Top Sights In Hong Kong: 20 Unique and Must-See Things To Do
Planning a trip to a big city can be daunting, especially when you don’t want to miss out on any of these top sights in Hong Kong. With so much to squeeze in and often not enough time to see it all, it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve made it easy for you!
In September 2019 we were lucky enough to spend 3 weeks wandering the city, discovering hiking trails and exploring islands. From this, we’ve pulled together our favourite and most memorable experiences, including tips and lessons we learnt along the way.
Listed below are our Top Sights in Hong Kong, a map with their locations and details on how to get to each one. We’ve combined some of the classic sights along with the more unusual, forming the ultimate Hong Kong bucket list for every adventurer!
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20 Top Sights In Hong Kong
11. Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
12. Hong Kong Disneyland
13. Man Mo Temple
14. Goldfish Market
15. Yum Cha
16. Lion Rock
17. Sugar
18. Repulse Bay
19. Stanley Market
20. Central-Mid-Level Escalators
1. Tai O Fishing Village, Lantau Island
As you arrive at the historic fishing village of Tai O, you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. A photographer’s utopia, the ‘Venice of Hong Kong’ sits precariously on stilts above the tidal flats. Get lost in the maze of tiny streets and rickety boardwalks and experience the traditional culture at the dried seafood market.
Fun Fact: Tai O is the only place in Hong Kong that has had a sedentary fishing community for over 100 years. Some of the stilted houses date back to the 19th Century.
Our Recommendation
This is one of the top sights in Hong Kong and can easily be combined with a morning exploring Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. It’s possible to take your time and see all three sights in one day, providing you plan and start early. Check the times of buses to ensure you don’t miss the last one back to the MTR or the last one linking Ngong Ping Village to Tai O. Be sure to spend a couple of hours exploring the village on the water. However, if you want to spend a full day here then book onto one of the boat trips. Not only do they cruise through the village waterways but you may also track down the elusive Pink Dolphins.
Getting There
Take MTR to Tung Chung, then Bus no.11. Or Bus no.21 from Ngong Ping Village to Tai O.
2. Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island
The impressive 34 metre high bronze statue sits nestled amongst the remote mountains of Lantau Island. As the second largest outdoor sitting bronze Buddha in the world, it’s no wonder this is a major tourist attraction and one of the most recognizable of the top sights in Hong Kong. The monumental ‘Big Buddha’ faces North as a guardian, overlooking China, and symbolises harmony between man and nature. Seated at the top of 268 steps, it’s a challenging climb, particularly in the grueling midday summer heat. Unlike Po Lin Monastery, situated just a few hundred metres away, the sculpture is not as old as it first appears. Built in 1993, Tian Tan Buddha took 12 years to build and can even be seen as far away as Macau.
Top Tip: Arrive early to avoid cable car queues and take photos of the Buddha without the surrounding swarming tourists. Most don’t arrive to Ngong Ping Village until midday.
Our Recommendation
Be sure to visit Po Lin Monastery after seeing the Buddha, then combine this with an afternoon trip to Tai O Village. We recommend only spending half a day before continuing on to the historic fishing village of Tai O. Most of Ngong Ping village comprises tourist gift shops, so we passed straight through, although we did come across apple flavour Coca Cola in their Seven Eleven! It’s worth taking the 30 minute cable car to get there, not only is there some incredible views over the island and the bay but you also get a chance to catch a glimpse of Buddha from a distance, allowing you to really appreciate its scale. We used Klook to book this in advance and definitley saved some money!
Getting There
Take the MTR to Tung Chung, leave at Exit B and take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village. Or take bus 23 to Ngong Ping Village from Tung Chung MTR.
3. Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island
Nestled amongst the mountains on Lantau Island is the remote Po Lin Monastery. Built in 1906, the Buddhist Monastery pre-dates the giant Tian Tan Buddha that sits only a few hundred meters away, by nearly 100 years. World renown for its detailed architecture and picturesque surroundings, it’s been dubbed ‘the Buddhist World in the South’. For an authentic experience, dine in the monastery’s impressive vegetarian restaurant, where all the food is freshly cooked by Buddhist Monks.
Top Tip: When dining at the monastery’s restaurant, be sure to order the Deluxe Vegetarian menu. We were recommended to order this by a friend, it was reasonably priced and definitely didn’t disappoint.
