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market and the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. There are also a ton of hidden shopping malls and markets in this city; I distinctly remember stumbling into a three-level shopping mall that sold only acccessories (think costume jewelry, scarves and purses). There was no sign on the entrance. I regret passing over so many shelves full of fun trinkets and inexpensive baubles; if I could go back to Hong Kong (and find this place again), I would spend all day there. Keep an eye out for places like that, as they're hidden all over the city.
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11 hours agoCatharine Nicol answered the question:
What are the best rooftop bars in Hong Kong?
Finding a bar with alfresco seating isn’t as easy as you’d think in Hong Kong, but there are a handful of great finds for lounging under the stars.
Milan, Tokyo, Dubai – Giorgio’s popular Armani/Prive nightclub is also in Hong Kong and its connected roof top terrace feels like a chilled oasis of sofas in the middle of the CBD’s towering buildings. Order a Lychee Bee.
SEVVA is Bonnie Gokson’s version of alfresco drinking, with the restaurant’s huge terrace packing in Hong Kongers and tourists after work. While it’s not cheap and the service can be a bit lacking, the views overlooking downtown Hong Kong are breathtaking. The perfect place for a glass of champagne with out-of-town friends.
In Wanchai, Wooloomooloo the steak house has a stylish roof terrace that shows you a different view – looking east towards Happy Valley Racecourse and beyond.
Scirocco is Soho’s best alfresco drinking hole, with a smattering of tables serving up delectable tapas from The Med, as well as cool white wines and cocktails. Just upstairs from the area’s most popular Staunton’s Bar and Grill, it’s an easy place to meet friends and eat before a big night out.
It’s well worth making the trip out to Taikoo to experience Sugar, the rooftop bar at East Hong Kong. Sleek, with some great tunes drifting out on the breeze, it’s a great excuse to get out of downtown and it’s open until 2am.
Following Hong Kong’s bizarre laws on public space, Red’s alfresco area is now open to anyone who wants to sit down there, whether they drink at Red or not. But it’s still a handy, casual place to take your ringside seat for Victoria Harbour, which is mesmerizing any night of the week. -
11 hours agoCatharine Nicol answered the question:
What is Hong Kong’s dining scene like?
In a word, eclectic. Hong Kong is a city of foodies, so you can always rely on a smattering of new establishments to create a gastronomic buzz, alongside the old favourites. Most cuisines have found a home of some kind here - explore the city through your stomach.
Top of the restaurant food chain are the Michelin Star establishments like French restaurants Caprice at the Four Seasons, with its new cheese-paired-with-wine hideaway Caprice Bar, Restaurant Petrus at the Island Shangri-La, and Gaddi’s at The Peninsula.
If you’re in Hong Kong you should be eating Chinese food of course, and the top five star hotels have some of the most luxurious Chinese restaurants in town. However, it’s fun to explore the independent restaurants like Tim Ho Wan (+852 2332 2896), the Michelin-starred dim sum eatery in Mongkok that doesn’t take reservations, but is worth the queuing to get into, as well as San Xi Lou’s amazing Sichuan food in Mid-Level's Coda Plaza (+852 2838 8811), and a mixture of Chinese cuisines at beautiful restaurant The Monogamous Chinese tucked away in Soho.
Seafood is a staple Cantonese ingredient, with restaurants housing fish in tanks to ensure absolute freshness. Lamma Island’s Yung Shu Wan and Sok Ku Wan are both lined with seafood restaurants, Mui Wo on Lantau Island has alfresco places with plastic chairs and tables and very affordable prices to the right of the ferry pier, or make a day of it out in Sai Kung in the New Territories and eat at one of the pier-side eateries.
Recently South American influenced restaurants have been popping up like mushrooms, with La Chicha offering a stylish Peruvian menu and Brickhouse’s cool, grungy venue with Mexican dishes. New to the scene is the just-opened Mayta Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar in Lan Kwai Fong. And don’t miss fantastic and affordable eateries like Taco Loco on Soho's escalator and Taco Chaca in Sai Ying Pun.
Other South East Asian cuisines are popular, like Vietnamese, with Nha Trang in Central perennially busy, and the tiny Chom Chom (+852 2868 3302) a fun find above Wellington Street. Authentic Thai restaurants can be found across Hong Kong, especially in Kowloon City, but in Central, Tuk Tuk Thai (+852 2542 2760) is a reasonably priced café for the area, and serves up deliciously spicy dishes.
