A curated guide to Hong Kong's top 6 must-experience attractions

What are the best things to do in Hong Kong? Keep reading to find out! Hong Kong, located in southeastern China, is a bustling financial hub and a popular destination for tourists from both the East and the West.

Hong Kong is incredibly densely populated and boasts more than 300 skyscrapers, primarily clustered around Victoria Harbour. While these towering structures and the city’s modern vibe attract many visitors, there’s much more that draws tourists to this vibrant city. The unique cuisine, fantastic shopping, and luxurious restaurants are big highlights. In addition, Hong Kong’s beautiful nature, countless hiking trails, and stunning beaches make it an ideal vacation spot.

One of the most impressive places to experience Hong Kong’s skyline is from Victoria Peak. The views are especially breathtaking at sunset and even more magical once it gets dark. We suggest arriving at Victoria Peak just before sunset to catch these amazing transitions. The free lookout platform offers unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong skyline, and even the Kowloon skyline. For an even higher vantage point, you can visit Sky Terrace 428, Hong Kong’s highest viewing platform, though there is an admission fee.

To reach Victoria Peak, you can take the scenic Victoria Peak Tram or opt for a hike up and ride the tram back down. If there’s a long queue, taking a taxi is a good alternative—just make sure the driver uses the meter.

Hong Kong isn’t just about skyscrapers and luxury; it also offers some incredible natural attractions. Lantau Island, for example, is a haven for nature lovers. The island’s most famous landmark is the 34-meter-tall Tian Tian Buddha, a major Buddhist center and a widely visited attraction. But Lantau has even more to offer, including several beautiful beaches like Cheung Sha, Pui O, Tai Long Wan, Silvermine Bay, Big Wave, and Tong Fuk. Cheung Sha is the longest beach, while Tai Long Wan and Big Wave are popular surfing spots.

The Ngong Ping 360 cable car provides stunning views of Lantau’s landscapes, including jungles, mountains, and the sea. If hiking is more your style, the 70-kilometer Lantau Trail is perfect and well-marked with facilities. Lantau is also home to Hong Kong Disneyland, a fun-filled spot for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Hong Kong Island, located to the south, is home to the majority of the city’s skyscrapers. A double-decker tram ride is an inexpensive way to explore this part of the city, offering views of both the impressive buildings and the lively street scenes. You’ll see a mix of old and new—traditional shophouses standing next to modern banks, shiny stores, and even aging high-rises.

For the best tram experience, sit on the second floor at the front. It’s also best to explore during off-peak daytime hours. To reach Hong Kong Island, you can take the iconic Star Ferry from Kowloon.

Aside from the Lantau Trail, The New Territories to the north of Kowloon offer numerous hiking paths. One of the most popular is the 100-kilometer MacLehose Trail. However, there are also great hiking options closer to the city, like the Dragon’s Back Trail on Hong Kong Island, renowned for its scenic beauty and accessibility for hikers of all levels.

An interesting cultural site in The New Territories is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Despite its name, it’s not a functioning monastery but a complex filled with temples, shrines, and pagodas, featuring over 10,000 Buddha statues.

For shopping enthusiasts, Mong Kok in Kowloon is one of Hong Kong’s busiest areas. The Ladies Market is famous for its endless stalls offering clothes, accessories, and souvenirs along a one-kilometer stretch. Langham Place, a 15-level shopping mall with more than 200 stores, caters to all budgets. The Goldfish Market is another fascinating spot, filled with stalls selling live fish and related accessories.

Mong Kok is also a fantastic place to try local street food, with numerous stalls spread across streets like Sai Yeung Choi Street, Fa Yuen Street, Dundas Street, and Soy Street.