Wow. This is the only thing we could say when we arrived in Hong Kong . All those lights, skyscrapers, signs in Chinese... it was like being in another world! Although the hours that separated us from Manila , the Philippines , and Southeast Asia were only 2, the difference was noticeable and we already realized that what was starting was going to be totally different. Come on, the trip to China was amazing and here we are going to tell you 25 things to see and do in Hong Kong.
What to see and do in Hong Kong
The first time we visited Hong Kong was in 2012. The second time was in 2020 (yes, yes, right when all the Covid chaos started). And we are sure that there will be a third time. And for us, a fourth, fifth, etc… Hong Kong is a city that we love: metropolis + Asia, the perfect combination! Street food, neon lights, urban tribes, light shows, amusement parks, traditional houses, dizzying skyscrapers and a thousand more.
Hong Kong leaves no one indifferent, and I'm sure you won't either. Ready to discover it? And why not do it with a free tour? These are the most interesting ones in Hong Kong (currently only in English):
- Free tour of the essentials of Hong Kong
- Kowloon Markets Tour with Tasting
1. Avenue of stars
Head to the Avenue of Stars , a street in the style of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which pays tribute to great Chinese artists. Here, for example, you can see Jackie Chan's footprints and take a photo with the statue of Bruce Lee.
2. Symphony of the light, the show you have to see in Hong Kong
Come back here in the evening: it is one of the best places to enjoy the “Symphony of the light” , a light and sound show that seems to involve the whole city. It takes place every night at 8pm and lasts about 10 minutes. Being able to enjoy the incredible skyline of the city as it “comes to life” is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong!
* Fancy an even more special experience? Experience the show in the Bay itself from a traditional boat . Book your place here .
3. Nathan Road
Nathan Road is Kowloon's main shopping street, so we recommend you stroll along it and follow your instinct. It seems to almost never sleep (Nathan Road, not your instinct XD).
4. Lai Kwai Fong
The Lai Kwai Fong area , always lively, is perfect for having a beer or a cocktail before or after dinner.
5. Eating dim sum, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong
You can't go to Hong Kong and not stuff yourself with one of its specialties: dim sum! There are tons of restaurants where you can try them, some of the best ones are at One Dim Sum Chinese . In this post we tell you about other restaurants where you can eat in Hong Kong .
6. Kowloon Park
After all that steel jungle, your body might be asking for some relaxation. So head to Kowloon Park , where you can unwind, surround yourself with greenery, watch old people practicing tai chi and even take a dip in the public pool. Fun fact: until 1987, the old Kowloon district was located here, which at the time was one of the most dangerous places on earth… a true lawless city where not even the cops dared to enter. Here you can find more information about the history of this walled city…
7. Hong Kong beaches
If you prefer the beach to the pool , don't worry: you're on an island! Some of the most recommended are South Bay or Stanley Beach . We wouldn't say that coming here is one of the essential things to do in Hong Kong, but if you have a few days of free time, it can be an original and alternative plan to enjoy in the island-city.
8. Eat at Tim Ho Wan, one of the cheapest star-rated restaurants around
Hong Kong has a super interesting food scene, and good news: here you'll find one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world . It's called Tim Ho Wan (try the pork and shrimp dumplings and the BBQ pork buns). A dinner for two costs less than €20 (and we stuffed ourselves).
9. Hong Kong Temples
If like us you are a fan of Chinese temples, you cannot miss the Wong Tai Sin Temple , one of the most important in the city, and the Man Mo Temple , one of the oldest in Hong Kong.
10. Climb Victoria Peak, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong
Climb Victoria Peak : watching the sunset from up there, while hundreds, thousands of skyscrapers rise in front of you, is one of the best experiences to have in Hong Kong. How to get there? Take the funicular ! When we went at night it started to get a bit itchy, you've been warned.
11. Choi Hung Estate
A few years ago, nobody knew or went to Choi Hung Estate , but then Instagram came along and someone realized that this colorful building would look great in their gallery… Today, it is one of the most visited (and photographed) places in the city!
12. Monster Building
Same story for the Yik Cheong Building (Monster Building), a building full, full, full of little apartments that became famous when it appeared in movies like Ghost in the Shell. A photo here and likes galore XD
13. Ladies Market
Take a stroll around Ladies Market , the most popular market in Hong Kong, where you can find everything (from handbags to fish soups hehe). It opens until 11pm. Don't forget to haggle!
14. Temple Street Market
Another recommended market is Temple Street , very, very crowded and full of personality.
15. Cruise on Victoria Bay, a great plan in Hong Kong
Treat yourself to a cruise around Victoria Bay on a traditional Chinese junk. The best time to do this is at dusk or at night, when the city lights paint the water in a thousand colours. It's one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. You can book your place here .
16. Take the ferry to Hong Kong Island
However, if you don't have the budget, there is a much cheaper option (although not very romantic hehe). We are talking about the ferry (Star Ferry). Tickets to cross from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island only cost 2.7 HKD (about 0.30€). The trip takes 10 minutes.
