Things to Do, See, and Eat in Hong Kong: Nan Lian Garden

18 Things You Must Do in Hong Kong

Prior to visiting Hong Kong, I imagined it being a concrete jungle of high-rise buildings towering above the insanely crowded streets. And while I wasn’t necessarily wrong, I found so much more to love about this beautiful city. We discovered tranquil parks tucked behind busy streets, strenuous hiking trails with spectacular views of the city below, and some of the best food we’ve ever eaten!

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this busy little chaotic city and most certainly won’t be ready to leave when it’s time. There is so much to see and do but you won’t want to miss these 18 must-visit highlights of Hong Kong during your trip!

Things to do in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Island Skyline

Things to Know Before Visiting Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong uses type G and D outlets. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Be sure to pick up a universal travel adapter for your trip.
  • The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar and at the time of writing it was 7.82 HK$ to $1 USD. So if we say something costs 100 HK$, that’s just under $13 USD.
  • The Basic Law of Hong Kong stipulates that Chinese and English are the two official languages. You’ll find that most people in Hong Kong speak at least a little English.
  • In Hong Kong, they drive on the left side of the road so be aware when crossing the street!
  • Speaking of the left, it is customary to pass people on the left as well. However, many people don’t abide by the rule which leads to chaos in crowded places. Expect people to run into you and vice versa.

Getting Around Hong Kong

Best Way to Get Around Hong Kong: Octopus Card

There are several easy ways to get around Hong Kong – train, bus, or Uber. If you are coming from the airport, the quickest and cheapest way to get into the city is to take the bus, but only if traffic is light. The A21 takes you right into the Kowloon neighborhood and will cost you 33 HK$ per person.

The Airport Express is another easy way to get from the airport to downtown Hong Kong and will keep you from sitting in rush hour traffic. Trains depart every 10 minutes.

Be sure to invest in an Octopus Card for public transportation purposes! Just load some money on the card and you can use it for all of your public transportation needs. You’ll pay a deposit and return the card once you depart Hong Kong.

If you want to save some time at the airport, you can buy a pre-loaded Octopus card before your trip and pick it up at the conveniently located desk at the airport

Buy an Octopus Card

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong was opened in 1928 and still has that old-world charm and glamour as when it first opened many years ago. You’ll love the hotel’s central location, right near the waterfront. And with an indoor Roman-style pool, a luxurious spa, and many award-winning restaurants and bars to choose from, you’ll never want to leave! A highlight of your trip to Hong Kong will be enjoying afternoon tea at The Lobby so don’t miss it.

Check Prices on Booking.com


Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Hotel ICON

Hotel ICON

The Hotel ICON is an impeccably decorated, lavish hotel with spectacular views of Hong Kong. Every amenity will be available to you at the Hotel ICON, including a heated rooftop pool complete with a pool bar, a relaxing spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, plenty of delicious restaurants, and a smartphone with unlimited data for your convenience.

Check Prices on Booking.com


Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Kerry Hotel

Kerry Hotel

Offering panoramic views of the waterfront, the Kerry Hotel will be your home away from home. Rooms are huge and lavishly decorated with comfortable beds and plenty of amenities. You’ll love the beautiful pool and jacuzzi as well as the sweeping views from the hotel restaurants and outstanding rooftop bar!

Check Prices on Booking.com

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Where to Stay in Hong Kong: The 10 Best Hotels in the City

The 18 Best Things to do in Hong Kong

1. Trek to the Top of Lion Rock

Things to do in Hong Kong: Hike Lion Rock

Of all the amazing views that we experienced in Hong Kong, the view from the top of Lion Rock was undoubtedly our favorite.

One of the best hikes in Hong Kong, the Lion Rock trail is just three miles if you start at the Lion Rock Country Park and end at Lion Rock Community Garden. There are longer versions of the trail but this is the easiest and fastest way to get to the summit. You’ll gain and lose a lot of elevation so plan on spending ~2.5 hours.

It’s a steady uphill climb to the top with several incredibly steep sections. You’ll want to bring plenty of water and take a few breaks along the way. Once at the top, at 1,625 feet in altitude, you’ll hike along a ridgeline with panoramic views of the vibrant city below.

