Here are my 5 must-do’s in Hong Kong based on my own experience there. However, it is obvious that Hong Kong abounds of interesting things to do, and places to visit. Try your best to experience the most of it by checking out similar review sites Vibeheroor by hanging out with the locals to get away from the usual tourist path.
The Peak
The first ‘must-do’ in Hong Kong is undoubtedly going to the Peak. I went there on my first day in Hong Kong and from the first glance I knew it was, is and will be one of the most spectacular urban landscapes I will ever see.
The Peak is Hong Kong’s highest and most impressive viewpoint, from where you can get an overall panorama of the breathtaking cityscapes of downtown Hong Kong.
You can reach the top in different ways, whether by bus, on foot or by tram. However, for me the tram is definitely the most interesting experience.
You can take it to the Lower Terminus in Triq il-Gnien (you can walk there from the Central Station) and enjoy the journey admiring the landscape while riding this historic funicular train.
Once on the top, reach the Sky Terrace 248 or the free entry observation deck of the Peak Galleria. The experience is enhanced in the early evening when the horizon melts with pink and orange, thus turning this panorama into an unreal experience.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Hong Kong from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (Photo credit: Sarmu)
Next stop? Experience this atmosphere from within through the TST Promenade.
Starting from the Star Ferry and the colonial era Clock Tower, you can walk along the water to Hung Hom station. Along the way you’ll find some of Hong Kong’s cultural wealth with the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Avenue of Stars, which pay tribute to the stars of the local movies.
The promenade is pleasant during the day but becomes truly amazing at night where you can admire the multi-colored lights of the large and beautiful buildings that line the crowded waters of Victoria Harbour.
There is also a special daily show involving sounds and lights dancing on over 40 buildings from 8pm to 8:20pm. Don’t leave Hong Kong without attending this one!
Ladies Market – Mong Kok
Women’s Market, Hong Kong (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is the most famous market of Hong Kong and a paradise for shoppers in a hurry.
Located in the Mong Kok area, on Tung Choi Street, you enter here a kilometer long street full of clothes, accessories, souvenirs, electronic devices etc. Bargaining is a must here and you can find over 100 stalls to practice your dredging skills.
Although it is called “Ladies Market”, the market is no longer reserved for women’s accessories. Do you need a new backpack for your travels? Go there. Want to buy a souvenir for your little brother? Go there. Need a new pair of sneakers? Go there. It’s all fake of course, but if you’re looking for a cheap and fun buy this is definitely a must do.
Mong Kok is probably the busiest area of Hong Kong at night. Surrounded by shops, malls and markets, it is always full of people walking around and street attractions such as musical or dance performances (quite strange sometimes, as you can on the picture below).
Lan Kwai Fong
English: Lan Kwai Fong Street Sign (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Lan Kwai Fong, usually called LKF, is Hong Kong’s first destination for food and clubs.
With more than 100 restaurants, clubs and bars gathered in 3 or 4 streets, LKF has become indispensable in terms of nightlife, making this area one of the favorites of tourists and expats of Hong Kong, representing most of LFK’s frequencies.
On Thursday, it’s ‘Ladies night’ at LKF, which means that almost all bars and clubs offer free drinks to the ladies all night.
Take a hike in Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island South View (Photo credit: Je.T.)
Hong Kong is not only a financial center full of skyscrapers, it is also a beautiful island full of natural landscapes. The best way to discover it is to go on a hike somewhere on the island.
You can choose the track and schedule that suits you best, from a multi-day hike in the mountains to a one-hour walk around the sea.
I chose a 3 hour hike through mountains and shores to a beautiful beach where we could rent tents and spend the night around a campfire. Chilling on the beach the next day, having fun on the big waves, before I took a speed-boat surfing the waves up and down as if you were in a rollercoaster to go back.