Things to do in Hong Kong

Landmark · Hong Kong Island

The mountain-top lookout over the skyscraper forest, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon beyond — the definitive Hong Kong panorama, reached by the historic Peak Tram.

Local tip: Skip the paid Sky Terrace and walk the free, flat Lugard Road loop for the same jaw-dropping view minus the crowds. Go at dusk to catch the city flip from gold to neon; take a bus or taxi up if the Peak Tram queue is brutal.

Landmark · Tsim Sha Tsui / Central

The dramatic harbour at the city's heart, crossed by the century-old green-and-white Star Ferry, with the nightly Symphony of Lights laser show over the skyline.

Local tip: Ride the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central (around HK$5) — the best-value harbour cruise in the world. Watch the 8pm Symphony of Lights from the TST waterfront promenade, then walk to the Avenue of Stars.

Food · Yau Ma Tei / Mong Kok (Kowloon)

Neon-lit street markets, fortune tellers, claypot rice and seafood dai pai dongs — the chaotic, sensory heart of old Kowloon, plus Mong Kok's themed market streets.

Local tip: Eat claypot rice and clams at the Temple Street stalls, then browse the Ladies' Market, Flower Market and Goldfish Market nearby. Mong Kok is reputedly the most densely populated place on earth — embrace the crush.

Culture · Kowloon

The gritty, authentic working-class district reborn as a foodie and maker haven — Michelin street eats, fabric and electronics bazaars (Apliu Street), and indie cafés.

Local tip: Queue for the Michelin-listed cheung fun and a bowl at Lau Sum Kee, raid Apliu Street for cheap electronics and gadgets, and explore the design shops around the new-wave cafés. The most real, least touristy eating in town.

Nature · Shek O / HK Island south

The famous ridge hike with sweeping views over Shek O, Big Wave Bay and the South China Sea — proof that ~70% of Hong Kong is green country park, not city.

Local tip: Take the bus to To Tei Wan and walk the Dragon's Back to Big Wave Bay for a post-hike swim and a beachside beer. Most newcomers are stunned that world-class hiking and beaches are 40 minutes from Central.

Neighborhood · Hong Kong Island

The dense, vertical core — banking towers, the world's longest outdoor covered escalator, and the bar-and-restaurant warrens of SoHo, PMQ and Lan Kwai Fong.

Local tip: Ride the Mid-Levels Escalator up through SoHo's restaurants and galleries, browse local design at PMQ, and end in Lan Kwai Fong or the quieter bars of Sheung Wan. Great for a first taste of expat-and-local nightlife.