This blog post is all about the best Hong Kong attractions.
One of the first things people say when you mention Hong Kong is, “You have to go up Victoria Peak!”
And while The Peak is undeniably fabulous (especially at night when the whole city twinkles below), Hong Kong has so much else going on that it’d be a shame to only see that iconic skyline and call it a day.
My own journey through Hong Kong was just a few days long (part of a bigger South East Asia adventure) but those days were brimming with lively markets, legendary food, and enough cultural diversity to fill an entire trip on their own.
This city fuses the old and the new in a truly captivating way: on one side, a gleaming skyscraper; on the other, a humble dai pai dong (open-air food stall) that’s been around for decades.
So yes, absolutely do visit Victoria Peak (because how could you not?).
But if you’re up for a bit of extra exploring, here are nine other fantastic places and experiences that will give you a richer sense of Hong Kong’s energy, culture, and offbeat surprises.
This blog post is all about the best Hong Kong attractions.
Top Hong Kong Attractions to Visit
Below are the top Hong Kong attractions to tick off during your time in Hong Kong!
1. Hop on the Star Ferry
There’s something ridiculously charming about the Star Ferry, and I’m a big believer that you can’t claim to have “done” Hong Kong without taking at least one ride across Victoria Harbour.
It’s been running since the late 1800s, ferrying people between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in a wonderfully nostalgic fashion.
For a tiny fee, you’ll glide past colossal skyscrapers that reflect off the water, with mountains peeking out behind them.
It’s cost-effective (read: super cheap) yet gives you front-row seats to the city’s iconic skyline. Riding the upper deck is only a small bit extra, but the breeze and views are well worth those extra coins.
I’d recommend going around sunset or later in the evening. The city lights up in neon, making the ferry ride feel almost cinematic.
2. Explore Hollywood Road
Love a bit of history mixed with modern flair? Hollywood Road is one of Hong Kong’s oldest streets, yet it brims with trendy bars, art galleries, and hip cafés.
You can be admiring centuries-old relics in an antique shop one minute, and the next you’re snapping photos of vibrant street art.
You’ll find classic antique stores, imagine porcelain, vintage posters, and jade curios, sitting right next to sleek coffee shops and modern art galleries. It’s a real study in contrasts, which is basically Hong Kong in a nutshell.
Keep an eye out for the colourful murals tucked into side alleyways. Some of the best pieces aren’t necessarily on the main drag.
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.
🚌 12Go Asia
We booked all of our transport in Asia via 12Go. Use this to book sleeper buses, day buses, trains and more to your next destination in Asia.
📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Hong Kong with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
👩🏻💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
3. Unwind at Tsz Shan Monastery
When you’ve had your fill of the city’s high-octane pace, take a trip to the New Territories and visit Tsz Shan Monastery.
I still remember hopping on public transport from Central, thinking I’d never find “calm” in Hong Kong, yet this place proved me wrong.
Home to a massive 76-metre Guan Yin statue (seriously, it’s enormous), the monastery exudes tranquillity. You can wander through beautifully kept gardens, peer into serene courtyards, and forget, momentarily, that you’re in one of the world’s densest cities.
You’ll need to book a visit online first because they limit numbers to preserve the peaceful vibes. Dress modestly, speak softly, and soak it all in.
Hong Kong Attractions for Photographers
4. Snap the “Monster Building” (Yick Cheong Building)
You’ve probably scrolled past those photos on social media: a towering wall of tightly packed flats, seemingly folding in on themselves.
That’s Yick Cheong Building, aka the “Monster Building,” in Quarry Bay.
It’s a stunning (if slightly claustrophobic) illustration of Hong Kong’s famously cramped living conditions. When you’re standing in the courtyard, looking up, you can’t help but be impressed, and maybe a bit overwhelmed, by the sheer density.
Always remember that this is a residential complex. Keep your noise down, don’t trespass, and if you’re taking pictures, try to be quick and respectful of locals passing by.
5. Brighten Your Feed at Choi Hung Estate
Up for another colourful photo op? Choi Hung Estate is well-known for its pastel blocks of flats. These buildings are painted in rainbow hues (in fact, “Choi Hung” translates to “rainbow” in Cantonese).
The real star of the show is the basketball court on top of the car park, where many travellers strike a pose against those gorgeous, multi-coloured buildings.
Early mornings tend to be quieter, so you can avoid crowds of Instagrammers. Plus, you might see local residents playing basketball or doing morning exercises, which adds a genuine slice of Hong Kong life to your experience.
Like the Monster Building, people do live here, so a bit of courtesy goes a long way.