If you follow our directions below, you can knock about a mile of uphill walking off of the journey by catching a taxi or Uber halfway up the mountain.

To get to the Lion Rock hike:

  • Catch the green Kwun Tong metro line to Wong Tai Sin Station. You’ll exit the station right in the middle of the Wong Tai Sin Temple crowds.
  • Walk to a nearby street to either catch a taxi or call an Uber to the Lion’s Pavilion in the Lion Rock Country Park. The hike starts just across the road.
  • From the drop-off point, it’s about 1.15 miles to the top. When you come to a T in the trail, take a right toward Beacon Hill and then follow the sign on the left to Lion Rock Peak.
  • Continue along the ridgeline and when the trail splits, follow the sign to Wang Tau Hom and you’ll end at Lion Rock Community Garden.

2. Chow Down on Dim Sum

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Eat Dim Sum

Hong Kong is one of the best cities for food in Asia and is arguably the best place in the world to chow down on delicious and inexpensive dim sum. And with so many delectable options, you’ll want to eat it for every meal!

Here are a few of our favorite dim sum spots around the city:

  • Dim Dim Sum Jordan – this was by far our favorite dim sum experience in Hong Kong as they have large portions, excellent flavors, and a comfortable atmosphere. Be sure to try the seafood stuffed peppers and the stuffed eggplant! They open later than most and stay open until 1 am.
  • One Dim Sum – expect a long wait when you arrive, but stick it out, it’s worth it! Be sure to try the deep-fried shrimp wontons and mango custard rolls.
  • Tim Ho Wan Olympian City – you’re also in for a wait here but if you want to taste the best pork buns in the city, you’re going to have to get in line. They are the perfect combination of sweet and savory!
  • Lin Heung Tea House – if you’re looking for a more authentic dim sum experience, you can’t miss this spot! Most people don’t speak English so expect to be confused, but it will be one of your most entertaining experiences in Hong Kong. The staff will roll out carts filled with various goodies and the patrons gather around to pick out what they want. They stop serving dim sum at 4 pm but sell out of dumplings much earlier so be sure you go for breakfast.

TIP: None of these spots accept credit cards so make sure you have enough cash!


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The Best Cheap Dim Sum in Hong Kong

3. Get Spiritual at Wong Tai Sin Temple

Things to do in Hong Kong: Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin is Hong Kong’s most famous Taoist temple and a popular place for both local and foreign visitors. It’s a beautiful and bustling temple that is less than a mile from where you’ll end your Lion’s Peak hike. It’s worth stopping for a visit before departing this area of the city.

Things to do in Hong Kong: Wong Tai Sin Temple

Be sure to check out the less crowded gardens in the back and give the holy statues a rub on your way out.


4. Relax at Nan Lian Garden

Things to do in Hong Kong: Nan Lian Garden

The Nan Lian Garden is a gorgeous, tranquil garden in the middle of the bustling city. The gardens are filled with perfectly polished stones, cascading waterfalls, carefully pruned bonsai trees, and colorful pagodas. It’s the perfect escape from the madness of the city and one of the most instagrammable places in Hong Kong.

There is also also a delicious vegetarian restaurant tucked behind a waterfall that is worth a stop if you’re hungry. The park is open daily from 7 am – 9 pm and admission is free.

Things to do in Hong Kong: Chin Lin Nunnery

Once you’ve had a walk around the gardens, head across the road to the Chi Lin Nunnery. Built in the 1930s as a retreat for Buddhist nuns, it was renovated in 1998 using no nails whatsoever. The wood beams are slotted together like a jigsaw puzzle. It’s open daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm and admission is free.


5. Visit the Clock Tower

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is located right on the waterfront near the Kowloon Public Pier. Not only has it been well maintained and is quite lovely to behold, but it also has a fantastic skyline backdrop. The entire area around the pier is constantly streaming with people so it’s a great place to see the Central Hong Kong skyline and do some people-watching while you’re at it.


6. See the Nightly Skyline Light Show

Things to do in Hong Kong: Skyline at Night

Every night at 8 pm, the buildings in Central Hong Kong across the river from the Kowloon Public Pier light up the sky while music plays to create a symphony of lights! The area right by the Clock Tower or along the Avenue of Stars Bridge are the best places to watch the show.