For snacks or eating on the run, hole-in-the-wall eateries chop up roast duck, char sui (pork) and chicken, serving the meats with rice and vegetables as an easy and affordable lunch box. And the old fashioned dai pai dongs are the endangered traditional street side food stalls, wok-frying up wanton dumplings, instant noodles in soup and fried rice. It is customary to share tables, and if you don’t speak any Cantonese just point to someone else’s plate to order. -
11 hours agoCatharine Nicol answered the question:
What are the best festivals in Hong Kong?
Chinese New Year
January or February: The pinnacle of Hong Kong’s festivals has got to be Chinese New Year. The major celebration for a Chinese or Hong Konger, the city puts on a spectacular firework display over Victoria Harbour, a procession of floats at the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, and humongous flower markets.
New Year’s Eve, when everyone is dressed in new, often red, clothes, is the first get-together. During the holiday lai see (red packets) of money are given and ancestors are remembered with gifts or food and incense burned at home altars. At midnight doors and windows are opened to let the old year out. But be warned, as it is primarily a family celebration the rest of the city can be super quiet with many businesses closed.
Dragon Boat Festival
June: Great fun for locals, expats and tourists, is the Dragon Boat Festival. The legend tells of wise Qu Yuan who fought against corruption within the Emperor’s court and was eventually exiled as a result. He travelled extensively teaching and writing, and when he heard the Chu State had been defeated by the Qin State he drowned himself. People took to boats and threw zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) into the river to feed the fish so that they could salvage his body, and the anniversary of his death has been commemorated through dragon boat races ever since.
The festival’s highlight is the famous dragon boat competition at Stanley, where teams paddle at break-neck speed to the beating of the drums. Some take the races seriously, some dress up in outlandish costumes, and both make for a colourful and exciting day. -
11 hours agoCatharine Nicol answered the question:
What are the best festivals in Hong Kong?
Chinese New Year
January or February: The pinnacle of Hong Kong’s festivals has got to be Chinese New Year. The major celebration for a Chinese or Hong Konger, the city puts on a spectacular firework display over Victoria Harbour, a procession of floats at the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, and humongous flower markets.
New Year’s Eve, when everyone is dressed in new, often red, clothes, is the first get-together. During the holiday lai see (red packets) of money are given and ancestors are remembered with gifts or food and incense burned at home altars. At midnight doors and windows are opened to let the old year out. But be warned, as it is primarily a family celebration the rest of the city can be super quiet with many businesses closed.
Dragon Boat Festival
June: Great fun for locals, expats and tourists, is the Dragon Boat Festival. The legend tells of wise Qu Yuan who fought against corruption within the Emperor’s court and was eventually exiled as a result. He travelled extensively teaching and writing, and when he heard the Chu State had been defeated by the Qin State he drowned himself. People threw zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) into the river to feed the fish so that they could salvage his body, and the anniversary of his death has been commemorated through dragon boat races ever since.
The festival’s highlight is the famous dragon boat competition at Stanley, where teams paddle at break-neck speed to the beating of the drums. Some take the races seriously, some dress up in outlandish costumes, and both make for a colourful and exciting day. -
11 hours agoCatharine Nicol answered the question:
What are the best hotels in Hong Kong?
Do you want to go boutique and full of character, or experience Asia's luxury at its very best? Hong Kong is blessed with a huge range of outstanding hotels in various districts, making choosing where to stay quite a challenge.
The Peninsula Hong Kong is the city’s grande dame, with afternoon tea in the foyer and drinks and dinner up in the Felix Bar both iconic pastimes. www.peninsula.com/hongkong
The Upper House in Admiralty is all about sophistication, with rooms displaying the magic contemporary touch of local designer Andre Fu, and corner room bathrooms that take your breath away. Have a cocktail at Café Grey and rub shoulders with Hong Kong's glitterati. www.upperhouse.com
The Mira in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Kowloon, is W-cool, with bold colours and sexy furnishings. The Platinum Suite has a garden with an alfresco Jacuzzi. Eat great dim sum at Cuisine Cuisine and relax five star style in the beautiful Mira Spa. www.themirahotel.com
Despite its Taikoo location, best five star for business is East Hotel, with its paperless check-ins, modern Zen rooms and suites and roof bar Sugar. www.east-hongkong.com
The Lan Kwai Fong Hotel is, in fact, not quite in Lan Kwai Fong itself. But don’t let that put you off. Between Soho and Noho, it is on the edge of exciting district Sheung Wan. Sleek designer Chinese details are enchanting – go for a corner deluxe room. www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk
Hullet House in Kowloon's TST is Hong Kong’s most boutique boutique hotel with only ten rooms. Each differently designed inside, they take the original colonial Marine Police headquarters and reinvent it as a culture-rich haven. Stop in for a meal if you can’t nab a room for the night. www.hulletthouse.com -
12 hours agoCatharine Nicol answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is renowned for its neon intensity, and it is the visible glow of the city's tangible urban energy that proves so addictive. But it is a city of contrasts, and the little-known fact that it is 70 per cent green means it has plenty of contrasting countryside, while sandwiched between the two it is possible to stumble over some particularly charming village-like districts.
