Hong Kong is a city of tradition and modernity. From dim sum breakfasts to sweeping views of the skyline, there’s plenty to do, even if you only have a long weekend. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your stay in Hong Kong.
Is Hong Kong English Friendly?
Yes, very! English is one of the official languages of Hong Kong due to its history as a British colony. From 1842 until 1997, Hong Kong was under British rule, and during this period, English became the language of administration, business, and education. Even after the handover to China in 1997, English remained an official language alongside Cantonese. Today, English is widely spoken in government, law, and business sectors, and many Hong Kong residents are bilingual, using Cantonese as their primary language while using English in professional and international contexts.
1. Eat Dim Sum – A Must-Try Culinary Tradition
Dim sum is a Hong Kong staple, known for its bite-sized dumplings, buns, and pastries. The tradition dates back centuries, originating from Cantonese tea houses where people would enjoy small portions of food with their tea.
Why it’s popular in Hong Kong: Dim sum offers variety and flavor in a single meal. It’s quick, communal, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Popular dim sum items include siu mai (pork dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and har gow (shrimp dumplings).
Top Dim Sum Restaurants:
- Tim Ho Wan: A Michelin-starred restaurant that is known for its baked buns with BBQ pork.
- Maxim’s Palace: A classic spot with a grand setting and a wide selection of dim sum.
- DimDimSum: A modern dim sum chain with a great reputation for quality.
2. Breakfast at Bakehouse – Start Your Day Right
For breakfast, head to Bakehouse in Hong Kong. Known for its western style pastries, Bakehouse has become a local favorite. It was started by Chef Grégoire Michaud. Born and raised in Verbier, Switzerland, veteran pastry chef and master baker Grégoire Michaud began his apprenticeship at a local bakery at the age of 15. The Bakehouse quickly gained popularity for its fresh, high-quality baked goods. It was one of my favorite quick-bite places when we were there. Even though we were in Hong Kong for only a weekend we went there twice.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Sausage Roll: Crispy, savory, and stuffed with perfectly seasoned sausage.
- Egg Tart: A traditional Cantonese pastry with a silky custard filling inside a flaky crust.
3. Explore the Street Markets
Hong Kong is famous for its vibrant street markets, and Temple Street is one of the best-known. This market has a rich history, named after the Tin Hau Temple located nearby. In the evening, the market comes alive with vendors selling clothes, handmade jewelry, artwork and other trinkets. Or try the unique street food, including dishes like stinky tofu, fish balls, or egg waffles.
4. Visit the Iconic Monster Building
The Monster Building in Quarry Bay, is a cluster of tightly packed residential towers creates a striking visual, especially when viewed from certain angles. It’s popular among photographers and has appeared in several movies and TV shows.
5. Take a Ferry Ride Across the Bay
One of the best ways to see Hong Kong is by water. The Victoria Harbour is the heart of the city, and taking a ferry ride across the bay offers perfect views of the skyline. The ferry service has been running since the 19th century, connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Today, it’s not only a mode of transportation but a tourist attraction in itself. A standard ferry ride costs about HK$3-5, making it an affordable way to see the city from a different perspective.
6. Try Drinks from Vending Machines
In Hong Kong, vending machines aren’t just for snacks—they serve a variety of beverages. During your visit, be sure to try something from one of the many machines that dot the city.
Interesting Drinks:
- Papaya Juice: Refreshing and unique.
- Milk Tea: A local favorite.
- Canned Soups: Yes, you can find warm, canned soup in some machines!
Vending machines are popular here because of their convenience and the wide range of drinks available.
7. Walk Around Tsim Sha Tsui Pier
The Tsim Sha Tsui Pier is another great spot for sightseeing. Located along Victoria Harbour, the pier offers stunning views of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon skyline. The area is also home to several shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. It’s a great place to take photos of the skyline or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
8. Visit the Avenue of Stars and See the Bruce Lee Statue
Bruce Lee is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic figures, and his statue is located at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The statue pays homage to his legacy and his contributions to martial arts and cinema. Visitors often stop for photos and to reflect on the influence he had on both Hong Kong and global pop culture.
