My first trip to Hong Kong was a quick 36-hour layover en route to Indonesia. After stuffing myself with delicious food and experiencing many of Hong Kong’s most interesting tourist attractions, I vowed to come back as soon as I could.
Almost a decade later, I finally returned, this time with a week to spare to dig into all the fun things to do in Hong Kong. Although my second brush with Kowloon wasn’t quite as savoury, I quickly found the mojo again as I explored old favourites like Temple Street Night Market and Victoria Peak, and new ones like Tai O, the Dragon’s Back, and the Big Buddha.
Here’s exactly what I’d plan to see & do in Hong Kong as a first-time visitor…
Marvel at Hong Kong from above at Victoria Peak
Even if I only had one day in Hong Kong, I wouldn’t miss out on visiting Victoria Peak. Located on the western side of Hong Kong Island, this famous mountain is one of Hong Kong’s must-see attractions, thanks to its stunning city views. And after heading up here on both my trips to Hong Kong, it’s one of my favourite spots in the city.
The vista over Hong Kong Island and across Victoria Harbor to the Kowloon waterfront from Victoria Peak is the most classic panorama I’ve seen in the city. I’d seen it in countless photos and movies (going back as far as Bloodsport when I was a youngin), but it didn’t quite prepare me for what it was like to stand here in person.
Getting up to Victoria Peak is half the fun. Although I enjoyed hiking up on my last trip, the most scenic route up (and, in my opinion, the best choice if you’re travelling to Hong Kong with kids) is via the Peak Tram.
This famous cable car has been running the 1.4-kilometer route up to The Peak since 1888. The views from the Peak Tram, while not quite as epic as from the summit, are spectacular. I’d recommend it for any first-time visitor to Hong Kong.
PRO TIP: I’ve gotta warn you that the Peak Tram route is insanely popular. Unless you’re keen on wasting an entire morning in the queue, I’d recommend picking up a Skip-the-Line Peak Tram Ticket. The ticket includes a return tram ride and a chance to take in the amazing views from the observation deck at The Sky Terrace 428 in Peak Tower.
Trounce through Temple Street Night Market
If I wanted to whittle away an evening in Hong Kong with cheap shopping and food chomping, I’d head straight to Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei. If you’ve ever been to a flea market, you’ll know what to expect at one of Hong Kong’s markets.
(Although I should warn you that it may be just a little wilder than what you’re used to back home.)
The vendors at Temple Street Night Market sell everything from vintage electronics (even cassette tapes—remember those?) to a wide assortment of men’s clothing & accessories and souvenirs.
(Just don’t be shocked by the sheer volume of knock-offs; I saw a lot of them when I wandered around here!)
Of course, I didn’t just visit Temple Street Night Market multiple times to go shopping. It’s also one of the best spots in the city for street food.
When I was staying in Kowloon, I ventured here a couple of nights to grab a late-night snack at one of the open-air food stalls (dai pai dong).
Randomly choosing street food at an Asian night market is always fun. But for something a little “safer,” I’d suggest trying the tasty fried oyster omelets here.
I’d tried these out in Taipei a few years prior, and much like those ones, the oyster omelets at Temple Street Night Market were crispy on the outside, sticky on the inside (thanks to tapioca or sweet potato starch), and packed with plump, juicy oysters. Yum!
Find your inner peace at Man Mo Temple
On my first trip to Hong Kong, I didn’t manage to step into any temples. So, while staying on Hong Kong Island on the back half of my second trip, I knew I needed to check out the Man Mo Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Hong Kong.
Located on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan, Man Mo Temple holds a history that slips back into the mid-19th century. The temple’s name derives from the two main deities worshipped here: “Man,” the God of Literature, and “Mo,” the God of War.
Even after visiting my fair share of temples elsewhere in East Asia (including in Japan and Taiwan), Man Mo Temple struck me as a little different. The cozy interior doesn’t showcase the same grandeur as others I’d seen in the region or even in Hong Kong itself.
