Top Sights Travel Guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong:

Cost: Free to wander. Food: $-$$$$

Funky Fact: English is spoken widely since Hong Kong was under British rule for over 150 years!

1. Ride a Ding Ding

2. Mong Kok

3. LionRock Hike

4. 10,000 Buddahs

5. Steam Buns

6. Goldfish and Pet Market

7. Prince Edward Flower Market
8. Sunset from Repulse Bay

9. Wan Chai Bars

10. Textile Market 

11. Nan Lian Garden

12. Hong Kong Walls

13. Wisdom Path Hike

14. Graffiti Wall of Fame

15. Tin Tian Buddah

16. Cantonese Opera

17. Ocean Park

18. The Little Great Wall

19. Century Eggs

20. Bakery Culture

21. McDonalds Soft Serve

22. Ozone Bar at the ICC

23. Cultural Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui

24. Sai Kung

25. Jamia Mosque

26. Hong Kong Disneyland

27. The Yellow Umbrella Movement

28. Bird Nest Soup

29. Bat Wing Nuts (Water Caltrop Nuts)

30. The Avenue of Stars & the Aqua Luna 31. Durian

1. Ride a Ding Ding

A Ding Ding is a double-deck tram that’s been running since 1904, it a cheap, convenient and green mode of public transport on the main island of Hong Kong. Affectionally called a ding ding because of its charming double dinging bell that alerts pedestrian of its presence. It travels between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. A ride costs $0.33 cents USD.

2. Mongkok

A maze of busy narrow streets, full of shopping. Storekeepers and pop-up stalls sell clothes, knick-knacks, toys, food, plants, flowers, sneaker and sporting goods, and knockoffs.

3. Lion Rock Hike

A 2-3 hour hike will wind you up past wild monkeys the Lion Peak. Visit on a clear day and take in the view over all of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

4. 10,000 Buddha Monastery

A steep hike up the hillside in Sha Tin, will reward you with a unusual and quirky Hike up the the 10,000 Buddha Monestary. There are actually over 13,000 buddha statues here. at 220 Pai Tau Village. Hours: 9am-5pm

5. Steamed Buns (Bao Buns, baozi’ 包子)

Warm and fluffy white bread dough envelops a steamy flavor bomb. Try Char Siu Bao (Sweet and Savory Pork filling) they are usually served in a steamy bamboo basket 3-4 at a time. A must try when visiting!

6. The Goldfish Market

Fascinating and unique Tung Choi Street North is filled with shops selling pet fish, turtles, tortoises, geckos, crickets, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, frogs, and spiders. Mostly focusing on goldfish and tropical fish these beautiful pets are believes to bring abundance and prosperity. A fun and colorful street to visit. Hours: 11am-9:30pm.

7. Prince Edward Flower Market

An elegant place to wander with a huge selection of cut and planted varieties. hours are 9:30 am – 7.30pm.

8. Sunset from Repulse Bay

A stunning and popular swimming hole and beach. Repulse Bay boasts a long sweep of powder white sand and calm waters. The Beachside bars and restaurants offer a stunning view with high end priced drinks and appetizers.

9. Wan Chai Bars

Wan Chai is one of the liveliest streets in Hong Kong after dark. Head to Lockhart Road’s dozen bars and nightclubs for a fun night. The collection of sports bars, dance clubs, live music and dive bars makes for a more affordable option in a city that is know for high costs. Check out an infamous bar: The Wanch for an epic music filled night. Hours Noon -2 am.

10. Textile Market

The colorful and charming market is full of stalls and store selling fabric, textiles, art and crafts supplies.Its a creative persons haven and full of design students, art enthusiasts and creative minds. Yen Chow Fabric Market Open from 10am-6pm

11. Nan Lian Garden

A Chinese classicalGarden that covers 3.5 hectares. Its design incorporates hills, water features, trees, rocks cloud mist bridges, waterfalls and Chinese style wooden structures. Hours 7am-9pm.

12. Hong Kong Walls & Street Art Graffiti

HK Walls is a non-profit arts organization. Their goal is to create opportunities and spaces for artists to showcase their work. Many stunning murals throughout the city are proudly garnished with the HK Walls brand. Streets of Murals Notes: Shing Wong Street, Art Lane, Elgin Street, Yip Fat Street, Tank Lane, and Hollywood Rd.

