Top 15 Attractions to Visit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers a rich array of tourism offerings, spanning culture, art, nature, and amusement parks, providing diverse travel choices for visitors. This article will showcase introductions about classic attractions such as Victoria Harbour, Central, and Victoria Peak, as well as emerging and lesser-known treasures like the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Outlying Islands. The list aims to inspire you with insights into the best places to visit in Hong Kong.

Victoria Harbour and Its Surrounding Attractions

Located between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The shores of Victoria Harbour are lined with towering skyscrapers. Standing at the Kowloon side, you can overlook the bustling Central and Western District on the opposite shore. As night falls, the city comes alive with the daily light show that takes place at the harbor, known as the "Symphony of Lights" featuring a mesmerizing blend of lights, music, and lasers.

Adjacent to the harbor is the Avenue of Stars, a seaside promenade featuring handprints of legendary figures from the Hong Kong film industry, serving as a symbol of public appreciation for outstanding filmmakers and actors. Notable imprints include those of stars such as Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, and a tribute portrait of Bruce Lee.

In this vibrant waterfront area, there are many other notable structures worth exploring. K11 Musea, an upscale shopping mall with an artistic atmosphere, provides a delightful shopping experience. The Hong Kong Museum of Art showcases a rich artistic heritage from ancient to modern times, appealing to a diverse audience and art enthusiasts. The Hong Kong Space Museum invites you to explore astronomy, while the historic Clock Tower offers you a glimpse into the city's colonial history. Additionally, 1881 Heritage is a restored colonial-era building, now serving as a luxury shopping center and traditional hotel.

Night View of Victoria Harbour

The Central Area

Serving as the political and business hub, Central is the place that best reflects the spirit of Hong Kong. Mysterious ancient temples, colonial-era buildings coexist with modern skyscrapers in this region. Here, you can witness the bustling globalized business scene and discover a rich local cultural atmosphere.

The Central area has many attractions worth exploring: Tai Kwun, repurposed from the old Central Police Station, is a cultural center showcasing the history of old Hong Kong and modern art. Nearby, PMQ injects creativity into its historic surroundings, housing boutique shops and design studios run by independent designers. The serene atmosphere of Man Mo Temple contrasts with the lively nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong, creating a diverse urban experience.

You can choose to ascend the Hong Kong Observation Wheel for an overview of the city or take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator that winds through the neighborhoods. As night falls, the dazzling skyline, dominated by architectural wonders like the International Finance Centre and Bank of China Tower, showcases the prosperity of the city. Ask your guide to learn about the fascinating Feng Shui battles behind these buildings, and understand how Hong Kong entrepreneurs seek good fortune through architectural forms with the assistance of traditional culture.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is the iconic symbol of the city, renowned for its magnificent panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. If you search "Hong Kong" on Google, you are sure to come across photos of the cityscape taken from Victoria Peak - skyscrapers standing tall around the bustling harbor. Whether on a clear day with a vast blue sky or during the shimmering night with city lights, this location offers a glimpse of Hong Kong's most classic and spectacular scenery.

If you visit Victoria Peak during less crowded times, it is recommended to take a ride on the Peak Tram, a funicular train that has been in operation since 1888. (Remember to sit on the right-hand side of the tram for better views while going uphill.) Upon reaching the summit of Victoria Peak, a variety of surprises awaits. The Peak Tower offers observation decks, dining establishments, and souvenir shops (additional fees apply for access to the highest platform - Sky Terrace 428). Outside the mall, you can head to the outdoor Lions Pavilion for additional photo opportunities or take a leisurely stroll along the Peak Circle Walk, reveling in the crisp mountain air. For families with children, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Monopoly Dreams on the peak are also excellent choices.

Victoria Peak

Repulse Bay

Located on Hong Kong Island's southern coast, Repulse Bay is a charming crescent-shaped beach renowned for its soft, pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Away from the hustle city center, it is a tranquil area suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and paddling. The beachfront offers changing rooms for visitors to change and rinse off. There are also shops by the seaside that sell swimwear and rent out water sports equipment. If you visit here during the balmy months of autumn or summer, consider indulging in the simple pleasures of seaside relaxation. For those not inclined to take a dip or sunbathe, taking a leisurely stroll along the Seaview Promenade is also a delightful way to unwind.

