Explore the best of Hong Kong with our curated list of 10 must-see attractions. Discover what makes this vibrant city a top travel destination. Experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of tradition and modernity through its food, transport, and cultural landmarks.
Hong Kong attractions offer a captivating blend of East and West, tradition and modernity. I was there in June this year and had a much better time than I had expected, minus the rain. Unfortunately it was Monsoon Season, and the rain was coming down in sheets. I didn’t let that stop me, though! I went forth and explored everything from traditional dim sum to the tourist-trap Victoria Peak. And I would do it again in a heartbeat!
This vibrant city is a treasure trove of experiences, from culinary delights to architectural marvels. This guide will explore 10 things that make Hong Kong truly special. Efficient public transport, mouth-watering cuisine, towering skyscrapers, serene peak views; these attractions showcase the very best of Asia’s World City.
Looking for travel-inspo as the National Day weekend approaches? Look no further.
It’s easy to get to Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s remarkable accessibility is a major draw for travellers worldwide. With its status as a global hub, the city boasts an impressive array of international flight connections. For visitors from Singapore, major airlines like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and various budget carriers offer frequent services, ensuring flexibility. The journey from Singapore to Hong Kong typically takes around four hours, making it an ideal destination for extended vacations and quick getaways.
Getting out of the Airport: Upon arrival, Hong Kong’s efficient transportation system seamlessly connects the airport to the city centre. The Airport Express train whisks passengers to Hong Kong Island in just 24 minutes. You can also take a taxi (like I did) from the airport. The taxi service is very organised, with a constant flow of cars waiting to take you to your hotel.
Getting out of Hong Kong: Hong Kong serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Macau, often called the “Las Vegas of Asia,” is just a one-hour ferry ride away. The vibrant city of Shenzhen in mainland China is reachable within an hour by train. The outlying islands like Lantau, Cheung Chau, and Lamma offer a stark contrast to the urban jungle in Hong Kong and can be reached by a short ferry ride. This combination of international accessibility and regional connectivity makes Hong Kong an ideal gateway for diverse travel experiences.
Ding Ding Rides
The iconic “Ding Ding” trams of Hong Kong are more than just a mode of transportation; they’re a beloved symbol of the city’s heritage and charm. These double-decker trams have been traversing Hong Kong Island since 1904. They earned their affectionate nickname from the distinctive bell sound they make to signal their approach.
The trams maintain much of their original design, with wooden seats and large windows that offer panoramic views of the bustling streets below. They remain an integral part of Hong Kong’s public transport system, carrying around 200,000 passengers daily.
What makes the Ding Ding particularly special is its route along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. This slow-paced ride offers a unique perspective of the city, from the gleaming skyscrapers of Central to the traditional markets of Sheung Wan. For a mere HK$2.60 (about US$0.33), passengers can enjoy one of the world’s cheapest sightseeing tours.
A Walkable City with a Workout
Hong Kong’s unique topography makes it a paradise for urban explorers who enjoy discovering a city on foot. While the density of skyscrapers might suggest otherwise, Hong Kong Island is surprisingly walkable! It offers an intriguing blend of steep inclines and flat stretches that provide both convenience and a good workout.
The hilly terrain of Hong Kong Island, particularly in areas like Mid-Levels and The Peak, offers natural staircases that wind between buildings and through neighbourhoods. The famous Ladder Street in Sheung Wan, with its 100 steps, is a must-visit!
Do you prefer flatter terrain? Areas like Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay offer extensive networks of pedestrian walkways. The city’s innovative elevated walkway system connects major buildings and transport hubs. This allows pedestrians to navigate busy districts while staying above the street-level traffic.
Google Maps is an indispensable tool for navigating Hong Kong’s intricate urban landscape. However, as a foreigner visiting Hong Kong for the first time, I was not quite prepared for the uphill walks. These terrains are not always reflected on Google Maps. So wear your shoes where you can.
Dim Sum Delights
Hong Kong’s dim sum culture is a part of its culinary landscape, offering a delicious and traditional food experience. Here are three standout dim sum shops that showcase the best of Hong Kong’s offerings:
Saam Hui Yaat: Located in the bustling district of Sham Shui Po, Saam Hui Yaat is a local favourite known for its traditional Cantonese dim sum. Specialties include their silky-smooth rice rolls (cheong fun) and crispy, golden egg tarts. What sets Saam Hui Yaat apart is its adherence to time-honoured recipes and cooking techniques, ensuring each dish tastes as authentic as it did decades ago.
