Hong Kong Destination Guide: 22+ Best Things To See & Do

Hong Kong is one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s a place I’ve returned to again and again over the years, both on my own travels and during my crew layovers. Every visit reminds me why I love it – the energy, the food, the skyline. If you’re planning a trip, these 22+ highlights will help you make the most of your time in the city. Hong Kong is far more than just somewhere to have a quick layover, it’s a destination worth slowing down for, with so much to see, taste, and explore.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep this blog running. You can read how your data is handled in the privacy policy. If you found this helpful, and would like to support this little corner of the internet you can do so here.

Essential Apps & Digital Tools For Travelling In Hong Kong

Hong Kong is incredibly digital‑friendly, and the right apps make transport, payments, and daily planning effortless. Your regular Western apps will work as usual, and adding a few Hong Kong‑specific apps will make everyday logistics even smoother.

• Airalo: Instant data on arrival for maps, transport, and reservations. Activate your eSIM before you fly.
• Google Maps: Fully reliable for walking routes, public transport, and restaurant info.
• HKeMobility: Real‑time info for buses, ferries, trams, traffic, and walking routes in one place.
• HK Taxi Translator: Converts English addresses into Chinese for taxi drivers. Uber is also fully functioning in Hong Kong.
• MTR Mobile: Official metro app with route planning, exit maps, and Airport Express details.
• MyObservatory: Accurate, real‑time weather and typhoon alerts which are essential during rainy season.
• Octopus: The all‑purpose payment tool for MTR, buses, ferries, trams, cafes, and shops. The tourist app works with international cards and makes it easy to top up on the go.
• OpenRice: Hong Kong’s go‑to restaurant discovery and reservation app, with menus, reviews, and instant booking.

Getting Around Hong Kong & Tips For Exploring

Hong Kong is incredibly easy to explore once you understand how the city is laid out. The simplest way to plan your days is to group sights by area so you’re not constantly travelling back and forth across the harbour. Most travellers focus on 3 main zones: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island. Kowloon is ideal for markets, museums and harbour views; Hong Kong Island is home to Central, the Mid‑Levels, Victoria Peak and some of the best food and nightlife; and Lantau Island is where you’ll find the Big Buddha, Tai O Fishing Village and Hong Kong Disneyland. Structuring your itinerary around these areas keeps your days smooth and efficient.

Getting around is straightforward thanks to the excellent public transport system. The MTR is fast, clean and the easiest way to move between major districts. Trams offer a slower but scenic way to travel across Hong Kong Island, while the Star Ferry is both practical and iconic for crossing Victoria Harbour. Buses and minibuses cover areas the MTR doesn’t reach, especially beaches and hiking spots, and taxis are reliable and metered. An Octopus app/card makes paying for transport and small purchases simple and saves time throughout your trip – just tap and go.

Find planning tools, digital guides, and travel must‑haves in the Pretty Planet Shop. Browse my Amazon Storefront for the best travel gadgets and accessories for your next trip.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

For first‑timers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is ideal with harbour views, museums, shopping, and easy MTR and ferry connections. If you want something central and a little upmarket, Central and Admiralty offer seamless transport, great dining, and quick access to major sights. For a more creative, local feel, Sheung Wan and Soho are perfect, full of indie cafes, boutiques, and walkable streets with plenty of character. If you love energy, markets, and neon‑lit nights, Mong Kok delivers that classic Kowloon buzz. For a calmer, coastal stay, head south to Repulse Bay for beaches, cafes, and a slower pace.

Book your accommodation: Compare hotels, guesthouses, and hostels across all budgets. Browse on Booking.com or check Agoda which sometimes has more options for Asia‑based stays.

Top Things To Do In Hong Kong

Art Lane

A colourful street in Sai Ying Pun full of murals across alley walls and residential blocks. It’s a quick, easy stop if you love street art or want a creative break while exploring this part of the city. You’ll also find a handful of great cafes and independent shops nearby. It’s a nice area to wander for a little longer if you have the time, but not an absolute must in HK.

You may also find this blog post helpful: Hong Kong Itinerary Builder: How To Spend 1-6 Days In The City

Avenue of Stars & Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

This stretch along Victoria Harbour is one of the best places to take in the skyline and one of my personal favourites especially around sunset when the city starts to glow. It’s busy, but the views are unbeatable, and the wide promenade makes it easy to stroll without feeling trapped in a crowd. An absolute must for first-timers!

Want all my recommendations in one place? Grab my Hong Kong & Macau Google Map with 100s of pins for sights, restaurants, street food, cafes, bars, hidden gems and so much more.

Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) & Ngong Ping

Riding the Ngong Ping Cable Car is one of the most scenic ways to experience Lantau Island. The journey gives you sweeping views over the South China Sea, rolling mountains, and the airport. Once you arrive, Ngong Ping Village is a nice place to wander with shops and eateries before climbing the steps to the Tian Tan Buddha, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks.

You can book Tian Tan Buddha tickets that include a vegetarian meal at the Po Lin Monastery restaurant, which I highly recommend for a big veggie feast. If you have time, pair the trip with Tai O, the nearby fishing village known for its stilt houses and slower pace. It’s a lovely contrast to the busier parts of Hong Kong. Go early if you want a quieter experience as both the cable car and the Buddha get busy later in the day.

Explore and book my handpicked tours and activities through my GetYourGuide Shop.

Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery is a serene Buddhist temple complex known for its traditional wooden architecture and lotus ponds. It’s free to enter and offers a calm break from the city’s pace. Nan Lian Garden is right next door, so pair them together for a relaxing morning exploring both of them.

Choi Hung Estate Basketball Court

A classic Instagram spot thanks to its pastel rainbow retro housing blocks. It’s still a functioning residential estate, so I always recommend going early, being respectful, and keeping it quick. It’s a fun stop if you’re already in Kowloon. When my friend and I visited, we picked up some traditional Hong Kong pineapple buns on the way and had our breakfast there – a cute and simple touch to add to your visit.

Hong Kong Park

A lush green escape in the middle of Central, with ponds, waterfalls, and shaded paths that make it perfect for a breather between busy city days. If you’re here around lunchtime, I always recommend stopping at LockCha Tea House for their delicious plant-based dumplings and the traditional tea house setting.

Want all my recommendations in one place? Grab my Hong Kong & Macau Google Map with 100s of pins for sights, restaurants, street food, cafes, bars, hidden gems and so much more.

Jade Market

The Jade Market is full of stalls selling jade bangles, pendants, lucky charms, and carved pieces. It’s calmer than the night markets but still full of character, with vendors happy to explain meanings and materials. Bargaining is expected, just keep it friendly. Go late morning to early afternoon when most stalls are open. My friend and I picked up matching jade bracelets as a little keepsake from our trip together, which we both thought was a cute souvenir to take home.

Ladies Market

Ladies Market is situated in Mong Kok. It’s a great place to wander, people‑watch, and pick up inexpensive accessories or souvenirs. Go in the late afternoon when the street is fully alive but not yet packed. Bring cash as many stalls don’t take cards. Don’t be shy about bargaining – it’s expected, just remember to be polite and not aggressive.

Explore and book my handpicked tours and activities through my GetYourGuide Shop.

Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s nightlife hub. It’s compact, steep, and always buzzing. It’s the place for bars, late‑night bites, and people spilling into the streets after work. Weeknights are lively without being overwhelming. If you’re not into the party scene, go early for happy hour and people‑watching. Wear comfortable shoes as the slopes are no joke!

Man Mo Temple & Cat Street

Man Mo Temple is a rare quiet spot on Hong Kong Island. The incense coils, low light and steady movement of people coming in to pray give it a calm atmosphere that feels very different from the streets outside. Try to go in the morning when it’s at its quietest. Photography is allowed, but it’s important to be respectful of worshippers. It’s an easy stop to pair with a walk along nearby Cat Street if you’re into antiques and trinkets.

Watch: Man Mo Temple Mini Vlog

Mong Kok

Mong Kok is Hong Kong at its most intense with its neon signs, packed markets, tiny eateries, and nonstop Kowloon energy. Browse the Ladies Market, wander Sneaker Street, or dive into food streets like Dundas and Soy Street. For classic Hong Kong street life, walk Nathan Road, the bright, chaotic main strip, then cut over to Shanghai Street for old‑school kitchenware shops and a slower, more local feel. Go late afternoon or evening when everything is buzzing. If you need a breather, slip into quieter side streets or head up to the top floors of Langham Place. For food, skip the tourist traps and try local cha chaan tengs or street snacks.

Nan Lian Garden

Nan Lian Garden is one of the most peaceful spots in the city and one of my personal favourites. It’s free to enter and feels like a complete contrast to the pace of Kowloon. You’ll find traditional wooden structures, calm walkways, and plenty of space to slow down. Pair it with Chi Lin Nunnery which is just next door and they’re connected. If you want quiet photos, avoid weekends.

Want all my recommendations in one place? Grab my Hong Kong & Macau Google Map with 100s of pins for sights, restaurants, street food, cafes, bars, hidden gems and so much more.

