20 Things to Do in Hong Kong for Adenturous Travellers

Everyone should visit Hong Kong at least once in their life. It’s a vibrant city bursting with adventure and cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. With a dazzling skyline, bustling night markets, breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual monasteries, there’s something for everyone here.

I loved Hong Kong, and I think you’d love it too. It was like a mix of wild landscapes with urban vibes on steroids. Hong Kong is a city for foodies with a culinary scene that will satisfy even the most adventurous palates. There are so many things to do in Hong Kong that you definitely won’t get bored.

A brief history of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s story begins with the Qing dynasty, which ruled this region for over 300 years. After losing the First Opium War in 1842, China was forced to give Hong Kong and its 230 surrounding islands to Britain. This marked the start of 156 years of British rule.

The colony grew from a small trading post into a major global city. In 1997, Hong Kong returned to China under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy. Today, this former British colony blends ancient Chinese culture with modern life. You’ll find centuries-old temples next to gleaming office towers. Street vendors sell local food while Michelin-starred restaurants serve world-class meals. This mix makes Hong Kong unique among Asian cities.

Things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. Whether you’re planning a short city break or an extended stay, the beauty of Hong Kong will leave you amazed. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong.

1. Take a tram to Victoria Peak

The Peak Tram has been running since 1888. It takes you to the top of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island’s highest point. From the observation deck, you get clear views of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour. Go in the early evening for the best photos. The ride up is part of the fun – you’ll pass steep streets at impossible angles.

2. Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour

The Star Ferry is a classic Hong Kong experience. These green and white boats have crossed Victoria Harbour for over 100 years. The short trip offers impressive views of the city’s spectacular skyline. Time your ride for the “Symphony of Lights” show at 8 p.m. It’s the world’s largest light show and lights up buildings on both sides of the harbour.

Fun fact: Long before it became a trading spot for the British Empire, this bay was a pirate haven. One of the most famous pirates was Madame Ching, who, along with her husband, commanded 80,000 buccaneers and 800 ships.

3. Visit the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

One of the must-do things in Hong Kong is to visit the Big Buddha statue and the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. The 34-metre bronze Buddha sits on a hill above the monastery. You’ll have to climb 268 steps to reach it, but the views are worth it. The monastery offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Plan this day trip for clear weather to see the southern coast of Hong Kong Island.

4. Explore Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street Night Market comes alive when the sun goes down. Here, merchants display their wares while more colourful characters make appearances. Don’t be surprised to see fortune-tellers and singers mingling with the shoppers, food vendors and artists. You can buy pretty much anything here, indulge in local specialties and enjoy the local flavours. It’s one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions for good reason.

5. Hike the Dragon’s Back Trail

One of the most popular places to explore is Dragon’s Back Trail – its stunning views make it one of the top things to do in Hong Kong. The easy 2-4 hour walk offers stunning views of the coastline and small villages below. You’ll see why it’s called one of the best urban hikes in Asia.

6. Experience dim sum culture

Dim sum is a big part of Hong Kong’s food scene. These small plates come with tea in a tradition called “yum cha.” Check out Tim Ho Wan, the famous hole-in-the-wall and one of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants. Try City Hall Maxim’s Palace for the classic pushcart experience, or Luk Yu Tea House for some old-school charm in a historic setting.

7. Shop at Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok

The Ladies Market on Tung Choi Street is where your haggling skills become a sport. You’ll find clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at great prices. The market got its name from women’s clothing stores but now sells everything. It’s a short walk from the MTR station. Gents are welcome to visit, as the shopping offerings extend beyond women’s clothes and accessories.

8. Visit Man Mo Temple

This historic temple is situated on Hollywood Road in the Central District. The air here is filled with the scent of incense from giant coils hanging from the ceiling. It’s dedicated to the gods of literature and war, an interesting combination in my opinion. The temple offers a glimpse of Hong Kong’s unique blend of old and new, with ancient traditions set against a modern city backdrop.

9. Explore Sham Shui Po

This older neighbourhood is where you’ll find the real Hong Kong. You’ll find local food at street stalls and unique shops selling everything from fabric to electronics. Stop by the Mei Ho House, a museum dedicated to public housing and Hong Kong’s history. The area is less touristy but full of character and good food.

10. Walk Along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

The promenade offers the best views of Hong Kong Island’s skyline. You can walk from the Star Ferry Pier to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. It’s where you’ll find street performers and vendors catering to visitors. It’s especially beautiful at night when the buildings light up across the water.

11. Pay Homage to Bruce Lee

Although born in the U.S., Bruce Lee grew up in Hong Kong and is among its famous icons. His statue stands on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. After his death, local fans raised money to erect a statue in his honour, and today, many visitors come here to take a picture with it.

12. Explore Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

This monastery in Sha Tin has over 13,000 Buddha statues lining its path. The climb takes about 45 minutes but rewards you with great views and peaceful surroundings. Each Buddha statue has a different pose and expression. The main temple at the top is covered in gold and holds the founder’s preserved body.

13. Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is famous for making wishes come true. Locals come here to pray for good luck, health and wealth. The colourful temple mixes Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian traditions. You’ll see people shaking fortune sticks and burning incense. The temple is easily accessible by MTR and admission is free.

14. Explore Central Market and Tai Kwun

Central Market is a renovated historic building with local shops and food stalls. Tai Kwun is a heritage site that was once a police station and prison. Now it has art galleries, shops and restaurants. Both places are great for learning about Hong Kong’s history with a side of modern dining and shopping.

