best places to visit in hong kong
Table of Contents
Introduction : Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong | An Insider’s Guide
Hey there, fellow travelers! So you’re thinking about visiting the Pearl of the Orient? Smart choice! Hong Kong might look tiny on the map, but trust me, this vibrant city packs more excitement per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Hong Kong multiple times, and each trip reveals something new and amazing. Let me walk you through some of the absolute best spots to check out when you’re there.
Victoria Peak: The View That Started It All
Ever wondered why everyone seems to have that same iconic photo of Hong Kong’s skyline? That’s because they’ve all been to The Peak! Victoria Peak (or just “The Peak” as locals call it) offers hands-down the most spectacular panoramic view of the city, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands.
The Peak Tram ride up is an experience in itself – this funicular railway climbs at what feels like an impossible angle, and has been operating since 1888! Once you reach the top, head to the Sky Terrace 428 observation deck for those Instagram-worthy shots. Pro tip: go in the late afternoon so you can catch both daylight and nighttime views as the city lights up. Magic hour here is genuinely magical, folks.
The Peak is touristy? Sure. Worth it anyway? Absolutely.
Exploring Hong Kong Island’s Urban Jungle
Central and SoHo Districts
Central is the beating heart of Hong Kong’s financial district, but it’s not just suits and skyscrapers. The area seamlessly blends colonial-era buildings with ultra-modern architecture. Take a ride on the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system – the Mid-Levels Escalator – which cuts through the trendy SoHo district.
SoHo (South of Hollywood Road) is where you’ll find some of the city’s coolest bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The narrow streets and alleyways are packed with character, and you’ll find everything from fancy cocktail lounges to tiny hole-in-the-wall dim sum joints. I once spent an entire evening just hopping between different spots on Staunton Street, and honestly, it was one of my favorite nights in HK.
Wan Chai: Where Old Meets New
Wan Chai has transformed from its Suzie Wong red-light past into one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in the city. The district still retains pockets of traditional Hong Kong, with wet markets and old temples sitting right next to sleek office buildings.
Check out the Blue House, a beautifully preserved tenement building painted in vibrant blue, now housing a folk museum. Nearby, you’ll find the century-old Pak Tai Temple, which feels like stepping back in time amidst the urban sprawl.
Kowloon: The Peninsula’s Cultural Heart
Tsim Sha Tsui and the Avenue of Stars
Crossing Victoria Harbour to Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (or TST as locals abbreviate it) is where you’ll find the revamped Avenue of Stars – Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The promenade gives you the reverse view of Hong Kong Island’s skyline, which is arguably even more impressive than the view from The Peak.
Hanging out here during the Symphony of Lights (the nightly light and sound show at 8 PM) is a must-do. Is it a bit cheesy? Maybe. Will you love it anyway? Absolutely.
The nearby Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Space Museum are worth popping into if you’ve got the time or need a break from the heat.
Mong Kok: Sensory Overload in the Best Way
Mong Kok holds the Guinness World Record for being the most densely populated place on Earth, and walking through its streets, you’ll believe it! This neighborhood is the definition of sensory overload – bright neon signs, the constant buzz of Cantonese conversations, delicious street food smells, and endless shopping options.
Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street stretches for nearly a kilometer with over 100 stalls selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. Just remember your haggling skills – the first price is never the real price! 🙂
Not far away is the Goldfish Market, where colorful fish in plastic bags create a unique street scene, and the Bird Market, where elderly men bring their caged birds for “social gatherings.” Sounds weird? It totally is, but in the most fascinating way!
Beyond the Urban Sprawl: Hong Kong’s Natural Beauty
Lantau Island and the Big Buddha
Think Hong Kong is just a concrete jungle? Think again! Lantau Island will completely change your perspective. The Tian Tan Buddha (affectionately known as the Big Buddha) sits majestically atop a hill, reached by a scenic cable car ride that gives you sweeping views of the lush mountains and South China Sea.
The nearby Po Lin Monastery offers a glimpse into Buddhist culture and serves delicious vegetarian meals. After all that urban exploration, the tranquility here feels almost surreal.
While you’re on Lantau, check out Tai O fishing village – one of the last remaining stilt house communities in Hong Kong. The houses built on stilts over the water create a picturesque scene that feels worlds away from the skyscrapers.
Hong Kong’s Hidden Beaches
IMO, one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets is its beautiful beaches. Shek O on Hong Kong Island’s southeast coast is my personal favorite – a laid-back beach town with golden sands and decent waves for swimming. The nearby village has some great seafood restaurants where you can refuel after a day in the sun.
For something more secluded, hop on a ferry to Lamma Island. This car-free island has a distinctly bohemian vibe, with hiking trails connecting quiet beaches and seafood restaurants. The pace here is so different from Central that it’s hard to believe you’re still in Hong Kong.
Food Adventures: Eating Your Way Through Hong Kong
Let’s be real – one of the main reasons to visit Hong Kong is the food! From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls), the culinary scene here is incredible.
Dim Sum: Hong Kong’s Gift to the World
No visit is complete without a proper dim sum experience. Tim Ho Wan, the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, serves incredible barbecue pork buns that will make you question why you ever ate anything else. For a more traditional experience, join the locals at Lin Heung Tea House, where you’ll need to fight for your food from passing trolleys – it’s chaotic, authentic, and wonderful.
Street Food: Courage Required, Rewards Guaranteed
Hong Kong’s street food scene requires a bit of culinary courage but rewards the brave. Egg waffles (gai daan jai), fish balls, stinky tofu (yes, it’s as pungent as it sounds), and put chai ko (red bean pudding) are all must-tries. Temple Street Night Market is perfect for sampling these treats while shopping for souvenirs.
Practical Tips for Your Hong Kong Adventure
- Octopus Card: Get one immediately upon arrival. This contactless payment card works on all public transport and in many shops and restaurants. It’ll save you time and the hassle of fumbling for change.
- Public Transport: Hong Kong’s MTR (subway) system is clean, efficient, and extensive. The double-decker trams (ding-dings) on Hong Kong Island are slower but offer great city views for just pennies.
- Best Time to Visit: October to December offers comfortable temperatures and less humidity. Avoid summer months unless you enjoy sauna-like conditions!
- Language: While Cantonese is the local language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Most signs are bilingual.
- Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces, but a local SIM card is inexpensive and worth getting for Google Maps alone.
Hong Kong is one of those rare places that somehow manages to exceed its hype. The blend of East and West, tradition and innovation, chaotic streets and peaceful nature makes it endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re there for two days or two weeks, you’ll leave wanting more.
Have you been to Hong Kong before? What spots would you add to this list? Whatever you do, arrive hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to fall in love with this incredible city!
