As a lively and major cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong offers so much to do! Are you visiting Hong Kong for a short/quick trip or staying for an extended time? Regardless, here’s 5 Top unmissable activities to do!

1.) Take in the View from Victoria Peak

A stop to Hong Kong would not be complete without checking out Victoria Peak! As the highest hill on Hong Kong island, Victoria Peak offers breathtaking and panoramic views of the city and I cannot stress how insanely beautiful the view is. While there, I was awestruck and spent the morning marveling at the sight.

You can get to the top of Victoria Peak by either:

Taking the Tram, which offers spectacular views as you ride up. I took the Tram and would recommend it. It’s quick (takes 7-10 minutes), direct, convenient, and pleasant. Be aware that it’s very popular and the lines can be long, so try to go early or during off-peak hours/ weekdays, or be prepared to wait.
Using the public bus number 15, which runs between Central and the peak. Be prepared to pay for the bus fare by either using an Octopus card (used for HK public transportation) or with exact cash fare (the bus does not provide change or accept credit cards). The bus ride is around 40 minutes and for the best views, try to get seats on the upper deck!
Taxi or Rideshare App: This is the most expensive option but also most convenient.
Hiking: If you’re down for the hike, go for it! To prepare for this, research available routes that suit your timeline, pace, fitness, and comfortability level. Be sure to stay hydrated!

2.) Spend the day with the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) and ride the cable car

Located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, the Big Buddha is one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions. Completed in 1993, the Big Buddha is 112 feet tall, weighs 250 metric tonnes, and was constructed using over 200 bronze pieces. Visiting the Big Buddha is an unmissable experience. Taking in the sight of the seated Buddha surrounded by the beautiful and dramatic scenery of Lantau Island is an experience worth having.

In my experience, visiting the Buddha was memorable, peaceful, and breathtaking. It’s an architectural powerhouse! To get to the Big Buddha, I took the cable car, which provided majestic and beautiful views of Lantau island (I highly recommend it!). I went during off-peak hours on a visible weekday (note: fog makes it challenging to see anything while riding the cable car), therefore the cable car and Monastery were not crowded. Upon arriving, the cable car drops you a short walk from the Buddha.

Note:

**Getting to the base of the Buddha requires climbing 268 steps! It definitely was a work out.**

Here are routes to get to the Big Buddha:

The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: As mentioned previously, taking the cable car offers a quick and direct route to the Big Buddha, while also providing SPECTACULAR views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea. Departing from across the MTR Tung Chung Station, the cable car takes around 25 minutes to arrive at Ngong Ping village, which is a short walking distance to the Buddha. Although taking the cable car is more expensive than the alternatives, I highly recommend it! The ride provides striking views and is comfortable.
- Tips: The lines to access the cable car can be very long (it is a major experience and tourist attraction in itself) therefore try to purchase a ticket ahead of time and to go during low traffic times, such as weekdays or non-peak rush hours. Furthermore, be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of your trip, because if it’s a foggy day, you won’t be able to see a lot.
The Number 23 Bus: Similarly to the cable car, the 23 bus is accessible from MTR Tung Chung Station. The bus departs from the bus terminal across the MTR Tung Chung station and takes around 50 minutes to reach Ngong Ping Village. The bus is less expensive than the cable car but still offers nice views of Lantau island.
Ferry and Bus NO.2: Take the Ferry from Central (Pier #6) to Mui Wo on Lantau Island. From the Mui Wo bus station take the New Lantao Bus No.2 to Ngong Ping Village.
Taxi: Taking a taxi offers the most direct and convenient route to the Big Buddha but is also the most expensive.

3.) Take a Free Walking Tour

Walking tours provide a great option to explore the city by foot, to get a lay of the land, and to get insights from a locals perspective. As a major cultural, international, and historic hub, Hong Kong offers a variety of things to do. From exploring Hong Kong’s history, city center, and local cuisine to night markets, there are walking tours for a wide range of interests.

