Check Out The Most Exciting Places To Visit In Hong Kong

Expats who live in this thrilling city have a saying that goes, “A New York minute is a Hong Kong second.” It is not hard to see why once you visit this city. Hong Kong resonates with energy from the moment you arrive without letting you down throughout your stay. There are so many exciting places to visit in Hong Kong. From beautiful beaches to secret Islands, from forest-covered mountains to traditional fishing villages, every corner of Hong Kong is sure to amaze you. With countless sights to explore, this city gives you specific pieces to tickle your senses. It is also famously termed a photographer’s paradise. So what pictures do you want to click when visiting Hong Kong?

Check Out These Top Places To Visit In Hong Kong

See The View From Victoria Peak

It is one of the many spectacular places of visit in Hong Kong. Take a long look at the humongous city from Victoria Peak point. This is arguably the city’s most famous attraction as one gets a stunning 180-degree view of the skyline from here. Rising 1805 feet above sea level, the peak offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. On very clear days, you can even see Kowloon’s eight mountains. There are multiple ways to reach the top with the most popular being the tram ride. Whether you see it at night or day, the image sticks within your soul even when you are on your way back home.

Attend The Symphony Of Lights

As the name suggests it is a light show that takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. What makes this show so unique is that it involves forty buildings on both sides of the harbor making it the largest permanent light and sound show. So here the stage is the entire city and the artists are some of the most prominent buildings. The Symphony of Lights is a tribute to the city and its people by way of a synchronized display of colorful lights that shows their diversity, energy and vitality. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong and that too for free.

Charter-A Junk Boat

A popular weekend activity, a ride in a junk boat is an escape from the city’s crowds. These classic boats with large sails are an iconic part of Hong Kong. Junk boats were initially used to catch fish but have now become a major tourist sensation. There are multiple services like Castelo Concepts offering you seven-hour rides, including food and an open bar for up to 14 adults. So, rent a junk boat and go for a serene ride around the river. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the water and see some places off the beaten path. Take these boat rides to enjoy the splendid views of the skyline of Hong Kong.

Ride the Star Ferry

The Star Ferry transports 20 million riders across Victoria Harbor every year. It has been around since 1888 and shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Although the MTR, Hong Kong’s public transportation system, is one of the best in the world, you wouldn’t want to miss the ferry ride after having come all the way here. For a nominal fee, you’ll be treated to one of the most scenic boat rides in the world. It allows you to simultaneously gaze at the skylines on both sides of the water. These 8-10 minutes ferry rides start early in the morning and go throughout the day till 11:00 pm.

Experience the Magic of Disneyland And Ocean Park

Be it kids, teenagers or elders, no traveller would want to miss Disneyland. Disneyland is basically based on the theme of storytelling. Here you can see your favorite Disney characters walking in the theme park with music playing at the back. Truly a magical experience! On the other hand, Ocean Park is more educational through nature-based experiences. Here you’ll see a marine mammal park, animal theme park and amusement park. All these reasons make Disneyland and Ocean Park a few of the places to visit in Hong Kong. It would be ideal to book your tickets in advance.

Go On A Sightseeing Tour

Hong Kong offers some of the most stunning panoramic views from different viewpoints. Catch incredible skylines from famous viewpoints like Sky Terrace 428 at The Peak, Sky 100 Observation Deck in Kowloon, Monetary Authority Viewpoint from IFC Tower 2, and Lantau Peak. Other places to visit in Hong Kong that one should not miss are the temples and museums that reflect the culture and the heritage of Hong Kong.

Be A Part Of The Chinese New Year Celebration

This is undoubtedly one of the prominent places to visit in Hong Kong that every tourist must witness. The Chinese New Year is held on the second day of the Spring Festival at Victoria Harbor. A spectacular fireworks display and laser light show is a sight worth beholding. This show of fireworks which lasts for about 25 to 30 minutes can be best seen from both sides of the harbor front. The best spots to get a full view could be from Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai, by boat, from The Peak or reserve a spot at a restaurant. You could also book a hotel room with a harbor view to avoid the crowd. The three days celebrations that include night parades, fireworks, and horse racing often make it to the world’s top festival event lists.

Feel The Calm At Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

One of the quietest places, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin is one of the places to visit in Hong Kong. Set on a hilltop, the only way to reach the monastery is by climbing up approximately 400 long and curving sets of stairs. Take a walk among the golden Buddha in a mix of poses to soak in spiritualism and to seek enlightenment. Visiting this beautiful monastery to witness the 10,000 Buddha statues will definitely be an experience that you’ll carry back home. This place is also known as Man Fat Sze, a monastery with no monks. Come experience this place in the foothills of Hong Kong’s countryside that’s open every day between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Walk Through The Kowloon Walled City Park

One of the best places to visit in Hong Kong for people who love to walk in the Kowloon Walled City Park. This park is divided into eight landscape areas keeping four seasons as the theme. Right in the middle stands the 3-hall Yamen as the centrepiece. Almost all the signboards in the park have names of the streets and buildings of the old Kowloon Walled City. Walled City Park has newly opened one outdoor exhibition area and six indoor ones to explain the life of former Walled City and its citizens. You can also see some preserved artefacts like ancient wells, cannons, inscribed stones, abandoned ancient south gate, etc. Other highlights include the gardens, pavilions, sculptures, and walkways.