13. Wisdom Path Hike

This short and rewarding hike is a 1.1-mile loop trail near the Big Buddha.  This tranquil hike has 38 carved wooden pillars which read the verses from an old Heart Sutra.

14. Graffiti Wall of Fame

A stunning stretch of ever changing Murals and Street Art. Located on Argyle St, Ma Tau Wai, Hong Kong.

15. Tian Tan Buddah

Also called the Big Buddha, this towering monument was built in 1993. This massive bronze Buddha is 112 feet tall. Hours 10am-5:30pm.

16. Cantonese Opera

A beautiful traditional Art. Opera goes can visit: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sunbeam Theatre, Yau Ma Tei Theatre or the Xiqu Centre to watch a live Opera.

17. Ocean Park

A stunning oceanarium and animal theme amusement Park with over 50 attractions. It’s home to rides, zoo animals, and ocean theme exhibits. Hours: 10am-6pm (closed Wed. & Tues.)

18. The Little Great Wall and The Rock of the Ringing Bell

On a small island called Cheung Chau visitors can find a hike call the Mini Great Wall which has 3 unique rock formations: The Rock of the Ringing Bell, Fa Peng, and Eagle Rock. The hike is a short and beautiful half mile paved stroll.

19. Century Eggs

A Chinese Delicacy. While I didn’t love them, I did eat the entire bowl. My partner was disgusted after one bit. A must try for the adventurous food lover. The dish is made by preserving eggs (duck, chicken or quail) in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for up to a month.

20. Bakery Culture

Morning in Hong Kong are filled with a delicious opportunity, Bakery hopping! There are roughly 546 licensed bakeries in Hong Kong, leaving you with and very long list of options. Go early for the best variety and try out: Egg Tarts, Pineapple Bun, Wife Cake, Egg Puffs, Mooncake, Sausage Bun, Swiss roll, Pork Floss or Milk Bread.

21. McDonalds Soft Serve

McDonald’s classic soft serve ice cream in Hong Kong is nothing but classic they have a rotating seasonal flavors I tried the Sweet Potato Vanilla and found it wonderful.

22. Ozone Bar at the ICC

The 118th floor is home to a stunning bar atop the International Commerce Centre (ICC). The cost of the drinks starts a $19 USD. I recommend you check that the weather is clear for your visit.

23. Cultural Centre Promenade Bridge, Tsim Sha Tsui

Evening strolls here provide stunning evening views and offer seasonal cultural events.

24. Sai Kung

Knows as the Wilds of Hong Kong. This is where local nature enthusiast go. Devote an entire day to getting here, hiking and catching a sparce taxi home. The best view on a clear day is from the top of Mai Fan Teng overlooking the 3 crescent beaches. Warnings: Very remote, pack for survival, rock scrambles, no cell service, and dangerous Spiders.

25. Jamia Mosque

This stunning green hidden gem is the oldest Mosque in Hong Kong and dates back to 1849. Located at 30 Shelly Street, Central, Hong Kong. Their hours are 10am-9pm.

26. Hong Kong Disneyland

Closed during the pandemic (now open) this is the smallest of all the Disneyland Parks and is located on Lantau Island. Tickets are about $81 USD per day. You’ll love all the special details inside the Disney Train on you way there. Hours: 10:30am to 7:30pm

27. The Yellow Umbrella Movement

Visitors should note remnants of this important political movement that emerged during the Hong Kong democracy protests of 2014. New imagery in support of freedom for Hong Kong from Mainland China can be seen all over the city.

28. Bird Nest Soup

Controversial Bird Nest Soup is an expensive Chinese delicacy made from boiling the nest (hardened bird saliva) of a swiftlet bird. Bird farms are controversial and have grown by customer demand. Bowls of soup cost $30-100 USD and are said to have a sea-salt, briny flavor.

29. Bat Wing Nuts (Water Caltrop Nuts)

An oddity seen in open air markets around the city this snack is said to taste like roasted chestnut and cooked potato with a slightly sweet note.

30. The Avenue of Stars and the Aqua Luna

A night stroll down the avenue of stars will reward you with views of the Aqua Luna Junk Boat and the Laser ‘Symphony of Lights’ show at 8:00pm every night.

31. Durian

A culturally distinct food. During is a Stinky Fruit that many foodies either Love or Hate. It’s often banned from Busses, metros, and Hotels because its aroma is so pungent it lingers. It’s popular to try on pizza or in ice cream form.