The distinctive feature at Man Mo Temple is the hanging coils of burning incense, which gave me an instant sense of calm as I entered. If I were spending a day exploring Hong Kong Island, this would be one of my first stops.
Chase Cantonese culinary delights at Tim Ho Wan
It’s not often that I’d stick a restaurant onto a list of what to do in a city. But I’m willing to bet that the eating at Tim Ho Wan could turn into one of the highlights of your first trip to Hong Kong.
Tim Ho Wan serves some of the best food in Hong Kong. (And I’m not the only one saying it.)
The Cantonese delights prepared by chef Mak Kwai-Pui at Tim Ho Wan were enough to crank foodies’ heads at Michelin, who bestowed one of its prestigious stars upon the restaurant.
Whereas many restaurants in the Michelin Guide (even others in Hong Kong) practically require you to sell a kidney to foot the bill, Tim Ho Wan is surprisingly affordable.
(In fact, I’ve seen Tim Ho Wan listed as one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.)
Although the original location is, sadly, no longer with us, there are several other Tim Ho Wan locations scattered throughout Hong Kong, including at Hong Kong Station in Central (map), Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po (map), and K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui (map).
Settle into the perpetual queue and wait out your chance to chow down on some of the tastiest ha jiao (shrimp dumplings) and char siu (BBQ pork) buns that will ever touch your lips. Anywhere.
Awaken your spirits at Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
It’s a two-for-one deal when you set aside time to visit Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
When the city noise wore upon me after a couple of days in Kowloon, I knew I needed an escape from the bustle of the city. Heading to Lantau Island to visit Po Lin Monastery was my answer.
(Although I definitely did NOT escape the crowds of tourists here.)
Set among greenery that spills into the sea outside of Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery isn’t just a pretty face; it’s an active place of worship.
As I walked into the Buddhist temple complex, I could see how it attracted not only tourists but also the devout from far and wide to pay respects and present offerings.
Slinking inside the monastery’s Main Shrine Hall of Buddha, I felt tiny against the grand, towering ceilings. I couldn’t get enough of the intricate details throughout the hall, both inside and out.
Three bronze Buddha statues sit at the center, Sakyamuni in the middle flanked by two acolyte figures, one noticeably older-looking than the other. At the exterior, the elaborately carved pillars and blue/green eaves carry the orange roof tiles.
Po Lin Monastery dwells in the shadow of another must-see: Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha). The monument was built in 1993, so it’s hardly an ancient relic. But I still think it’s one Hong Kong attraction first-time visitors can’t skip.
Tian Tan Buddha soars 34 meters, facing north toward mainland China. Getting up close means climbing 268 steps. My legs were burning by the time I got to the top, but the views of the sea and the surrounding mountains made every step worth it.
Getting to Po Lin and the Big Buddha is part of the experience. I waited over 40 minutes in line for a ticket on the Ngong Ping 360, a cable car that runs between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping Village in the hills of Lantau Island.
The wait tested my patience, but the cable car ride itself was one of the highlights of my day, thanks to the incredible views over Lantau Island and the South China Sea.
Chug across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry
After traveling to over 50 countries, I’ve been on quite a few boat rides. None was as cheap, quick, and awe-striking as the journey across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry.
Long before Hong Kong became a well-to-do global city, the Star Ferry was Hong Kong Island’s only public transportation connection to the Kowloon peninsula. It was built by the British in 1888, long before they handed HK back to China in the late 20th century.
Pinch together as little as HK$4 ($0.51), and you can hop onto what’s easily the best value harbor cruise I’ve ever hopped on in the whole world. The three times I took the 8- to 10-minute voyage on the Star Ferry, I couldn’t rip my eyes away from the stunning views of Kowloon to the north and Hong Kong Island to the south.
