Hong Kong is one of the most famous cities in the world, a place where something is always happening, which means that you’ll always have something exciting to look forward to on vacation. Chief among Hong Kong’s many attractions is its undeniable food scene, iconic skyline, and cultural impact, which continues to shape international pop music and cinema. There’s a lot to see on a trip to Hong Kong. Our 4-day Best of Hong Kong vacation package is a great starting point. But no matter how you want to explore the city, there are a few things you need to make time for.
Head up Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island for views of the city.
Victoria Peak or The Peak is the tallest point on Hong Kong Island, standing 552 m (1,811 ft) above sea level. It’s also the city’s most iconic lookout. If you want to enjoy postcard views of the Hong Kong skyline, head to The Peak. It’s especially beautiful at sunset (although cloudy days are common in Hong Kong). Even if you can’t guarantee a blue sky, it’s still arguably the most beautiful spot in the city.
Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.
For another iconic view of the skyline, ride the Star Ferry, which connects commuters from Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island. This 10-minute ferry ride only cost a pittance (HKD 2.70, about USD 0.35) but is a must-do for visitors on a Hong Kong vacation. The views are particularly great at night, especially around 8pm when A Symphony of Lights illuminates the Hong Kong night.
Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on Lantau Island.
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is one of the world’s most iconic gondola rides. Hop on the cable car and ride the 5.7 km (3.5 mi) from Tung Chung on Lantau Island up Ngong Ping hill. The ride takes around 25 minutes and affords great views. It also gets you close to Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha (see below).
See the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) on Lantau Island.
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world. The bronze statue is 34 m (111 ft) tall and lies in the grounds of Po Lin Monastery. The monastery grounds and the statue are free of charge to access, although you need to pay if you want to see the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas beneath the statue.
Experience the city’s celebrated nightlife.
You'll find many of Asia’s best bars and clubs in Hong Kong, so you want to make sure to visit a few during your trip to the city. Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) is home to some of the city’s trendiest nightclubs and cocktail bars, including swanky clubs like Cassio and eclectic joints like Furutu. Hit up the revitalized Temple Street to visit food stalls, snap photos of the elaborate decorations, and go on a shopping spree in the night market.
Stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
This waterfront area in Kowloon stretches from the Clock Tower to Hung Hom. It’s home to the Avenue of Stars, where you’ll find the famous Bruce Lee statue, a hotbed for great Cantonese restaurants, and one of the best places to watch A Symphony of Light from land.
Go for a hike to enjoy incredible ocean views.
While Hong Kong is famous internationally for its city landmarks, it has a staggering amount of green space within its borders. If you want to get outside and enjoy the greenery and the views of the ocean, head on a hike through the various natural scenes. The Dragon’s Back trail is a great option. This hiking path leads from Shek O Road to Big Wave Beach, winding 8 km (5 mi) through the hills with great views of the South China Sea.
Visit the West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city’s arts and culture.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is the city’s growing cultural hub and home to many arts centres and museums. The Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases historic treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing. M+ offers a global perspective on design and the visual arts. The Art Park is an outdoor green space that’s ideal for picnics and a midday break. Freespace hosts modern performances and houses The Box, Hong Kong’s largest black box theatre. The Xiqu Centre features traditional performances of Cantonese opera in a stunningly designed venue.
Take in a festival or special event.
Hong Kong bursts with special events that celebrate cultural traditions and provide visitors with opportunities to learn more about the city while having a great time. Visit in March to enjoy Arts in Hong Kong, when the city hosts a variety of art fairs and festivals, including the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). Tour Hong Kong at the end of October to enjoy the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which takes place along the Central Harbourfront and features some of the city’s best culinary and wine options at great prices. It’s always a great time to visit during Lunar New Year in late January or early February to experience the city come to life with flower markets, fireworks, and city-wide celebrations.
Go for dim sum and try local delicacies on a foodie tour.
There’s nothing more quintessentially Hong Kong than dim sum. Literally meaning “touch the heart” in Cantonese, dim sum is a meal consisting of small dishes, typically steamed in bamboo steamers, such as char siu bao (steamed pork buns), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and siu mai (pork dumplings). However, there are more delicacies than dim sum for you to try on a trip to Hong Kong. That’s why a food tour is the best way to enjoy a sampling of the city’s famous flavours. Join an expert guide through the streets of Kowloon to try pineapple buns, egg tarts (distinct from the Portuguese-style ones from Macau), and, of course, the city’s famous roast goose. If you want to continue the foodie tour through Southeast Asia, pair Hong Kong with Singapore on our 9-day Hong Kong & Singapore for Foodies vacation package.
There’s so much to do on a trip to Hong Kong. Explore it for yourself with Goway and see where the city takes you.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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