Last Updated on March 17, 2026 by Sammie
Top Things to do in Hong Kong from a “Local”
Spoiler alert, I don’t actually live in Hong Kong, but trust me, I know all the best things to do in Hong Kong. That being said, I live on a little “island” an hour ferry ride away, called Macau. Hong Kong IS my backyard! Plus, it’s one of my favorite cities on Earth.
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I work in a circus in Macau called the House of Dancing Water (the largest water show in the world!), and the cast here loves to get away to Hong Kong for a day trip or the weekend. I’ve done Hong Kong with my friends, with locals, with family, and with people I met one time at a bar whose names I cannot remember. If you’re wondering what to do in Hong Kong, please allow me to tell you exactly where to go. I got this in the bag.
From partying until the sun comes up, to hanging out with the parents, there are options for every type of traveler. It’s a beautiful layover if you’re trying to get somewhere more remote or you can easily enjoy a month-long stay and not run out of things to do.
You’re a foodie? Hong Kong’s got you. You like to hike? Hong Kong’s the place. You want to shop? Come on, easy. And don’t even get me started on their bar scene.
I’ve got stories on stories to share. But before I get too carried away, let’s figure out what on earth there is to do in Hong Kong.
My partner and I, freezing our butts off on the Star Ferry…still worth it.
Hong Kong FAQ’s
1. What is Hong Kong Like for Tourists?
It’s great! It’s why I play tourist every chance I get. Hong Kong is extremely accessible to tourists. You may be nervous due to the language barriers, but remember, Hong Kong was under British control for over 150 years, so many locals speak english and most taxi drivers know the famous landmarks.
Since I moved back in 2024, most buses take Apple Pay or contactless credit cards, as well as the MTR and the Ding Ding Trams. It’s great. Just pay attention to the red and green mini buses, not all of these have been outfitted with the machine for contactless pay. I always tell friends and family who come to visit me to take out $50 in Hong Kong cash just in case (and make sure you have change).
2. What to be careful about in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has a low crime rate but it is still a big city. Pick pocketing is not common here but always exercise caution, especially in crowded highly touristed areas. Hong Kong has a complicated history and it’s not getting any less dramatic. Pay attention to the strict national security laws. I’m not watching what I’m saying per say but I would advise to stay away from any public protesting and do not photograph any demonstrators or policemen.
3. Why is Hong Kong so Famous?
Hong Kong is the world’s financial office! But that isn’t going to get anyone excited except for my dad, maybe. Hong Kong is also the place where the city meets the mountain meets the sea. No where else on Earth will you see this incredible contrast of jungle, skyscrapers, and ocean. It’s beautiful.
4. Do I need to download anything before going to Hong Kong?
Not necessarily. I would advise you to get a SIM card when you’re hear. You can get an E-SIM before arriving or pick one up at any local 7/Eleven. If you would like to use an Octopus Card for transportation you can download the Octopus App. And if you’re thinking you are going to be making a lot of dinner reservations, download OpenRice, which is the preferred booking application in Hong Kong.
5. How do I get around Hong Kong?
There are many options! The OCTOPUS CARD will have you covered for all Hong Kong Transportation, and you can download this before your trip. Or you can simply use contactless pay.
To get around Hong Kong, you can use the MTR subway, which connects all three of the Hong Kong Islands. You can use the Ding Ding Tram, which travels exclusively on Hong Kong Island. And there are plenty of taxis available. However, if you want to get around by taxi in Hong Kong, you will need to pay attention to the color system. See the table below.
RED TAXIS: (Urban) These taxis operate mainly on Hong Kong Island, but they will go to Kowloon. They will not go to Lantau Island.
GREEN TAXIS: (New Territories) These taxis operate only in the New Territories. You’ll generally only need these taxis if you’re doing some remote hiking.
BLUE TAXIS: (Lantau Island) These taxis only operate on Lantau Island.
6. When is the best time to travel to Hong Kong?
The absolute best time to travel to Hong Kong is in the late fall or early spring. The Typhoon season is coming later and lasting longer. Coming in October still may present some serious rainfall or you may luck out. November through the holiday season is great in Hong Kong, sunny, warm, and not too humid. March is another great month to visit Hong Kong. After March, the later it gets the more humid it becomes. Summer (June-August) is disgusting. You will sweat.
My partner and I watching Cirque Du Soleil KOOZA in Hong Kong.
THINGS TO NOTE FOR HONG KONG:
Uber works in Hong Kong! You may find that you are standing in a taxi line and constantly being cut in front of. These people have reserved taxis through Uber, which is surprisingly more reliable than private cars.