Our Recommendation
We recommend exploring the monastery after seeing the Tian Tan Buddha. Many do it the other way round meaning by lunch time the Big Buddha is packed with tourists. Dine in the restaurant around midday to avoid the busy period and leave enough time to catch the bus for an afternoon exploring Tai O. Be sure to order the Deluxe Vegetarian Menu!
Getting There
Take the MTR to Tung Chung, leave at Exit B and take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village. Or take bus 23 to Ngong Ping Village from Tung Chung MTR.
4. The Star Ferry
The Star Ferry has been transporting locals across the harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon for over 120 years. The 10 minute iconic boat ride offers spectacular views of the Hong Kong skyline, made even more striking by the neon lights at night. As one of the cheapest ways to see the city, costing a mere HK$ 2.70 (approx. £0.29!), it should be on everyone’s list of top sights in Hong Kong! With multiple routes through Victoria Harbour it’s easy to hop on and catch a glimpse of the bustling city from the tranquillity of the water.
Fun Fact: Hong Kong has the worlds largest collection of skyscrapers, with over 1,450, whilst New York is second with only 822!
Our Recommendation
We loved taking the Star Ferry in the evenings after dinner although if you get sick, maybe consider saving dinner for later! It’s a great activity for your first night, giving you an idea of the sheer scale and density of the thriving city. Costing the equivalent of just 29p, it suits every style of traveller and is one of the top sights in Hong Kong!
Getting There
Click the icon to check the route map to find your nearest ferry pier.
5. Temple Street Night Market, Kowloon
At around 8pm every evening, crowds flock as Hong Kong’s liveliest market comes alive. The popular street bazaar has a diverse and vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. An assortment of trinkets and gifts line the shelves whilst a neighbouring street displays a rainbow of fresh fruit and veg. The bustling and gritty atmosphere of Temple Street Night Market is rich in culture, from delicious street food to Cantonese Opera singers on street corners, it won’t disappoint.
Top Tip: Be sure to look around all the stalls as many stock the same items at varying prices. Remember to haggle and pay for the quality of products.
Our Recommendation
It’s worth exploring the surrounding streets to get a feel for Kowloon as it’s very different to Hong Kong Island. Be sure to try some of the local street food, particularly the spicy crab and seafood!
Getting There
Take MTR to Jordan or Austin if on the West Rail Line.
6. Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Hike
Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Hike is hidden gem nestled deep into the north Hong Kong jungle. The rugged trail takes you to the bottom of four jaw dropping waterfalls, where you can immerse yourself in the refreshing pools below. You can discover the fascinating Man Tak Yuen Temple, buried in the forest along the trail. The highlight of the hike is seeing Hong Kong’s highest waterfall, for more details check out our Hong Kong Hiking Guide.
Fun Fact: Only 25% of Hong Kong is inhabited, leaving so much endless jungle left to discover!
Our Recommendation
For us, the memory of plunging into the cool, crystal clear water made this hike one to remember. A favourite of our top sights in Hong Kong, it’s a great opportunity to escape the crowded city streets and immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s infinite jungle. We hiked this trail during mid-week, it was fairly quiet and we came across only a few small groups of other hikers. However, it can be quite busy with larger groups on the weekend, so be sure to make this a weekday adventure!
Getting There
Take MTR to Tai Wo, use Exit A. Then catch the 64K Bus to Yuen Long, alighting at the Ng Tung Chai stop.
7. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island
Likely to be on everyone’s list of top sights in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak! At 552 metres above sea level it’s the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Offering a panorama of the bustling city below, the peak is renowned for its spectacular views and is usually top of tourist’s to-do lists. Be sure to ride the famously steep and antique Peak Tram. The 7 minute journey transports around 4 million people to the summit each year. In the 19th century, the mountainside was claimed by the wealthy and is still dotted with millionaires mansions, some of which you will be able to gaze at in awe from the summit vantage point. The viewpoint also allows you to take photos that encapsulate the city in one view. This is must-see top sight in Hong Kong for everyone.
Top Tip: Be sure to check the weather to ensure it’s a clear day, you wouldn’t want to get to the top and be surrounded by clouds hiding the spectacular views!
Our Recommendation
We recommend paying the extra for the sky terrace, we also didn’t realise that you could buy the combined Peak Tram and Sky Pass (which saves quite a bit!). Plan to arrive around 30 minutes to an hour before sunset. This will ensure you have a good spot with clear views as the sun sets and the city lights begin to illuminate the sky. It’s also much cooler later in the day, so you can comfortably explore the footpaths at the top.
