Things To Do
in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong sits on the Pearl River Delta and blends a dramatic skyline with lush green hills and tranquil harbors. It is a hyper-connected city where old markets sit beside gleaming skyscrapers and efficient MTR lines thread through dense districts. The city pulses with Cantonese culture, international cuisine, and a never-sleeping rhythms in urban neighborhoods.
Outside the urban core, country parks, beaches, and fishing villages offer rapid escapes into nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a scenic tram ride up to Victoria Peak, where breathtaking views of Hong Kong's skyline await. Spend some time at the Peak Galleria, indulging in a leisurely breakfast while soaking in the panoramic vistas. Don’t forget to wander along the Peak Circle Walk, which offers stunning perspectives of both the city and the surrounding nature.
After descending, head to the bustling streets of Central for a delicious dim sum lunch at a local eatery. Explore the nearby Man Mo Temple, a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle, where you can admire intricate carvings and the scent of incense. Conclude the afternoon with a visit to the PMQ, a creative hub filled with local designer shops and art galleries.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, where the skyline lights up in a dazzling display. Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while watching the Symphony of Lights show. Cap off the night with a visit to a rooftop bar, sipping cocktails as you take in the sparkling cityscape.
Begin your day by exploring the vibrant streets of Mong Kok, where you can visit the famous Flower Market and the Goldfish Market for a burst of color and life. Stop by a local café for breakfast, enjoying traditional Hong Kong-style milk tea and pineapple buns. Experience the local culture by observing the Tai Chi practitioners in Kowloon Park.
After lunch, head to the Kowloon Walled City Park, a historical site that offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's past with its beautifully landscaped gardens and remnants of the old walled city. Visit the nearby Chi Lin Nunnery, an oasis of tranquility with stunning architecture and serene lotus ponds. Spend some time in the Nan Lian Garden, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
As evening descends, venture to the Temple Street Night Market for an authentic street food experience, sampling delicacies like clay pot rice and stinky tofu. Browse through the stalls filled with souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts, engaging with friendly vendors. End your night with a fortune-telling session, a popular activity among locals and tourists alike.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🍱Lunch/dinner at mid-range restaurant | $20-60 |
| 🥟Street food snack | $3-8 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $70-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent public transit and walkable districts
- World-class cuisine and diverse neighborhoods
- Stunning skyline paired with accessible nature nearby
- High cost of living and dining out
- Crowded spaces and hills can be exhausting for some visitors
- "你好" - Hello
- "多謝" - Thank you
- "唔該" - Please / Excuse me / Thanks
- "呢個幾多錢？" - How much is this?
- "你會講英文嗎？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Hong Kong
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic skyline and harbor panorama from The Peak; best at sunset or after dark when the city lights glitter.
Wide harbor views across to Hong Kong Island's skyline; dramatic in twilight and at night with reflections on the water.
Photogenic incense coils and atmospheric interiors that capture old-world Hong Kong charm.
Stilt houses and tranquil waterways offer a slower pace and picturesque riverbank scenes.
Cable-car ride with sweeping mountain and sea views, leading to a colossal Buddha statue amid greenery.
Elegant wooden architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens provide a peaceful photographic contrast to the urban backdrop.
Food in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A wide range of bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or small plates; try har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, and char siu bao at morning to early afternoon meals.
Must-Try!
Tender braised beef with thick noodles in a rich broth; a comforting staple found in many noodle shops.
Sweet and savory roasted pork often enjoyed with rice or in noodle dishes at BBQ stalls and cha chaan tengs.
Delicate wontons in a fragrant broth with springy noodles; iconic in markets and noodle shops across the city.
Silky black tea blended with evaporated or condensed milk; commonly served in cafés and cha chaan tengs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively night market with street food stalls and inexpensive eats such as curry fish balls, fried noodles, and claypot dishes.
Bustling lanes offering egg waffles, pineapple buns, skewers, and other authentic snacks; best explored in the evening.
An area with fresh produce and ready-to-eat bites; a window into everyday Hong Kong eating culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief nod or handshake is common; use a polite tone and address people by their surname with a respectful title.
Avoid loud conversations in public transport; queues are taken seriously and pushed in by mistake is avoided.
Avoid pointing with a finger; use an open hand or nod toward directions; giving and receiving business cards with two hands is courteous.
Prices are usually fixed in stores; bargaining is uncommon in most retail settings, but markets may negotiate politely for souvenirs.
Safety
Tipping in Hong Kong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory; in many restaurants a 10% service charge may be included. For good service in casual places, a small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted, but cards and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. The Octopus card is convenient for transit and many retail and food places; it can be topped up easily at transit stations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Moderate temperatures with occasional showers; blooming gardens and lively street markets make for comfortable sightseeing.
Hot and very humid with heavy rainfall and the risk of typhoons; stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan indoor or waterfront activities during peak heat.
Pleasant days with cooler, dry air and clearer skies; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Mild to cool temperatures; humidity is lower and street scenes feel crisp, especially in the evenings.
Hong Kong at Night
Hiking in Hong Kong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular coastal trail on Hong Kong Island offering stunning sea views and approachable terrain.
Various trails on Lantau Island; shorter loops and longer alpine-style routes with sea and mountain scenery.
Hong Kong’s highest peak with several hiking routes through lush pine forests and broad vistas.
A multi-section route spanning the New Territories with varied landscapes, waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts.
Airports
How to reach Hong Kong by plane.
Major gateway for international and regional flights; efficient rail connection to city centers and major districts.
Nearby in neighboring Shenzhen; reachable by rail or car via border crossings for special trips or short getaways.
Accessible by ferry from Hong Kong; convenient for a day trip or combined Macau visit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A majority of ethnic Chinese locals with Cantonese as the primary language; diverse subcultures across districts.
Significant number of visitors and residents who travel from nearby regions, contributing to cultural exchange and commerce.
A mix of professionals, students, and digital nomads representing a broad range of languages and cuisines.
A prominent workforce in households, many from the Philippines and Indonesia; their presence shapes daily life in some neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional water sport with teams racing long, narrow boats; popular during festival periods and water sports events.
A widely enjoyed sport with local leagues and casual games across public parks and clubs.
Common in schools and community centers; public courts are plentiful for pick-up games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hong Kong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in many restaurants, especially in dim sum houses with vegetable dumplings and tofu dishes. Look for the character 素 on menus, ask for no shrimp stock, and consider vegetarian cha chaan teng options; many places can accommodate with steamed vegetables and tofu.