TIP: Still carry cash for taxis for the older drivers.
Where is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong SAR is located on the southeastern tip of China and is surrounded by the South China Sea to the east, south, and west. Directly west of Hong Kong is Macau for a reference point. And if you’re counting by airplane hours, Hong Kong is between 13 and 16 hours by plane from San francisco.
Hong Kong is located…
- 6,900 miles from San Francisco
- 8,045 miles from New York City
- 5,989 miles from Paris
- 5,970 miles from London
- 1,587 miles from Singapore
- 6,630 miles from Johannesburg
The best view of the Hong Kong Skyline is from Kowloon Side.
17 Things to do in Hong Kong
I could make a list of over 100 things to do in Kyoto, but I’m not sure anyone has time for that. Instead, I will break it into the most popular things to do in Kyoto and the more unique things to do in Kyoto.
1. Hike to Big Buddha
Hike or don’t hike, no matter what, go visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. However, I think this hike is iconic. It’s not the easiest of beautiful walks but the views are worth it. You’re going to want to follow the Ngong Ping Rescue Trail. It’s about 5.6 kilometres and takes roughly 2 hours depending on how many selfies you take. Unless its changed from the last time I did this, there are stairs, and not a ‘cute’ amount of stairs. Bring your water bottle and skip leg day beforehand.
Alternatively, some of my other favorite Hong Kong Hikes include:
- Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay
- Mui Wo to Pui O through the Lantau Trail
- Mui Wo to Pui O on the Coastal Trail (which is easier and flatter).
1. Go Camping
I wasn’t a camper before living across the bay from Hong Kong. But I am proud to state I have a hammock that has a zipable mosquito net attached. Hong Kong has a way of turning the most indoor pets into outdoor nature lovers. Our favorite spot to camp is Sai Wan, but do not come here during Lunar New Year or any other holiday or you will hate yourself and more importantly, me. Some other notable camping spots to check out are Ham Tin Wan and Grass Island.
Hong Kong Camping Tips
- Tie Your Food Up High: Hong Kong has a crazy wild pig problem. Not the cute pink ones, they ones that are big, hairy, and loud. It sounds funny until they eat through your tent, take ALL of your food for the weekend, and tear through your purse. Speaking from experience…PLEASE tie your food up high before the sun goes down. Once these annoying da** swine figure out they can get food from a specific area, they are relentless and will keep coming back and bothering you. Not to mention, they are quite dangerous.
- Check the Weather: To get to Sai Wan, you can hike or you can take a boat from Sai Kung New Public Pier. However, these boats will not run if there are too big waves or if the weather is bad.
- Bring mosquito spray: Don’t question it for a second.
3. Go To The Beach
The beauty of Hong Kong is that you can head to the beach to catch some sun or catch some waves and be back in time for the best happy hours a world-class city can offer. Whether you decide to stay overnight or just make a day trip out of it, there are plenty of beaches that offer small cafes or restaurants so you don’t have to worry about packing a lunch.
Hong Kong Beach Insider Tip
If you’re into surfing, check out Big Wave Bay or Shek O.
4. Victoria Peak
A classic thing to do in Hong Kong is to head to Victoria’s Peak. Every person I’ve brought to Hong Kong has this on their list, so I’ve made my way up to the top more times than I can count. The important thing about Victoria’s Peak is to check the weather before going. Many times, the fog can literally “cloud” your view. You either take the iconic Victoria Peak Tram (try to grab a seat if you can!) or take the scenic route via Bus 15 from Central.
Victoria Peak Insider Tip
If you take Bus 15 to get to Victoria Peak, sit on the upper deck for uncompromised views ;).
5. Learn How to Make Dumplings from a Local
I’m literally writing about this class as I wait for my dad to be ready to head to this class! I’ve cooked with Edith (the host) 3 times now, and she never disappoints. I found The Local Cooking Experience when my boyfriend wanted to learn how to make dumplings for his birthday. This class is perfect.
It starts with a wet market tour where Edith shows you all the local ingredients and lets you ask as many questions as you can imagine. You’ll notice she’s great friends with the vendors and will even give you the lowdown on the local gossip if you don’t understand Cantonese… Then you head back to her apartment to make the three courses of your choosing. I highly recommend this local experience.
The Best Cooking Class in Hong Kong
(In my opinion, of course.)
6. Tour famous film locations
Hong Kong has quite a reputation as a premier location for international films. From Transformers to Dark Knight, Rush Hour 2, the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, and countless Hong Kong thrillers. Spend an afternoon ticking off your BINGO card of famous film locations. It’s a great way to get around the city and see some of Hong Kong’s most iconic places.