Getting There
Take MTR to Central (Exit J1) or Admiralty (Exit C1) and walk up either Cotton Tree Drive or Garden Road to take the Peak Tram to the top.
8. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Kowloon
Situated in South Kowloon amongst a backdrop of skyscrapers, this traditional Chinese style temple allegedly grants all your wishes. Built in 1921 and opened to the public in 1956, it’s now one of most famous and busy temples in Hong Kong. Explore the pavillions, gardens and shrines, admiring the ornamental detail and tranquility amidst the urban soundscape. Visit one of the many fortune tellers lined up along the outer temples walls and admire the fish swimming in the gardens ponds. The temple is home to three religions, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. It’s important to note that as much as it’s a stunning attraction it’s also a centre for religion.
Top Tip: You’ll see worshippers continuously burning incense in hope of healing or granting wishes. However, if you have asthma it may be an idea to stay away from here.
Our Recommendation
If you fancy a hike, combine this with a trip up to Lion Rock. Or if you’d prefer to explore the markets, this is a great one to combine with a visit to the Bird and Goldfish Markets. It’s worth spending several hours exploring the Temple and the surrounding gardens, but be aware there is limited shade on a hot day.
Getting There
Take MTR to Wong Tai Sin use Exit B2, it's clearly signposted and only a short distance from the MTR.
9. Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong Island
Not only is it the World’s Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant but it also lays claim to being ‘Hong Kong’s Most Famous Dim Sum’. So it’s no wonder this is our favourite restaurant in Hong Kong. The simple, traditional dishes are authentic and full of flavour, if you’re on a budget and craving tradition and quality, this is the perfect place to dine.
Top Tip: Get there early! This place gets packed quickly, we arrived around 6:30pm on a weekday evening, it was fairly quiet but as soon as we’d ordered the place filled very quickly. By the time we left there was a queue out the door.
Our Recommendation
Make sure you try the Glutinous Rice Parcels! The flavoursome dish consists of sticky rice, chicken, pork and mushrooms topped with a thick gravy, wrapped in a lotus leaf then steamed. It was one of our favourites! A lot of the portions here are quite big which make them great to share with a group of friends. Check out some of the other great Dim Sum restaurants we’d recommend along with our Tim Ho Wan order, in our Dim Sum Guide.
Getting There
For Tim Ho Wan, North Point, Take MTR to Fortress Hill or North Point.
10. Dragons Back Hike, Hong Kong Island
This iconic trail is ideal for a first hike in Hong Kong and is popular with families and non hikers wanting to get out of the city. For this reason, in 2004, it was named one of Asia’s ‘Best Urban Hikes’ in Time Magazine. The breezy woodland walk is fairly covered and well shaded, helping you to acclimatize to the temperature and humidity. The trail finishes in Big Wave Bay where you can cool off with a refreshing swim before catching the bus back.
Top Tip: Start the trail early to avoid the midday heat as the first section is uncovered. It also gets busier throughout the day with tourists.
Our Recommendation
This hike is perfect for getting acclimatized to the summer heat, especially if you’re planning on doing more hiking later on. It’s worth noting that in general when hiking in Hong Kong there are often no refuelling stops along trails. Make sure to pack enough food and water for the full hike. For more Hong Kong hiking inspiration check out our guide!
Getting There
Take MTR to Shau Kei Wan, Use Exit A to the Bus Station. Get the No. 9 Bus and exit at the stop 'Dragons Back'
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11. Yuen Po Street Bird Market
Entering Yuen Po Bird Garden you are immersed in a mass of tweets and squawks, where hundreds of beautiful creatures collaborate from their cages to produce one song. Dozens of stalls selling a variety of birds, cages and insects line the garden, offering you a glimpse into authentic local culture. Keeping singing birds as pets is a tradition for retired men in Hong Kong. They often take them for ‘walks’ in the park to meet up with friends, where they hang the cages in trees and see whose bird can sing the loudest. The market is one of the more unnusual top sights in Hong Kong and is a great way to learn more about local culture and tradtitions.
Top Tip: The ideal time to visit is in the afternoon as this is when the birds are most active. However, most stalls have closed by 6pm, some even earlier, so be sure to have allowed enough time to see the garden (approx 60-90minutes).
Our Recommendation
The location of Yuen Po Bird Garden makes it ideal to combine with both the Ladies Market and the Goldfish and Flower Markets. It is hard seeing all the birds in the cages but it helps visitors to better understand and appreciate local culture and traditions.
