Activities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is best explored with a mix of city and nature. Skyscrapers and old temples are close to mountains and beaches, and public transport reaches most of them. Three days is a good start: one for Hong Kong Island, one for Kowloon, and one for Lantau or a hike. A fourth lets you add an outlying island or Sai Kung.

City sights

Victoria Peak. The Peak Tram is the classic ride up, but queues can be long, especially at sunset and on weekends. Go in the late afternoon to see the view in both daylight and after dark. The paid Sky Terrace is optional, and Lugard Road offers a free walk with a wonderful view.

Harbour views. The Star Ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui is cheap and a highlight in itself. A Symphony of Lights show is held most evenings at 8pm, and it's best viewed from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Check the current schedule, since it can change.

Man Mo Temple and Hollywood Road. Giant incense coils hang from the ceiling of this small, atmospheric temple. Please be quiet and don't disturb those praying. Walk along Hollywood Road for antiques, then down the nearby steps and lanes of Sheung Wan.

Heritage and art. Tai Kwun, a restored police compound and prison, and PMQ, a creative hub, are both in Central and free to walk around. M+ in West Kowloon is a large modern museum with harbour views, which is good for a rainy day.

Nature and islands

Dragon's Back. A popular ridge walk above the sea, on the south side of the island, that ends near Big Wave Bay. It takes around two to three hours, and you reach the start by bus from Shau Kei Wan MTR. Go early to avoid the heat.

Lantau and the Big Buddha. Take the cable car or the MTR and a bus to Ngong Ping. The cable car closes at times for maintenance, and the queue can be long, so check first and consider booking ahead. Allow half a day or more.

Cheung Chau and Lamma. Ferries from Central take you to car-free islands with seafood, small beaches and easy walks. Avoid weekend afternoons if you can, because the return ferries get busy.

Sai Kung and Tai Long Wan. Sai Kung is a seaside town with seafood and boats to nearby islands. Tai Long Wan's beaches, including Ham Tin Wan, are among the most beautiful in Hong Kong, but you'll need to hike for an hour or two after a bus or taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Bring water and check the weather.

Food and nightlife

Dim sum. A morning tradition, and popular places fill up early. Pour tea for others at the table, and tick your dishes on the order sheet if one's provided.

Cha chaan teng. Local diners serving milk tea, pineapple buns and macaroni soup. They're quick and cheap, and you may share a table with strangers.

Night markets. Temple Street has food and fortune tellers, and the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok has clothes and gifts. Bargain politely, and carry some cash.

Rooftop bars. Central and Tsim Sha Tsui have many bars with skyline views. Drinks are pricey, and some have dress codes or minimum spends, so check before heading up.

Practical advice

When to go. October to December is usually the most comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with heavy rain and typhoons, and hiking can be dangerous then, so watch the weather warnings.

Getting around. The MTR is fast and simple, and a transit card or contactless payment works on most public transport. Many hikes begin a short ride from an MTR station and need only sturdy shoes and water.

Customs. Queue patiently for popular restaurants, and take care in temples and the narrow lanes of the markets.