Hong Kong is a beautiful place that mixes bright, bustling cities and breathtaking natural wonders. Everyone can find something to enjoy, whatever their passions or interests may be.

With so much packed in a small region, it can be hard to determine where to go and what to do in Hong Kong. Let’s jump right in to get a better idea of what you can look forward to!

What are things to do in Hong Kong?

Tourists and locals alike can find many things to do in Hong Kong, including visiting religious and historical sites, relaxing and shopping in luxurious spas and malls, enjoying natural views, exploring the region’s cuisine, and visiting amusement parks. 

Let’s go over each of them in more detail.

1. Learn about Hong Kong’s culture and history

Hong Kong has a rich history spanning centuries. Hong Kong’s past experiences shaped the region as a whole, including its religious and cultural aspects, which could interest history geeks and curious tourists.

There are numerous locations in Hong Kong representing its history and spirituality, such as the Tian Tan Buddha and the Hong Kong Museum of History.

The Tian Tan Buddha

Quick Facts:

The Tian Tan Buddha is a large statue made of bronze located near the Po Lin Monastery. You need to climb 268 steps up a mountain, but the struggle is worth it once you’re on top.

Atop the mountain, not only can you get to see the statue up close in all its glory, but you will also catch a breathtaking view of the monastery and the lush greenery surrounding it.

While visiting the Buddha is free, you can also purchase an offering that you can place inside the room under the statue.

You can also get refreshments and snacks at the Po Lin Monastery after you descend the mountain, which would be enough to give you the energy to explore the monastery itself.

The Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History is home to numerous exhibits that showcase the region’s past, including minerals and shells, arrowheads and animals, and pre-war and post-war books and memorabilia.

If you’re hungry for more knowledge after your visit, you can take a tour of the Hong Kong Science Museum, which is just next door. 

To get a glimpse of how deep Hong Kong’s culture and spirituality go, consider visiting:

• The Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon Island where people perform rituals and that is said to answer prayers.
• The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin that is home to temples and nearly 13,000 statues.
• The Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin that hosts galleries showcasing Hong Kong’s culture, art, and treasures.

2. Shop in markets and malls and relax in fancy hotels

Hong Kong’s cities are home to luxurious malls and numerous 5-star hotels where you can shop and dine as much as you want. 

Some hotels even have lavish spas where you can unwind after a long day of exploration, such as the Mandarin Oriental.

The Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental is a 5-star hotel that does not only feature extravagant rooms and a lovely view of the Victoria Harbour, but also serves as a home to different restaurants.

You can go to Man Wah, the Mandarin’s Michelin-starred restaurant that features exquisite and authetntic Cantonese cuisine. If you’re craving for Japanese food, you can visit the Aubrey, which is recognized as one of Asia’s 50 best bars. 

If you wish to stay in something more homely yet elegant, you can opt to stay in one of the many serviced apartments in the area. 

Temple Street Night Market

Hong Kong is also home to myriad local shops in areas like tthe Temple Street night market. These shops offer everything from jewellery and clothes to unique trinkets and souvenirs that you can bring home as a memento of your trip. 

Aside from fashion accessories, you can also purchase electronics, paintings, embroideries, and even socks. You can also get fortune tellings if you’re more of the spiritual type.

3. Explore the beautiful landscape

Hong Kong is a place that mixes lovely cityscapes with natural wonders, and they usually are not that far from each other. For example, tourists can climb the famous Dragon’s Back to get a breathtaking view of the city and harbour then relax and surf at the Big Wave Bay. 

The Dragon’s Back

The Dragon’s Back is a hiking trail named because its shape is reminiscent of the spine of a fictional flying lizard. Following the hike trail can be long and arduous but rewards those who climb it with a wonderful view of Hong Kong’s beaches, islands, and the city below.

Tai Mo Shan Country Park

Tai Mo Shan is the highest point in Hong Kong and is also one of the only points where you can ever see frost. From here, you can look from numerous vantage points and see the countryside, the cities, and Hong Kong’s islands just from one location.

After enjoying the view and the hike, you can also traverse wooded paths and bamboo groves, look for unique wildlife, or relax in the nearby waterfalls.

If you wish to avoid hiking, you can check out:

• Mai Po Nature Reserve in the Yuen Long district where you can explore the wetlands and see birds, both common and endangered.
• Victoria Peak, the highest hill in Hong Kong, where you can get a great view of the harbour and the skyline.
• Kowloon Walled City Park where you can explore a former Chinese stronghold turned into a public park that combines archaeological remnants of the garrison and lush gardens.

4. Discover delicious food

Hong Kong is a place not only of visual wonders but also culinary diversity. The region is home to numerous Michelin star restaurants, local snack bars, and eateries that serve delicious food. 

Lung King Heen

Lung King Heen is one example of a Michelin-star restaurant in Hong Kong. For decades, they have been serving exquisite seafood dishes such as crispy scallops and the iconic pineapple pork bun.

If eating at a fancy restaurant is not your style, then you should try local eateries and street food stalls that usually come out at night near the cities. A great example of this is Cheung Hing Kee in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Cheung Hing Kee

Cheung Hing Kee is a small stall that was featured in the Michelin guide for their great-tasting buns. Here, you can get the original pan-fried buns, black truffle buns, or pan-fried buns with shrimps served steaming hot.

You can also get other dishes and soups from the stall. Being a small outfit selling snacks, Cheung Hing Kee does not have seats or tables but the entire experience is worth it once you take a bite of their delicious buns.

5. Visit amusement parks

For children and children at heart, visiting amusement parks in Hong Kong is a must. Hong Kong is home to the world-famous Hong Kong Disneyland, which is a major tourist attraction in the region.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is a popular theme park featuring the company’s iconic shows. Here, people of all ages can enjoy live shows, tour museums, hop onto countless rides, and meet their favorite characters in person.

Families can also book a stay here at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Hotels if they wish to extend their stay in the “happiest place on Earth.”

Ocean Park

If you would rather see penguins, seals, and other sea creatures, then you should give the Hong Kong Ocean Park a try. Here, you can watch live performances by dolphins, ride cable cars up the mountains, and go into the grand aquarium to see wonderful marine life.

Foreign and local tourists should also give other parks a try, such as

• Legoland, where children and adults alike can play and unleash their creative side using building blocks.
• Snoopy’s World, where people of all ages can get on Snoopy-themed rides and visit museums and other attractions.
• Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum, where you can see numerous wax sculptures of famous athletes and celebrities.