10 Best Things to Do on Hong Kong Island
What is Hong Kong Island Most Famous For?
Our list of the best things to do on Hong Kong island is so varied that it could take more than one trip to fit them all in your itinerary. From dramatic hikes and temple visits to frantic shopping trips and the excitement of theme park rides, Hong Kong stays busy and exciting year-round.
Hong Kong is an endlessly fascinating destination due to its rich history and cultural diversity. Modern skyscrapers and centuries-old temples dot the vibrant Central district of Hong Kong Island, resulting in unique scenery that’s unlike most cities in Asia.
1. Causeway Bay
The hustle and bustle of city life
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Shoppers
If it’s your first time in Hong Kong, head to the vibrant neighborhood of shopping streets around Causeway Bay, where you can immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s iconic street scenes. They’re busy, bustling, and packed with exciting sights and sounds.
The streets around Jardine’s Crescent are popular with tourists and locals alike throughout the day and night. They’re great spots for really getting a feel for Hong Kong’s unique atmosphere and culture. Get a first glimpse of the trams rattling along Hennessy Road, with huge flashing billboards, street hawkers, and flagship designer stores catching your attention at every turn.
Location: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Causeway Bay
2. The Peak
A famous hilltop with staggering views
Good for: Food, History, Photo
The Peak is a hilltop district that sits atop Victoria Peak. It not only boasts tremendous views out over the harbor and neighboring islands, but it’s also a foodie destination and a place of cultural and historical interest.
This Hong Kong attraction is very popular among first-time visitors. You can either take the historic tram (dating from 1888) or hike your way to the summit, which stands at 1800 feet above sea level. Don’t forget your camera as The Peak is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
Location: Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
The Peak
3. Hong Kong Disneyland
Lantau Island
Good for: Families
Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the largest theme parks in Hong Kong. This is where you’ll find your favorite Disney characters parading the streets of the expansive theme park, as well as a wide range of fun rides for all ages.
There’s something for just about everyone at this world-renowned attraction, from romantic boat rides and live shows to indoor rollercoasters and space adventures. Read more
Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +852 1830 830
Hong Kong Disneyland
4. Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Lantau Island
Good for: Photo
Tian Tan Buddha, one of the world’s tallest statues of a seated Buddha, is a sight to behold. Located in Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, the structure is 34 meters in height and sits on top of a 3-level base platform.
It was built to symbolize the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. Po Lin Monastery has many other interesting things to see, including a lotus pond, several prayer halls, a teahouse, a tea plantation, an orchid garden, and many restaurants Read more
Location: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Plateau, Tung Chung Town, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
5. Stanley Market and Murray House
An architectural icon and a market scene
Good for: Families, Shoppers, History
Stanley Market and Murray House are situated in the suburb town of Stanley next to Chung Hom Kong and Repulse Bay, on the southern coast of Hong Kong. The market is made up of winding lanes stocking a fascinating assortment of gifts, clothes, antiques, and watches.
Less than 5 minutes away from this open-air marketplace is Stanley Murray House, an imposing colonial-era building that was restored and relocated from Central. It has several renowned restaurants on the 1st floor, all of which overlook Blake Pier and the South China Sea.
Location: Murray House, 96 Stanley Main St, Stanley, Hong Kong
Stanley Market and Murray House
6. Temple Street Night Market
An after-dark hubbub of sights, sounds, and smells
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Budget
Temple Street Night Market is a busy and popular market that will boggle the mind with its diversity of offerings. It usually opens at 2 pm, but really gets going after dark, when it becomes a noisy barrage of brightly lit stalls selling cheap souvenirs, fashion items, and electronics. Most items are sourced directly from factories in mainland China meaning you can bag some bargains here.
You’ll also find many traditional fortune-tellers and herbalists, as well as the occasional free open-air Cantonese opera. Snacks stalls and restaurants surround Temple Street Night Market, which adds to the already colorful and noisy spectacle. Read more
Location: Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 2 pm to 11 pm
Temple Street Night Market
7. Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo
The trendiest hang-outs in town
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
The district of Lan Kwai Fong and the nearby iconic Soho are usually buzzing with fashionable locals and tourists seeking a trendy place to hang out and enjoy a few drinks once the sun goes down. These areas are arguably Hong Kong’s busiest nightlife districts.
