China but not China? Hong Kong has its own currency, its own immigration desk and a border to cross, and yet it’s still part of…China.
British looking, but not exactly British? That’s because the city was under British rule until 1997, so you’ll find double-decker trams and traffic on the left, but also dim sum for breakfast with ‘evaporated milk’ tea.
It’s also known as a flashy city, but there’s a lot beyond the city. There are the skyscrapers, but there are also around 260 islands and hiking trails that end at beaches.
Then, there are malls, and also temples, also theme parks, and also night markets. Isn’t that a lot already? See the problem? Hong Kong is basically all of the above, which I think is a lot of fun, but a little hard to plan. So today, I’ve picked up the 10 most fun things to do in Hong Kong (and Macau) that come straight from our on-ground experts for you to choose from.
1. See Macau Light Up at Night
Ironically, Macau’s casino hotels are built to look like other places. Stop for photos outside The Venetian, The Parisian and The Londoner, and spot the half-size Eiffel Tower at The Parisian. After dark, the Diamond Show, the Crystal Show and the Wynn Palace Fountain Show take over, so bring a fully charged phone and a bit of patience for the crowds.
2. Walk Through Old Macau
By day, Macau is a completely different place. Start at A-Ma Temple, one of the city's oldest temples, then head to the Ruins of St. Paul's, the carved stone facade that's all that's left of a 17th-century church. From there, climb up to Monte Fort and wander down to Senado Square, where the pavement is laid out in Portuguese-style waves. You can finish at Fisherman’s Wharf, a waterfront area with replica buildings and a Colosseum, and Taipa Pier on the island side of Macau.
Not sure which experiences deserve a place on your itinerary? Connect with our travel experts and we'll help you build a Hong Kong holiday that matches your interests and budget.
3. Bring out your inner child at Hong Kong Disneyland
Grown-ups, this one’s for you too. For families, a full day at Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the best experiences in Hong Kong, and it works just as well if you’re travelling without kids. Spend the day on the rides, with the characters and over a snack or two, and stay for the fireworks, which turn the sky above the park into a proper finale!
4. Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
This is easily one of the best things to do in Hong Kong, now why do I say that? A tram pulls you up the steep hillside to Victoria Peak, and the Sky Terrace gives you a wide view of the skyline and the harbour below. How about that for a view?
The skyline looks best at sunset, when the lights start coming on. Madame Tussauds is right up there too, in case you've always wanted a selfie with a celebrity who can't walk away.
5. Catch the Symphony of Lights
Every night at 8 pm, buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour light up in a free light and sound show. The best views are from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and the Avenue of Stars. It's suspended when there's a typhoon signal of No. 3 or higher, or a red or black rainstorm warning, so keep a backup evening free.
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6. Shop Your Way Through Mongkok's Markets
In Mongkok, the Ladies Market, the Sneaker Market and the Electronic Market sit close together, so you can browse all three in an evening. Bargaining is part of the fun, so always start low, smile and be ready to walk away, which is often when the price drops.
7. Spend a Day at Ocean Park
Ocean Park has been around since 1977, and it’s still where Hong Kong goes for roller coasters and pandas on the same day. There are roller coasters like Hair Raiser and Arctic Blast, the Grand Aquarium, a 1.5-kilometre cable car and giant pandas. If you're visiting between 25 October and 5 November, there's a seasonal Halloween experience too, so check the details before you travel.
If you want to see how all of this fits together day by day, read our detailed 6 day Hong Kong itinerary.
8. Stay Out Late at Temple Street Night Market
On Jordan Road, the night is as bright as day. Get off at Jordan MTR station (Exit A), walk about five minutes along Jordan Road and you'll reach the red archway of the Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei. The stalls start setting up around 2 pm, and it's at its liveliest from about 8 to 11 pm.
There are over 600 stalls selling clothes, bags, watches and gadgets, but the best part is everything else. This is one of the more unique things to do in Hong Kong: fortune tellers read palms and faces, and some use trained birds to pick your fortune card.
9. Cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry
The Star Ferry started in 1888 as the Kowloon Ferry Company and took the Star Ferry name in 1898. It runs between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and it's one of the most authentic things to do in Hong Kong, since locals still use it. In 2009, the Society of American Travel Writers even ranked it first in a poll of the "Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides". Sit by the window, and you'll see the beautiful skyline from the water.
10. Climb Up to the Big Buddha
The Big Buddha sits on Lantau Island. You get there on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, a 5.7 km, 25-minute ride between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping with views of the sea and mountains. The Buddha is 34 metres tall including its base, and you climb 268 steps to reach it, so wear very comfortable shoes. Po Lin Monastery is close by, and its vegetarian restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum, which makes it an easy lunch stop for vegetarian travellers.
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Want to Experience It All?
From Macau’s night shows to the Peak’s skyline, these are 10 of the best experiences in Hong Kong and some of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong and Macau for a first-timer. With over 267 years of experience and local connections on the ground, we take care of everything, from the iconic sights to the authentic local experiences, stays, food and everything in between.
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