Lin Heung Lau: One of Hong Kong’s oldest teahouses, Lin Heung Lau in Central offers a truly immersive dim sum experience. I walked here from my hotel: Ibis. Here, diners can still experience the traditional push-cart service. You can catch servers wheel carts of steaming bamboo baskets around the dining room. The chaos of securing your desired dishes is part of the charm. The teahouse’s nostalgic ambience, complete with ceiling fans and marble-topped tables, transports diners to old Hong Kong.
One Dim Sum: This Michelin-recommended eatery in Prince Edward has gained fame for its high-quality dim sum at affordable prices. Despite its modern setting, One Dim Sum doesn’t compromise on flavour or tradition. Their har gow (shrimp dumplings) are plump and translucent, while the siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) are generously filled. The restaurant’s popularity often results in long queues, but the wait is well worth it for dim sum enthusiasts.
Each of these establishments offers a unique take on Hong Kong’s dim sum tradition, from the no-frills local favourite to the historic teahouse. They showcase the diversity and evolution of Hong Kong’s dim sum culture.
Diverse Culinary Scene
Hong Kong’s culinary landscape is a testament to its status as a global city, offering an impressive array of international cuisines alongside its renowned local fare.
Mott 32, located in the heart of Central, is a prime example of Hong Kong’s high-end dining scene. Named after New York’s first Chinese convenience store, this restaurant offers a luxurious take on traditional Chinese cuisine. Mott 32 is particularly famous for its Applewood-smoked Peking Duck, which requires 48 hours of preparation. Other standout dishes include their truffle siu mai and hot and sour Iberico pork Shanghainese soup dumplings. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and creative cocktails that incorporate Chinese ingredients.
On the other end of the spectrum, Motorino SoHo brings a slice of Naples to Hong Kong. This New York-born pizzeria has found a home in the trendy SoHo district! Think Neapolitan pizzas in a casual, vibrant setting. The pizzas are cooked in a custom-built wood-fired oven, resulting in the perfect combination of a crispy yet chewy crust. Motorino is known for its traditional Margherita pizza, but also offers creative toppings like Brussels sprouts and pancetta.
Efficient Train Network
Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system is known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and extensive coverage. This comprehensive network connects Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, reaching to the border with mainland China.
The MTR consists of 11 main lines:
1. Kwun Tong Line (Green)
2. Tsuen Wan Line (Red)
3. Island Line (Blue)
4. South Island Line (Lime)
5. Tung Chung Line (Orange)
6. Tseung Kwan O Line (Purple)
7. East Rail Line (Light Blue)
8. Tuen Ma Line (Brown)
9. Airport Express (Dark Blue)
10. Disneyland Resort Line (Pink)
11. Light Rail (Yellow)
One of the most impressive features of the MTR is the connection between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The Tsuen Wan Line runs under Victoria Harbour, connecting Central on Hong Kong Island to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. This underwater journey takes just a few minutes, providing a quick and convenient alternative to the iconic Star Ferry.
The MTR’s efficiency is world-renowned. During peak hours, trains arrive every 2-3 minutes on most lines. The system uses an Octopus card for contactless payment, which can also be used for other purchases around the city in convenience stores even!
Many stations are connected to shopping malls, office buildings, and residential complexes, creating a network of climate-controlled spaces. This allows commuters to move around the city while avoiding the often humid outdoor weather.
Mid-Levels Escalator
The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System in Hong Kong is a unique urban feature that is a part of the city’s daily life. Stretching over 800 metres in length and rising 135 metres in elevation, it holds the title of the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system.
This network of escalators and walkways was conceived as a solution to the challenging topography of Hong Kong Island. It connects the residential Mid-Levels area to the central business district. Since its completion in 1993, it has eased commuter congestion and become a tourist attraction in its own right.
The journey from bottom to top (or vice versa) offers a unique perspective on Hong Kong’s urban landscape. As you ascend or descend, you pass through diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character. The route begins in the bustling streets of Central, winds through the trendy dining and nightlife district of SoHo (South of Hollywood Road), and continues up to the residential areas of Mid-Levels.
Along the way, visitors encounter a fascinating mix of old and new Hong Kong. Traditional markets and decades-old shops sit alongside modern cafes and international restaurants. The system even passes by the Jamia Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in Hong Kong.
The escalator system operates downhill from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM to facilitate the morning commute into Central. After 10:00 AM, it reverses direction and runs uphill until midnight. Motorino is along these escalators!
Café Culture
From artisanal bakeries to specialty pop-up coffee shops, the city boasts an impressive array of cafés catering to various tastes and preferences. Here are three standout cafés that I absolutely loved while in Hong Kong, and I kept going back to!
