visit Hong Kong and admire the views
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Unleash Your Sense of Adventure: Visit Hong Kong Today

Everyone should visit Hong Kong at least once in their life. It’s a vibrant city bursting with adventure and cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. With a dazzling skyline, bustling night markets, breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual monasteries, there’s something for everyone here. I had a great time exploring Hong Kong, and I think you’d love it too.

If you’re seeking a unique and exciting destination, Hong Kong is a must-visit. This city offers a combination of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a fantastic food scene that will satisfy even the most adventurous travellers. Even Anthony Bourdain was impressed. From exploring traditional markets to hiking along scenic trails, Hong Kong has something for everyone.

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“Hong Kong is a wonderful, mixed-up town where you’ve got great food and adventure. First and foremost, it’s a great place to experience China in a relatively accessible way.”

Anthony Bourdain

Best way to visit Hong Kong

The best way to get around Hong Kong is by combining public transit and sightseeing on foot. I also recommend taking advantage of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours, ferries and boats. Public transport in Hong Kong is incredibly efficient and reliable, making it the perfect option for exploring the city. Ferries and boats also have the benefit of running scenic routes, giving you time to explore the scenery.

You can purchase an Octopus card to easily travel by MTR (Mass Transit Railway) or bus. To make things even easier, you can now buy a limited-time tourist pass that gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours. The MRT also has the Aiport Express train that gets you into the city in just 24 minutes.

Cultural experiences in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a bustling city and a perfect destination for cultural exploration. It has a long and fascinating history, making it an ideal destination for cultural travellers. After ruling over this part of the world for over 300 years, the Qing dynasty suffered a crushing defeat in the First Opium War of 1842. As a result, it had to cede Hong Kong and its 230 surrounding islands to the British.

This pivotal moment marked the birth of the bustling metropolis we know today. After 156 years under British rule, Hong Kong returned to China, and today, it is a thriving hub of global commerce.

Visit Hong Kong for the many amazing attractions

Hong Kong’s true magic lies in its fusion of ancient traditions and modern innovations. From the colourful temples to the towering skyscrapers that house some of the world’s biggest companies, Hong Kong is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, ideas and people.

You can explore the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery,  the Wong Tai Sin Temple or the Tian Tan Buddha temple. Attend any of the city’s many festivals and events, visit traditional markets, and explore historical landmarks and museums. Don’t forget to pay homage to Bruce Lee. Although born in the U.S., Lee grew up in Hong Kong and is among its famous icons. A group of local fans raised funds to erect the statue to honour his legacy, and today many visitors come here to take a picture with it.

Outdoor adventures in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has three distinct islands nestled among the picturesque hills and blue waters: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. This means a variety of outdoor adventures like hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

One of the most popular places to explore is Dragon’s Back Trail – its stunning views make it one of the top places to visit in Hong Kong. For those seeking an even bigger challenge, consider pushing your limits at Tung Lung Island, where you can rock climb and explore its abundant natural landscape.

Visit Hong Kong for the hikes
Visit Hong Kong for outdoor adventures

No matter what kind of outdoor activities you’re looking for, Hong Kong has it all – from beautiful beaches to crystal clear waters, there’s something for everyone here! So grab your adventure gear and get ready to embark on one of the most EPIC outdoor experiences in Hong Kong.

Visit Hong Kong’s famous skyline

The tall skyscrapers, office towers, and lights make Hong Kong an incredibly picturesque place. One of the places to visit in Hong Kong is a stop at its famous Peak. This spot is the highest point on the island and offers unparalleled views of the skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour, with the New Territories’ lush greenery. At night, it transforms into a marvel of shimmering lights and colours.  

Part of the experience of visiting The Peak is a ride on the Peak Tram. You get a nice glimpse into the past as you pass the narrow, steep streets and buildings with impossible angles. When you consider that the Tram has been operating since 1888, it makes you appreciate the tenacity and vision of those that built it.