Lan Kwai Fong consists of a cobble-stoned maze of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in the middle of Central on Hong Kong Island. The famous SoHo caters mostly to Hong Kong’s elites, thanks to its extensive range of high-end international restaurants and chic lounge bars.
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo
8. Star Ferry Hong Kong
A seafaring symbol of the city
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Star Ferry Hong Kong is one of the best spots for a sense of the city’s living history. Founded in 1880, it’s also a symbol of the city and often featured in local movies and TV shows.
There are 2 ferry crossings that take you across the bay, although the most popular route is from to Kowloon to the Central Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island. Fares for the Star Ferry are surprisingly affordable, and only increase marginally at weekends. The ferries leave every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day, so you never need to worry about missing one.
Location: 3 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Star Ferry Hong Kong
9. Hong Kong rooftop bars
An evening spent above the city
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Lounging at a rooftop bar in Hong Kong is definitely one of the best ways to spend your evenings. With Hong Kong’s iconic skyline all around, you can soak up the twinkling cityscape in the cooling breeze while sipping on your favorite drink.
What’s more, there are rooftop bars and restaurants to enjoy spread out all over the city, on both sides of Victoria Harbor, so you are never far away from a great venue that offers a privileged vantage point over Hong Kong.
10. Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights Hong Kong
A dazzling spectacle of lights and music
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife, Photo
The Avenue of Stars is a promenade overlooking Victoria Bay in Kowloon. It’s just a short walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station and is popular for soaking up the sweeping scene of Hong Kong Island. You’ll also see over 100 stars dotting the walkway, which honor legends of the Hong Kong film industry, much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
This waterfront promenade also happens to be one of the best spots for watching the famous light show called the Symphony of Lights. This laser show set to music starts every night at 8 pm and is set against one of the most incredible cityscapes in the world.
Location: Kowloon Public Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights Hong Kong
11. Bank of China Tower
A skyscraper designed to impress
Good for: Photo, Budget
The soaring 70-story Bank of China Tower is one of Hong Kong Island’s most stunning landmarks. Designed by acclaimed architect I M Pei and completed in 1990, the design was inspired by the elegance of bamboo and symbolizes vitality, strength, and growth.
The 1,200-foot-tall building has a dramatic, geometric glass facade which has featured in many Hollywood films, including Transformers and Star Trek. The public viewing deck on the 43rd floor is free of charge but remember to bring your ID for registration and access into the building.
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, closed Saturday and Sunday
Bank of China Tower
12. Dragon’s Back Hike Hong Kong
Trekking along a sleeping dragon
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
The Dragon’s Back Hike takes you along a dramatic mountain ridge, up to Shek O Peak, and back down the other side. Located in Shek O Country Park, the trail is popular among those looking to enjoy the outdoors on Hong Kong Island. It takes less than 1 hour to reach the start of the trail from Central Hong Kong.
The 5-mile-long trail takes between 2 and 5 hours to complete. It can get quite steep in parts, so wear a sturdy and comfortable pair of trainers or walking boots. The Dragon’s Back Trail is listed as Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, meaning it’s well signposted throughout. Read more
Location: Hong Kong Trail Sec. 8, Shek O, Hong Kong
Dragon’s Back Hike Hong Kong
13. Exchange Square Hong Kong
An iconic financial hub with bonus shopping
Good for: Couples, Food, Shoppers
Exchange Square, home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, consists of the One, Two, and Three Exchange Square buildings. This spectacular complex has been recognized as an important achievement in architecture. Featuring 3 towers of rose-colored granite and silver glass, it’s an aesthetically beautiful forum where some of the most important financial transactions take place.
Exchange Square Hong Kong is connected to IFC Mall by a network of walkways, and the Airport Express Line’s Hong Kong Station is directly underneath. The shopping mall features fashion, beauty, and jewelry shops, as well as numerous trendy restaurants and a movie theater.
Location: 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong Island
Exchange Square Hong Kong
14. Peak Tram Historical Gallery
The fascinating history of Hong Kong’s tramline
Good for: Families, History
The Peak Tram Historical Gallery, located in the St John’s Building in the Peak Tram Lower Terminus, is where you can learn about life in Hong Kong back in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum displays more than 200 artifacts related to the tram, which are spread out across 15 exhibition halls.