The adjacent area features a charming Tin Hau Temple, where locals pay homage to the sea goddess, seeking her blessings for safe maritime voyages and a touch of good fortune. In addition to the beach and the temple, The Pulse shopping mall near Repulse Bay offers a variety of tempting dining options. You can choose from relaxed seaside cafés with a casual vibe to upscale restaurants serving exquisite cuisine.

Stanley Market

Nestled along the picturesque Stanley Peninsula in southern Hong Kong, Stanley Market is a vibrant open-air marketplace, offering a delightful fusion of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Cherished by both locals and international visitors, the market boasts an array of unique Chinese style handmade crafts, antiques, clothing, and accessories. It's a perfect destination for those seeking souvenirs to share with friends and family. (Note that the market operates from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with many shops opening around noon, making midday or afternoon visits ideal for the best browsing experience.)

Adjacent to the market, the Stanley Promenade invites leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to relish the sea breeze and take in views of fishing boats and yachts. You can grab a drink at one of the nearby bars or cafes and unwind in front of the beautiful harbor. As you walk along the shoreline, you'll come across the historically rich Blake Pier and Murray House, relocated from Central to Stanley. For dining options, Stanley offers a diverse culinary experience, ranging from fast-food chains to upscale seaside restaurants, ensuring a satisfying gastronomic journey.

Stanley Market

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is a famous Taoist temple in Hong Kong, paying homage to Wong Tai Sin, a legendary Taoist deity acclaimed for bestowing good fortune and healing. The temple enjoys profound respect from both local residents and visitors hailing from mainland China. In addition to Wong Tai Sin, the temple also enshrines many other deities: The God of Wealth oversees financial blessings, the Matchmaker deity fosters romantic unions, and the Fertility Guanyin extends blessings for family prosperity... On traditional Chinese auspicious days, many people visit the temple, seeking blessings and guidance from the divine.

A distinctive ritual at the temple is Kau Cim. Visitors can gain insights into this practice by shaking a cylindrical container containing sticks with inscriptions. The fallen stick corresponds to a written oracle, offering answers to questions or guidance on various aspects of life. Visitors can note the number on the fallen stick, scan a QR code on the wall for an explanation, or seek more detailed interpretations at the fortune-telling stalls. Wong Tai Sin Temple has a dedicated building for fortune-telling services, where skilled practitioners use your birthdate or features like facial expressions and palm lines to speculate about your life's circumstances and offer suggestions for improvement. While this isn't entirely scientific, it's recommended to view this activity as a cultural experience rather than blindly believing in it.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Local Markets

The local street markets serve as vibrant snapshots of authentic Hong Kong living. Nestled near aged residential areas, these markets have no opulent décor, often residing in open-air spaces. These places have captured the attention of Hollywood filmmakers, such as the producers behind "Geostorm," who aim to capture the true essence of local life and bring these markets to the big screen.

Among the more famous markets is Ladies' Market in Mong Kok, known for selling a variety of clothing, accessories, and trinkets. There's also Goldfish Street, specializing in selling various types of goldfish and unique aquarium supplies. Another noteworthy spot is the Temple Street Night Market, bustling with local street food stalls and vendors selling a variety of paintings and handmade crafts. If you feel that the prices at these markets are too high, you can try negotiating with the shops. There is room for bargaining, and haggling is a common, though unspoken, practice between local sellers and buyers.

Goldfish Market

Lantau Island With the Big Buddha

Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island, a hidden gem that blends natural beauty with rich culture, providing a sanctuary for the soul. Taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is the optimal way to reach the island, treating you to views of the South China Sea, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, verdant mountains, and the iconic Tian Tan Buddha statue. Located in Lantau, the Tian Tan Buddha is the world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha. Ascending the 268 steps to reach the statue's base allows you to explore the internal Buddhist art heritage. The adjacent Po Lin Monastery, with its intricate architecture and tranquil courtyards, enhances the solemn and serene atmosphere.

Ngong Ping Village, neighboring the Big Buddha, serves as a shopping hub, where tourists can purchase various traditional souvenirs and consecrated items. For an enriched cultural experience, try out the Buddhist vegetarian food here, connecting yourself with the island's spiritual essence. If you are a meat enthusiast, many restaurants in Ngong Ping Village also offer diverse dining options.