Peak Tram & Victoria Peak

Riding the iconic Peak Tram is a must when in Hong Kong. At the top, Victoria Peak gives you that postcard‑perfect view of the harbour and skyscrapers. Don’t miss the Sky Terrace and Lion Pavilion, for the best viewpoints up Victoria Peak. Go for sunset and stay through blue hour for the most atmospheric photos. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. If you prefer a quieter moment, skip the mall entirely and walk the Peak Circle Trail for incredible views without the crowds.

Explore and book my handpicked tours and activities through my GetYourGuide Shop.

Quarry Bay

Quarry Bay blends everyday neighbourhood life with some of Hong Kong’s most striking architecture. The Monster Building is a dense cluster of interconnected residential blocks and it has become famous for its dramatic, almost sci‑fi look. Visit during the day for the best light inside the courtyard. Stay quiet and avoid blocking entrances as people live there. Explore the wider neighbourhood such as Quarry Bay Park and the waterfront, which are great for a slow wander.

Repulse Bay & Hong Kong’s Beaches

Repulse Bay is Hong Kong’s wide, golden‑sand beach backed by luxury residences and green hills. It’s an easy beach day with calm water, great facilities, and cafes right behind the sand. Wander over to Tin Hau Temple for a quick cultural stop between swims.

The south side of Hong Kong Island is ideal for a simple beach‑hopping day. From Repulse Bay, buses link quickly to Deep Water Bay, Middle Bay, and South Bay which are smaller, quieter coves with a more local feel. The coastal road winds above the water, making the bus ride part of the experience.

Further along, Stanley offers a relaxed seaside‑town vibe with a sheltered beach, promenade cafes, and the market nearby. St Stephen’s Beach, just beyond Stanley, is a calmer, tucked‑away option if you want fewer people. For something more dramatic, Shek O Beach delivers wide sand, colourful village houses, and a livelier surf scene, with Big Wave Bay just around the corner for surf lessons and coastal walks.

Watch: Hong Kong Beaches Mini Vlog

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple

One of Hong Kong’s most important temples, Wong Tai Sin blends Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism in a vibrant complex of incense coils, fortune‑telling stalls, and colourful pavilions. It’s free to enter, making it an easy cultural stop even on a quick itinerary. Visit early if you can to avoid the crowds. Try kau cim, a traditional fortune‑stick ritual, for a cultural moment that’s easy to follow. The temple sits right next to an MTR station, making it one of the city’s most accessible spiritual sites.

Soho & The Central–Mid‑Levels Escalators

Soho is Hong Kong’s creative, cosmopolitan neighbourhood. It’s a mix of indie boutiques, cocktail bars, street art, and international restaurants. It’s built on steep hills, so the Mid‑Levels Escalator (the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system) runs right through it, carrying you up through the district. Explore the side streets for quieter cafes and galleries. The area is lively in the evenings, especially around Elgin Street and Staunton Street. Wear comfortable shoes as the slopes are super steep.

You may also find this blog post helpful: Hong Kong Itinerary Builder: How To Spend 1-6 Days In The City

Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is one of Hong Kong’s most authentic and budget‑friendly sights. These green‑and‑white boats have been crossing Victoria Harbour since the 1880s, offering unbeatable skyline views for the price of a coffee. Sit on the upper deck for the best photos. Cross at least once during your visit, ideally at sunset, and if time permits, take a daytime ride too for a completely different look at the harbour. Ferries run between Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai, and you can pay with your Octopus app/card too.

Explore and book my handpicked tours and activities through my GetYourGuide Shop.

Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O is a traditional fishing village on Lantau Island, known for its stilt houses, seafood snacks, and slow, nostalgic atmosphere. There are short boat rides through the waterways (most are around 20 minutes and cost roughly a fiver), with the option to head out towards the open water to see General’s Rock and if you’re really lucky you can spot Hong Kong’s pink dolphins.

If you’re up for a viewpoint, follow the short trail up to Tei Fu Shan Viewing Point. It’s an easy walk with rewarding views over the village, the waterways, and the surrounding mountains. Try local specialities like shrimp paste and Tai O donuts. Weekdays are quieter, as weekends can be packed. It pairs perfectly with a visit to the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping.

Want all my recommendations in one place? Grab my Hong Kong & Macau Google Map with 100s of pins for sights, restaurants, street food, cafes, bars, hidden gems and so much more.

Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street is Hong Kong’s classic night market with its neon lights, fortune tellers, street food, and stalls selling everything from electronics to souvenirs. It’s chaotic, colourful, and full of character. Bargaining is expected, but keep it friendly. Try claypot rice or seafood at the open‑air dai pai dong restaurants. Best visited after 7pm when the market is fully alive.

