15 Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong

1. Victoria Peak - Offering 360-degree Views of Hong Kong’s Amazing Skyline

If there’s one destination on every Hong Kong itinerary, it should be the Victoria Peak. Being the highest point on the Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak provides 360-degree breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape with its skyscrapers standing magnificently. You’d better visit Victoria Peak at dusk that you can have broad view in daytime and appreciate stunning night view. In the daytime, your horizon can stretch across sparking skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor all the way to the green hills of the New Territories. In early evening, you can witness the panorama melting into pink and orange before reincarnating as a dazzling galaxy of light. Besides the panoramic view, you can visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Peak Tower & Sky Terrace 428.

To reach up Victoria Peak, the best way is to take the Peak Tram. Opened in 1888, it is one of the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railways, rising to 396 meters above sea level. It is so steep that the buildings on both sides you pass look like they are leaning a gradient of between 4 to 27 degrees. It will be a special visual experience.

Type: Sights & Landmarks, Observation Decks & Towers

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 24:00

Tickets: Sky Terrace 428 is the special viewing point for panoramic view which needs HK$52 pp.

Recommended Trip Length: 2-3 Hours

Get There:
① By Peak Tram: You can first arrive at the Peak Tram Station (about 700 meters from the Central Station, 10 minutes’ walking). It runs between 07:00 - 24:00.
② By Bus: No.X15 bus can take you run between Admiralty and the Peak; No.X15R bus can take go between the Central (Pier 5) to the Peak.
③ By Taxi: You can take a taxi to get up the Peak. It is very convenient.
④ By Walking: Travelers can walk from Statue Square to the Peak which needs about 1-1.5 hours.

Recommended Trip

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2. Star Ferry - One of 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic

The time-honored Star Ferry has been linking Hong Kong Island with Kowloon since 1888. National Geographic rates the Star Ferry crossing as one of “50 Places of a Lifetime to Visit”. If you come to Hong Kong, it will be awesome experience to take Star Ferry to catch the view of Victoria Harbor. It is one of the most inexpensive way to explore Hong Kong. Come aboard the fabulous ferry, relax and enjoy the magnificent view while sipping a cup of fine coffee, or soak up the sun on the open deck while enjoy the cooling sea breezes. If you take it at night, it will be different and cool to appreciate the Symphony of Light around 20:00.

Star Ferry Routes, Terminals & Running Time:

Usually, there are two routes - one is Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) - the Central (中环), and the other is Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) - Wan Chai (湾仔). The route between Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) - the Central (中环) is shorter.

(a) Tsim Sha Tsui to the Central: it runs service at 06:30 - 20:30 (Monday - Friday), 06:30 - 22:30 (Saturday, Sunday and other holidays); (b) the Central to Tsim Sha Tsui: 06:30-20:40 (Monday to Friday) and last to 22:40 during Saturday, Sunday and other holiday. (c) Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai: 07:20-22:30 (Monday to Saturday) and starts at 07:30 during Sunday and other holidays; (d) Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui: 07:30-22:20 (Monday to Saturday) and starts at 07:40 during Sunday and other holiday.

Recommended Trip

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3. Lantau Island - the Largest & Most Popular Outlying Island

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, located on the western side of Hong Kong Island. It has some of Hong Kong’s biggest and best sights - dramatic ocean views, gorgeous hiking trails, unspoiled beaches and picturesque village. You can explore the mighty Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), enjoy amazing views from the Ngong Ping cable car, have adventure in Hong Kong Disneyland, visit the traditional Tai O Fishing Village...

Main Attractions on Lantau Island:

① Tian Tan Buddha: It is worth climbing 268 steps up to see the giant Buddha which stands 26.4 meters high. Tian Tan Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni which symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith.

② Po Lin Monastery: Located right across from the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery is Buddhist monastery founded in 1906 by three monks visiting from Jiangsu Province. The Great Buddha’s Hall is enshrined with three big statues standing for past, present and future. If you like, take a walk for 20 minutes to reach Wisdom Path to see a series of 38 wooden steles arranged in a ∞ pattern, standing for infinity.

