5 Must-Do Experiences in Hong Kong
Last updated: 15 October 2021
Hong Kong is an eclectic city with lots to do! From our recent experience in Hong Kong, here are five things that everybody must do when visiting this lovely city.
Before we start, if you’re not totally sure of the geographic layout of Hong Kong, there are two main islands: Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. In a nutshell, Kowloon is the northern part and is normally viewed as the older part of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Island is a separate island south of Kowloon and is home to many skyscrapers. We’ll be exploring both islands in this blog post. Let’s get started!
1. Take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak
The view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak is stunning, and the easiest way to get there is via the funicular railway called the Peak Tram. Originally operated only for residents, it opened in 1888. It is a public tram so has a number of stops before reaching Victoria Peak.
Our best advice is to wait for the next tram if the current tram is full because standing would be extremely uncomfortable due to the steepness of the ride. As well, sit on the right side for views of Hong Kong as the tram makes its way up. As you go up, you’ll find that your head gets messed with as it looks like the buildings are tilted at a 45-degree angle!
At the top, you get off the tram into the Peak Tower, the landmark building on Victoria Peak. You can pay to go into the Sky Terrace 428 for 360-degree views of Hong Kong, but this is unnecessary as there are stunning free views! Lion’s Pavilion is the classic spot of Hong Kong.
If you want to walk 20 minutes, Lugard Road Lookout is another amazing spot for views. Do make sure you stay until the lights on the buildings come on - it is truly magical!
Address: 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Hours: Peak Tram: Daily from 07.00 - 00.00; The Peak Tower: 10.00 - 22.00 (Monday - Friday), 08.00 - 22.00 (Saturday & Sunday); Sky Terrace 428: 10.00 - 21.00 (Monday - Friday), 08.00 - 21.00 (Saturday & Sunday)
Price: Peak Tram: HK$37.00 per adult (12-64) and HK$14.00 per child (3-11) and senior (65+) for single ticket, HK$52.00 per adult (12-64) and HK$23.00 per chid (3-11) and senior (65+) for return ticket; Sky Terrace 428: HK$52.00 per adult (12-64), HK$26.00 per child (3-11) and senior (65+)
Note: The Peak Tram is temporarily suspended for an upgrade for around six months from 28 June 2021
2. Watch A Symphony of Lights show
A Symphony of Lights is an impressive light and sound show that holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s most prominent light and sound show and includes 42 participating buildings on Hong Kong Island.
The show runs daily at 20.00. The best viewpoint is from Kowloon Public Pier on Kowloon although there are others.
Vantage points: Kowloon Public Pier on Kowloon, promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai (on Hong Kong Island), and sightseeing ferries in Victoria Harbour
Hours: Daily at 20.00
Price: Free
Be sure to also watch our YouTube video for a full A Symphony of Lights show!
3. Have dim sum at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan is a restaurant chain that started in Hong Kong and now has 46 locations in 7 countries around the world. It’s known to be the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant with several locations in Hong Kong. For simplicity, we will just list the location we visited. All locations can be found on their website.
Address: G/F, 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Hours: 10.00 - 21.30 (Monday - Friday), 09.00 - 21.30 (Saturday & Sunday)
4. Take the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island
Star Ferry is a ferry service operator with its main route going across Victoria Harbour. It offers great views as you cross the river. There are a number of tours that you can go on, or you can go with the more cost-effective option and just cross from one side to the other. We took the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon to Central on Hong Kong Island.
Sit on the left side of the ferry to get the best views of Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers.
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong or Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Hours: Daily from 06.30 - 23.30
Price: Adults (13-64) from HK$2.60, children (3-12) and passengers with disabilities from HK$1.80
5. Take a ride on a double-decker tram on Hong Kong Island
The double-decker trams on Hong Kong Island are unique in that this is the world’s largest operational fleet of double-decker trams.
These narrow electric trams run on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. Sit at the top in the front for a relaxing way to view Hong Kong Island.
Address: Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong or Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Hours: Daily from 06.40 - 19.10 (Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan route)
Price: HK$2.60 per adult (13-64), HK$1.20 per senior (65+), HK$1.30 per child (3-12)
What would you like to do most in Hong Kong? Do you have any additional experiences to add? Let us know in the comments!
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