10 Best Things to do in Hong Kong

Looking for the best things to do in Hong Kong? Boy, do we have a list for you!

We love spending time in this vibrant city, and exploring its dazzling blend of skyscrapers and stunning natural beauty. There really is something special for everyone here, and this guide is going to help you find it. 

We’ve rounded up the top 10 best activities we’ve ever done in Hong Kong, from cruising through the iconic Victoria Harbor to kayaking along the coastline and learning how to make delicious dumplings. So whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a history buff, or a mix of all three, our guide has got you covered.

Things to do in Hong Kong

1. Learn how to make dumplings

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most celebrated culinary capitals, so we just had to take a cooking class while we were here! And what better dish to learn to make than authentic Chinese dumplings?

This cooking class began with a visit to a local wet market, which was so much fun. I’m not sure we would have gotten a lot out of the market without Feliz’ guidance, but thanks to him we learned how to shop like locals and choose the best ingredients. Then, we headed to a cozy cafe, where we rolled up our sleeves and started cooking! 

We learned how to make dumpling wrappers from scratch, and prepared flavorsome fillings with organic local pork. Feliz taught us how to fold our creations into neat little parcels, and even though it seemed complicated at first, his step-by-step guidance made it easy for us. 

Of course, the best part of the tour was tasting our creations. The dumplings turned out even better than we imagined they would! We loved the pork, although there were vegan and vegetarian options available, so everyone was catered for. Enjoying the meal together was a great way to get to know the other members of our small group, too.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a total stranger to the kitchen, this cooking class is an absolute must-do while in Hong Kong. We left with full bellies, new skills, and great memories!

2. Get to know Hong Kong on a private, customizable city tour

For us, this private, personalized walking tour was the perfect introduction to Hong Kong. We did it on our first day in the city, and it had us falling in love with the place! 

We met our guide, Alfred, at our hotel and told him what we would most like to see. He created an ideal itinerary based on our interests and helped us to navigate the public transport system like pros.

We kicked off the day by visiting the famous Man Mo Temple and then walked along Cat Street, where we discovered a treasure trove of art and antiques. We also got to use the city’s iconic outdoor escalators to head up to SoHo and see all of the buzzing galleries and bistros.

We told Alfred that we wanted to eat some dim sum along the way and he led us to a hidden local spot that we never would have found on our own. He also taught us all about the fascinating history of the Police Married Quarters and took us to the Tsim Sha Tsui area to enjoy views of the skyline across the water and walk the “Avenue of Stars”. 

This tour was top-notch, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Alfred really went above and beyond to make sure that we saw the best of Hong Kong in just one day.

3. See the real side of the city and explore the Kowloon neighborhood 

If you’re the type of traveler who values authentic, eye-opening experiences, then booking this walking tour of Kowloon is an absolute must! It’s not about shiny skyscrapers or postcard-worthy views, it’s about peeling back Hong Kong’s glossy exterior to uncover the realities of life for thousands of residents. 

Our guide, Isaac, was both knowledgeable and passionate about shedding light on the city’s wealth disparities and housing crisis. We started out in Sham Shui Po, a gritty yet vibrant district, where we visited traditional markets and learned about the daily struggles that ordinary Hongkongers face. 

Isaac then took us to see some of the city’s caged homes, which are so small that it’s hard to fathom living here. We got to see an unoccupied caged home, so we weren’t intruding on anyone, but still got to see the harsh realities of these tiny apartments firsthand. 

We also got to enjoy herbal tea at a local shop and shop for fresh produce along some hidden alleyways. This tour was an amazing opportunity to connect with a side of Hong Kong that most tourists never get to see. It’s an unmissable experience for anyone who wants to look beyond the city’s glamorous surface, just check out the hundreds of positive reviews here!

4. Take a day trip to Macau 

Macau is definitely a destination that dazzles. It’s known as the “Vegas of the East”, with its luxurious casinos and resorts, but it also has a fascinating colonial history that makes it truly unique. It’s only an hour from Hong Kong, we just had to go and visit – so we booked this full day tour!

Our day began with a smooth transfer from Hong Kong to Macau via the impressive Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which, although a bit of a mouthful to say, is a true feat of engineering.

When we arrived in Macau, our guide, Cisco, greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, and we had a blast exploring the city with him. 

We loved seeing Macau’s gleaming buildings, such as the Macau Tower, and, of course, the Venetian Macau! Exploring it was so much fun, as it’s even bigger than the original one in Las Vegas. We then got to enjoy a buffet lunch in the Old Hotel Central, a historic hotel that was once the city’s tallest building. 