③ Ngong Ping 360: This is a very cool cable car providing 360 degree view of Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport and China South Sea. The whole length of the cableway is 5.7 kilometers, linking between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. Travelers get off at MTR Tung Chung Station and can take the cable car directly.

④ Tai O Fishing Village: The old fishing port Tai O offers a unique and authentic glimpse of what life was like in pre-colonial Hong Kong. This place is photographers’ paradise. It is a good choice to take the boat passing the stilt houses...

Recommended Trip

>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour (Hong Kong Island + Lantau Island)

4. Avenue of Stars & Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade - One of the Best Strolls in Hong Kong

The resplendent views of Victoria Harbor make Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade one of the best strolls in Hong Kong. It is no doubt one of the best free things to do in Hong Kong. A good place to begin your walking journey is at the old Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, a landmark of the age of steam, near the Star Ferry Concourse. Passing the Cultural Center and the Museum of Art, you’ll arrive at the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s lacklustre tribute to its once-brilliant film industry. You can see the 2.5-meter tall bronze statue of Kung Fu icon - Bruce Lee. At the Avenue of Stars, you can watch the Symphony of Lights (begin at 20:00), the world’s largest permanent laser light show projected from atop of 42 skyscrapers. This promenade is also one of the best spots to take awesome photos of prosperous Hong Kong Island.

Type: Sights & Landmarks, Piers & Boardwalks

Opening Hours: all day

Recommended Trip Length: about 1 Hour

Address: No.20 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Get There: From MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P1, use the staircase or the escalator adjacent to Tsim Sha Tsui East Bus Terminus.

Recommended Trip

>> 3 Days Hong Kong In-depth Tour with Escorted Walking Experience

5. A Symphony of Lights - World’s Largest Permanent Light & Sound Show

To spend an exciting life in Hong Kong at night, you’d better not miss “Symphony of Lights”. It is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show listed into Guinness World Records. There are 42 buildings participating in the show. Every night at 20:00, it starts performing which lasts for 13 minutes and 40 seconds. The show comprises five major themes, taking spectators on a unique journey celebrating the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong. The first scene is “Awakening”, the second is “Energy”, the third is “Heritage”, the fourth scene is “Partnership” and the final is “Celebration”. Different types of lighting effects include in the show, such as laser, searchlights, LED lights, simple lighting and projection lighting.

The best places to enjoy “Symphony of Lights” are at Avenue of Stars to Hong Kong Cultural Center in Tsim Sha Tsui and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Besides, taking the special Star Ferry sailing on Victoria Harbor is a cool way to appreciate the light and sound show.

6. Won Tai Sin Temple - Interesting Taoist Temple with Great Atmosphere

Wong Tai Sin Temple (Sik Sik Yuen Temple), built in 1973, is dedicated to a deified healer named Wong Tai Sin who as a shepherd in Zhejiang Province, was said to have transformed boulders into sheep. When he was 15 an immortal taught Wong how ti make a herbal potion that could cure all illness. He is thus worshiped both by the sick and those trying to avoid illness. Now, this busy Taoist temple is a destination for all walks of Hong Kong society, from pensioners and businesspeople to parents and young professionals. Some of they simply to pray and some to divine the future with “chim” (bamboo fortune sticks) which are shaken out of a box onto the ground and then interpreted by a fortune-teller. When you visit Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a good place to witness local people and prayers from all over the world to pray and make a wish. If you have more time, you can take a walk in the nearby Good Wish Gardens repleted with pavilions, zigzag bridges and carp ponds for some photos.

Type: Taoist Temples, Sacred & Religious Sites

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 17:30

Recommended Trip Length: about 1 Hour

Address: Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Get There: Travelers can take MTR to get off Wong Tai Sin Station (黄大仙站).