The ferry launches every 6-12 minutes from the Kowloon Public Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui to Central on Hong Kong Island. And for first-time visitors to Hong Kong (and the ridiculously low ferry fare), I think this one’s an absolute no-brainer.
Watch the Symphony of Lights from the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade
Even by day, I haven’t seen many better skyline views than the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. The true magic of this sometimes-kitschy boardwalk (yes, Bruce Lee statue—I’m looking at you!) happens, though, in the evening.
On both of my trips to Hong Kong, I walked down to the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade several times after dark to soak up the clity views. When 8 o’clock strikes, the buildings of Hong Kong’s business district erupt in color as the nightly Symphony of Lights starts its dance.
The views across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade during the Symphony of Lights are simply fantastic. Seeing them at least once is one of the must-do activities in Hong Kong.
Set up your tripod and camera alongside dozens of other amateur photographers to capture the dancing lights overtaking the skyline from this unique vantage point.
If you’re visiting the promenade on a day tour through Tsim Sha Tsui, be sure to take a stroll along the Avenue of Stars. The city’s take on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this landmark celebrates Hong Kong’s film industry, with over a hundred singers, directors, producers, and actors emblazoned on its stones.
Keep on the lookout for the famous 2.5-meter Bruce Lee statue, located near the pedestrian bridge over Salisbury Road.
Want an even more memorable experience? Book a Victoria Harbour night cruise timed with the light show, including unlimited free drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks).
Slurp down wontons at Mak’s Noodle
Even before I booked my first layover, I knew that Hong Kong’s food scene was legendary. On my second trip, I was finally able to gobble down one of the city’s most popular dishes at one of its most famous restaurants: Mak’s Noodle.
Located at 77 Wellington Street in the Central District, Mak’s Noodle is jam-packed all day with foodies right to chow down mostly on one dish: its famous wonton noodle soup.
When I heard that the recipe had been passed down and perfected over three generations of Maks, I knew it had to be good. After a a long morning hike on the Dragon’s Back Trail, I had my chance to test out the theory. And, oh man, it did NOT disappoint.
Their classic shrimp wontons and noodle soup was simply divine. They practically melted in my mouth in a silky waterfall with just the perfect blast of umami to light up your taste buds. The noodles were perfectly springy, with the broth seeming to hold its texture firm rather than trying to be the star of the show.
Undoubtedly, this dish was some of the tastiest food I tried while in Hong Kong.
(I’d also give high praise to their beef brisket noodle soup, which is more or less the same dish but topped with an impossibly juicy mound of slow-braised beef on top. I’d highly recommend it if you want to add a little more protein to the meal.)
Dig through the past at the Hong Kong Museum of History
Although I didn’t spend much time in museums while visiting HK, if I were a history buff, the fascinating Hong Kong Museum of History would be at the top of my bucket list.
The exhibits at the Hong Kong Museum of History dig way back into the territory’s past. (And I do mean waaaaay back, 400 million years or so.) The museum’s exhibitions cover everything from archeology to history to the culture of Hong Kong and other areas in South China.
The museum’s main permanent exhibition, “The Hong Kong Story,” reopened in 2026 after a six-year renovation. It now runs across 10 galleries on a single floor instead of the original eight galleries split over two floors.
The new exhibition is organized around four themes: Roots of Culture, East Meets West, Coalition Against Japanese Aggression, and Hong Kong as a Global Metropolis.
If I had a rainy afternoon in Kowloon, I’d rather spend it here than at most other indoor attractions in the city, especially now that the exhibits include artifacts like a replica tram and a statue of Qing dynasty official Lin Zexu.
I’d suggest giving yourself at least 2 hours at the Hong Kong Museum of History. That should be enough time for most first-time visitors to move through all four galleries without rushing past the artifacts.
Re-live your childhood at Hong Kong Disneyland
If I were traveling to Hong Kong with kids, Hong Kong Disneyland would be one of my first additions to my itinerary. The fifth installment of one of the world’s most famous theme parks, this fun-filled attraction hardly needs an introduction.