17. The longest escalator in the world
Did you know that Hong Kong has the longest escalator in the world ? You have to take it! It's located between Central and Mid Levels and is about 800 meters long. It's not actually a staircase, but rather a flight of different stairs. The whole ride takes about 20 minutes.
18. Double-decker trams
An original way to visit the city is to take a ride on one of its double-decker trams . If it's free, get in the first row on the top floor: great views guaranteed. The ticket costs less than €0.50!
19. Nan Lian Garden
The Nan Lian Garden is one of the most beautiful and relaxing areas of the city. It is also home to the Chi Lin Monastery , a group of Buddhist temples that will take you away from the madness and traffic of the city.
20. Soho, one of the most incredible neighborhoods to see in Hong Kong
One neighborhood we loved was Soho , it has a super interesting cosmopolitan atmosphere and is full of bars and restaurants. It's a shame it's full of hills and stairs XD.
21. Mong Kok
The Mong Kok district is also well worth a visit, it is the most commercial part of the city, where you will find yourself surrounded by people, neon lights and shopping malls.
22. Tian Tian Big Buddha, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong
The best excursion in Hong Kong is to the Tian Tian Big Buddha on Lantau Island . You can easily go there on your own, taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which, by the way, has sublime views. You will have the option of taking a normal cable car, or one with a glass floor! This tour in Spanish on Lantau Island includes the cable car, a visit to the Big Buddha and a boat ride through the fishing village of Tai O. Super complete!
23. Hong Kong Disneyland
And of course, take advantage of being on the island to visit Disneyland Hong Kong .
24. Macau Island Excursion
If you have more time, consider changing islands and visiting Macao , or the casino island as some call it. We didn't go on our first trip, but when we returned to Hong Kong we didn't miss the opportunity and went to spend a day in Macao and it was great! This mix of China, Portugal and Las Vegas is very strange, but we think it's a curious place that deserves a visit! We'll tell you how to get from Hong Kong to Macao .
25. Extra: Come back
Hong Kong is impossible to discover in a single trip, so you better be clear that returning is a very good idea 😉 hehe, but go on, with all the plans we have recommended you, you will be very busy on your first visit.
After visiting Hong Kong for 4 days it was time to go to China , but of course… that’s another story! Do you know more things to see and do in Hong Kong ? Leave us a comment 🙂
Useful information for traveling to Hong Kong
Where to sleep in Hong Kong?
If you don't want to spend a lot, I'll correct myself, if you want to spend as little as possible there is only one option: Chungking Mansion ! This huge building with different blocks and many floors has something like 200 hostels ! We booked at the New Yan Yan Guest house for 250HKD per night . Surely if you go without a reservation you can get a cheaper price (but I have no idea). The room was tiny, about 8-10m2, with private bathroom, window, TV, A/C. The price is exorbitant, but it is what it is, they are all similar. It's this or go to a great hotel for about 100€!
Here you can see more accommodation options in Hong Kong . You can also take a look at Airbnb , which when we went to China was not as widespread as it is now!
How to get to Hong Kong?
From the airport to Hong Kong city centre the cheapest way is to take bus A21/N21 and if you are staying at the Chunking Mansion, get off at Nathan Road with Middle road (stop n 14). It costs HKD33, takes about 50 min. You also have the option to book a private transfer .
If you are going to mainland China (city of Schenzen) what you have to do is take the metro to the LO WU stop. Right there is the border where they will stamp your visa and ni hao! Welcome to China! Outside the border there are bus agencies and bus and train stations to go to the most famous destinations.
How to get around Hong Kong? Octopus Card
With this rechargeable card you can save a little money. You can buy it at any metro station or at the airport and it costs 150HKD (100 balance and 50 deposit). Once you leave the city at any customer service center at the metro stations they will give you back the deposit (well they keep 7HKD, so they only give you back 43 of the 50 of the deposit) as well as the remaining balance. It is also valid for shopping at many stores (it's 7eleven, McDonald's)
More info about the Octopus Card .
Where to eat in Hong Kong?
In this post we tell you about several options where to eat in Hong Kong .
Reference expenses (backpacker budget)
- Accommodation: 4 nights, €12.90/person.
- Food: €3.92/person
- Transport: €3.99/person
- TOTAL: €20.81/person/day
Are you short on time but want to see as much as possible?
Here we leave you the best tours and activities:
How to apply for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong
Our first objective in Hong Kong was essential: to get a visa for China . So we got up early and took the crowded subway to get to the center of Hong Kong Island (the city is divided into two: the financial center, the so-called Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon district , the oldest and most commercial area). The truth is that it was easier than expected, although quite a bit more expensive!
If you want to apply for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong, you will have to go to the China Resurces Building , located at 26 Harbour Road. The nearest metro is Wan Chai (exit A2, continue along LOCKHART Road to the right and at the intersection with Fleming turn left and continue straight until you cross Gleicester).
The NORMAL cost to process the visa is 200HKD (one entry), it takes about 4 business days. If you need the service faster you can pay 400HKD to have it in 2 business days, or 500HKD to have it the next business day. (Saturday and Sunday the office is obviously closed)
* The post is updated but the visa information is not :-p so we recommend you go to official sources.