After lunch, Cisco took us on a deep dive into Macau’s colonial past. We saw the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, and learned all about the Portuguese occupation of Macau, which lasted for over 440 years, only ending in 1999! It was fascinating. 

This tour was the perfect way to get to know Macau. It’s truly a captivating city, and we loved seeing the contrast between its glitzy modernity and rich history. We definitely think it’s a must while in Hong Kong!

Related Read: If you want to make planning even easier, our 5-day Hong Kong itinerary hits all the highlights!

5. See the Big Buddha on Lantau Island

You can’t come all the way to Hong Kong and skip Lantau Island! It’s the city’s largest island, and it feels like a completely different world from the skyscrapers and neon lights. We booked this full-day tour to make things easy, and it turned out to be such a smooth and scenic way to see the highlights without wrestling with public transport.

The day starts with one of the best parts: the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. Gliding above the sea and mountains, with panoramic views in every direction, honestly sets the tone for the whole trip. And yes, skip-the-line access makes a big difference!

At the top, you’ll come face-to-face with the iconic Tian Tan Buddha, standing 34 meters (115 ft) tall. It’s even more impressive in person, and having a guide share insights about Buddhist traditions really adds depth to the visit.

After exploring Po Lin Monastery and sitting down to a traditional vegetarian lunch, the tour continues to Tai O fishing village – we loved this part! The stilt houses, the narrow lanes, the laid-back vibe… it feels so charming and authentic. The boat ride around the village gives you a unique perspective, and in summer you might even spot rare pink dolphins.

Everything is well-organized, from hotel pickup to the return journey. It’s a relaxed, rewarding way to experience Lantau’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks in one memorable day.

6. Go on an evening cruise on Victoria Harbor 

Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour is iconic, and cruising along it on this evening cruise is a must while you’re here. We couldn’t wait to see the city lights from out on the water, and they were even more mesmerizing than we imagined.

The Aqua Luna may have been an old school style boat, but it was spacious and comfortable onboard. We sailed from Tsim Sha Tsui Pier and as we cruised out into the harbor, the towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island lit up the night sky. Seeing their lights reflecting off the water was magical and quite romantic! We would definitely recommend this experience for couples visiting Hong Kong.

The atmosphere on board was perfect. It was laid back and friendly and we got a complimentary cocktail each, which made the whole experience even better. Plus, we were lucky enough to see a drone light show as we sailed through the harbor, which added another layer of excitement! 

This cruise is the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective, and it’s only 45 minutes long, so it’s easy to fit into any itinerary. As far as we’re concerned, it’s the best way to spend an evening in Hong Kong, so don’t miss out.

7. Escape the city and go hiking on The Dragon’s Back

We love hiking, so we couldn’t pass up this guided to hike the Dragon’s Back while we were in Hong Kong!

This was named one of the world’s best hikes by CNN, and having done it ourselves, we fully agree with their assessment! It’s one heck of an adventure that combines mountain trails, coastal views, and a beautiful beach at the end. What could be better?

If you’re a beginner hiker, then it’s definitely best to go with a guide. Our guide, Rory, was so encouraging to the newbies in our group and he ensured we didn’t get lost along the way. We also enjoyed hearing his insights about the area as we ascended the trail’s undulating ridges which, funnily enough, resemble a dragon’s back! 

The views on the way up were stunning. Taking in the lush green cliffs, white sand beaches, and bright blue water, we couldn’t believe that we were so close to such a crowded, urban area like Hong Kong.

On the descent, we navigated shady forest paths and ended up at the Big Wave Bay, where we had free time to relax and cool off in the clear waters. There was even the option to rent surfboards if we were feeling adventurous. 

The hike is moderately challenging, but completely doable for beginners, as long as you’re in reasonable shape. So if you’d like to discover Hong Kong’s natural beauty, there is really no better way to do it than by booking this tour. 

Related Read: Hotels here book up fast, so check our where to stay in Hong Kong guide to secure one now!

8. Taste your way around Hong Kong

Hong Kong is world-famous for its extraordinary food scene, and this secret food tour allowed us to experience it to the fullest!

We were introduced to some of the city’s most iconic dishes, and I swear, every bite was better than the last, from beef brisket noodles to egg tarts, dim sum, and tender roast goose. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. 