Getting There
Take MTR to Mong Kok East or Prince Edward, it is well signposted from there onwards.
12. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island
The magical feeling of Disney is hard to explain until you experience it for yourself. Located on Lantau Island, Disneyland is the largest theme park in Hong Kong. Strolling down the iconic Main Street you feel as though you’ve been transported back to 20th Century America. Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point are some of the highlights, along with Eve’s favourite, Tarzan’s Treehouse and the Jungle River Cruise, not to mention the iconic Space Mountain! Even the Disney MTR is enchanted, with a roof of stars and Mickey shaped windows, the anticipation and excitement builds before entering the park. What makes this park unique is that it’s not huge so can be experienced in a day, meaning if you aren’t visiting for long you can still enjoy all it has to offer.
Fun Fact: Hong Kong Disneyland is the only Disney resort in the world where the castle features a real mountain behind it.
Our Recommendation
We recommend spending no more than a day here, it was exhausting and if, like us, you prefer exploring the more traditional sights and hiking trails then a day should suffice. However, it made for a really memorable and magical experience and we would still recommend if you have time to visit. (We booked through Klook, which saved about £20 per ticket).
Getting There
Take MTR to Disneyland Resort Station
13. Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong Island
Wedged tightly in amongst the high rises, antique shops and art galleries is one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples. It might not seem like much from outside but stepping into the historic monument you are transported into a world of glowing lanterns and the scent of burning incense. Built in 1847, the picturesque temple is a must see sight for every tourist, particularly as it’s free entry. The peaceful atmosphere is a great interruption to exploring the busy central district, it contrasts the hectic and bustling urban surroundings, providing some respite to weary tourists.
Fun Fact: The Temple is named after the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo).
Our Recommendation
This is a classic of the tops sights in Hong Kong. Being so central it’s a great stop to combine with other Hong Kong highlights such as riding the Central-Mid Level Escalators and dining on the cutest Dim Sum at Yum Cha.
Getting There
Take MTR to Central, Exit D2 and follow the signs, it's well directed.
14. Goldfish Market
Lining the walls of several blocks in Mong Kok are thousands upon thousands of colourful bags containing aquarium fish and tropical plants. Thankfully only sold as pets, the Goldfish are believed to be auspicious. Feng Shui deems them to represent wealth and good luck. Many locals don’t have ponds or gardens so goldfish are the next best option. If you aren’t interested in seeing the Goldfish, there are also small exotic pet shops tucked in between, selling everything from puppies to tortoises. We even saw some Albino African Claw Frogs!
Top Tip: Be careful when taking photos of the displays, owners can be a bit twitchy about it, especially as they know you won’t be buying anything.
Our Recommendation
It’s central location in Mong Kok makes this an ideal stop to combine with the Flower Market, Yuen Po Bird Garden and Ladies Market. We would recommend beginning with the Bird Garden as the Goldfish market stays open late into the night.
Getting There
Take MTR to Prince Edward (Exit B2) or Mong Kong East (Exit C) from here it is well signposted.
15. Yum Cha, Hong Kong Island
This is by far the most fun and adorable food you will ever eat! Yum Cha not only looks instagram worthy, but tastes it too. Fusing creativity and authenticity, they serve traditional Cantonese Dim Sum presented with a modern twist. The novelty of nibbling at the adorable face on your steamed bun will be something to remember; these adorable buns are a favourite of our top sights in Hong Kong!
Top Tip: Check the menu before your visit to ensure you won’t be disappointed. Some dishes, such as the ‘Doggy Sausage Rolls’, are only available before 3pm.
Our Recommendation
Our favourite dish was the BBQ Piggy Buns, these adorable steamed buns should be a staple for all those who visit Yum Cha. Some other notable dishes are the molten custard buns and doggy sausage rolls. As you can imagine it’s very popular, so you may need to book a table ahead, especially if you’re in a group. Check out our Dim Sum Guide for more information!
Getting There
Take MTR to Sheung Wan or Hong Kong, the central Yum Cha is located in Nan Fung Tower on the 2nd Floor.
16. Lion Rock, Kowloon
Named due to the rock formation resembling a crouching lion, Lion Rock Hiking trail is perfect to finish a day exploring Kowloon. Relax on a rock at the top and enjoy the sunset over the bustling city as it shifts from day to night. The phenomenal panoramic view from the top is worth the steep climb of several uneven sets of stairs. For this reason, it’s also key to go on a clear day so as not to waste energy and be disappointed when you cant see anything from the top (like we did!).