9.Explore Nan Lian Garden
For a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, visit Nan Lian Garden, a serene public park located in Kowloon. It’s free to enter and features beautiful landscaping, traditional Chinese architecture, and tranquil ponds. The garden is also home to a collection of bonsai trees.
10.The Symphony of Lights Show
Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights is a nightly light and sound show that takes place across the city’s skyline. The show started in 2004 and has since become a major tourist attraction.
Best Viewing Spot: The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers the best view, with the entire skyline illuminated in colorful lights, synchronized to music. The show lasts about 13 minutes and is free to watch.
We noticed people arrived early to get a good spot for the show, but honestly I don’t recommend wasting too much time to get there early. The show was fine but not not that impressive. It is nice to see at least once but definitely not worth arriving more than 15 or 20 minutes early for.
11. Ride the World’s Longest Escalator
The Central-Mid-Levels escalator is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, stretching over 2,625 feet or 800 meters. Built to help residents of the hilly area commute, it’s a fun and quirky way to explore Hong Kong’s vertical city.
12. Hike to Victoria Peak
For an unforgettable view of the city, hike up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The hike is moderately challenging, taking about 1-2 hours depending on your pace. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the harbor and the city.
13. Visit Victoria Peak
At the peak, you’ll also find Peak Tower and Peak Galleria Mall, which offer shops, restaurants, and even an observation deck. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take the historic Peak Tram to the top. The tram ride is steep and offers spectacular views.
14. Explore Hong Kong’s Vibrant Murals
Hong Kong has become an unexpected hotspot for street art, with murals adorning walls and buildings across the city. These colorful works of art blend traditional Chinese motifs with modern influences, reflecting both the city’s dynamic culture and its deep artistic roots. Street art has exploded in popularity, and today, murals are scattered throughout neighborhoods like Sheung Wan, Central, and Kowloon.
Why it’s special: Hong Kong’s murals offer a unique glimpse into local life, culture, and history. They’ve transformed urban spaces into outdoor galleries, making the city feel like a canvas for creativity. Many of these murals are created by local artists, but you’ll also find pieces from international street art icons.
Notable locations to explore:
- Sheung Wan: A neighborhood known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals featuring everything from abstract designs to detailed depictions of Hong Kong’s heritage.
- Mural Walk in Central: This is a guided tour of the city’s best street art, taking you through the alleys of Central and beyond.
- Kowloon’s Street Art Scene: Areas like Kowloon City and Mong Kok feature large murals on building facades, making it a great place to wander and discover hidden gems.
15. Visit the Tian Tan Buddha
The Tian Tan Buddha, located on Lantau Island, is a massive bronze statue that stands over 34 meters tall. It’s one of the largest outdoor seated Buddhas in the world. Inaugurated in 1993, the statue symbolizes peace, harmony, and the connection between humans and nature. The statue is inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and represents the core Buddhist principles of compassion and wisdom. While about 15-20% of Hong Kong’s population practices Buddhism, the statue attracts both Buddhists and tourists alike, it’s a popular pilgrimage site.
The area around the Tian Tan Buddha offers plenty to explore beyond the statue itself. You can visit the nearby Po Lin Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist temple, and stroll through Ngong Ping Village, a cultural theme park with shops and restaurants. Lantau Island also offers scenic hiking trails, including the trek to Lantau Peak, and a visit to the traditional Tai O Fishing Village, known for its stilt houses.
The village’s origins date back to the 18th century, when it was settled by the Tanka people, a group of fishermen who lived on boats or stilted homes. These early inhabitants were mostly descendants of migrants from mainland China, particularly from the Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Tai O developed as a key fishing and salt-producing hub in Hong Kong during the 19th century. Its strategic location along the coast made it ideal for fishing, and the village became known for its thriving fishing industry, particularly for dried seafood products like shrimp paste and salted fish. The stilt houses, or pang uk, were built to protect the residents from flooding and typhoons, which are common in the area. These wooden structures stand above the tidal flats, connected by narrow walkways. Despite modern development in other parts of Hong Kong, Tai O has preserved much of its traditional way of life. It remains a living example of Hong Kong’s fishing heritage, with many residents still working in fishing and related industries.
