7 Best Things To Do In Hong Kong

More than 20 years after the 1997 handover of sovereignty from Britain to China, Hong Kong is seeing new infrastructure projects, such as a super-speed train link with Beijing. Some things haven’t changed: The twinkling skyline remains, the Star Ferry still plies the harbor day after day, dim sum is still a sacred weekend ritual, and once edgy districts like Wong Chuk Hang, Sai Ying Pun, and Shek Tong Tsui have found new momentum, thanks to major MTR (metro) expansions.

Of course, there’s still plenty of old-world glamour to be found, whether you’re luxuriating over afternoon tea in the lofty lobby of The Peninsula or savoring a chilled silver tankard of beer at the Captain’s Bar in the Mandarin Oriental. If you’re wondering where to begin amid the action and energy, here’s our list of best things to do in Hong Kong.

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Top 7 Best Things To Do In Hong Kong

Top 7 Best Things To Do In Hong Kong

1. Victoria Peak

If you’ve seen postcards of Hong Kong then you’re probably familiar with the famous views from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island’s highest point and poshest neighborhood. If the mansions are any indication, this is where the city’s rich and famous reside. But most travelers don’t come to stalk celebrities or tycoons—they’re here for the views. This lofty vantage point overlooks the city’s dense skyline as well as the outlying islands to the south. Come, snap a few selfies, and take in the sights.

2. Cat Street

Located on a pedestrian street just below Hollywood Road, the century-old Cat Street market is a dream come true for vintage treasure hunters. You’ll find a few bona fide jade stores alongside makeshift street stalls; the latter brim with everything from throwaway souvenirs to quirky memorabilia, vintage photography prints, and genuinely beautiful retro vases. A few contemporary restaurants, such as Bibo (French cuisine and contemporary art) and Man Mo Cafe (French-ified dim sum) provide worthy resting spots should you need to refuel.

3. Victoria Dockside

Couples, families, and solo travelers are equally likely to visit Victoria Dockside in hot pursuit of the epic views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline. Beyond the general waterfront appeal, this avant-garde urban village also lures architecture and design nerds seeking to peek into Hong Kong’s evolving cityscape, which increasingly integrates organic structures, high-tech features, and ample greenery. Victoria Dockside gets crowded on weekends, so if you’re even the tiniest bit agoraphobic, take a pass or visit best on a weekday.

4. Chi Lin Nunnery

At the Chi Lin Nunnery and adjacent Nan Lian Garden you’ll stumble into a world of chanting nuns and meticulously pruned bonsai trees. Though it looks ancient, this Buddhist monastery complex was actually built in the 1930s and later renovated in 1998. Channeling ancient Chinese construction methods, the impressive wooden structure features a matrix of interlocking cypress wood beams—and not a single nail—making this one of the world’s largest handmade wooden buildings. Inside the structure, the Main Hall honors the founder of the Buddhist religion with an impressive statue.

5. Maxim’s Palace

It’s a little tricky to find Maxim’s Palace, which is located on the second floor of Hong Kong’s City Hall in Central. But as you ascend the escalator, the noisy crowds waiting to be seated should give it away. Established in 1980, Maxim’s is among Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum halls, decked out with elaborate pillars, dragon motifs, and glitzy chandeliers. Fair warning: The high-end address doesn’t take reservations, so it’s common to queue for at least 30 minutes if you come at peak hours, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on weekends. But for an old-school dim sum feast, Maxim’s delivers in spades.

6. A Symphony of Lights

Head to the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour around 8pm every evening to catch A Symphony of Lights, a dazzling show. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent light and sound show, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. Grab a drink at Eyebar in Tsim Sha Tsui for an unparalleled vantage point and cocktail, or book a cruise for front-row views from the water of Victoria Harbour.

7. Man Mo Temple

Don’t let the facade of this temple fool you. Tucked into Sheung Wan’s Hollywood Road, the interior is one of the most striking in the city. Dedicated to Man Cheong (the god of literature) and Mo Tai (the god of war), the elegant Man Mo Temple is often populated by students cramming for their exams. Step inside and be humbled by the hundreds of smoking spires of incense. Photos are allowed, but please be respectful.