Famous Hong Kong Film Locations
- The Mid-Levels Escalator (Central)
- The Movies: Chungking Express, The Dark Knight.
- “Monster Building” / Yick Cheong Building (Quarry Bay)
- The Movies: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Ghost in the Shell (visual inspiration).
- Chungking Mansions (Tsim Sha Tsui)
- The Movies: Chungking Express.
- Two IFC (Central)
- The Movies: The Dark Knight, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.
- Tsing Shan Monastery (Tuen Mun)
- The Movies: Enter the Dragon.
- Avenue of Stars (Tsim Sha Tsui)
- The Movies: Various (Tribute to HK Cinema).
7. Check out the Markets
There’s a Hong Kong market for every type of shopper. Even if you’re not planning on shopping, there are plenty of Hong Kong markets to meander through for people watching or gazing at some priceless artifacts. My top recommendations would be Cats Street for antiques, Bird Market for a beautiful walk, Ladies Market for some cheap Hong Kong souvenirs, and Apliu Street for electronics. For a full run down on every Hong Kong Market to visit, check out my Hong Kong Market Guide.
Hong Kong Market Guide
8. Visit the Salt Pans
Check out the traditional salt pans revitalized by the Hakka (an indigenous Han-Chinese sub-group) people on Yim Tin Tsai Island. The island is near Sharp Island and linked to the nearby Kau Sai Chau. Yim Tin Tsai is home to the oldest rural Catholic Chapel in Hong Kong as well as the only extant salt production site in Hong Kong. This not-so-little saltpan won the Award of Distinction by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Something a bit different than the glamorous shopping malls on Hong Kong Island.
9. Visit a historic Fishing Village or go golfing
A strange combination, but stay with me. Kau Sai Chau Island is home to the only public golf course in Hong Kong, while also being home to a historical fishing community. While there, check out the Kau Sai Village Story Room. It’s a small exhibit, but it’s neat. Inside, it showcases a variety of historical artifacts from the village, including traditional fishing equipment and Hakka medicinal herb specimens. And if you’re into geology, you’ll be excited to hear that the entire Kau Sai Island is formed from volcanic materials from the High Island Supervolcano.
How to get to Kau Sai Chau Island:
- Take the Kaito Ferry- Take public transport and get off at Sai Kung Town centre. Then take the Kaito ferry (operating on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays).
- Hire a private boat from the pier.
- Join a local R2G guided Tour.
10. Buy the fragrance of Hong Kong Airport!
This is one of those TikTok finds that I thought was worth the hype. It’s Called Shiu Shing Hong. It’s a family run ragrance shop with over 50 years of experience in the business. They sell fragrances resembling the scents of famous Hong Kong Hotels and locations, as well as essential oils and raw cosmetic materials.
Recently stayed at the Four Seasons in Central, they have the scent for that. Love how the Hong Kong Airport smelled? They have the scent for that. Want to be reminded of IFC mall when you’re home? They have the scent for that. I loved it.
Though in my “local” opinion, it’s not the thing to do in Hong Kong for everyone, but most can get a kick out of how spot on the fragrances are after wandering around Hong Kong for a few days. Just keep in mind, the store is small and can get very crowded!
Local Tip
- If you choose to check out Shiu Shing Hong, come at the end of your trip. The draw of this place is how they carry the scents of different locations in Hong Kong. But if you haven’t been anywhere in Hong Kong, it won’t be very entertaining to you.
11. PMQ
Possibly my favorite place to bring visitors. PMQ has a unique history as once being the site of Queen’s College, then transformed into the old Police Married Quarters in the 1950s. In 2014, it transformed again into the creative design hub it is today. It’s filled with the most beautiful shops selling local boutique clothing, unique jewelry, art, and more. Sometimes you find the coolest socks, and other times you find the most gorgeous pair of earrings. It’s incredibly unique and is constantly changing with the latest Hong Kong artists who grab a spot to display their goods.
I highly recommend PMQ as one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
12. Tai Kwun
Another great option for shopping mixed with a bit of culture. Tai Kwun is the oldest historical revitalisation project in Hong Kong. Over 170 years ago, it was known as the police headquarters, magistracy and prison of Hong Kong. Now, it’s been converted into an arts and culture hub. If you’re interested, you can even step foot into a preserved cell block left “exactly” the way it was when it closed.