Here are some resources for free walking tours in HK:

During my trip, I took a variety of walking tours, which were focused on exploring the city center, understanding Hong Kong and China’s history, experiencing local foods, and visiting night markets. I thoroughly enjoyed the tours and would recommend them. The guides were knowledgeable and personable, and I learnt a lot about daily life in HK, Hong Kong and China history and relations, and about food and culture. Before embarking on a walking tour, check the most recent COVID guidelines and regulations, and if the tours are operating.

4.) Day Trip to Macau

M-A-C-A-U BABY! (can you tell I’m excited)…Often referred to as the “Gambling Capital of the world” and “Las Vegas of the East”, Macau is known for its large, lavish, and plentiful casinos, AND its blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture. Even if you’re not into gambling (I’m not), a day trip to Macau is worth experiencing, in order to learn about Macau, Portuguese colonial history in the region, and to view the grand architecture and appearances of the casinos.

While in Macau, explore the historic center and its UNESCO heritage sites, such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, Guia Fortress and Lighthouse, Monte Fort, Senado Square, and many more. Take advantage of Macau’s various museums, such as the Macau Museum and Macau Museum of Art. Lastly, don’t miss out on trying local food and experiencing how Portuguese and Chinese cuisines influence Macanese food. Start by trying the famous “egg tart”!

I spent my day trip in Macau froclicking around the historic center, exploring the colorful streets, taking in knowledge at museums, gazing at the casinos, and trying local dishes. It was an absolute blast!

How to get to Macau from Hong Kong?

Ferry: The ferry ride is direct and takes around an hour. I took the ferry and recommend it because of its convenience (if you get motion sickness or seasick, be aware that the ride can get bumpy). There are two companies operating ferries to Macau and back, TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet. Both depart from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal and offer several trips throughout the day. However, once in Macau TurboJet arrives at the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, which is closer to the historical attractions downtown, while Cotai Water Jet arrives at the Taipa Terminal, which is closer to the casinos, hotels, and the airport. With that in mind, choose the provider and terminal you’d like to disembark on, based on your preference and plans for your Macau stay.
Bus: Prior to the building of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB), the main options to get to Macau from Hong Kong was by ferry or helicopter. Recently built, the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is the longest sea crossing in the world and connects Hong Kong, Macau, and the Chinese mainland city of Zhuhai. You can leverage public transportation bus shuttles from the Hong Kong Port or private coach buses from urban areas on HK island to connect between Hong Kong and Macau. Departing from Kowloon (northern part of Hong Kong) and offering stops at Prince Edward in Mong Kok and Kowloon Elements in Tsim Sha Tsui, the private coach buses take around 45 minutes and arrive at the HKZMB Macau Port Bus Terminal or Macau Galaxy Hotel in Macau.
Helicopter: Albeit the fastest, this is also the most expensive way to get to Macau from Hong Kong. Offered by SkyShuttle, the helicopter ride takes 15 minutes and departs from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal to the Macau Maritime Terminal.

5.) Ride the Star Ferry and explore Kowloon

Riding the Star Ferry is an iconic experience, unique to Hong Kong. These vessels have been an integral part of HK’s history since the 1880s. Serving as both a means of transportation and tourist attraction, the Star Ferry provides cross harbor routes from Central Star Ferry Pier and Wan Chai Pier on Hong Kong Island to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. While taking the ferry you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city’s skyline and Victoria harbor. It offers an affordable, convenient, and direct route to cross the harbor.

Once you’ve taken the ferry from Hong Kong island to Kowloon, spend the day or night exploring Kowloon. Take a stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and see the Avenue of the Stars (HK’s hollywood walk of fame), take in some greenery at Kowloon Park, visit the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, explore the Temple Street night market, and try street food at Mong Kok. In addition to Hong Kong island, Kowloon offers a lot to do as well!

Enjoy!

From learning about its history to trying local cuisine to experiencing the night life to beautiful, scenic views and hikes, HK offers a variety of things to do. While visiting, explore, have loads of fun, and don’t miss out on these top 5 activities!