Neon Views
The Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist sites, and a fantastic way to orient yourself. The overview through the skyscrapers towards Victoria Harbour and, on a clear day, over Kowloon to Lion’s Rock puts this relatively small CBD and its surroundings into perspective. Arrive late afternoon and watch the sun go down and the lights blaze out. Hike there by following the leafy Morning Trail above Western District to avoid queues at the Peak Tram.
Green countryside
Head out to Sai Kung in the New Territories, a green haven set between the mountains and a calm harbour. Take provisions and a tent, and hike or speedboat from there around the coast to Tai Long Wan beach for a weekend’s camping, with day expeditions to climb Sharp Peak and surf the challenging waves. (To get to Sai Kunk take the MTR to Choi Hung and then jump on the 1A minibus. Negotiate a speed boat from the pier or taxi to Sai Kung Country Park to start the hike.)
Urban village
Sheung Wan, just west of Central, is becoming more and more gentrified, but it is still a district of narrow lanes, street side cafes, art spaces and restaurants that tempt Centralites out of their comfort zone. Start on Tai Ping Shan Street and take detours into Sai Street, Tung Street and Ladder Street. Check out Konzepp for cool everyday items, Cafe Deadend for alfresco coffee and The Cat Street Gallery for inspiring art. -
4 days agoMadeline Gressel answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Hong Kong?
Within the limits of Hong Kong Island, it’s not a matter of sightseeing so much as observing and absorbing the sights, sounds, and smells of daily life. But once outside the city, there are a few sites not to be missed.
Tai O This small fishing village on the Western side of Lantau, sometimes called the “Venice of Hong Kong”, offers a welcome view of what life was like pre-colonization. A full day can be spent wandering through the streets and canals and sampling the street food, which is some of Hong Kong’s best. The pang uk, stilt houses, are built in an open plan that provides a real glimpse into daily life. You can also take a little boat out in the ocean to look for white dolphins. Don’t miss the “Chinese pizza”—more like an omelet, but it’s delicious.
Tung Chung/ Big Buddha Skip the long line to the peak tram, and head instead to Tung Chung where you can wait on a (slightly) shorter line to board the Ngong Ping cable car, which will whisk you high above the cloudy green hills of Lantau and deposit you at the foot of an 112-foot high Buddha. Although the Buddha is only 20 years old, the breathtaking serenity of his face is timeless.
Street Markets
No where is Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle more pronounced than in its many street markets. Even if you’re not in the market for tropical birds, goldfish, or jade, the markets are a great place to practice your bargaining skills and pick up a souvenir, like a personalized chop stamp. Jordan’s Temple Street Market is lined with delicious and raucous al fresco eateries (dai pai dongs), so choose one for dinner and tuck in. -
4 days agoMadeline Gressel answered the question:
What are the five best things to do with kids in Hong Kong?
I visited Hong Kong for the first time with my family when I was twelve, and I thought I'd found paradise. It's an amazingly kid-friendly city: clean but busy, exotic but accessible, and with a thriving tourist scene that's not built around the endless museum/monument procession that children often find dull.
Here are some ideas to keep the tots occupied:
Ocean Park
Faced with the Ocean Park/ Disneyland dilemma? Go with Ocean Park. Unlike it’s international counterpart, Ocean Park has a homegrown charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. The animals are a treat (think pandas, seals, and an amazing jellyfish aquarium), and the rides provide world-class thrills. Plus, it’s hard to think of a more scenic amusement park, perched just so on a cloud-wreathed cliff. The park is divided into two; each part is accessible only by a cable-car with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Shek-O/ Stanley
Whatever the continent, kids love the beach. Luckily, Hong Kong has some great, accessible options. On a sunny day, head to Shek O (on the south side of Hong Kong Island) in the morning to soak up some rays, rent a kayak, or test the surf. Then take a taxi to Stanley, where you can eat lunch al fresco, next to the South China Sea.
Hong Kong Botanical Gardens
If you’re tight on time, you need not go all the way to Ocean Park to escape the heat or get a glimpse of nature. The city’s own Botanical Gardens are a peaceful place to spend an afternoon gazing at the gibbons, flamingos, sloths and anacondas dozing in their enclosures. You can easily pass an hour watching the baby orangutan twins tumble around.