Recommended Trip

>> 1 Day Hong Kong Culture Tour with A Savory of Victoria Harbor

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7. Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery - Tranquil Chinese Classic Garden Hidden in the Heart of Kowloon

To escape the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong for a while, you can take a walk in the peaceful Nan Lian Garden in the midst of Kowloon. It is a public Chinese classic garden in Diamond Hill designed in the style of Tang Dynasty. With an area of 3.5 hectares, its every hill, rock, body of water, plant and timber structure has been placed according to specific rules and methods. A striking gilded pagoda and a pair of arched red wooden bridges are the focal points of a lotus pond and a favorite photo subject. You can also combine the nearby site Chi Lin Nunnery (built in 1934 in the style of Tang Dynasty) into your trip. This nunnery is world’s largest cluster of handcrafted timber buildings, one exhibiting a level of artistry rarely found in faux-ancient architecture. Taking a walk is quite enjoyable when passing through the temples, lotus ponds, bonsai tea plants...

Type: Gardens & Nature

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 21:00

Recommended Trip Length: about 1 Hour

Address: No.60 Fengde Road, Xiayuan Ling, Wong Tai Sin District, Hong Kong

Get There: Travelers can take MTR to get off Diamond Hill Station (钻石站).

Recommended Trip

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8. Hong Kong Museum of History - A Look at Hong Kong Story and Folk Culture

If you only have time to visit one museum, Hong Kong Museum of History should add it into your list. Its whistle-stop overview of the territory’s archaeology, natural history, ethnography and local cultures will help to give context to your experience of Hong Kong. Visit “The Hong Kong Story” and you’ll enjoy a fascinating walk through the territory’s history, starting with the natural environment and prehistoric Hong Kong - about 6000 years ago, and ending with the territory’s return to China in 1997. Besides, you’ll explore folk culture and customs of Hong Kong - encountering colorful replicas of the dwellings of early inhabitants, having a look at traditional costumes and beds, a recreation of an arcaded Central street from 1881, and also exploring Hong Kong’s urban culture.

Type: Museums, History Museums

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Mon & Wed & Fri); 10:00 - 19:00 (Sat, Sun and other holiday)

Recommended Trip Length: about 2 hours

Address: 100 Chatham Road, Hong Kong

Get There: It is about 900m from East Tsim Sha Tsui (尖东站), which needs about 10 minutes by walking. It is about 1.4km from Avenues of Stars, if by walking, it takes about 20 minutes.

Recommended Trip

>> 1 Day Hong Kong Culture Tour with A Savory of Victoria Harbor

9. Hong Kong Disneyland - Magical Kingdom Best for Family with Kids

Hong Kong is one of the six cities in the world to have a Disneyland to call its own. As the first Disneyland in China, Hong Kong Disneyland is an awesome choice for families with kids to have a lot of fun. Hong Kong Disneyland is the largest theme park in Hong Kong located on Lantau Island. The park consists of seven themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulsh, Mystic Point and Toy Story Land. It is worth spending about half day to one day throwing yourselves in this paradise with thrilling activities and amazing performances.

Type: Water & Amusement Parks, Theme Parks

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21:00

Recommended Trip Length: about half day to one day

Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Get There: MTR Disneyland Resort Station.

Recommended Trip

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10. Ocean Park - Second Largest Theme Park in Hong Kong

Ocean Park is a good place for family with kids. It is a marine mammal, animal theme park and amusement park situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is the second largest theme park in Hong Kong, following Hong Kong Disneyland. Travelers can explore major attractions in the park including Adventures in Australia, Shark Mystique, Polar Adventure (explore the North and South Poles in one day), Old Hong Kong, Thrill Mountain, Rainforest, Aqua City, and Amazing Asian Animals.

Type: Water & Amusement Parks, Theme Parks

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00

Recommended Trip Length: about half day to one day

Address: Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Island

Get There: MTR Ocean Park Station Exit B.