The gallery also features a replica of the first generation Peak Tram carriage and the 1926 Haulage Room. It’s a great place to explore before you actually board the tram to The Peak Hong Kong’s summit. Read more
Location: St. John’s Building, 33 Garden Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 7 am to midnight
Phone: +852 2849 7654
Peak Tram Historical Gallery
15. Repulse Bay
A beautiful little beach escape
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Repulse Bay is a public beach on Hong Kong Island’s southern district, about a 30-minute drive from Central Hong Kong. While the beach is home to an upmarket residential area, it’s also one of the most popular areas in Hong Kong for dining, family picnics, sunbathing, and water sports.
This attractive crescent-shaped beach is fronted by clear blue waters, with moderate temperatures year-round. The soft sands make for pleasant strolls in the early mornings and on quieter, cooler days, while summertime sees crowds of sunbathers pack the beach. Read more
Location: Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island
Repulse Bay
16. Sky 100 Hong Kong
60 seconds to the top of Hong Kong’s tallest building
Good for: Families, Photo
Sky 100 Hong Kong is a viewpoint on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Center (ICC). While it’s fully indoors, you’ll be able to enjoy incredible panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the sprawling suburbs of the New Territories. Sky 100 also hosts evening and nighttime packages, which not only save you money but allow a whole new viewing experience.
The ICC building holds the title of the tallest building in Hong Kong city, and you’ll be able to look down on the world from a whopping 1,300 feet above sea level. Even the super-fast elevators, that take you from the 2nd floor to the 100th in just 60 seconds, are an exhilarating experience. Read more
Location: International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, closed Sunday
Phone: +852 2613 3888
Sky 100 Hong Kong
17. Stanley Military Cemetery
Good for: History, Budget
The Stanley Military Cemetery is a colonial-era site near St. Stephen’s Beach in Stanley. Between 1841 and 1866, this plot of land was used to bury deceased British soldiers and their families, though the site also served as the final resting place for those who lost their lives during World War II.
Hundreds of white tombstones dot the green space, many of which don’t contain the names of the deceased. You can explore the Stanley Military Cemetery for free – enjoy beautiful views of surrounding hills and trees, as well as the South China Sea.
Location: Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Stanley Military Cemetery
18. Tai Po Waterfront Park
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure
Tai Po Waterfront Park covers an area of 22 hectares in the New Territories, making it one of Hong Kong’s largest parks. Onsite facilities include a 32.4-meter spiral staircase lookout tower with telescopes for you to check out the surrounding high-rises.
The park also has a 1.2-km-long promenade, gardens, sitting areas, and a 600-seat amphitheater. You can also enjoy some outdoor activities at Tai Po Waterfront Park – there’s a cycling track along Tolo Harbour, along with a jogging trail dotted with exercise stations.
Location: Dai Hei Street, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8.15 am to 11.45 pm
Phone: +852 2664 2107
Tai Po Waterfront Park
19. The Fringe Club & The Foreign Correspondents’ Club
Two venues for lovers of art and culture
Good for: History, Nightlife, Photo
The Fringe Club is a striking brick and stucco colonial-style structure dating back to 1913. Originally used as a cold-storage warehouse for ice and dairy products, it’s now one of Hong Kong’s most popular venues for arts and crafts exhibitions, live theater, and music concerts. The building also features a rooftop beer garden and a cozy restaurant.
Located next to the Fringe Club is the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC), a popular social and intellectual space, where journalists and photographers rendezvous with businessmen, bankers, authors, and artists.
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island
The Fringe Club & The Foreign Correspondents' Club
20. Whampoa World
A gigantic mall for shopping bliss
Good for: Families, Food, Shoppers
Whampoa World is a vast entertainment center and shopping complex that’s one of the largest in Hong Kong. It covers roughly 40 acres, and houses department stores, 300 stores and restaurants, children’s play areas, and even a small theme park.
An entire day be easily be spent exploring this huge complex and all it has to offer. The site also offers great views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbor. You can get to this unique shopping mall by taking a ferry to the Hung Hom Ferry Pier.
Location: 6 Shung King St, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Phone: +852 2121 8344
Whampoa World
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