10 Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s iconic skyline as seen from Sky Terrace 428

Ever since I was bitten by the travel bug, I’ve dreamed of seeing the Hong Kong skyline. While getting an Instagram-worthy shot of the incredible vista was certainly at the top of my Hong Kong travel bucket list, there was so much more to this vibrant city than I could have ever expected. From the mouthwatering food to the friendly people and the stunning sights, there are endless ways to spend your time in this enchanting city on the Pearl River Delta. To help you craft the perfect Hong Kong itinerary, I’ve narrowed down the options to the must-see attractions and adventures in both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Without further ado, these are 10 top things to do in Hong Kong. 

Top Things to Do in Hong Kong

• Victoria Peak Tram
• M+ Museum
• Tai Kwun
• Hong Kong Musuem of Art
• Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
• Explore Kowloon
• K11
• Ride a Ding Ding
• Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
• Hong Kong Disneyland

1. Victoria Peak Tram

For the ultimate view of the dramatic Hong Kong skyline, the Peak Tram is a must. Operating since 1888, this historic funicular transports you up the steep slopes of Victoria Peak, offering awe-inspiring views of Victoria Harbor and Central Hong Kong from its wooden benches. It’s also a great way to get your bearings, making Victoria Peak Tram one of the first things to do in Hong Kong upon arrival.

At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the Peak Tower, home to shops, cafes, and perfectly nice views of the city below. But for the best vistas, you’ll want to splurge a bit on entry to Sky Terrace 428. This open-air viewing platform stands 428 meters (more than 1,400 feet) above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views over Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers, lush mountainsides, and busy waterway. 

For the most memorable visit, arrive just before sunset to watch the sun sink below the skyline and the cluster of towers illuminate the night sky with bright neon lights.

2. M+ Museum

Asia’s first global museum of contemporary art, M+ is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. Situated in the heart of the vibrant West Kowloon Cultural District, the museum is a work of art in itself, with a sleek, futuristic design and a facade that lights up with digital displays by night. 

Wander through immersive exhibitions, catch thought-provoking films, or chill in the rooftop garden with sweeping views of Victoria Harbor. Among the recent highlights are the world’s first retrospective of world-renowned architect I.M. Pei and a fashion-focused exhibit on Chinese designer Guo Pei. 

Be sure to stop by the onsite cafe for an artistic sip: Curator Creative Cafe is famous for its Instagram-worthy printed lattes.

3. Tai Kwun

This collection of 16 restored 19th-century buildings was once the Central Police Headquarters of Hong Kong Island. Today, the complex is a combination living museum and heritage arts hub, and one of the top things to do in Hong Kong.

A treasure trove of stories, Tai Kwun offers a peek into Hong Kong’s past with beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone courtyards that now play host to art galleries, live performances, restaurants, and quirky shops selling locally made handicrafts. While exploring, be sure to spend some time in the Victoria Prison Museum for a sobering reminder of Tai Kwun’s penal history.

4. Hong Kong Museum of Art

As a self-proclaimed museum nerd, this attraction was one of my top things to do in Hong Kong and it did not disappoint. The Hong Kong Museum of Art is a cultural gem located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour alongside an incredible collection of works spanning nearly a millennia.

With over 18,000 pieces in its collection, the museum celebrates Chinese fine art, calligraphy, and antiques, as well as modern and international works. Entry is free, though special exhibitions will typically cost extra. Recent renovations have added interactive exhibits and a sleek, modern vibe, making the building itself as eye-catching as the works found within.

5. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Perched on the slopes of Victoria Peak in Central, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are a peaceful urban oasis and one of Asia’s oldest parks. It’s completely free to enter, making it a fantastic budget-friendly spot. 

Split into two sections by Albany Road, the gardens are home to lush greenery, colorful flowers, and over 100 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including cheeky primates like lemurs and orangutans. The arboretum is a particular highlight, where you can walk freely among hundreds of colorful birds and see them roosting just inches from the treetop railings. Just be sure to wear your walking shoes — the area is hilly with quite a few stairs to traverse.

6. Explore Kowloon

Kowloon is the vibrant heart of local life in Hong Kong, offering a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. Wander through the bustling markets like Temple Street Night Market or go off the beaten path to discover Hong Kong’s tenement history at Heritage of Mei Ho House. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the region’s storied past, opt for a walking tour or food tour of the Kowloon side of the city. We found our guide, Angel, on the tour website With Locals and couldn’t have been more thrilled with her night market tour.

Hot tip: Don’t miss the Dragon Centre. One local guide recommended the nine-story mall’s food court as one of the best (and most sanitary places) to try street food in Hong Kong.

7. K11

One of the top things to do in Hong Kong, K11 is a one-of-a-kind cultural retail destination in Tsim Sha Tsui that blends art, design, and shopping into one gorgeous package. Part gallery, part mall, it features contemporary art installations woven into its stylish spaces — perfect for snapping Instagram-worthy shots.

Entry is free, but you’ll likely splurge on unique souvenirs from designer boutiques or unique local brands. You’ll want to take your time wandering through the mall: Don’t miss the K11 Art Mall’s exhibitions or the rooftop garden with stunning views of Victoria Harbour.

8. Ride a Ding Ding

Riding a Ding Ding, Hong Kong’s iconic double-decker tram, is a must when making your way through the city’s vibrant streets. Named for the sound they make as they rattle along Hong Kong Island’s north coast, these trams have been in operation since 1904, shuttling residents and visitors alike from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan. 

Photo courtesy of Discover Hong Kong

Hop on for just HK$3 (less than a dollar), and enjoy an open-windowed ride past skyscrapers, markets, and heritage sites. It’s a slow-paced journey through history, offering a glimpse of daily life and incredible street views. For locals, it’s a practical commute; for visitors, it’s a nostalgic, budget-friendly adventure you can’t miss while experiencing Hong Kong’s unique charm. Plus, it provides a fun photo op.

9. Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden

For a peaceful escape from Hong Kong’s bustling streets, you can’t do much better than a visit to Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. Tucked away in the heart of Kowloon, the nunnery consists of a stunning sooden temple (remarkably built without the use of a single nail) that showcases Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture and houses beautiful Buddhist statues. Next door, Nan Lian Garden is a meticulously landscaped oasis with koi ponds, pavilions, and a golden pagoda. Best of all, entry to both is free! 

PSA: Pay attention to the signs. Chi Lin Nunnery is an active religious site and taking pictures of the relics is not allowed. 

10. Hong Kong Disneyland

If you know me at all, you knew this was coming. While this may not be a must-do for everyone, I’d highly recommend taking a day out of your itinerary to visit Hong Kong Disneyland. The smallest of the world’s Disney parks, Hong Kong Disneyland is easily doable in a day and houses some unique attractions, including Mystic Manor, the world’s first Frozen-themed land, and the bear-themed Grizzly Gulch family coaster. The small footprint also means that you can take your time wandering around the park, soaking in all the little Disney details that make it so magical. We also found the snacks here to be top-notch!