Hong Kong always features high up on my list of places I love to visit. It’s my favourite stopover for Australia and New Zealand and the perfect gateway to Asia so there’s always an excuse to hit up Hong Kong! It’s hard not to fall in the love with the chaotic mix of skyscrapers, mountains and harbour and the intensity of over 7 million people. We’ve put together this list of our favourite things to do and the best sights to help with your trip planning!
Sightseeing, culture, food, shopping and cocktails, Hong Kong has it all. Is it any wonder I ♥ Hong Kong?!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
- JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong: Our Hong Kong go to hotel is the JW Marriott and the Harbour views are a bonus. Adjacent to the fab Pacific Place shopping mall with access to Admiralty MTR station making sightseeing and transport seamless – Click here for latest prices
- The Upper House: Another great luxury Hong Kong hotel is the Upper House with it’s amazing views, luxurious rooms and great location – Click here for latest prices
- Other great options include:
- Hotel Stage: a Kowloon fave and a fab boutique option with reasonably priced rooms – Click here for latest prices
- Ovolo: a short walk from the Hong Kong mid level escalators it’s compact and efficient and perfect for exploring the city – Click here for latest prices
Click here for the best Hong Kong Hotel Prices
1| The Skyline
The Hong Kong skyline is stunning and iconic. The glittering skyscrapers are in stark contrast to the mountainous backdrop of Victoria Peak and the bustling Harbour. It’s a beautiful sight both day and night and during the evening Symphony of Lights show, 19 of the skyscrapers are lit in a myriad of colours to a musical backdrop.
2| Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. It offers stunning views of the City and Harbour on a clear day and it’s a pleasant walk around the Peak admiring the views and checking out the skyscrapers from above.
3| The Tram
Well I wasn’t going to walk to the highest point on Hong Kong Island! The Peak Tram is an interesting way to get to the top. It’s been around since 1888 and is the steepest funicular railway in the world. Grab a window seat on the right hand side for the ascent and admire the view of the tilted skyscrapers on the way to the top.
4| The Big Buddha
A day trip to Lantau Island is one of my favourite things to do in Hong Kong (check out our Lantau adventures here!). The Tian Tan Buddah sits on a hill atop the Po Lin Monastery and is the world’s largest outdoor seated Buddha. It’s well worth climbing the 260 steps to get a closer look. Visiting the Big Buddha is a beautiful and tranquil experience and a definite Hong Kong must see.
Hong Kong Sightseeing Tip: check out our step by step guide on how to visit Lantau here
5| Ngong Ping Cable Car
Travel to the Big Buddha in style! It’s a 25 minute trip each way and the panoramic views of Hong Kong and Lantau are outstanding (check out our cable car adventures here!). The travel options include a standard car and a more expensive glass bottom car but I found myself looking straight ahead most of the time! The Ngong Ping Cable car is an amazing experience.
6| Tai O
Another Lantau favourite, Tai O is a fishing village on stilts and is situated on the opposite side of the Island from the Big Buddha (check out our Tai O adventures here!). The sea of Tai O is a recognised habitat for pink dolphins and there are local boat tours available from Tai O. The houses on wooden stilts are in stark contrast to the Hong Kong skyscrapers and it’s an amazing experience to wander around observing village life.
7| Nan Lian Garden
Nan Lian Garden is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in Hong Kong. It’s built around a central water feature and includes pagodas, ponds, bridges and a bonsai garden. The garden is a quiet escape from the rush of city life.
8| Avenue of the Stars
The Hong Kong Avenue of the Stars is modelled on the Hollywood walk of fame and is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. There’s a life size statue of Bruce Lee but the main attraction is the stunning views of the Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.
9| Cocktails at the Ozone Bar
The opportunity to sip cocktails at the highest bar in the world? I’ll drink to that! The Ozone Bar is located in the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong and is an ear popping 118 stories up in the sky! The Ritz Carlton is incredibly opulent and the views are unbelievable. Just make sure your sky legs are good to go! Check out all the happenings from our trip to the Ozone Bar here!
10| Vicoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is the focal point of Hong Kong and is a hive of activity with the constant flow of vessels passing through. The harbour separates Hong Kong from Kowloon and it’s the perfect spot from which to admire the stunning Hong Kong skyline. Hop on the iconic Star Ferry which transports passengers between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon for amazing views of the water traffic and the skyline.
So there you have it, 10 things we love about Hong Kong or, for more inspiration, you’ll love this ultimate list of things to do in Hong Kong. Be prepared to fall in love!
WHAT A PLACE!! WOULD LOVE TO SEE ALL THOSE SITES.
Hong Kong looks amazing. It’s been a high priority place for me for a log time. Would love to see some of the things you’ve seen there!
It’s a great city. So much to see and do and it has such a great vibe!