While on Lantau, consider extending your journey to Tai O, a charming fishing village known for its stilt houses and traditional lifestyle. A boat trip through Tai O brings you up close to the distinctive houses and offers the chance to catch a glimpse of the resident pink dolphins.

West Kowloon Cultural District

The West Kowloon Cultural District is an evolving comprehensive cultural and arts hub, prominently featured as Hong Kong's new cultural landmark actively promoted by the government. It brings together the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+ Art Museum, as well as Freespace, Xiqu Centre, and Art Park. As supporting facilities in other areas are not fully completed yet, visitors to the West Kowloon Cultural District are recommended to focus on experiencing the Palace Museum and M+ Museum.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Palace Museum, exhibiting a portion of the Palace Museum's collection along with artifacts from museums worldwide. M+ Museum is a contemporary art museum showcasing visual arts, design, architecture, and moving image works. (Admission fees are required for visiting these two museums.)

Outlying Islands

If you're planning an extended stay in Hong Kong and aiming to explore beyond the well-trodden attractions, the outlying islands present excellent options. Cheung Chau Island invites you to embrace the charm of an old fishing village. You can navigate residential areas on a rented bike, relishing the island's tranquility while indulging in renowned street food like fish balls and fresh seafood.

Lamma Island offers hands-on experience with fishing, rope weaving, and salted fish-making workshops at Lamma Fisherfolk's Village. Alternatively, you can explore scenic hiking trails and simply savor the natural beauty. On Peng Chau Island, you can avoid the bustling crowds, quietly photograph the island, take a stroll in a place without commercial tourist traps, and experience the simplicity of local life.

The convenient ferry services in the city make it easy for visitors to travel back and forth from the city center to these outlying islands, allowing you to embark on a day or half-day urban escape.

Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Perched on the 100th floor of the towering International Commerce Centre (ICC), Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck offers more than just a view - it's a front-row seat to a 360-degree panoramic view of Hong Kong's urban landscape, even offering glimpses into Macau. Here, you can experience a skyline that elevates beyond the perspective from the ground. You can identify various iconic landmarks of Hong Kong, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the city's composition and regional distribution. If the timing is right, you might even witness the breathtaking beauty of a sunset or the city lights at night.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park is a marine-themed park that integrates entertainment, education, and conservation. Visitors can encounter various precious marine and land animals here, such as walruses, penguins, dolphins, pandas, etc. The park offers various interactive activities with small animals, including Penguin Expedition, Giant Panda Discovery, Red Panda Keeper, Dolphin Encounter, and more. The park also hosts daily scheduled marine animal performances for the public. In addition to exploring the animal exhibits, the park features an amusement park with thrilling rides and roller coasters, providing joy for both adults and children.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Disneyland, a magical realm that needs no introduction, is also waiting for you and your family in Hong Kong. Despite its compact size, Hong Kong Disneyland proudly features the world's first and largest Frozen-themed land: the enchanting World of Frozen. For devoted Disney and Frozen fans, this is an absolute must-visit, for the first time in forever experience!

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Adjacent to the Avenue of Stars, standing on the shores of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is a treasure not to be missed for art and photography enthusiasts. Regardless of your level of art appreciation, this place will leave you amazed. This is not a dull museum with a mere collection of exhibits; instead, it is an art paradise where you can immerse yourself in various galleries through sound, images, and settings - even the chairs in the corridors next to the escalators change according to the exhibition theme. The museum houses a vast collection of Chinese artworks, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and more, as well as other international artworks. Traditional art, contemporary art, Eastern and Western art, you can find it all here.

Hong Kong Science Museum

The Hong Kong Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui is an exciting place for hands-on scientific exploration. With interactive exhibits covering physics, biology, astronomy, and more, the museum is designed to capture the interest of visitors of all ages.

It goes beyond traditional learning by encouraging visitors to actively participate in experiments and interactive displays, turning education into an enjoyable adventure. This museum is not just a place to gain knowledge but also an ideal spot to personally experience the wonders of science. Suitable for coming with family!

Above is a collection of the best places to go in Hong Kong, hoping to spark some travel inspiration for you. If you'd like to tailor your Hong Kong tour based on your interests and travel dates, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.