Much like in its sister parks elsewhere in the world, families will experience the magic from the moment they enter the park.
Among the most popular attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland is Adventureland. The whole family will love cruising through jungle landscapes on the Jungle River Cruise, passing animatronic elephants and gorillas along the water.
Don’t miss out on visiting Fantasyland, where Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, and other classic Disney characters come to life.
Elsewhere at Hong Kong Disneyland, Mystic Point is home to Mystic Manor, a trackless ride through a museum where a mischievous pet monkey named Albert accidentally brings the exhibits to life.
Mystic Manor is exclusive to the Hong Kong park, and I think it’d be worth building a stop around if your kids like a bit of spook mixed with the magic.
Burn some calories en route to Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
If I wanted to get off the usual tourist path in Hong Kong, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery would be one of my first picks. At this temple, located in Pai Tau Village about 30 minutes from Mong Kok, more than—you guessed it!—ten thousand miniature Buddha statues adorn the walls.
Bring some (or, in summer, lots of) water and an energy bar, and prepare for a thigh-burning trek up over 400 stairs to the complex. The stairway is lined by several gilded Buddhas. Each offers a unique and impressive distraction should you want to take the trip more slowly.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for the wild monkeys who call the area home. After having run-ins with wild monkeys more than once around Asia, I’d caution you be careful with your belongings around these cheeky little dudes.
(You’ll want to keep your camera intact to capture the views after expending so much energy to get up there!)
To get to the temple, find your way to Sha Tin MTR Station on the East Rail Line. From Exit B, follow Pai Tau Street, holding left until you see the Homesquare shopping mall and Sheung Wo Che Street. Turn right here and follow the street to the end. Signposts mark the path to the calorie-torching stairwell.
Experience the seaside charms of Tai O
After roaming the busy streets of Kowloon and Central on my second trip, I would never have imagined discovering a place like Tai O. This small fishing village is a relatively quick metro and bus ride away from the city, and shows off a character I’d normally expect much further off the beaten path.
I squeezed in a visit to Tai O after checking out the Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha in nearby Ngong Ping Village, just 20 minutes away by bus. Although it’s hardly an undiscovered spot, I was more enamoured by it than the most obviously touristy Ngong Ping Village.
Now one of my favorite day trips from Hong Kong, Tai O has all the trappings of a bygone seaside village. Tai O’s Tanka inhabitants still adhere to age-old fishing traditions, with smells of fresh and dried seafood lingering among the market stalls.
Although I loved walking among the throng of unusual houses, one of the most popular activities in Tai O is to take a quick cruise around the shoreline.
Besides wearing out your shutter button among the throng of unusual houses, one of the most popular activities in Tai O is to take a dolphin-watching cruise around the shoreline from Tung Chung to spot its famous rare pink dolphins.
Unfortunately, due to increasing pressure from pollution and overdevelopment, pink dolphins numbers have been dwindling heavily. (For more information and to see how you can support their preservation, visit Hong Kong DolphinWatch.)
To get to Tai O, take the MTR to Tung Chung. From here, it’s about a one-hour bus ride on bus 11 to Tai O Fishing Village.
For an even more interesting route (and the one I did and would recommend), I’d take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping Village from Tung Chung.
Spend time exploring Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha, before boarding bus 21 for the 20-minute ride to Tai O.
I’d plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Tai O. This’ll give you enough time to explore Tai O Market, admire the stilted hours, and enjoy some street food.
Settle down for an afternoon tea (and dim sum) at Luk Yu Tea House
One of the things that surprised me most about Hong Kong was the city’s penchant for afternoon tea. And there’s perhaps no better place to do it than at the colonial Luk Yu Teahouse (24-26 Stanley) in Central.
I’m sure there are friendlier places in the city to experience the tradition. The waitstaff at Luk Yu Teahouse move fast and expect you to keep up.
