This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
The list of top things to do in Hong Kong is an endless one. From shopping to sightseeing, Hong Kong offers even the pickiest of travellers something special to see and buy. I’ve been to Hong Kong dozens of times thanks to family ties and here I’ve compiled a list of the best sightseeing and shopping experiences that I think are worth doing.
You’re in the right place if you’re a traveller who wants to see the top sights and who wants to pamper themselves with some budget to splurge-worthy shopping. Get my free 7-day fillable travel planner to start noting down all the highlights. With my travel planner, you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the top things to do in Hong Kong.
Pack light (because you’ll shop plenty) and get ready to admire the best that Hong Kong has to offer.
Basics About Hong Kong to Know Before You Go
Language: Locals mainly speak Cantonese Chinese, but Mandarin Chinese is common too. Most businesses are also comfortable speaking in English.
Entry requirements: Check the official immigration department of Hong Kong for visa requirements. See also my travel guide for first-timers to Hong Kong for what to expect before you go.
Currency: the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
Voltage: 220 volts. Hong Kong uses the 3-pronged UK-style plugs. See my post on Travel Handbag Essentials: What to Pack (and Skip) for tips on what plug adapters to buy.
Major Train Station: The MTR subway system is the best way for getting around Hong Kong. It’s fast, timely, and inexpensive.
Major Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Best time to visit: During the colder months of November to February or April. It gets really hot and humid starting in April, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Quick Travel Tips for Hong Kong
Get practical tips on how to get around Hong Kong and the best places to stay.
How to get around Hong Kong
🎫 Octopus Card – Get a reloadable Octopus card at any 7/11 to ride the Airport Express and MTR.
Best hotel picks
🎨 Hotel Stage (Kowloon) – Artful, modern, and quiet. Walkable to Jordan MTR. Great value-for-comfort stay.
🌟 The Peninsula (Tsim Sha Tsui) – Grand dame of luxury. Spa tubs, skyline views, and Rolls-Royce transfers. A deluxe stay.
🛋️ 99 Bonham (Sheung Wan) – Stylish and central. Little service, but great for independent travellers.
🌆 The Hari (Wan Chai) – Mid-premium experience with harbour views and friendly service. Close to Central and the airport.
Tour the Hong Kong Landmarks
It’s true that many of the options below can be touristy, but I still think they’re worth visiting. You shouldn’t leave Hong Kong without visiting major landmarks I’ve listed below if it’s your first time in Hong Kong.
Tsim Sha Tsui and the Avenue of Stars
A boardwalk right along the harbour of Tsim Sha Tsui with the most famous view of Victoria Harbour. Best part: it’s free to walk! Definitely come here during the day and in the evening to catch both views of the skyscrapers.
All the towers are lit up at night and they flash advertising and play funky animations, making it a great chance to get some night time photos. Walk down further to the Avenue of Stars to view some celebrity handprints and the great statue of Bruce Lee.
Sail the Star Ferry
This little wooden boat has been in operation since British Colonial rule. The Star Ferry ferries passengers back and forth from Kowloon to Hong Kong island and it’s a fun and breezy way to get a great view of Hong Kong.
It’s cheap to ride (about 6 HKD) and the trip takes about 15 minutes. I mean, you could just take the MTR subway if you’re in a rush (the ride only takes 2 minutes to cross under the harbour!) but you won’t get to enjoy the view.
Hong Kong Museum of Art (MOA)
A fantastic and free museum to see some classical Chinese antiquities. Stroll along the corridors on each floor and the floor-to-ceiling windows give you a fantastic view of Victoria Harbour.
There’s also a restaurant here called Hue (discussed further below) which, if you walk all the way to the bar, has a wonderful view of Victoria Harbour as well. Enjoy a cup of coffee here with the incredible view. Feel like you need to maximize your changes of soaking in the view of Victoria Harbour? See my post on where to get the best views of Victoria Harbour.
Ride the Peak Tramway
The tram, leading up the peak, has been operating for over 130 years. Take this tram up over 1300 feet to get an impeccable view of both sides of Hong Kong. Once at the top, make sure to head to the Sky Terrace for the view. It gets pretty windy up there so watch your belongings.
Lantau Island for the Big Buddha
Lantau Island is home to the giant bronze Buddha. You might even be able to spot this Buddha on top of the mountain if you’re ever riding on a bus towards Lantau Island. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up over water and mountains to land at the historical village leading to the Big Buddha.