Tram to the Peak, Hong Kong's viewpoint
Visit Hong Kong’s famous viewpoint

Another unique way to see Hong Kong’s iconic skyline is by taking one of the night cruises around Victoria Harbour. Long before it became a trading spot for the British Empire, this bay was a pirate haven. One of the most famous pirates was Madame Ching, who, along with her husband, commanded 80,000 buccaneers and 800 ships.

The Symphony of Lights is something worth checking out. Recognized as the world’s most spectacular light show, the harbour comes alive at 8 pm every night with lights and sounds that shine against iconic buildings on both sides of the bay.

This multimedia display is an impressive harmony of visual and auditory elements that draws crowds of locals and tourists alike. Having seen it a few times, I know some days are more impressive than others. Make sure you check the weather, as certain conditions might cause cancellations. Either way, it’s an experience worth putting on your Honk Kong bucket list.

Food experiences in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of those places where you can find great food at affordable prices pretty much anywhere. There is everything from traditional Chinese street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. I even found many places offering Asian fusions of other foods, and it was a delightful surprise.

table with several Chinese food dishes
Visit Hong Kong for its culinary scene

If you’re feeling adventurous, visit one of the local markets. Here, you’ll see many different foods, such as cart noodles, clay pot rice, or durian. Make sure to try the dim sum. It’s a big thing here, and there are different categories of dim sum restaurants. Check out Tim Ho Wan, the famous hole-in-wall and one of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants.

Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred restaurants are some of the best in the world. They feature outstanding cuisine created by culinary masters who are passionate about their craft. Eating here is an experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

Visit Hong Kong for shopping

Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise. You will likely find it here, from impressive knock-offs and traditional souvenirs to designer shops and everything in between. You can find massive shopping malls, unique markets and outlet shops, so if retail therapy is something you’re looking for, Hong Kong is the place for you.

Popular among tourists, locals and ex-pats, the Stanley Market is your go-to for reasonably priced brand-name clothes, accessories and jewellery. Here, you can also find souvenirs, home furnishings, and various local novelties in a picturesque setting. Set along the waterfront, it’s also a great place to grab some food and drink when you get tired from shopping.

visit hong kong
Visit Hong Kong for the shopping

Temple Street Night Market comes alive when the sun goes down. Here merchants display their wares while more colourful characters make appearances. Don’t be surprised to see fortune-tellers and singers mingling with the shoppers, food vendors and artists. You can buy pretty much anything here, indulge in local specialties and enjoy the local flavours.

The Ladies’ Marke is where your haggling skills become a sport. Initially, this was where you found many women’s clothing and accessories stores, giving the market its name. This one-kilometre stretch on Tung Choi Street is the place for bargain hunters. Gents are welcome to visit since the shopping offerings go beyond women’s clothes and accessories.

Recommended tours for when you visit Hong Kong:

Visit Hong Kong to Party at Lan Kwai Fong

In a place like Hong Kong, it’s not hard to find a great place to party. Lan Kwai Fong is the city’s most popular entertainment spot. Here you will find over 90 restaurants and bars for every taste. Locals and tourist of all ages make their way over to check out the vibe, sounds and lights. So if nightlife is your thing, add this to the top of your Hong Kong bucket list.

LKF, as it’s referred to, has been the jewel of the local party scene since the 1980s. The brainchild of a former textile mogul from Canada – Allan Zeman – LKF has been a concept other cities in China are desperately trying to copy. For that alone, it’s worth checking out, if only for a short while. It’s also a great place during major festivals and special events.

Before you go

Check out my travel resource guide for more resources to help you plan your trip.

Why visit Hong kong?

Hong Kong offers everything from immersive cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, shopping and an extensive culinary scene. It’s also a great starting place for exploring Asia. Whether you want to visit Hong Kong for an extended amount of time or for a few days, you won’t be disappointed.  With so much to explore and experience, make sure you add Hong Kong to your travel bucket list.

chinese temple
Visit Hong Kong

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