19 Places to Visit in Hong Kong + Things To Do for First-Timers

A gawk-worthy modern skyline and exciting urban attractions are the top reasons that got me on a plane to Hong Kong on my first trip abroad.

This country is very compact and getting around is easy. You can enjoy a lot of sights even on a short trip if you plan your itinerary well.

The best places to visit depends on what types of attractions you like the most. Take your pick from shopping districts, theme parks, cultural experiences, museums, historical spots, urban views, dining, harbor cruises & more.

Inspire your trip in Hong Kong with this list of the best tourist spots & top things to do.

1. Victoria Peak

Location: The Peak, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

The breathtaking panoramic view from Victoria Peak is Hong Kong’s most popular attraction for a good reason. Enjoy the best views overlooking the city’s famous skyline and Victoria Harbor, complete with all of Hong Kong’s tallest and most famous skyscrapers. The scenic and thrilling The Peak Tram is a worthy attraction on its own. Here, you can also visit the famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Trick Eye Museum.

How to go:

Ride the MTR to Central. Take the J2 exit and walk to the Peak Tram lower terminus along Garden Road. Board The Peak Tram to get to The Peak Tower. You may go to Victoria Peak more cheaply by taking the bus and go trekking along the Peak Circle Walk. There are a couple of scenic viewing decks along the way. The bus ride down the steep roads of the hill has its own thrills. It’s a good alternative if you want to take a different route back to Central Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

Admission fee — Ticket price for the Peak Tram Sky Pass (The Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428) is HKD83 per adult for a return journey.

See also: Hong Kong Itinerary | Hong Kong and Macau | Singapore Tourist Spots | Places to visit in Japan | Where to go in Taiwan.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference.

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2. Disneyland Hong Kong

Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Traveling with kids or adults who want to feel like a kid again? Experience a magical adventure at Hong Kong Disneyland. It is the second Disney-themed amusement park in Asia after Tokyo Disneyland.

How to go:

Very easy to get to since it’s connected with the MTR train system. Take the Orange MTR Line to Sunny Bay and switch to Disneyland Resort “Pink” MTR Line.

Best time to visit is in the afternoon if you want to explore the park and watch the beautiful fireworks show at Sleeping Beauty Castle, which lights up the sky every night at 9PM (weather permitting). Go to Main Street at least 15-minutes early to get a good spot before the crowds join in.

Disneyland Hong Kong Travel Essentials

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Admission fee — The Hong Kong Disneyland ticket price is HKD499 per adult for a 1-day general admission.

3. Ngong Ping

Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the “Big Buddha,” is literally the biggest attraction this side of Lantau Island. It is the World’s largest outdoor sitting Buddha that is made of bronze. See the Po Lin Monastery & Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery famous for its hall with almost 13,000 miniature Buddha statues. The best way to get there is through the fabulous Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, which offers panoramic views overlooking Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport, South China Sea, and surrounding areas.

How to go:

Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station. Walk to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car lower terminus and take the cable car to Ngong Ping Village.

Ngong Ping Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

Admission fee — Ticket price for the standard cabin is HKD185 per adult for a return journey and HKD130 per adult for a single journey.

4. Star Ferry & Victoria Harbour

Location: Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Not only dirt cheap, but it also offers a nostalgic ferry crossing with an amazing view of the amazing skyline on both sides of Victoria Harbor. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Hong Kong, this is it!

Admission fee — One-way ticket fare to Central Star Ferry Pier is HKD2.50 per adult on weekdays and HKD3.40 per adult on weekends and public holidays.

How to go:

From Kowloon side — Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui and proceed to Exit L4. Walk and follow the signs to Star Ferry Pier Terminal.

5. Symphony of Lights

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without a visit to Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront to enjoy the panoramic views of impressive Central Hong Kong Skyline and Victoria Harbor. This is a must for photographers. Don’t miss the Symphony of Lights, the World’s Largest Permanent light and sound Show by Guinness World Records. It lights up every night starting at 8pm and includes more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

How to go:

Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui or East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Proceed to Exit J and follow the signs to Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront.

From there, it’s an easy walk to many museums in the area including the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, and Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre. And, Hong Kong’s historic landmarks like the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower.

Symphony of Lights Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

Admission fee — No admission/entrance fees in Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront.

6. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Tsim Sha Tsui Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

7. Ocean Park

Location: Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Hong Kong’s most famous theme park and one of the World’s most popular marine-themed amusement parks. Don’t miss the giant panda habitat, a jellyfish & Chinese sturgeon aquarium, as well as the Grand Aquarium, which features the World’s largest aquarium dome. Ocean Park Hong Kong also has many decent rides for thrill seekers and an entertaining dolphin show at the Ocean Theatre.

How to go:

Ride the MTR to Admiralty station. Take Exit B and walk to the terminal of Bus 629 at the corner of Drake and Tamar Streets. Ride Bus #629 to Ocean Park. The fare is HKD10.

Ocean Park Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

Admission fee — The Ocean Park Hong Kong ticket price is HKD345 per adult for a 1-day general admission.

8. Hong Kong “Ding Ding” Tram

Location: Central, Hong Kong

9. Hong Kong street markets

Location: Kowloon, Hong Kong

10. Hong Kong outlet shops

Location: Hong Kong

11. Sky100

Location: International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Rd W, West Kowloon, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

This is another fascinating view deck for enjoying fabulous overlooking views of the skyline. Located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong, it is the only indoor observation deck in Hong Kong that offers 360-degree views of the territory and its famous Victoria Harbour.

How to go:

Take the MTR to Kowloon Station. Proceed to Exit C and follow the signs to the International Commerce Centre (ICC).

Sky100 Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

Admission fee — Standard entry price on Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck costs HKD134 when booked online and HKD168 per adult for walk-ins.

12. HK Central Business District

Location: Central, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

13. Man Mo Temple

Location: Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

14. Lan Kwai Fong

Location: 1 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

15. Tai O Fishing Village

Location: Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Tai O Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

16. Repulse Bay

Location: Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

17. Dragon’s Back Hike

Location: Shek O, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Dragon’s Back Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

18. Lantau Peak

Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Lantau Peak Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

19. Braemar Hill

Location: Tai Tam, Hong Kong. Save on Google Maps.

Singapore

Location: Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps.

Singapore Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares

Beyond Hong Kong

Macau

Location: Southeast China, East Asia. Save on Google Maps.

Macau Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares

Taiwan

Location: East Asia. Save on Google Maps.

Taiwan Travel Essentials

Tours + discountsCheck Fares

Japan

Location: East Asia. Save on Google Maps.

Japan Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Hong Kong that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong tourist spots, things to do in Hong Kong, where to go in Hong Kong & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Book your way to Hong Kong

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Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and Central are the best areas to stay in Hong Kong. TST offers a wider variety when it comes to prices. You can find hostels/guesthouses catering to backpackers and low budget travelers as well as 5-star hotels. Meanwhile, hotels in Central caters to a more upscale crowd.

If you're set on a splurge, choose a hotel near the waterfront for sweeping views of Hong Kong's skyline and Victoria Harbour. In this case, stay in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), which offers a view of the more impressive Central Hong Kong's skyline.

The neighborhoods of Jordan, Mong Kok, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai are also great options as these places are located next to Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. If you plan to stay in these areas, remember to choose a location within easy walking distance to an MTR train station.

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Hong Kong Essentials & Top Discounts

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Don’t Stop Here

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