During your cable car ride (it takes about 15 minutes for the entire trip), watch out for the airport island and you can see planes taking off. You’ll also be able to see the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge. A 55 km bridge leading from Hong Kong SAR to Macau SAR. (Macau makes for a perfect day trip from Hong Kong, by the way). Once at the top, climb up several stairs to reach the Buddha and spot the lovely monastery in the distance.
Get Your Retail Therapy At Shopping Malls In Hong Kong
New shops pop up everyday like daisies. And you can truly shop until you drop (or until you’ve emptied your bank account). Hong Kong is designed to get you to part with your money, so here are some shopping places that I think are worth spending money at.
Shopping on Nathan Road to Tsim Sha Tsui
Nathan Road is the main street in Mong Kok and there are countless clothing and tech stores along this road. There are name brands next to bargain buys next to knick knack stores. Really, you can find anything on this road. Simply stroll and walk into any store that looks interesting and you can end up all the way at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Ladies Market at Mong Kok Station
Yes, it’s a tourist spot but I love it for its eclectic mix of stuff to buy. Most of the shops sell Japanese or Korean fashion, but there’s also costume jewellery and fashion accessories you can pick up on a whim. Note that the buys here are more for fast looks rather than quality.
Park Lane Shopping Strip
A long lane of shopping where the clothing and accessories are of a much higher quality and pretty unique. The shops here are individual boutiques selling trendy outfits. I highly recommend shopping here if you want some ready-to-wear outfits where the quality is pretty decent. Again, fashion is influenced from Korea and Japan (think colourful and cute-sy) and lots of jewellery and accessories are available for sale.
MOKO Mall
A well-rounded indoor mall in Mong Kok. If you prefer some mid-tier brand names and indoor shopping then this place could be for you. The first floor sells high-end cosmetics with the higher floors selling clothing, accessories, tech gadgets. The highest floor has a food court that features some surprisingly delicious cheap eats.
Harbour City Mall at Tsim Sha Tsui
An indoor mall right by the harbour with lots of top-tier, expensive brand names to buy from. It’s splurge-worthy if you find something of high-quality you like. I personally liked visiting the MoMa design store where I found some lovely pop-up postcards. There’s a bar on the roof that’s great for a break if shopping gets too exhausting.
Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan
Also known as the antiques district because you’ll find endless stores selling Chinese antiques. Now, I’m not really sure how to tell if they’re authentic Chinese antiques or not. Some places are a bit more reputable, but definitely do your research if you’re serious about buying antiques.
My personal recommendation is to assume you’re buying a nice piece of artwork versus an authentic antique and to simply appreciate the craftsmanship for what it is. You can absolutely bargain about the price and pay what you’re comfortable with. You can always walk away if the price sounds too absurd.
Visit Temples and Heritage Sites
1881 Heritage Site
A lovely little hidden but not-so-hidden gem in the heart of downtown Kowloon. Located almost right next to the Peninsula hotel, the 1881 Heritage site was a former marine lookout where they’d warn sailors of imminent typhoons. It’s a really beautiful place with artificial waterfalls and art sculptures.
Man Mo Temple
A temple is Sheung Wan dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War. There are magnificent incense coils hanging from the ceilings and beautiful, but ghostly, hand-carved wooden gods on the altars. The temple offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s quite intimate and even feels haunted at times, but still quite a sight to see.
Hong Kong’s Magnetism is Undeniable
Hong Kong is a frenetic city that offers you life at warp speed. Once you’ve had a taste of the franticness though, you’ll be planning to return while you’re still in the city! See my guide on how to spend 24 hours in Hong Kong if you’re tight on time and want help prioritizing the top sights. Got some time to spare? Then check out my Hong Kong 3 day itinerary or even my Hong Kong 5 day itinerary for the top things to see and the best places to eat.
I’ve also got you covered on how to pack a carry-on for your trip if you don’t want to pay baggage fees. And the flight to Hong Kong could be long: up to 14 hours depending on where in the world you’re flying from. So see my post on how to travel light and still keep your skin and hair fresh while on a long-haul flight.
And don’t forget to snag my free 7-day fillable travel planner that’ll help you plan your trip without the headaches. Start filling it in with all the top things to do in Hong Kong from this post.
Tell me all about your trip to Hong Kong after you go and, most importantly, when you plan to return!
Wishing you happy travels,
Chloe