11. Temple Street Night Market - The Liveliest Night Market in Hong Kong

When night falls and neon buzzes, Hong Kong’s liveliest market - Temple Street night market - rattles into life. This street extends from Man Ming Lane in the north to Nanking Road in the south and is cut in two by the historic Tin Hau temple complex. It is a fantastic place to immerse in the bustling atmosphere, hunt for some food on offer form the dai pai dongs, enjoy the random free Cantonese opera performances and some fortune-telling. The night market opens from 18:00 till 00:00 in midnight. This place is also served as the backdrop to many memorable movie you may watched before. You can also do some shopping here, from cheap clothes, watches, pirated CDs, footware, cookware and every items. You’d better bargain here.

Type: Shopping, Flea & Street Markets

Opening Hours: 18:00 - 00:00

Recommended Trip Length: about 0.5-1 hour

Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

Get There: MTR Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C, turn onto Temple Street at Man Ming Lane, or, MTR Jordan Station, Exit A, turn right onto Jordan Road and take another right onto Temple Street.

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12. Repulse Bay - Hong Kong’s Most Famous Beach for Relax

Repulse Bay Beach is Hong Kong’s most famous beach and home to some of its riches residents. The hills around the beach are strewn with luxury apartment blocks while the beach is great for strolls in the early morning or late afternoon. You can take a walk towards the southeast end of Repulse Bay beach to Kwun Yam Shrine (观音阁) which is an unusual shrine to Kwun Yam. Surrounded with many amazing deities and figures - goldfish, rams, the money god, the moon lord, and other southern Chinese icons as well as the status of Tin Hau. In front of the shrine to the left as you face the sea is Longevity Bridge (长寿桥) and Longevity Pavilion (万寿亭). After the leisure walking, you can relax on the sandy beach and if you want to swim, you can go. And showers and changing rooms are available.

Type: Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Recommended Trip Length: about 1 hour

Address: South of Taiping Mountain, South District, Hong Kong

Get There: Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Exchange Square bus terminus (near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D) and alight at Repulse Bay Beach.

Recommended Trip

>> 1 Day Classic Hong Kong Tour

13. Stanley Market - Seaside Peaceful Village on the South of Hong Kong Island

Located on the south coast of Hong Kong Island about 13 kilometers from the Central, the seaside village of Stanley can take you escape the city grind into a land with peace and stunning sea view. The Stanley Market is a good place to buy “plus-size” clothing, handcraft arts, handbags, different kinds of souvenirs such as chopsticks, tea sets, placemats, games, lanterns, jade charms with your zodiac animal and the like. It will be interesting time for you to look around. The market winds its way down the narrow streets towards the waterfront and the Stanley Promenade, a lovely place to stroll around on a sunny day. The Stanley Plaza is a place full of cafes, gourmet shops, a piazza and a playground. For a half day or one day trip, it is a good choice to combine with Repulse Bay and Aberdeen Fishing Village in one go.

Type: Shopping, Flea & Street Markets

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Recommended Trip Length: about 1 hour

Address: Stanley Market Rd, Stanley, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Get There: Bus No. 63, 72A, 73 can take you from Causeway Bay to Stanley; bus No.6, 6X, 260 can take you from Central to Stanley.

Recommended Trip

>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour (Hong Kong Island + Lantau Island)

>> 2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour

14. Aberdeen Fishing Village - Experience the Origin of Hong Kong with a Traditional Sampan Ride

Aberdeen is an area and town on southwest Hong Kong Island, which is about 7 kilometers from Wan Chai or Causeway Bay. Aberdeen is famous not only to tourists but also to Hong Kong locals for its floating village and floating seafood restaurants located in the Aberdeen Harbor. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront to see numerous ferries and ships stopping or sailing on the harbor. To explore the harbor better, it is recommended to take a sampan tour sailing a circle in the harbor for 30-minutes ride. If you just want a glimpse of the harbor, you can take a small ferry across to Ap Lei Chau Island which is cheaper.

Type: Islands & Nature

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:30

Recommended Trip Length: about 0.5 hour

Sampan Ride Ticket: HK$100/pp (no entrance fee)

Address: No.236 Aberdeen, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Get There: Bus No. 72, 77, 38, 37B, 107 can take you from Causeway Bay to Aberdeen.

