Things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is arguably the most exciting city on earth. The sprawling metropolis is known for its towering skyscrapers, the archipelago of bustling islands and green covered mountains. The city is the stomping ground of the world’s elite and it oozes wealth and luxury.

There’s truly something for everyone in Hong Kong, from massive shopping centres and tree-lined avenues packed with luxury boutiques to feats of modern architecture and beautiful cultural experiences. The island is the playground of the rich and travelers can take advantage of the bountiful opportunities for fun and exploration.

The LGBT+ rights movement flooded into Hong Kong’s mainstream in the 1990s as the city saw the opening of its first gay bars and saunas. Hong Kong now boasts a vibrant and exciting gay nightlife scene that’s as impressive as its skyline.

Temple Street Night Market

Hong Kong’s liveliest market bustles to life after nightfall when the thousands of stalls are illuminated by neon signs and moonlight. The market is an iconic feature of Hong Kong’s landscape and spans multiple city blocks making it one of the largest in the world. Temple Street Night Market is known for its impressive array of street food vendors where visitors can purchase noodles, roast meat and ice-cold beer from one of the many open-air kitchens.

Featured in countless films, the area is most definitely a tourist trap, however, this doesn’t detract from the magic of the market. At its busiest and best between 7 pm and 10 pm, the Temple Street Night Market is beautifully ungentrified.

Victoria Peak

For the most breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s jaw-dropping skyline head to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Reaching a dizzying 552m above sea level, the peak is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset across the city.

The area offers guests a green and natural escape from the metropolis that is Hong Kong and is easily accessible by an eight-minute ride on the Peak Tram- a 125-year old, gravity-defying tram. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views from Lions View Point Pavilion, a charming Chinese style pagoda and gate, named after the many lion statues that inhabit the pavilion.

A Symphony of Lights

Every night at 8 o'clock, Hong Kong’s skyline is set ablaze as one of the world’s most impressive light shows begins. Unveiled in 2017, A Symphony of Lights is comprised of multicoloured and dynamic rays of light being fired from 40 buildings surrounding Victoria Harbour in rhythm. LED panels illuminate the sides of the city’s skyscrapers, showcasing messages and images for all to see. This light show is truly unmissable.

The show is accompanied by some of the finest pieces of classical music from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Travelers can view the light show from a number of locations around the city but according to the Hong Kong tourism board, the official advantage points are Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Golden Bauhinia Square Centre and from a boat on the harbour.

Gay Nightlife in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most gay-friendly cities in East Asia and boasts an impressive and lively gay nightlife scene. There are a range of gay bars and clubs throughout the city, offering plenty of entertainment and experiences.

ZOO is perhaps the most popular gay club in Hong Kong. The club's stylish interior, amazing music and great cocktails draw in large crowds, particularly on weekends and event nights. WINK is one of the city’s newer clubs and serves high quality-wine and cocktails and is located in the heart of Sheung Wan. The bar is commonly frequented by younger guys and their female friends.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Founded in the 1950s, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery consists of 5 temples, 4 pavilions and one pagoda. As the name suggests, the main temple features carvings of upwards of ten thousand Buddhas, although many more can be observed on the walk up to the temple and in the surrounding grounds.

The attraction is located slightly off the beaten track and visitors climb 430 steps and a steep concrete path before reaching the summit. The Buddhas that line the path give visitors the perfect excuse to stop, regain the breath and inspect the individually unique statues. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is free of charge to the public.

Lamma Island

Popular with travelers escaping the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s main city, Lamma Island is home to a range of rustic villages, stunning hiking trails and pristine beaches. The island is a stark contrast to the concrete jungle that is Hong Kong. Known for its fresh and delicious seafood, Lamma Island is where visitors will find a plethora of restaurants and cafes serving only the finest catches of the day.

The island’s location, just 3km southwest of Hong Kong Island means the destination is easily reachable by a 30-minute ferry ride, which itself offers breathtaking views across the bay.