Skyline from Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is a must-visit spot for first-time visitors to Hong Kong. You can take the Peak Tram, which has been operating for over a century, to reach the best place to view Hong Kong's cityscape. Many promotional photos of Hong Kong are taken from the top of Victoria Peak. You can stroll along the paths at the summit, taking in the surrounding scenery, or stop by the numerous shops and restaurants. Families with children might also consider visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Monopoly Dreams at the peak.

Night Cruise on Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is a proud symbol of Hong Kong. Various types of boats offer tours on the harbor, including yachts, sightseeing boats, the Star Ferry, and the iconic Chinese junk boat - Aqua Luna. These boats provide both daytime and nighttime tours, with evening cruises offering views of the light show. Even if you don't take a boat ride, watching the light show from the Avenue of Stars on the shore is a great option. The Avenue of Stars features handprints of directors and actors who have contributed to Hong Kong's film industry, including Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh. You can also find a statue of Bruce Lee nearby.

Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island

If you have more than two days in Hong Kong or are staying near the airport and want to visit nearby attractions, Lantau Island is highly recommended. You can reach Lantau Island by taxi, bus, or the popular and interesting option of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which offers a 25-minute ride with views of the South China Sea and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. On Lantau Island, you can see the world's largest seated bronze Buddha, visit temples, and enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian meal. You can also take a bus or taxi to Tai O to experience the charm of a traditional Hong Kong fishing village.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Located in Kowloon, Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong's most popular temples, dedicated to numerous Chinese deities, including Wong Tai Sin himself. Every day, many Chinese people visit to pray for wealth, happiness and peace. One important ritual is "Kau Cim" (fortune sticks), where you silently ask a question, shake a bamboo cylinder containing sticks, and interpret the answer based on the number on the stick. The temple also has many Chinese fortune-telling stalls, some of which offer services in English. Fortune-tellers can "predict" your future and offer advice based on your birth date, palm lines, and facial features.

The Ding Ding tram, known for its "Ding Ding" bell sound, and the Star Ferry, connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, are traditional modes of transport that have been in operation for over a century. Unlike the fast-paced MTR, these slower-paced options allow you to enjoy Hong Kong's cityscape and local life. Riding the Ding Ding tram through Hong Kong Island's streets or taking a short Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour are meaningful and affordable experiences, with fares under one USD. For a more extensive harbor tour, the Star Ferry Water Tour costs around USD $22-26, depending on the time.

Hong Kong's outlying islands are hidden gems, perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy the relaxed vibe of fishing villages. Popular islands include Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, and Peng Chau. You can rent a bicycle, swim at the beach, or enjoy a coffee while taking in the serene coastal views.

Lamma Island's Lamma Fisherfolks Village offers various activities, such as fishing, salted fish making class, preserved kumquat making class, and workshops for making kites and mugs, making it an excellent destination for families with children.

Lan Kwai Fong, located in Central, is synonymous with Hong Kong's nightlife. This area is densely packed with unique bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, making it a popular gathering spot for young people and city workers looking to unwind after work. Lan Kwai Fong also boasts several bars listed among Asia's 50 Best Bars, such as COA, Penicillin, and Quinary. If you're an enthusiast of alcoholic beverages, this is a must-visit.

Additionally, Hong Kong also has many fantastic sky bars, often located on the upper floors of hotels or skyscrapers, offering stunning views of the city's nightscape. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a romantic atmosphere.

Hong Kong Street Food

The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator is a landmark in Central, Hong Kong, connecting the Central Market and Tai Kwun. Beneath it are numerous snack shops that have been operating since the 1950s and '60s. The most famous are Lan Fong Yuen, known for creating the Hong Kong-style beverage "Yuenyeung" (a mix of coffee and milk tea), and Tai Cheong Bakery, renowned for its egg tarts and Sata andagi. Additionally, some old-established wonton noodle shops are also worth trying.

As an international city, Hong Kong attracts people from all over the world, bringing diverse flavors with them. The city offers a wide range of culinary options, from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern to European delights. There are ample halal and vegetarian choices, catering to various religious and dietary preferences. Hong Kong is also renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, from affordable Bib Gourmand recommendations to high-end dining experiences. Food enthusiasts can explore and indulge in the city's rich culinary scene.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Hong Kong is home to numerous exquisite museums. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, located by Victoria Harbour, offers exhibits related to Chinese calligraphy, painting, and ceramics. Nearby, the small yet fascinating Hong Kong Space Museum is perfect for families, offering insights into astronomy and geography. The Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District displays artifacts from Beijing's Palace Museum, providing an engaging look into ancient Chinese royal life and customs. The adjacent M+ Museum showcases modern art. Other notable museums include the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of History, both worth exploring.

The West Kowloon Cultural District is a newly developed cultural hub in Hong Kong. Besides the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the M+ Museum, it features the Art Park, a great spot for seaside walks, cycling, and watching the sunset. The park offers bike rentals and is an excellent place to picnic on the lawns or relax at nearby restaurants and cafes, enjoying views of Victoria Harbour and the bustling Hong Kong Island.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong caters to visitors of all ages, including children. The city has two very popular theme parks. One is the world-renowned Hong Kong Disneyland, a fairy tale paradise for both kids and adults. The other is Hong Kong Ocean Park, a combined zoo and amusement park where you can see pandas as well as marine animals like penguins and seals.

Almost every district in Hong Kong has shopping centers, especially the famous shopping areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. For those who enjoy shopping, Hong Kong is a true shopping paradise. You can find a wide range of international and local brands, from clothing and accessories to electronics.

While Hong Kong is often seen as a bustling modern city, it's actually a place where mountains cover most of the land-around three-quarters of the territory is green. This makes Hong Kong home to some excellent hiking trails. For example, you can hike to the city's highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, or explore Dragon's Back, which Lonely Planet has named the best hiking trail in Hong Kong. For outdoor enthusiasts and those wanting to see a different side of the city, hiking is a fantastic option.

Despite over a century of Western colonial influence, Hong Kong remains a key representative of Cantonese culture, with Cantonese opera being one of its cultural icons. This traditional art form, sung in Cantonese, is a window into the region's rich heritage. In Hong Kong, you can experience Cantonese opera performances at the Xiqu Centre, where tea and snacks are also served. Watching Cantonese opera is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of local culture.