Recommended Trip

>> 1 Day Classic Hong Kong Tour

15. Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Sky 100 is another best place to enjoy panoramic view of Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong skylines and even Macau. Located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building - the International Commerce Center (ICC) - Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, the highest point indoor observation deck in the city, offers incredible 360-degree views. To catch the best views, it is good to go at sunset. Besides the spectacular views, you can explore different facets of Hong Kong at Sky-High Tech Zone (offer VR and AR experiences), 28-m long multimedia story wall (showcases 100 fascinating local tales and anecdotes). You can enjoy speedy elevator bringing you from second floor to 100th floor in merely 60 seconds. Cafe’ and gift shop are also available.

Type: Buildings & Landmarks, Observation Deck

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21:00

Recommended Trip Length: about 1-2 hour

Sampan Ride Ticket: HK$100/pp (no entrance fee)

Address: 100/F International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Get There: MTR Kowloon Station Exit C or D1.

Places to Visit in Hong Kong Itinerary Ideas

1 Day Itinerary:

If you only have one full day, you should spend about half day on the banks of Victoria Harbor to enjoy Hong Kong skylines. The another half day you can either head north to explore Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery or Wong Tai Sin Temple on Kowloon Island, or transfer to the west and south side of Hong Kong Island. If you have known the Hong Kong Island or Kowloon Island, it is a good idea to spend one full day to Lantau Island.

①　Wong Tai Sin Temple - Nan Lian Garden - Avenue of Stars - Star Ferry - Victoria Peak;
②　Repulse Bay - Stanley Market - Victoria Peak - Star Ferry - Avenue of Stars
③　Lantau Island: Ngong Ping 360 - Tian Tan Buddha - Po Lin Monastery - Tai O Fishing Village - Victoria Peak.

>> 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour

2 Days Itinerary:

If you want to spend two days in and around Hong Kong, there are two plans for you. One is to visit Kowloon Island and Hong Kong Island fully and add one day to explore Lantau Island and the second plan is to see the essence of Hong Kong and add one day trip to Macau.

Itinerary 1 (Hong Kong):

Day 1: Wong Tai Sin Temple - Nan Lian Garden - Avenue of Stars - Star Ferry - Victoria Peak;
Day 2: Ngong Ping 360 - Tian Tan Buddha - Po Lin Monastery - Tai O Fishing Village

>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour (Hong Kong Island + Lantau Island)

Itinerary 2 (Hong Kong + Macau):

Day 1: Repulse Bay - Stanley Market - Victoria Peak - Star Ferry - Avenue of Stars;
Day 2: Ferry from Hong Kong to Macau and visit the Ruins of the St. Paul Cathedral, Section of Old City Wall, A-Ma Temple, Border of Gate. Get back to Hong Kong by ferry.

>> 2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour

3 Days Itinerary:

Actually, 3 days will be a long duration for travelers to explore Hong Kong. Besides the classic sites in Kowloon Island and Hong Kong Island, you can add Hong Kong Museum of History of Museum for in-depth understanding, or Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park for exciting fun and challenge.

>> 3 Days Hong Kong In-depth Tour with Escorted Walking Experience

>> 3 Days Hong Kong Disneyland Tour for Family with Kids

Night Tour Ideas:

To spend your night in an awesome way, you can get to Victoria Peak for the panoramic stunning night view of Victoria Harbor and the skylines. Besides, it will be great to take a walk along Avenue of Stars to enjoy the skyline as well as “Symphony of Lights” around 20:00 and then head to Temple Street Night Market to look around or eat some food.

>> 2 Days Hong Kong Best Food & Cultural Must-sees Tour

Customizable Hong Kong Tour with China Discovery

To make full use of your time, you can tell us any of your ideas, likes and interests, we can put them into the itineraries best suiting for you. Our customizable private tour include private car with experienced drivers, personal tour guide, sightseeing and dining. You just need to enjoy the trip, and we’ll do the rest for you. Feel free to customize Hong Kong tour with us now!

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