Hong Kong is a place known for mouth-watering dim sum, gleaming skyscrapers and vivacious shopping culture. Beyond that, the city has so much more to offer. Walking among densely packed streets, you’ll find this brightly illuminated city has a unique liveliness that lives up to its nickname – “The Pearl of the Orient”. In fact, you’ll never run short of things to do in Hong Kong.
If you’re living in Singapore, then you have even more reason to consider Hong Kong given the recent news about the latest travel bubble opening up between the two city states.
READ MORE: Get to know the ins-and-outs of the city with our Hong Kong travel guide.
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Hong Kong, this is a place you can’t get bored of. Be prepared to fill your itinerary with the 12 top things to do in Hong Kong right now.
What to do in Hong Kong?
- Take in the view at Victoria Peak
- Unwind in the infamous Lan Kwai Fong street
- Indulge in street food
- Go broke or die trying in a shoppers’ paradise
- Explore the New Territories
- Take a walk in the neon-lit city
- Spend a day at the happiest place on Earth
- Hong Kong after dark in Temple Street Night Market
- Drive a hard bargain in Ladies’ Market
- Go on exhilarating rides in Ocean Park
- Ultimate Dim Sum experience in the city’s oldest tea house
- Aquatic escape to Sai Kung
1. Take in the view at Victoria Peak
Also known as The Peak, this 396-metre mountain looks out onto the iconic Hong Kong skyline. Even the journey up is riveting enough to make a visit worthwhile. The Peak Tram is one of the world’s oldest funicular railways and now offers spectacular views of Hong Kong on its ascent.
Once at the top, head to Peak Circle Walk or Lugard Road Lookout for a panoramic view of the districts and Victoria Harbour.
2. Unwind in the infamous Lan Kwai Fong street
Lan Kwai Fong comes to life right after dark as revellers flock to the well-known bar street. While there are popular areas(e.g SoHo, Kowloon) among locals, this is the jewel of the crown of nightspots. From gritty bars to upscale clubs like Ce La Vie, this L-shaped street screams quintessential Hong Kong – loud, busy and exciting.
It is often considered the hub of Hong Kong nightlife and a consistent entry on list of what to do in Hong Kong.
3. Indulge in street food
In Hong Kong, people love good food. Long-hailed as the culinary capital of Asia, Hong Kong has a vibrant street food scene that cannot be explored in a few days. When in doubt about what to do in Hong Kong, just pop by the popular food areas in the city and let your stomach be your guide. It is also a great way to explore the Hong Kong nightlife.
We’d recommend starting out with the most popular ones: curry fishballs, roasted chestnuts, eggettes, egg tarts and pineapple buns.
4. Go broke or die trying in a shoppers’ paradise
A trip to this shopper’s paradise will unearth many good buys with the best value and variety. Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui is the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong, at two million square feet, and will definitely keep you occupied for an entire day.
If you’re not into mainstream shopping, check out the independent local brands tucked away in Kowloon and Causeway Bay.
READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
5. Explore the New Territories
In Hong Kong, all the action is condensed in the city and people often stay in the tourist hotspots. Made up of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories, this island city boasts many scenic views beyond its urban landscape. Venturing out to the New Territories, you’ll find neighbourhoods steeped in culture and history.
If you do, check out Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, just to name a few.
6. Take a walk in the neon-lit city
Neon signs are the hallmark of Hong Kong in the 1960s, introducing businesses from department stores to pharmacies. The iconic glowing signs are littered all over the bustling city, but slowly disappearing from view and being replaced by LED signs. While not what it used to be in its heyday, much of this city’s commercial areas still gleams with colour.
Grab this chance to explore the remnants of a dying visual culture, and take photographs while you’re at it.
7. Spend a day at the happiest place on Earth
Who doesn’t love Disneyland? Enough said. Situated in Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is only a short 30-minute MTR ride from the airport or Kowloon station.
Get a taste of Disney magic on world-famous themed rides and local attractions like cartoon shaped dim sum.
8. Hong Kong after dark in Temple Street Night Market
When the sun goes down, the night markets come up. An area which hasn’t seen much gentrification, Yau Ma Tei, a.k.a Hong Kong’s red-light district, is perhaps slightly dingy.
That hasn’t stopped Temple Street from turning into a hub for street grub, old-school singing houses, fortune tellers and peddlers.
READ MORE: 10 of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night
9. Drive a hard bargain in Ladies’ Market
Even if knock-off goods and kitschy souvenirs aren’t your thing, strolling through this market is an experience in itself. Right adjacent to Ladies’ Market are a few other streets with the same open-air markets. It’ll be easy to get a good bargain from one of the many stalls selling the same items.
From womens’ clothing to bags and souvenirs, the first rule of Ladies’ Market is never to accept the first offer.
10. Go on exhilarating rides in Ocean Park
Hong Kong’s very own marine-themed park is just a short ride from the city centre. Upon reaching the entrance, you’ll be greeted with aquatic features and adorable statues leading you to the cable car station. Ocean Park is also home to celebrity giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le, who are 14-year residents of their conservation habitats.
The park is separated into two areas on a large mountain, which makes each ride more thrilling as you get to look out over foggy views of the sea and mountains.
11. Ultimate Dim Sum experience in the city’s oldest tea house
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without the city’s most iconic delicacy – dim sum. Lin Heung Tea House is a place that has stood the test of time and offers old-school dining style. Here, servers bring out trolley-loads of dim sum in batches and customers rush to grab what’s available.
Lin Heung is one of the few restaurants that still preserve the traditional style of serving dim sum-which is often accompanied by a hectic lunch crowd. Keep an eye out for the trolley servers, or you’ll lose your food to other hungry customers.
12. Aquatic escape to Sai Kung
With idyllic beaches, Instagram-worthy cafes on the waterfront and scenic walking trails, Sai Kung is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Over the weekend, travellers and locals alike flock to this busy seaside town for a quick getaway.
Sai Kung offers countless watersports, alfresco dining and picturesque views that could easily fill up a two-day itinerary. The place is also home to not one, but two Michelin-starred restaurants, Sing Kee and Loaf On.