Savour Tasty Dim Sums

Did you know that Dim Sum means “touch your heart?” Well, now you do! They are dumplings and other dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates usually in a family-style meal. Mouth-watering right? It originated as a morning or early afternoon meal, but today you can have it at any time. And there’s no better place in the world to enjoy it than Hong Kong. It’s authentic and it’s everywhere! Don’t miss the dim sums, the city’s favorite and most authentic food.

Shop Like A Shopaholic

With trendy malls, boutiques, smart shops, multipurpose stores, department stores, art shops, and day & night street markets, Hong Kong is popularly known as a shopping in Mecca. With so many choices this place is literally a paradise for shopaholics. Check out some of the most popular street markets like the PMQ courtyard in SoHo, Jardines Crescent in Causeway Bay, Ladies Market & Temple Street in Kowloon and Cat Street Market in Sheung Wan. Hong Kong is perhaps the world’s best place for shopping.

Hike The Dragon’s Back

The Dragon’s Back Trail located in the Shek-O-Country Park on the southern coast is one of the most adventurous places to visit in Hong Kong. This downward hike starts from the hilltop and ends at a beautiful beach. What better way than to end a hike with relaxing waves. It is a moderate hike which takes about 4 hours to cover a distance of 8.5 km. The view from the top of the hill gives us the chance to see the other side of Hong Kong. With lush trees on both sides while you trek to the spectacular sandy beaches when you hit the end makes this hike is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong. Don’t forget to carry some water, a bathing suit and a towel on this hike.

A One Day Trip To The Venice of Hong Kong

The Tai O Fishing village is a popular tourist destination in Hong Kong which is also popularly called the ‘Venice of Hong Kong’. This is an old fishing village built on the banks of a river, and that’s how it gets its name – Tai O which means large inlet. Here is where the boat people resided for more than 200 years. Tourists come here to enjoy the village’s idyllic lifestyle, to get a feel of the floating markets, admire the traditional stilt houses, savor local treats and dig into a plethora of seafood. Many tourists come here every day to discover a very different side of Hong Kong. A visit to Tai O Fishing Village is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Hong Kong.

Take Off To The Hong Kong Space Museum

The Hong Kong space museum is located by the Tsim Sha Tsui seaside. Spread over 8000-square-meters, this is the first local planetarium built for the popularization of astronomy and space science.

The unique egg-shaped dome construction by chief architect Joseph Ming Gun Lee is an amazing landmark to check out. This Museum organizes events like astronomy carnival, astronomy competitions, fun science lab sessions, lectures and astronomy film shows. For all space lovers this is the most important places to visit in Hong Kong. The interactive experiences give a chance to enjoy the virtual space station better. This space station is closed on Tuesdays, hence plan accordingly.

Big Buddha or Tian Tan Buddha Statue

The 34-meter-high Tian Tan Buddha Statue is one of the largest Buddha statues of its kind in the world. Big Buddha sits above Lantau Island’s Po Lin monastery and took almost 12 years to complete. The astounding huge size statue can be seen from a distance. The best way to reach the Big Buddha statue is by cable car which takes 25-minute to reach. Cable car rides are incredible as it takes you over the forest, water, and mountains. Suggest you to take a combo pass that includes Ngong Ping Cable Car and guided tours of the Big Buddha.

Follow These Travel Tips To Make The Most Of Your Visit To Hong Kong

·         After you land, take the airport express as that’s the fastest way to reach Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

·         Get an Octopus prepaid card for paying for all types of bills, be it transportation, food or shopping.

·         Save money with the Hong Kong attraction pass. These passes not only give you access to most of the attractions but also allow you to skip waiting in line to buy tickets.

·         The Star Ferry is the cheapest and the fastest way to travel in Hong Kong between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

·         The connectors and adapters are different in Hong Kong, so carry a multi-device charger for your gadgets.

·         To go to Victoria Peak take a taxi instead of the tram as it saves a lot of your time and it’s cheaper too.

·         Some of the best museums of Hong Kong don’t charge an entry fee on Wednesdays.

·         The weather in Hong Kong is unpredictable, so always carry an umbrella with you.

·         Download the mobile app Moovit which is a great help with routes/times/directions when using public transport.

·         Pick an accommodation close to the MTR as it’s super easy to understand and get around Hong Kong in the Metro.

·         As Cantonese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong you don’t have to worry about learning a few words of the local language.

·         Finish all your shopping during the weekdays as the weekend tends to get very crowded.

Where have you planned your next holiday? Add Hong Kong to your list of trips and make each moment count in the city. Be it the best Michelin-starred restaurants or the scenic views from the top, there are many memorable places to visit in Hong Kong. The city has something for everyone to be entertained and enticed to come back for more. It doesn’t matter where you go this time; Hong Kong awaits your presence.