Things to do in 

Hong Kong

For the curious traveler, Hong Kong is a city of many faces. It's a melting pot where skyscrapers and ancient temples exist side by side. Uncovering the best things to do in Hong Kong might lead you to a tranquil morning tea ceremony, a lively street market jamboree, or a quiet sunset by Victoria Harbour. On and off the beaten path, the city pulses with life in every corner, with its layered authenticity waiting to be explored.

Explore Hong Kong off the beaten path

Slip past the busy sights and let your guide lead you into Hong Kong’s quieter pockets, where you can slow down and see how the city actually lives.

Cultural experiences: On Sunday afternoons, head to Kung Fu Corner in Kowloon Park to watch lion dance troupes and martial arts drills, and your guide can introduce you to a sifu after the demos. Late afternoon, light a joss stick at Tin Hau Temple in Tai Hang, then stroll to Yau Ma Tei Theatre for an evening Cantonese opera show with locals.

Small museums and galleries: Ride up to Shek Kip Mei and wander JCCAC, a concrete former factory turned artist village where you can pop into open studios after lunch. If you’re in the New Territories, the open-air Hong Kong Railway Museum in Tai Po lets you clamber through old carriages and see village life nearby. Back on the island, the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery in Quarry Bay Park is a preserved fireboat with hands-on displays and harbor views.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Aim for High West near sunset—walk the flat Lugard Road from the Peak and climb the last stairs for a wide sweep of Lantau and the harbor without the Peak crowd. On the Kowloon side, hike up Devil’s Peak from Yau Tong in late afternoon for fort ruins and a quiet overlook of junk boats threading the eastern channels.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Browse the kitchenware row on Shanghai Street in Yau Ma Tei for carbon-steel woks and mooncake molds you’ll actually use at home. In Sham Shui Po, pick fabrics on Ki Lung Street and dive into Yu Chau Street’s bead and button shops for easy-to-pack DIY gifts. Swing by Des Voeux Road West’s Dried Seafood Street in Sheung Wan for fragrant tangerine peel or seaweed—light, local, and great for soup.

Popular neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood exploration is a brilliant way to understand a city beyond its common tourist spots. In Hong Kong, every neighbourhood paints a unique picture of the city's spirit.

Tsim Sha Tsui: Immerse yourself in the panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the city's skyline. This waterfront area is also home to a cluster of top museums and shopping avenues.

Central: Experience the blend of historic colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. The hedonistic nightlife, the bustling financial area, and high-end dining options make Central a must-visit neighbourhood.

Mong Kok: Step into a whirlwind of vibrant activity amid the bustling markets known for electronics, fashion accessories, and more. This neighbourhood is a fascinating mix of old and new, embodying the very essence of Hong Kong's diversity.

Causeway Bay: Enjoy shopping in one of the world's liveliest retail districts. It's a vibrant mix of traditional stores, modern mega-malls, and everything in between.

Victoria Peak: Soak in spectacular views of Hong Kong's skyline from atop the city's highest mountain. Enjoy the scenic walks and trails that provide a peaceful respite from the busy city below.

Things to do in Hong Kong by season

Spring: Warm, breezy days make harbourfront strolls and Peak hikes feel light, with bauhinia and jacaranda colouring streets. Wander through flower markets and slip into quiet temples between showers, a pace that suits families and seniors alike.

Summer: Expect steamy afternoons and sudden downpours, perfect for dim sum stops, museum time, and cool ferry rides. Swim at Shek O or Repulse Bay early, then watch the skyline glow from the Star Ferry after sunset while couples linger along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

Fall: Clear skies return for Dragon’s Back walks and village visits on Lamma or Cheung Chau. Catch lantern displays for Mid-Autumn and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon dance, with relaxed alfresco dinners that feel easy for groups and romantic for two.

Winter: Crisp days suit temple-hopping, harbour viewpoints, and nature trails without the heat. Chinese New Year flower markets and lion dances fill neighbourhoods with colour, while seniors appreciate the gentler temperatures and luxury travellers savour festive high teas and harbour views.

Annual highlights include Chinese New Year parades and flower markets, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival in late spring, the Dragon Boat Festival on city beaches and harbours, and autumn’s Mid-Autumn lantern nights with the Tai Hang Fire Dragon weaving through the streets.