Be sure to arrive about 20 minutes early to secure a place right on the water for the show.

And for a truly memorable Hong Kong experience, you can watch the Symphony of Light show while sailing on a Chinese junk boat.

Book Your Chinese Junk Boat Ticket


7. Shop at Temple Street Night Market

The Temple Street Night Market is the largest market in Hong Kong. Located in the Kowloon neighborhood, one block from the Jordan metro station, this busy market starts every evening at 6 pm but really picks up at around 9 pm. You’ll find anything and everything at this market, including delicious street stall food, classic Chinese souvenirs, knockoff clothes and purses, electronics, and much more!


8. Hike the Dragon’s Back

Things to do in Hong Kong: Hike the Dragon's Back

The 3.1-mile loop hike that takes you to the top of Dragon’s Back offers picturesque views of both Junk Bay and Tai Tam Bay below. The hike is rather steep until you reach the top, but short enough that you can complete the entire loop in about two hours.

You’ll probably be hiking with a crowd until you reach the most popular viewpoint at the top. But once you’re done, head off along the ridgeline to the Shek O Peak, which towers 930 feet above the ocean below, and the crowds will disperse. And you’ll begin the steady downhill climb back down the mountain.

When you reach the T in the trail, you can turn left to head back to the bus stop where you started the hike, or right to continue on to Big Wave Beach. If you take the right, your hike will end up being closer to 6.2 miles in length. Private buses run to and from Big Wave Beach but you’ll have to pay cash, they don’t accept the Octopus card.

To get to the Dragon’s Back hike:

  • Take the metro Island Line to the Shau Kei Wan Station (if you’re coming from the Kowloon neighborhood, you’ll have to transfer at the Admiral station).
  • Follow the signs to the Bus Terminus and find bus number 9. There’s generally a queue waiting to board.
  • Take bus number 9 to the To Tai Wan stop. It’s easy to identify as most of the buses will empty out here.
  • There are a few restroom stalls here and the trail starts to the left of them.

9. Lounge on Shek O Beach

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Shek O Beach

Once you’ve finished hiking Dragon’s Back, hop back on the number 9 bus to continue down to Shek O Beach. Here you’ll find a small, sandy beach with lovely ocean views. The quaint beach town offers a few restaurants if you want to grab lunch after your morning hike.

Beware of swimming here, the waves can get large and there may not be lifeguards on duty.


10. Ride the World’s Longest Escalator System in Soho

In the neighborhood of Soho, you’ll find the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world! It’s not one continuous escalator (because people want to get off) but the entire thing covers a length of 2,625 feet and climbs 440 feet in elevation. If you were to ride the entire thing, it would take you about 20 minutes from the bottom to the top.

But don’t just ride the escalator, Soho is a hip neighborhood where you’ll find trendy locals and ex-pats having after-work cocktails. Plus, just about every bar in the area offers happy hour deals from 4 pm – 7 pm or later (or starting earlier!). So hop off of the escalator when you see a lively bar and enjoy an adult beverage or two!


11. Party in Lan Kwai Fong

The Lan Kwai Fong area is right next to the Soho neighborhood and it’s filled with swanky nightclubs that fill up with those same trendy ex-pats later in the evening. You’ll love sipping on yummy cocktails and then dancing the night away!


12. Climb the Steps of the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: 10,000 Buddhas Monastery

As you climb the many stairs to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, unique gold Buddha statues will line your path on either side. And once you reach the top you’ll find an ornate temple, its walls lined with hundreds of smaller Buddha statues. You’ll be in awe of the amount of work that went into creating this unique, spiritual space.

Opening hours are from 9 am – 5 pm daily and admission is free. Beware of fake monks asking for alms and clever monkeys who may try to steal your belongings.


13. Get the Perfect Instagram Shot at Choi Hung Estate

Things to do in Hong Kong: Instagram Photos at Choi Hung Estate

The basketball courts on the top of a parking garage in the middle of the Choi Hung Estate have gained Instagram notoriety over the years. Both the court and the surrounding buildings are colorful and make for a perfectly picturesque location. That is if you can manage to take a photo without other people in it. By midday, the basketball court is filled with people with outstretched selfie sticks.