Hong Kong Attractions for Kids
6. Get Whimsical at Hong Kong Disneyland
It might sound cliché, but I’m a firm believer that Hong Kong Disneyland is worth your time. Especially if you’re even remotely fond of Disney magic.
Don’t let its smaller size fool you; it’s packed with classic rides (Space Mountain, anyone?) plus unique attractions like Mystic Manor that you won’t find in other Disney parks.
The queues are often shorter than in the U.S. or Tokyo parks, the environment feels more intimate, and it’s well-connected to the MTR, making it an easy day trip from the city centre.
If you can swing a weekday visit, you’ll likely dodge the biggest crowds and have an easier time hopping between rides.
More Hong Kong Attractions
7. See the Horses at Happy Valley Racecourse
Hong Kong’s hustle also extends into the world of horse racing. Happy Valley Racecourse hosts races most Wednesday nights, and it’s a brilliant mix of local culture and unfiltered fun.
Imagine being surrounded by skyscrapers and bright lights, sipping a (cheap!) beer, cheering on your chosen horse, and all the while feeling the excitement as the horses thunder past. It’s such a cool blend of urban life and sporting tradition.
Not a gambler? No worries. Put a small bet on whichever horse name you fancy, or just soak up the atmosphere. After the last race, you can easily pop over to nearby Wan Chai for more nightlife.
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your tours, cooking classes, boat trips and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like cooking classes, private tours and more
- Victoria Peak: see amazing skyline views of Hong Kong from the highest point on Hong Kong island
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park: a must-visit if you’re a fan of Disney Parks!
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour: if you want to try all the incredible food Hong Kong has to offer, take this amazing guided street food tour
- Viator: use Viator to book tours and transport to other destinations across Southeast Asia
🏨 Hostelworld
Book your hostel accommodation in Hong Kong with Hostelworld, the most reliable hostel site.
🏍️ International Driving License
If you plan to drive a motorbike while in Southeast Asia, make sure you have an International Drivers License to avoid fines and getting into trouble with local authorities.
Hong Kong Attractions for Foodies
8. Devour Hong Kong’s Food Scene
If there’s one universal truth about Hong Kong, it’s that you will eat really, really well.
The city is legendary for its cuisine, whether you’re after luxurious Michelin-starred dining or humble street fare.
You can’t leave Hong Kong without trying an authentic dim sum restaurant. Steamed dumplings, barbecue pork buns, silky rice rolls, each bite is a revelation.
Try a busy “yum cha” spot in the morning for the full local experience.
Dai Pai Dong open-air food stalls serve up stir-fried noodles, congee, and also other Cantonese staples. It might look unassuming, but trust me, the flavours are out of this world.
Don’t skip the egg tarts (shortcrust or puff pastry versions) or sweet pineapple buns (which, confusingly, contain no pineapple). They’re a sugary delight, so perfect with Hong Kong-style milk tea.
9. Take a Ferry to Macau
Technically, Macau isn’t Hong Kong, but the ferry journey is only about an hour, so it’s close enough for a super fun day trip.
Known as the “Vegas of Asia,” Macau flaunts extravagant casinos and hotels. But there’s also a delightfully laid-back Portuguese heritage vibe lurking in the historic centre.
Old Macau has cobblestone lanes, pastel colonial buildings, and also the famous Ruins of St. Paul’s. Meanwhile, the Cotai Strip is all about mega-casinos like The Venetian. You can easily spend half your day exploring history and the other half marvelling at modern glitz.
Portuguese egg tarts are a must-try when you’re here. They’re sweet, creamy, and so absolutely addictive.
RELATED Macau blog posts to read:
- The Best Things to Do in Macau, China
- 10 of the Best Casinos to Visit in Macau, China
- Macau, China: How to Spend A Perfect 48 Hours Here
- Macau, China: How to Travel There from Hong Kong
- 10 of the Best Instagram Spots in Macau, China
The Best Hong Kong Attractions to Visit
Hong Kong may be best known for The Peak’s jaw-dropping panorama, but it’s when you wander into its nooks and crannies that you truly feel its heartbeat.
From the Star Ferry’s gentle harbour crossing to the jam-packed Monster Building courtyard, from the peaceful hush of Tsz Shan Monastery to the late-night roar at Happy Valley Racecourse, each experience reveals another facet of the city’s story.
I hope this list inspires you to dig a bit deeper than the usual tourist spots (though, absolutely, still head up The Peak for that night view!).
And remember: in Hong Kong, you’re never too far from incredible food, intriguing architecture, or a cultural surprise that’ll pop up just when you think you’ve seen it all.
Whether you’re staying for a quick few days or settling in for a longer exploration, there are so many Hong Kong attractions to enjoy.
RELATED Hong Kong blog posts to read:
Leave a Reply