Top Tip: Check the weather before attempting this hike, we got caught in a lighting storm and had to dash down!
Our Recommendation
This is the ideal hike for those who want to see North Kowloon but need to combine a trail with other sights due to time constraints. It can be easily combined with the previously mentioned Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Getting There
Take MTR to Wong Tai Sin, the trail technically stars at the MTR. However, you can catch a taxi or bus to Fat Jong Temple to save walking up the steep incline.
17. Sugar, Hong Kong Island
Unwind after a busy day exploring the city with a refreshing cocktail at the sleek rooftop terrace bar. Located on the 32nd floor of the business hotel EAST, near Quarry Bay, it’s off the beaten track for those who only venture to Central in the evenings. Being on the outskirts of the city, it offers a different view of the skyline but is still just as magical and breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset whilst watching the city wake up for the night shift.
Top Tip: They do sell food, however it was a little pricey so we settled on a couple of cocktails each, which was served with a small portion of popcorn!
Our Recommendation
Located near Tai Koo, we had drinks here after having dinner at Shanghai Kitchen (detailed in our Dim Sum post). It was only around the corner therefore a great combination! Being a little out of the city centre this is one of the lesser known top sights in Hong Kong.
Getting There
Take MTR to Tai Koo, the rooftop bar is located on 32nd floor of the hotel East Hong Kong.
18. Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Island
The stylish and ironically named ‘Repulse Bay’ is one of the most expensive residential areas in the world. It’s glamorous and spectacular beaches are reminiscent of California. Swim in the refreshing waters and relax on the golden sand to detox from the hectic city life. Discover Repulse Bay’s Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to protecting its coastal populations and fisherman. It’s stunning mosaic statues are a reminder of the traditional culture hidden in this stylish and contemporary resort.
Top Tip: Bring swimsuits and towels to enjoy the swanky beach, there are good changing and shower facilities.
Our Recommendation
One of the more relaxing top sights in Hong Kong, however, if you’re up for an adventure we recommend hiking here. Not only does it allow you to discover Hong Kong’s endless jungle but also makes you feel like you earned that dip in the sea. For more details on how to hike here from central Hong Kong, check out our guide.
Getting There
From Central, take one of these buses; 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260.
19. Stanley Market
Wander through the seaside open air market at Stanley and relax into the laid back atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike flock to the market where sellers boast everything from branded fashion to an array of ornaments. Being fairly well covered, exploring this market is a great activity for those rainy days when you can’t explore the hiking trails. In addition, only a stone’s throw from the market is the famous ‘Lovers Terrace’ overlooking Stanley Bay.
Top Tip: Save souvenir buying for this market as it’s much cheaper than the likes of Temple Street and the Ladies Market. You’ll easily bag a bargain here!
Our Recommendation
We wish we’d visited earlier on in our trip! It was the perfect place to buy all the souvenirs and at a more reasonable price. Once you’ve explored the market, take a stroll along the bay and discover some of Stanley Bay’s history, starting with the 1767 Tin Hau Temple which was built by a famous pirate!
Getting There
Take the bus from Exchange Square bus terminus near Central and Hong Kong MTR. Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260.
20. Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, Hong Kong Island
One of the city’s stranger attractions, the unusual method of transport was created to provide an easier commute for locals into the central and business district in the early 1990’s. Made up of over 20 escalators and 3 travelators, it’s an exciting and different experience and a free way of exploring central Hong Kong without exhausting yourself. Running downhill from 6am-10am and uphill from 10am-midnight, a desire to travel in the opposite direction will require use of the stairs and walkways running alongside the escalators.
Fun Fact: The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world! Over 800m in length and climbing over 135m up the mountainous terrain.
Our Recommendation
This was a highlight for Eve, riding it with local commuters was a great experience and way to see the city. Once at the top, we were then forced to wander back down through the residential streets, which was perfect! It meant we discovered parts of the city we wouldn’t have come across usually, which is why it’s one of the top sights in Hong Kong for any visitor. There’s also plenty of restaurants and bars lining the steep slopes.
Getting There
Take MTR to Central, using exit D2. Its only a short walk from there.
That’s all of our Top sights in Hong Kong
The above picture is when Eve discovered that a small section of the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators were closed. As you can see she was a little disappointed..
We hope our 20 top sights in Hong Kong has given you some inspiration to plan your adventure to Hong Kong. Either way, if you’ve enjoyed this post, give it a like below and leave a comment!