Known as the concrete jungle, Hong Kong is a metropolis of over 9 million people. As an international hub, many people visit Hong Kong as a stopover on their way to other destinations in Asia. Most people only stay for a few days, thinking it’s just a small city. What they don’t realise is that there are many things to do in Hong Kong. Today I’m here to reveal some of the essential things to do in Hong Kong:
Eat egg waffles
One of my favourite snacks of all time, egg waffles are a Hong Kong creation consisting of waffles made in the shape of bubbles. A mixture of egg, flour, milk and sugar, there are many different flavours to choose from. My personal favourites are sweet potato, green tea and chocolate chip. You can find a list of my recommended places for egg waffles here.
Eat Dim Sum
Dim Sum is one of Hong Kong’s most distinctive cuisines, consisting of many small dishes that people order for breakfast or lunch to share. The most traditional Chinese restaurants sell dim sum from push carts, although many have switched to using an order slip. So grab some friends and head to a restaurant for a delicious lunch or brunch. Some of my favourites are pork buns, sponge cake and sai mai. If you want something good and cheap, try Tim Ho Wan in Sham Shui Po. Another option is to take a dim sum food tour with a local guide.
Go hiking
You might be surprised to hear that hiking is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong, but it’s full of walking trails and country parks. In fact, many of these trails offer spectacular views of Hong Kong that you’d be foolish to miss. If you want something easy, then Dragon’s Back is for you. For the best view, don’t miss Kowloon Peak. For a bit of both, go to Devil’s Peak. I go hiking every week when I can. Read more about hiking in Hong Kong here.
Ride the Mid-Level Escalator
Central’s longest outdoor covered escalator takes you from the business district up through vibrant SoHo and is a tourist attraction in itself. It passes many attractions, including the cobbled streets of Pottinger Street and Hollywood Road. Not to mention the Soho district, which is full of quaint western restaurants reminiscent of London’s Soho and beautiful street art.
Take a boat trip from Sai Kung
If hiking isn’t your thing, but you still want to experience some nature, why not take a boat trip from Sai Kung? From chartering a boat for a day of fun on the sea, to hopping on a boat for 20 minutes to visit a nearby island, Sai Kung has a lot to offer. With a geopark, there are plenty of beaches to visit. It’s the perfect summer hideaway. If you’re lucky, there are still a few warm days in winter.
Visit the local markets
It wouldn’t be a proper trip to Hong Kong without some shopping. While there are plenty of shopping malls where you can find the usual high street stalls, I prefer to browse the local markets. From flower markets to bird markets to good old-fashioned wet markets, you can get a real local feel from them. My personal favourite is the Fa Yuen Street Market, where I get a lot of cheap clothes! Perks of being so close to China!
Fancy a guided walking tour of some of Hong Kong’s best local markets? Check out this small group tour led by Danny, a local guide who will take you to some of Hong Kong’s best markets, including the Flower Market and Temple Street Night Market.
Visit The Peak
The Peak is Hong Kong’s most iconic landmark, both for the stunning views it offers and the cable car that takes you up. Although it’s overcrowded most of the time, I still think it’s a must-see if you’ve never been. The Sky Terrace at the top of the Peak Tower is one of the best viewpoints in Hong Kong, with Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula clearly visible.
Visit some temples
There are many temples scattered around Hong Kong dedicated to the many Buddhist and Taoist gods that you can visit. One of the most popular is the Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, a tribute to the god of literature and war. Other temples, such as the Tin Hau Temples, dedicated to the Sea Goddess, can be found along the coast or tucked away in the mountains, such as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. It may be hard to visit them all, but at least go to one!
Take the Star Ferry
The Hong Kong Star Ferry connects Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and is one of the top 10 ferry rides in the world. The iconic green and white ferry costs less than $0.50 USD and offers unparalleled views of Victoria Harbour. There is almost no reason not to take it!