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)

Tsim Sha Tsui is one of Hong Kong’s most energetic neighbourhoods, it’s a mix of harbourfront views, luxury malls, indie boutiques, museums, and some of the city’s best dining. You can stroll the Avenue of Stars for skyline photos, wander through K11 MUSEA’s art‑driven spaces, explore the Hong Kong Museum of History, or dive into the chaos of Kimberley Road’s food scene. It’s also a brilliant base for ferries, harbour cruises, and easy MTR connections. Go early or late for the best harbour views and fewer crowds. If you want photos of the skyline, the waterfront near the Cultural Centre is unbeatable. For a calmer break, slip into Kowloon Park just off Nathan Road for a quiet, green escape in the middle of it all.

Wan Chai

Wan Chai is where old Hong Kong sits right alongside modern city life. You’ll find historic shophouses, wet markets, craft coffee spots, rooftop bars, and the iconic Blue House all within a few blocks. It’s a neighbourhood with layers of culture tucked between glass towers. Start at the Blue House Cluster to see preserved heritage architecture and learn about the community that fought to protect it. Wander the wet market streets around Cross Street for a look at daily life. The Star Street area is ideal for brunch, independent boutiques, and small creative shops. While you’re in the area, stop by Pak Tai Temple and Hung Shing Temple, then finish with some fresh air at Tamar Park.

Want all my recommendations in one place? Grab my Hong Kong & Macau Google Map with 100s of pins for sights, restaurants, street food, cafes, bars, hidden gems and so much more.

Other sights in Hong Kong

• Chungking Mansions: A chaotic, multicultural maze of guesthouses, shops, money changers and market stalls, offering a glimpse into one of Hong Kong’s most diverse micro‑communities.
• Dragon’s Back Hike: Hong Kong’s most iconic ridge walk, offering breezy coastal panoramas and an easy, rewarding trail that suits beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: A compact park with uniquely Hong Kong touches, perfect for a day out of the city.
• Kowloon Walled City Park: A serene classical‑garden reconstruction on the site of the former Walled City.
• Sai Kung: Hong Kong’s natural escape, known for turquoise bays, seafood villages, island‑hopping, and some of the region’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
• Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery: A hillside climb lined with golden Buddha statues, leading to a peaceful temple complex and views over Sha Tin.

Easy day trips from Hong Kong

• Macau: Is also known as the Vegas of the East, it’s a blend of Portuguese heritage, mixed with a modern city. Wander UNESCO‑listed old streets, then hop to Cotai for the skyline and the casinos. Perfect for a relaxed day of cafes, colonial architecture, waterfront strolls and casinos.
• Guangzhou, China: Vibrant, modern, and culturally rich. Easy high‑speed rail from Hong Kong. Expect dim sum heritage, leafy temples, and the striking Canton Tower. Great for food lovers and first‑timers wanting a big‑city feel without the chaos.
• Shenzhen, China: A fast and futuristic city. It sits just across the border with seamless transport links. Ideal for design districts, tech hubs, indie cafes, and sprawling shopping zones. A great choice if you want a modern city hit without going far.

You may also find this blog post helpful: How To Visit Macau From Hong Kong: Transport, Itinerary & Tips

Want all my recommendations in one place? Grab my Hong Kong & Macau Google Map with 100s of pins for sights, restaurants, street food, cafes, bars, hidden gems and so much more.

Eating In Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s food scene is huge, from Cantonese classics and cha chaan teng (traditional HK cafes/diners) comfort dishes to some of the best dim sum. Must‑tries include dim sum, pineapple buns, milk tea, wonton noodles, char siu, egg waffles, claypot rice, beef brisket noodles, fish balls, cheung fun, and fresh egg tarts.

For street food and casual eats, head to Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Temple Street, or Causeway Bay. These areas are packed with tiny shops, dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls), and fast‑moving stalls ideal for local snacks and quick noodles. Many use QR‑code menus with limited English, so a translation app helps and busy spots usually mean fresher food.

For classic cha chaan teng dishes, look for places serving milk tea, HK‑style French toast, macaroni soup, and baked pork chop rice. Dim sum ranges from traditional teahouses to modern spots with creative twists.

You may also find this blog post helpful: Hong Kong Itinerary Builder: How To Spend 1-6 Days In The City

You may also find these other blog posts helpful:

• Hong Kong Itinerary Builder: How To Spend 1-6 Days In The City
• How To Visit Macau From Hong Kong: Transport, Itinerary & Tips
• The Jet Lag Survival Guide: Essential Tips For Travellers

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to comment, subscribe, or follow along on socials for more travel inspo. Some links may be affiliate at no extra cost to you, helping support Pretty Planet and keep the free advice flowing. If you found this helpful, and would like to support this little corner of the internet you can do so here. Your support means the world. Happy travelling!