| 5 mins read
Unarguably one of Asia’s most famous cities, Hong Kong is a bustling, modern metropolis combining traditional Asia with a heaping scoop of western flair. This home of 7 million isn’t known as Asia’s World City for nothing! As soon as you touch down in its airport (one of the top-voted airports in the world), you know you’re in for a real treat. Join us as we explore some of the top things to do in Hong Kong, helping you enjoy the city like a true local.
The Sites
There’s no better way to start exploring a city than by visiting its most famous sites. First things first, make your way into the downtown area of Hong Kong and start digesting the remarkable amount of skyscrapers. With such a large population and such a small area of land to hold everyone Hong Kong did what it had to do and started building up. Now a city of over 1,200 skyscrapers, Hong Kong’s skyline is one of its greatest attractions. If you’re looking to get some of the best views of the city below, take the funicular tram to the Peak, where you can shop, eat, visit the surrounding, peaceful Victoria Gardens or enjoy the absolute best views over Hong Kong.
If you’d rather get a view of the city from down below, either charter a traditional Junk Boat or take a trip on the (much cheaper) Star Ferry, where you can catch some spectacular views of the city’s skyline from the water.
Other notable sites that shouldn’t be missed within Hong Kong are the 44-meter Clock Tower (a testament to Hong Kong’s colonial days), the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple (a temple shared amongst three of the city’s major religions) and the Tian Tin Buddha- the largest seated Buddha statue in the world.
Shopping in Hong Kong
Time to get your consumerism on! It is afterall safe to assume everyone visiting Hong Kong is going to do some shopping.Brands of all international standing are found aplenty at luxuriously anointed malls found all over the city sporting the latest in fashion and designs. For the token Asian “everything” market, head to Temple Street, where an evening market slings everything from clothes and electronics to fortunes and snacks; a site not to be missed. If antiques and classic souvenirs are your weakness, Hollywood Road is known for having some outrageously good selections. Finally, for those who can’t find anything at the previous two, the Ladies Market will be the last place in the world to have you leaving empty handed… so bring your wallets, cameras, empty bags and adventurous spending habits.
What Else to Do in Hong Kong
From harbor cruises and hiking up glorious nature trails to theme parks, Asia’s World City has something to entertain everyone. Two must-visit destinations for the younger crowd are Hong Kong’s Ocean Park and Disneyland. With amusement rides, memorable characters, loads to eat, drink see and do, these two parks are made for creating memories. For the crowd who prefers something a bit less packaged, a lazy day at the Stanley beach and Village market Southside, a drink at Ozone in the ICC (Hong Kong’s highest building) or maybe even a day trip over to Macau may be in order (depending on how serious you’re looking to get!). With some of the world’s greatest food options as well, dining out in Hong Kong is a mandatory activity all in itself! The Soho area showcases cuisines from all over the world, but the local cuisine puts out quite a menu to be sampled, from its egg waffles, and suckling pig to Chicken feet, a la Cantonese style!
When should you go to Hong Kong? Though the city is a popular destination year round, September to December promises pleasant weather. Better still, timing your visit with the Mid Autumn festival regales you with Lion Dance shows, colourful and creative lanterns, and moon cake treats. Sales spring up all over the city over Christmas, where beautifully lit up buildings add to the festive spirit.
Between the sites, foods, shopping, amazing nightlife, and surrounding activities, visitors to Hong Kong have plenty to choose from. If you’re feeling a bit daunted by tackling the city on your own, find a top-rated Hong Kong Tour Guide to take you around; after all the locals know it best!
Image Credits and License Details: https://flic.kr/p/dSgPkc (Daniel Lee, CC BY-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/o4HHjD (Daniel Go, CC BY-NC 2.0),https://flic.kr/p/7dUYhC (Rose Ferrer, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0),https://flic.kr/p/4GiANb (Pradnyesh Sawant, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/7jc9d7 (torbakhopper, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/eqRXRe(Chris Zielecki , CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/acJzUV (Allain Cc by NC-2.0) https://flic.kr/p/7KcRvA (Denise Chan CC by SA 2.0)