Bakehouse: Founded by Grégoire Michaud, a renowned pastry chef with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, Bakehouse has become a local institution. Located in Wan Chai, this artisanal bakery is famous for its sourdough egg tarts, a creative fusion of the classic Hong Kong egg tart and Western pastry techniques. Their croissants are also highly praised, often considered among the best in the city. Not all outlets have seating, and there’s ALWAYS a queue. Get there early if you want the egg tarts!
Tai Cheong Bakery: A true Hong Kong classic, Tai Cheong Bakery has been serving its famous egg tarts since 1954 even before coming to our sunny shores! Their egg tarts feature a buttery cookie crust filled with a smooth, sweet egg custard. Beyond egg tarts, Tai Cheong also offers other traditional Hong Kong pastries and baked goods.
Fine Print Coffee: For serious coffee enthusiasts, Fine Print in Sheung Wan is a must-visit. This specialty coffee shop focuses on sourcing high-quality beans from around the world and roasting them in-house. The minimalist interior allows the coffee to take centre stage. Fine Print offers a rotating selection of single-origin coffees and blends, prepared using various brewing methods. They also provide detailed information about each coffee’s origin and flavour profile, making it an educational experience for coffee lovers.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak, locally known simply as The Peak, is Hong Kong’s most famous attraction and for good reason. Rising 552 metres (1,811 feet) above sea level, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and on a clear day, as far as the outlying islands.
The journey to The Peak is an experience in itself, particularly if you choose to ride the Peak Tram. This funicular railway has been in operation since 1888, making it one of the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railways. The tram ride is a steep ascent that offers spectacular views as you climb the mountain, with buildings appearing to lean at impossible angles as you pass them.
Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the views from the Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong at 428 metres above sea level. This 360-degree viewing platform provides unobstructed views of the city’s iconic skyline, the busy Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands.
The Peak is more than just a viewpoint. The Peak Tower, a wok-shaped building that houses the upper tram terminus, features shops, restaurants, and attractions like Madame Tussauds wax museum. The nearby Peak Galleria offers additional dining and shopping options.
Options for nature-lovers
For those who enjoy nature, The Peak offers several walking trails. The Peak Circle Walk is a leisurely 3.5-kilometre trail that loops around the peak, offering changing perspectives of the cityscape and glimpses of the lush hillsides that many visitors to Hong Kong might not expect.
Weather can significantly impact the experience at The Peak. On clear days, the views are truly spectacular, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. However, Hong Kong’s subtropical climate means that fog and mist are common, particularly in spring. While this may obscure the views, it creates a mystical atmosphere that has its charm.
While the Peak Tram is the most famous way to ascend Victoria Peak, it’s not the only option. Public buses and taxis also make the journey, often offering a less crowded and more economical alternative, albeit without the historic charm of the tram.
Traditional Hong Kong Breakfast
The traditional Hong Kong breakfast is a beloved culinary institution that offers a perfect blend of Eastern and Western influences, reflecting the city’s unique cultural history. One of the most iconic components of this breakfast is the combination of luncheon meat, eggs, and toast, typically served with a drink that’s a mixture of coffee and tea, known locally as “yuenyeung.“
This breakfast set, often called “All-Day Breakfast” in Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs (local diners), is a filling and satisfying meal that has been fueling Hong Kong’s busy population for decades. The toast is usually thick-cut and served either plain or with a generous spread of butter and condensed milk. The eggs can be prepared in various ways – scrambled, sunny-side up, or as an omelette – while the luncheon meat is typically pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior.
The yuenyeung drink is a unique Hong Kong invention that perfectly embodies the East-meets-West ethos of the city. It’s made by mixing three parts of coffee with seven parts Hong Kong-style milk tea. The result is a smooth, energising beverage that balances the robust flavours of coffee with the creamy, tannic notes of milk tea.
Other common items in a traditional Hong Kong breakfast include macaroni soup with ham, congee (rice porridge) with various toppings, and pineapple buns (which don’t contain pineapple but are named for their resemblance to the fruit’s texture).
What makes this breakfast particularly special is the setting in which it’s typically enjoyed. Cha chaan tengs, with their fast-paced service, boisterous atmosphere, and efficient use of space (often requiring strangers to share tables), offer a glimpse into authentic Hong Kong life.
When’s your next trip?
From its efficient transportation system to its diverse culinary scene, Hong Kong offers a unique blend of experiences that captivate visitors and locals alike. These 10 attractions only scratch the surface of what this dynamic city has to offer. Whether you’re savouring dim sum in a traditional teahouse, taking in the breathtaking views from Victoria Peak, or simply exploring the city’s walkable streets, Hong Kong never fails to impress with its energy and charm.