Don’t expect small talk, and don’t expect anyone to slow down for you if you’re still deciding. But it’s hard to argue with a restaurant that’s been around since 1933 and is considered the city’s oldest.
When I ducked my head in, the wood-panelled walls, carved screens, and stained-glass windows felt like stepping onto a movie set from British-run Hong Kong. I had no problem picturing colonial aristocrats fussing over politics here in the long-gone days of British rule.
Even if tea isn’t your thing, Luk Yu Teahouse is a popular place for lunchtime dim sum. I’d go for the shrimp dumplings. They’re one of the dishes Luk Yu is most known for.
Walk the Wan Chai Heritage Trail
I didn’t expect Hong Kong to have much of an “old town” until I walked the Wan Chai Heritage Trail. Located just next to Central and Admiralty on Hong Kong Island, the Wan Chai district is one of the oldest parts of the settlement.
Walking through this neighborhood while staying on Hong Kong Island on my second trip, I found some of the Chinese territory’s most compelling historical attractions packed into a surprisingly small area.
The full walk along the Wan Chai Heritage Trail takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll run into several important historic properties, including the unmistakable Blue House, Wan Chai Market, and Pak Tai Temple.
Of the three, I’d recommend not rushing Pak Tai Temple. It’s the largest temple on Hong Kong Island, and it incense-filled main hall is worth sitting with at a relaxed pace before moving on.
PRO TIP: Although it was once a dodgy red-light district, Wan Chai has cleaned up its act to become one of the more popular nightlife areas in Hong Kong. If I were visiting in the evening, I’d explore the streets around Lockhart Road. Options I’ve seen while walking around here include everything from sipping beer with new friends in dive bars to enjoying signature drinks in upscale cocktail lounges.
Explore the past in Lai Chi Wo
Most travelers know Hong Kong simply for its urban sprawl. But there’s far more to the territory than the city lights, skyscrapers, traffic, and dim sum. If I wanted a real break from all that, I’d head over to Lai Chi Wo.
This Hakka village is located in Plover Cove Country Park on the northeastern fringes of the New Territories, towards the Mainland China border.
Lai Chi Wo dates back hundreds of years and is one of Hong Kong’s most interesting sights. Over 200 houses pepper Lai Chi Wo alongside three ancestral halls and two temples.
Feng shui woodlands, traditionally maintained and curated by the Hakka villagers, and intertwining mangroves surround the well-preserved village. The dense and fertile terrain both sustained the village and served as natural protection.
In a densely populated city like Hong Kong, Lai Chi Wo can seem a bit out of the way. (Isn’t that part of the charm, though?)
To get to Lai Chi Wo from Kowloon using Hong Kong’s public transportation, hop onto the MRT at Mong Kok East, heading towards Tai Po Market Station. At the minibus stop, take either 20C or 20R to Wu Kau Tang. From here, it’s a 4.4-km walk (about 1h15m) through relaxing woodlands to Lai Chi Wo.
Chill out in Sai Kung Country Park
I’ve already given several options for escaping Hong Kong’s big-city vibes. But among the coolest places I’ve seen to escape the grind is Sai Kung Country Park, a protected area on the far eastern fringes of the New Territories.
Sai Kung Country Park is famous for hosting some of the most popular hiking trails in Hong Kong. But the biggest drawcard here might be its beaches.
If I had a full day free in Sai Kung Country Park, I’d spend it on the MacLehose Trail. It starts at Pak Tam Chung and follows a route to Long Ke Wan, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. I’d budget about 3 hours to get there, plus time to actually enjoy the beach once you arrive.
Part of the Hong Kong Geopark, Long Ke Wan is a crescent of white sand backed by hexagonal volcanic rock formations. It’s calmer than most beaches in the area.
If you want bigger waves, Tai Long Wan, a beach further along the same trail, is the better call. For an actual swim, I’d lean towards cooling down from my hike at Long Ke Wan.