If you want to get a good photo, be sure you get there early or prepare to wait for the crowds to disperse from one area or another. And don’t be surprised if people don’t respect your photo-taking space here – it’s every man for himself!


14. Take a Michelin Star Foodie Tour

Things to do in Hong Kong: Dumpling Soup at Tsim Chai Kee Noodle House on Wellington Street

You’ll find incredible food in Hong Kong for every budget. Even better, Hong Kong is home to countless Michelin Star-rated restaurants and you’ll find several of the best located just blocks from each other! Wellington Street in Central Hong Kong is a hub for Michelin Star restaurants that are totally reasonably priced. At under $10 US per entree, you can sample all of them without breaking the bank.

You must try these four delicious dishes on or near Wellington Street: 

  • Mak’s Noodle House or Tsim Chai Kee Noodle House for the best wonton soup in the city! The wontons at Tsim Chai Kee are huge and stuffed with plump and delicious shrimp. Expect to wait for a bit, but the line moves fast.
  • Wang Fu for a big portion of yummy stuffed dumplings. Be sure to sample the daily special!
  • Yat Lok Restaurant for a goose that has been roasted to perfection. But expect a pushy waitstaff, and be sure to bring your own napkins.
  • Tai Cheong Bakery for egg tarts. Many people say that they’re the best in the city, but be prepared to queue up to get one.

15. Visit the Tian Tan Buddha

Also known as Big Buddha, the Tian Tan Buddha is an incredibly popular tourist destination in Hong Kong. This massive bronze statue is located on Lantau Island and is easily accessible via the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. The ride in the cable car is itself a fantastic experience in the city as the views of the island are remarkable. Prebook your cable car ticket with Klook and you’ll save almost 50% plus you’ll get to skip the queue (which can be quite long).

Book Your Cable Car Ticket

Po Lin Monastery is right next door and worth a visit as well. Both the monastery and the Big Buddha are open from 10 am – 5:30 pm daily. If you choose to go inside the statue you’ll be required to pay an admission fee.

Book a Guided Day Tour of Lantau Island


16. Scope the View From Victoria Peak

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Skyline from Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is arguably the most popular place to watch the sunset in all of Hong Kong! You can take a funicular ride all the way to the top where you’ll find observation platforms, restaurants, and even a mall! With an elevation of over 1,800 feet, it’s the highest hill on Hong Kong Island. It’s also a great place to watch the 8 am nightly light show from another vantage point.

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Skyline from Victoria Peak at Sunset

Given its extreme popularity, there is always a long wait to purchase tickets to the Peak Tram and to actually get a spot. Trust us, it’s not worth your time to wait in the queue. Avoid the hassle by either purchasing a fast pass in advance or choosing another form of transportation to get to the top. Buses run frequently or you can catch an Uber for around $10 USD.

Buy Fast Track Tickets for the Peak Tram

TIP: Rather than paying to visit the observation deck, grab a beer on the outdoor patio at Wildfire. The views are just as good but you won’t have to battle the crowds.


17. Take a Ride on the Star Ferry

Best Things to do in Hong Kong: Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is a cheap and convenient mode of transportation from the Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island. Ferries run frequently throughout the day and you’ll get the best views of both waterfronts from the boat! If you are coming from the Kowloon Peninsula, grab a seat on the left side of the boat for the best views of the island skyline.


18. Explore Kowloon Park

Things to do in Hong Kong: Kowloon Park

Kowloon Park is an eclectic little park in the middle of the city. It showcases an art walk where large cartoon statues are on display. And as you wander further into the park, you’ll find flocks of flamingos roaming around. You’ll love wandering around this park, admiring the artwork, and taking lots of time to stop for photos along the way.


That’s it – 18 of the best things to do in Hong Kong! Did we miss a fun Hong Kong sight or activity? Let us know below.


Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!


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About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

1 thought on “18 Things You Must Do in Hong Kong”

  1. Shades of Words

    This was really helpful and informative! Going to save this for our trip later this year! We are only there for 3 days and travelling with a kid so I am hoping to hit at least 10 of these!

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