Tick off all of your bucket list items with our travel guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong!

Back in 2017, Hong Kong was listed as one of the world’s top 10 most visited cities, and it’s not hard to see why.

Despite Hong Kong’s small size, this major city is packed to the brim with things to do. Home to over seven million, Hong Kong is best described as small in size but big in character. This gem of an island offers a plethora of traditional and modern experiences – a fusion that other city’s just cannot level up to.

With sight-seeing, eating, adrenaline and shopping opportunities at the forefront; regardless if you’re an avid traveller, a photographer or you’re planning to spend only three days in Hong Kong for a layover, there’s something here for everyone.

So, before you pack your bags, read on through as we take you through our travel guide on the most cultural and fun things to do in Hong Kong!

1. Visit the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

For a dose of culture and tradition, we recommend visiting Hong Kong’s Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Located in Lantau Island, the Big Buddha is the world’s second largest outdoor-sitting Buddha. The impressive 34-metre-tall statue sits at the top of a 268-step staircase. Despite the push to reach the top, it’s worth it in the end. And, in true Hong Kong fashion, the beauty doesn’t stop there; across from the Big Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery that’s home to the Grand Hall of 10,000 Buddhas. If you’re looking for the best things to do, be sure to add the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery to your Hong Kong bucket list.

2. Ride the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak

You simply can’t go to Hong Kong without visiting Victoria Peak – it’s one of the top sights in Hong Kong! Riding to the top via the Peak Tram, travellers can journey to The Sky Terrace 428, a 428-metre-high platform that provides you with jaw-dropping, 360-degree panoramic views of Hong Kong’s city and harbourside. While you’re up there, check out The Sky Gallery for a quick walk through Hong Kong’s history. This is the highest sight-seeing point in Hong Kong and possibly, the highest point of your entire trip.

3. Sail along Victoria Harbour on the Dukling

Any trip planner or travel enthusiast will agree that one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is sail along Victoria Harbour. And, what better way to do so than on a Dukling, the only authentic Chinese vessel left in Hong Kong. To embrace more of the picturesque skyline, Dukling Victoria Harbour cruises also lets you experience the Symphony of Lights – a spectacular multimedia laser show. If you’re wanting a fusion of traditional meets modern, this is it.

4. Try Egg Waffles

Egg waffles are Hong Kong’s ultimate street food to snack on from day to night. These puffs are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and, overall, a lighter take on the traditional waffles. They’re also inexpensive, widely available across Hong Kong, and easy to eat on the go.

5. Experience and Eat Traditional Yum Cha

Yum cha restaurants are like indoor markets; they’re lively places for loved ones to enjoy each other’s company while snacking on delicious bites. Dumplings, rolls and buns often come in batches of three or four, meaning everyone can have a perfect portion of each dish without being too full for the next. If you’re all about dining in style, we recommend you head to Yan Toh Heen, one of the world’s finest Chinese restaurants located inside the Regent Hong Kong.

6. Have a Drink at the OZONE 

If you’re needing a tipple to end your day, we recommend visiting OZONE – one of the world’s highest bars that’s located on the 118th floor of The International Commerce Centre. The OZONE will offer guests an extensive selection of inventive drinks that pairs seamlessly with Asian inspired tapas. With an overall vibrant ambience and unparalleled views of the city, it’s no wonder why OZONE has made our list as one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.

International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong. Photographed by Evannovostro. Image via Shutterstock.

7. Browse and Shop your way through Causeway Bay

Home to a variety of shopping centres and street markets, Causeway Bay is a goldmine for every shopaholic – local or tourist. Causeway Bay’s largest shopping mall, Times Square Hong Kong, is conveniently located above a Causeway Bay MTR Station exit. Housing over 230 stores including luxury fashion, electronics, department stores, supermarkets and restaurants, this is just one of the shopping centres in the area. Filled with all types of fun and unusual things to do, Hong Kong’s Time Square and Causeway Bay is sure to set you home with a few bags!

8. Unleash your inner child at Ocean Park

We believe you’re never too old for theme parks. Thankfully, if you’re needing a dose of adrenaline in Hong Kong, one of the most fun and unusual things to do is visit Ocean Park. With two attraction areas – the Waterfront and the Summit – Ocean Park is filled with thrill-seeking rides, plenty of eateries, marine life and, weirdly enough, multiple sites for visitors to get up close and personal with capybara, the world’s largest rodent. Better yet, we also recommend you travel to and from Ocean Park via the cable car which provides a quick scenic experience.

If you’re looking to explore more of Asia and Japan is at the top of your list, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Japan in 2023. How about a tropical getaway? Here are 5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Phuket, Thailand.

Feature image: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. Photographed by Patrick Foto. Image via Shutterstock.

This article was first published on September 04 2018. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on November 24 2022.