You can either take a gondola or hike up to the Buddha. The gondola ride offers beautiful views, with a glass-bottom option available for an extra thrill. It’s best to book your tickets in advance, especially if you want to ride the glass-bottom gondola.
16. Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland opened on September 12, 2005, on Lantau Island as the fifth Disney park worldwide. Since its opening, Hong Kong Disneyland has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. In 2019, the park welcomed around 6.4 million visitors, though the numbers fluctuated due to the global pandemic. However, it remains one of the most popular destinations for families visiting Hong Kong, offering a unique blend of Disney magic with Asian cultural influences.
Popular attractions at the park include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, and Mystic Manor—a unique ride that’s exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland. One of the park’s special features is its “Duffy and Friends” characters, which are beloved in Asia. Duffy the Disney bear, along with his friends ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, and Cookie, is a popular franchise in Hong Kong Disneyland and is beloved for its unique appeal in the Asian market. These characters are featured in exclusive merchandise and special seasonal events, making them a significant part of the park’s identity.
As for entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland also offers a fireworks show, typically held at the park’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The fireworks display, often set to classic Disney music, is a highlight for many visitors. It’s special because it combines the traditional Disney fireworks with elements inspired by Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, making it a uniquely local experience. In my opinion, one day is enough time to visit this park. For more information on how to plan your Hong Kong Disneyland day, check out the post I did specifically on this park.
We didn’t have time for these places but a few more options for those visiting Hong Kong include:
17. Kowloon Walled City Park
Kowloon Walled City Park is a fascinating historical site in Kowloon, once known as the most densely populated place on Earth. Originally a military outpost in the Song Dynasty (960–1279), it evolved into a lawless enclave by the 1950s, home to tens of thousands living in cramped, unregulated conditions. The area was demolished in the 1990s, and today, it’s a peaceful public park that preserves some of the Walled City’s history. The park features ancient remnants like a restored watchtower, traditional Chinese landscaping, and ponds, offering a serene contrast to the bustling city around it. It’s popular for its unique mix of history, green spaces, and quiet ambiance, allowing visitors to reflect on one of Hong Kong’s most notorious neighborhoods.
18. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, located in the Central district, is one of the oldest zoological parks in the world. Founded in 1871, the garden is home to over 1,000 species of plants and a variety of animals, including primates, birds, and reptiles. The garden’s design blends beautifully manicured gardens with wildlife enclosures, offering a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. It’s a popular spot for families and nature lovers, as it’s free to enter and provides an educational experience about wildlife conservation. Notable features include a colonial-era pavilion and an impressive collection of orchids. The gardens’ location on the slopes of Victoria Peak offers scenic views of the city, adding to its charm.
19. Hong Kong Museum of History
The Hong Kong Museum of History is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the city’s rich and diverse past. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Hong Kong’s history, from prehistoric times through its colonial period to the present day. Established in 1975, the museum’s exhibits are divided into thematic sections, including Hong Kong’s Archaeological Finds, The Opium Wars, Hong Kong in the 20th Century, and Cultural Heritage. One of its most famous exhibits is the Hong Kong Story, a permanent exhibition that chronicles the evolution of the city through artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia displays, making it a popular choice for both tourists and locals. The museum provides insight into the region’s development, its struggles during colonial rule, and its modern transformation into a global metropolis.
20. Hike to Lantau Peak
For those seeking adventure, the hike to Lantau Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most rewarding trekking experiences. At 934 meters (3,064 feet), it’s the second-highest peak in Hong Kong, offering panoramic views of the South China Sea and surrounding islands. The hike is a challenge, especially in the hotter months, but the stunning views from the summit make it worth the effort. Along the way, hikers pass through lush forests and grasslands, with the trail winding through natural landscapes that are far removed from the city’s hustle. The trail to Lantau Peak is part of the Lantau Trail, a 70-kilometer network of hiking routes that encircle Lantau Island. For those not up for the full hike, there are shorter routes or a cable car ride that can take you part of the way up, providing a more leisurely way to enjoy the views. The peak is especially popular at sunrise, when the views are at their most dramatic.
Conclusion
With so much to see and do, a quick trip to Hong Kong is the perfect destination for solo travelers, couples or families. For more tips from our previous adventures, check out my other posts:
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