Markets
For a taste of Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle, nowhere beats the Kowloon markets. Your kids will have a ball ogling the merchandise—whether it be tropical birds, flowers, jade or goldfish (try to resist the urge to take one home.) For a souvenir, have chop made with your children’s name, or have it painted in Chinese calligraphy. Sheung Wan's Cat Street is a quieter option for souvenirs, but for sheer exoticism, the Bird Market is not to miss. -
On May 12Madeline Gressel answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Hong Kong?
Within the limits of Hong Kong Island, it’s not a matter of sightseeing so much as observing and absorbing the sights, sounds, and smells of daily life. But once outside the city, there are a few sites not to be missed.
Tai O This small fishing village on the Western side of Lantau, sometimes called the “Venice of Hong Kong”, offers a welcome view of what life was like pre-colonization. A full day can be spent wandering through the streets and canals and sampling the street food, which is some of Hong Kong’s best. The pang uk, stilt houses, are built in an open plan that provides a real glimpse into daily life. You can also take a little boat out in the ocean to look for white dolphins. Don’t miss the “Chinese pizza”—more like an omelet, but it’s delicious.
Tung Chung/ Big Buddha Skip the long line to the peak tram, and head instead to Tung Chung where you can wait on a (slightly) shorter line to board the Ngong Ping cable car, which will whisk you high above the cloudy green hills of Lantau and deposit you at the foot of an 112-foot high Buddha. Although the Buddha is only 20 years old, the breathtaking serenity of his face is timeless.
Street Markets
No where is Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle more pronounced than in its many street markets. Even if you’re not in the market for tropical birds, goldfish, or jade, the markets are a great place to practice your bargaining skills and pick up a souvenir, like a personalized chop stamp. Jordan’s Temple Street Market is lined with al fresco eateries (dai pai dongs), so choose one for dinner and tuck in. -
On May 6Leanne Mirandilla answered the question:
Where can you get the best view of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is well-known for many things - shopping, dining and nightlife, for instance - but the one activity you definitely shouldn't miss out on is taking in the city view. Fortunately, this can be done in a multitude of ways:
- Visit one of the city's main attractions, Victoria Peak - also known as merely the Peak - and get a ticket to gain entry to the Sky Terrace 428. While the Peak has other terraces where entry is free, those lack the spectacular 360° views of the Sky Terrace. You'll also get to experience the funicular railway on the ride up, which was originally built in the 19th century.
- Make a reservation at one of the many rooftop bars around the city and take in the views over a cocktail or three. Ozone, on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, is a good choice, offering sky high views of the Victoria Harbour and beyond.
- You can get gorgeous views on a number of hiking trails - Dragon's Back and certain sections of the sprawling MacLehose Trail are two popular choices. Be advised that the MacLehose Trail can be challenging, so it might be best to attempt it if you're a more experienced hiker.
- For a truly memorable experience, take a helicopter ride over the harbour through the Peninsula hotel. You can even combine your flight with a meal or a spa experience if you really want to class it up.
- Finally, you can take in the rolling hillside views while riding a cable car. There's the Ngong Ping 360 in Lantau Island, which is close to a number of other attractions including the Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery and the themed Ngong Ping Village. There's also the original cable car in Ocean Park in Aberdeen, but you'll need a ticket for the amusement park proper to ride it. -
On May 6Leanne Mirandilla answered the question:
What is the tipping etiquette in Hong Kong?
Tipping, for the most part, is not required in Hong Kong. Most dining establishments add a 10% service charge onto your bill, although more restaurants are cropping up with "no service charge" policies. This is usually stated at the bottom of the menu or of your bill. Even in these cases, adding around 10% extra is polite - unless your dining experience was wholly negative and not worthy of the charge to begin with. Whether the service charge actually goes where it's supposed to is debatable, though.
Taxi drivers generally do not get tipped - unless you're leaving a few coins' worth of change or you're particularly happy with the service provided. Hairdressers, employees at beauty salons and hotel staff do get given tips. Though not required, it's also not unheard of to leave tips for bartenders. -
On May 6Leanne Mirandilla answered the question:
What is the tipping etiquette in Hong Kong?
Tipping, for the most part, is not required in Hong Kong. Most dining establishments add a 10% service charge onto your bill, although more restaurants are cropping up with "no service charge" policies. Even in these case, adding around 10% extra is polite - unless your dining experience was wholly negative and not worthy of the charge to begin with.
Taxi drivers generally do not get tipped - unless you're leaving a few coins' worth of change or you're particularly happy with the service provided. Hairdressers, employees at beauty salons and hotel staff do get given tips. Bartenders also get covered in the aforementioned service charge, though it's fairly common to leave a bit extra.