15. Take a bus to Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay is one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches. The crescent-shaped bay has clear water and soft sand. You’ll find good restaurants and cafes along the beach. It’s a short trip from Central Station and a nice break from the busy city streets.

16. Try street food in Sai Ying Pun

Sai Ying Pun is a local neighbourhood with great street food. Try egg waffles, fish balls and other local favourites. The area is less crowded than Central but still has easy MTR access. You’ll eat where locals eat and pay local prices.

17. Visit M+ Museum in West Kowloon

M+ is Asia’s first global museum of visual culture. The building itself is a work of art with great harbour views. You’ll see modern art, design and moving image works. It’s part of the new West Kowloon Cultural District, which is changing Hong Kong’s art scene.

18. Explore Lamma Island

Take a short ferry ride to Lamma Island for a different side of Hong Kong. You’ll find beaches, hiking trails and seafood restaurants. The island has no cars, so you’ll walk everywhere. It’s popular with expats and locals who want to escape the city for a few hours.

19. Shop at Stanley Market

Popular among tourists, locals and expats the Stanley Market is your go-to for reasonably priced brand-name clothes, accessories and jewellery. Here, you can also find souvenirs, home furnishings, and various local novelties in a picturesque setting. Set along the waterfront, it’s also a great place to grab some food and drink when you get tired from shopping.

20. Party at Lan Kwai Fong

In a place like Hong Kong, it’s not hard to find a great place to party. Lan Kwai Fong is the city’s most popular entertainment spot. LKF, as it’s referred to, has been the jewel of the local party scene since the 1980s. Here you will find over 90 restaurants and bars frequented by locals and tourists of all ages. So if nightlife is your thing, add this to the top of your Hong Kong bucket list.

How to get around Hong Kong

Getting around Hong Kong is easy and efficient. Public transport in Hong Kong is incredibly efficient and reliable, making it the perfect option for exploring the city. Ferries and boats also offer the benefit of running scenic routes, allowing you time to take in the scenery.

• The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) connects all major areas of the city. To make things even easier, you can now get a limited-time tourist pass that offers unlimited travel for 24 hours. Buy an Octopus card at any station – it works on trains, buses and ferries. You can even use it to buy good food at many restaurants.

• The Airport Express gets you from the airport to Central Station in just 24 minutes. From there, you can easily get to most tourist attractions. The MTR has different coloured lines – follow the blue lines for the Island Line, which passes through many key spots.

• Ferries offer scenic routes across Victoria Harbour. The Star Ferry has run since 1888 and costs almost nothing. It’s a great way to see the city’s spectacular skylines from the water.

• Buses reach areas the MTR doesn’t cover. The cable car to Ngong Ping serves as local transit and a tourist attraction. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours let you see multiple sites at your own pace.

• For short distances, walking is often the best way to get from one place to another. Hong Kong is designed with pedestrians in mind, featuring covered walkways and clear signage. Many attractions are just a short walk from MTR stations.

Tips for first-time visitors

With a population of over seven million residents, Hong Kong can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit. Despite being densely populated, it doesn’t feel stifling. Most of the top things to do in Hong Kong are easy to reach by public transport, and you can see quite a bit in a few days.

• Expect crowds, especially at popular attractions like Victoria Peak. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long lines. Many signs are in English, making it easy for visitors to get around. People are helpful, and many speak some English.

• In Hong Kong, they drive on the left side of the road. I can’t tell you how many times I almost got smoked by a car because I was looking the wrong way. Fortunately, there is signage on the road itself telling you which way to look.

• Hong Kong has its own dollar, but you can use your credit cards in almost all places. If you plan to try street food or haggle at the markets, it’s best to have some cash on hand.

When to visit Hong Kong

I’ve been to Hong Kong about three times, and each time it was hot and humid. My hotel had the AC cranked up so high, it was almost jarring to leave the building. The weather is milder during fall and winter, while spring can bring on more unpredictable weather. Plan your trip accordingly.

Black rain warning system

One of the confusing experiences I had was receiving an alert for Black rain in my hotel room. You may also experience this, especially if you travel during the rainy season. So, what exactly is Black rain?

Black rain refers to rainfall exceeding 100 mm that falls within two hours or less and is likely to continue. The rain in Hong Kong can be intense so it’s not a drizzle. There is a colour-coded system for rainstorm warnings:

• Amber: Expect over 50 mm of rain within six hours
• Red: A rainstorm has started and more than 50 mm of rain has been recorded over a wide area within the last hour or less
• Black: The most severe level – extremely heavy rainfall

What to do when a black rain warning is issued

The best thing to do is to stay put if you’re indoors or take shelter until the rain has subsided. Black rain can cause flooding, so it’s best to avoid driving or using public transit.

Final thoughts on things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong was an adventure in all possible ways. I loved discovering all the sounds and sights around me, which were both exciting and fascinating at the same time. For me, Hong Kong felt different from mainland China, although it was also filled with contradictions. There is a lot of complex history here, and the past is evident everywhere you look.

Hong Kong is an ideal destination for culture and history buffs, nature lovers, foodies and shopping enthusiasts. You can find massive shopping malls, unique markets and outlet shops, simple street food joints, and Michelin restaurants. You can explore the best of Hong Kong’s urban offerings, then head outdoors to explore nature on the same day.

Hong Kong is also an excellent starting point for exploring Asia. Whether you’re heading to mainland China or plan on visiting neighbouring countries, add Hong Kong to your travel bucket list. You’ll be amazed at all the things you can do in Hong Kong on your trip.