13. Get some clothes tailor-made
You may not have known, but Hong Kong has a long-standing tradition of tailor-made bespoke clothing. From its Shanghai roots and British influence, Hong Kong is a premier destination to get high-end tailor-made men’s and women’s garments with a quick turnaround (making it perfect for a quick weekend trip).
My Tailor Recommendations (For Women’s Clothing)
- Gordon Yao & Co- If you want a custom-made blazer that screams, “I may be the CEO,” or maybe “I own an apartment in the Upper East Side of New York City because I’m a boss bi***.” Gordon Yao is the gold standard.
- Raja Fashions– It’s a massive operation that can feel a bit like a whirlwind, but if you know exactly what you want and aren’t afraid to be firm during the fitting, you’ll walk out with a custom wardrobe for a fraction of what you’d pay back home.
- Irene Fashions– Irene actually understands female curves and will translate your Pinterest board into a silk reality without the typical tailor-shop intimidation.
14. Check out a great Museum
Like most big cities, Hong Kong has a great selection of museums. I’m not typically a museum girlie, but I also like to be a good host. And when my dad’s in town, that means an educational museum is on the menu. I was genuinely impressed with the Hong Kong History museum given Hong Kong’s complicated past and more recent complicated present. And if you’d like something more artsy and contemporary, check out M+ museum for displays of modern culture. Just note that M+ is closed on Mondays.
Insider Tip
- Avoid the museums on Saturday and Sunday if you can. They are obnoxiously crowded with tourists. And Wednesdays are also tough because of all the school groups.
- Most museums are free, but check ahead online just to be sure.
- If you decide to purchase the Annual Museum Pass, note that it gives you 10% off at Disneyland and Ocean Park!
15. Go to a Rooftop Bar
KABOOM Bar with my sister.
There are too many Hong Kong rooftop bars to choose from, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try. What’s insane is that you can go to a rooftop bar in Hong Kong with a 5-star view, order a high-end glass of French wine, and still pay less than what you’d pay at a crowded dive bar in Chicago. Don’t get me wrong, Chicago dive bars have their place. But no one can touch the level of luxury Hong Kong can offer the average folk.
My Favorite Hong Kong Rooftop Bars
Kowloon has the best views:
- Avoca
- Aqua
- KABOOM (As pictured!)
Hong Kong Island:
- PopinJays
- Cardinal Point
- Sugar
16. Go to the World’s Best Bar!
There are few times in my life where I’ve been able to say I’ve seen the best this or experienced the best that, but now I can confidently say I’ve been to the best bar in the world. Bar Leone was awarded the Best Bar in the World by theworlds50best in 2025. Everyone should check this place out. Simply put, it’s a great bar. The cocktails are innovative but approachable, and the service is warm and welcoming. The bar is unpretentious but knows how to create an incredible cocktail.
Details of Bar Leone
ADDRESS:
G/F, 11-15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong
HOURS:
Monday – Sunday, 17:00 – Late (or Tue-Sun 5pm-12am, according to Time Out)
NOTE:
The bar operates as a walk-in only establishment. But when I went there with my boyfriend and sister, we had no issue getting a table when it opened.
17. Star Ferry
I’ve only just recently experienced the Star Ferry and have zero regrets. It was possible the worst day to do it too, cold, rainy, and grey. Yet even in the worst of weather, being on an old Hong Kong junkboat, drifting off into the bay to view the incredible lights and skyline of Hong Kong was worth it. My dad, step-mom, and my partner Joris gave it the green light. It might be an extremely touristy thing to do, but it’s worth it.
Interested in a day trip from Hong Kong?
Tips for visiting Hong Kong
- Download the OCTOPUS APP before arriving in Hong Kong for a headache-free trip. You can load it directly from Apply/Google Pay. It will get you anywhere and everywhere public transit can take you in HK, but you can also use it to pay for snacks at 7/11 and other establishments.
- Use Uber! I mentioned this earlier but my dad and I were getting so frustrated waiting in the taxi line on our way to Pizza Project (fantastic pizza joint in HK btw). Turns out everyone was passing us in line because they were booking taxis through Uber. Woops. Lesson learned.
- If you’re checking out the museums, go on a Tuesday. This way, you’ll avoid all the school groups.
- Always carry a light rain jacket. Even if the weather says it’s sunny all day. Plus, even if it doesn’t rain, you’ll want something to throw on with all that air conditioning.
Did you know…
Vietnam is just over 2 hours from Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an incredible city with countless things to do. I tried to list my favorites, but it’s impossible to list them all! If you feel strongly that I’ve missed something, tell me! I’m always looking to improve these articles. Stay safe and happy traveling!
Enjoy.
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