Our guide, Sandy, took us beyond the usual tourist spots and showed us local hidden gems that we couldn’t have found on our own as foreigners. She translated everything for us and explained how each dish fit into the local way of life.

We also learned about the cultural influences of the different foods we tried. I think my favorite dish was the Shanghai-style dumpling soup! 

We also got to enjoy some Chinese tea and visited a traditional paper shop, as well as a market. We really did get the full local experience and we were in a small group, so the tour felt very personal. There’s also the option to upgrade to a private tour if you want the real VIP treatment and it doesn’t cost too much more than the shared version if you’re in a big group.

All in all, this tour not only satisfied our cravings but also allowed us to understand Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture. It’s truly an experience you cannot miss! 

9. Explore the city on a hop on hop off sightseeing bus

If you’re looking for a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective way to explore Hong Kong, then this hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect choice.

We went for the 48-hour ticket, which meant that we had time to explore all three routes and see the best of the city at our own pace. We were able to hop on and off at over 20 stops and see landmarks like the Man Mo Temple, Victoria Peak, and the bustling streets of Kowloon. 

The best part? The 48-hour ticket also includes a choice of an add-on. Honestly, we struggled to choose between the Peak Tram and Sky Terrace, or the Sampan Houseboat. Eventually, we opted for the latter, and the views were just breathtaking! We could see all of Hong Kong spread out beneath us, which was epic to say the least. 

We really enjoyed the commentary on board the bus, too, as we were able to learn about the history and culture of each area that we visited. It was also great to be able to take our time at each stop and we covered so much ground. This tour is not only budget-friendly, it’s also a great choice for those who are short on time. 

This tour was a blast, and we would definitely book it again! Plus, with over 900 reviews, this is obviously a popular option!

10. Go kayaking in the Hong Kong Global Geopark

We love Hong Kong, but it can be overwhelming, so this kayaking adventure at the Global Geopark was just what we needed!

We started at Pak Lap Wan Beach, where we hopped in our kayaks and paddled through the breathtaking scenery. Taking in the pristine beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes made us feel like we were a world away from the urban area, even though in reality, it took less than an hour to get to the meeting point on the MTR. 

Gliding across the crystal-clear waters was easily one of the highlights of our time in Hong Kong. Honestly, the sea caves were just mesmerizing! As we paddled through them, our guide taught us how they were carved out over hundreds of thousands of years. It was actually a pretty humbling experience! 

For me, the best part was when we got to take a break at Long Ke Wan Beach. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Sai Kung volcanic area, with postcard-worthy white sand and crystal clear water. It was paradise, and it made all the paddling 100% worth it. 

This tour is so much more than just a kayaking trip. If you’re looking for an adventure in Hong Kong, we really can’t recommend this tour enough. It was unforgettable! 

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Hong Kong, you need somewhere perfect to stay! It can be tricky figuring out where to stay in a city as large as Hong Kong, so we’ve put our expertise to good use and picked out three excellent hotel options. These will suit a luxury, mid-range, or budget traveler – or for more options, check out all of the hotels in Hong Kong here!

Luxury – $$$

The Langham Hong Kong is my top choice for a luxury traveler! The hotel is exquisite with rooms suited for royalty, 3 Michelin Star restaurants onsite, and a top notch pool. The rooms range in sizes and views and you can get a standard hotel room or a suite. Located in Central Kowloon and Hong Kong’s top sights, you can also access the MRT easily. 

Prices get as low as $200 USD per night and can surpass $600 USD per night. This stay can be booked on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Causeway Bay is conveniently located next to the Causeway Bay MTR station and Times Square shopping center. This is a great option for a moderate budget and you get the same high quality you’d expect at any Holiday Inn! The rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable and you can enjoy the three onsite restaurants.

Prices range from about $130 to $250 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

It can be difficult to find a budget-friendly place in Hong Kong, but the Traveller’s Hostel is a great option! It’s in a great location, near public transit and Victoria Harbor. The rooms are clean and you can pick from a dorm, standard hotel room, suite style, or a family room. Dorm rooms start at $30 USD and private rooms start around $50 USD.

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

Hong Kong was one of those bucket list places to visit and we loved every second here! There is truly so much to do and see, and we think that this list hits the best of the best. So even if you only knock out a few of these top things to do, I know you’ll have a fantastic time!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel blogs! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. I’ll leave a few related posts below to help plan your next adventure – cheers!

5 BEST Halong Bay Tours in Vietnam

10 BEST Things to do in Singapore

10 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand