Hey Everyone!
The week went by quickly didn’t it?! I’ve been so busy since I came back that I haven’t had much time to relax. Needless to say, I’m excited for the weekend. As promised, I’m continuing today with Part II of the travel guide I posted on Wednesday. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Part I. Today’s guide includes my top 10 things to do in Hong Kong. What’s good about this guide is that you can do most of the items on my list for free! Hong Kong is a walking city that has a fantastic transit system. So with the exception of 2 of the items on the list, you can get to the rest of them on foot or by train.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?!
Here are my Top 10 Things to do in Hong Kong:
- Tian Tan (Big Buddha), Ngong Ping 360, Ngong Ping Village and Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery – Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Hours: Mon-Sun from 10am-5:30pm (Big Buddha) and Mon-Sun from 8am-6pm (Po Lin Monastery), Cost: Prices start at about $17 USD to take the Ngong Ping 360 cablecar. Other tour packages are available at prices up to $150 USD
You don’t have to be Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of Tian Tan (or Big Buddha). This massive bronze statue, located on Lantau Island, is a must see if you visit Hong Kong. Getting there takes a bit of time (about a 45 minute drive from our hotel in Causeway Bay), but it’s worth it! You can take the bus, the Ngong Ping 360 cablecar, or you can take the first Ferry from Central Pier to Mui wo and then take a bus. I strongly suggest taking the Ngong Pin 360 cablecar if you’re not afraid of heights. The 360 view is absolutely breathtaking! It’s also a great way to get pictures of Big Buddha from far away. Once you get off of the cablecar, you’ll take a nice walk through Ngong Ping Village. This is where you can purchase souvenirs and other goods on your way to Big Buddha. When you reach the steps of Big Buddha, you can choose to marvel at the sight of it, or brave the 268 steps that take you to him. I went all the way up and definitely recommend it. It’s quite an experience!
Top Left: Po Lin Monastery, Top Right: Ngong Ping Village, Bottom: View from Ngong Ping 360 Cablecar
Imitating Master Bruce Lee in Ngong Ping Village
- Victoria Peak Mountain – 1 Lugard Rd, Hong Kong, China (Formerly Tai Ping Shan), Hours: 7am-11pm, Cost: Free to look. You can take the Peak Tram or a Taxi (I suggest taking a taxi) up the mountain..Peak Tram prices are from $2-$6 USD
If you enjoy a beautiful view as much as I do, this is the place to go. With an elevation of 1,811 feet, The Peak is the highest mountain in Hong Kong. My friends and I visited in the evening around sunset. When my friend first made the suggestion that we go later in the evening, I thought it would be a bad idea. Boy was I wrong! Going later in the evening eliminated the crowds, leaving us alone with a spectacular view of the city at night
View of the city from Victoria Peak Mountain
- Victoria Harbour – Central and Western District, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong 999077, China, Hours: Anytime, Cost: Free to look around. There are cruise tour packages available for $50-$100 USD
Once again, if stunning views are your thing, Victoria Harbour is another area you’ll want to visit. This is a fantastic place to take pictures or do a cruise tour. There’s also a light show that takes place at night where the surrounding buildings light up!
Victoria Harbour – The tall building is where Ozone Bar (the world’s highest bar) is located
- Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding) – Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, China, Hours: Mon-Sun from 10:30am-7:45pm, Cost: Between $8-$13 USD
I didn’t get a chance to do this during my visit and I’m pretty bummed about it. I met a gentleman at my hotel from New Zealand who highly recommended riding the tram. He said it’s a great way to see the entire city from the eyes of the people who live there. The reviews on Tripadvisor are also really good!
- Antique Street & Cat Street – Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, China (Formerly Upper Lascar Row), Hours: Anytime, Cost: Free to look
I absolutely fell in love with this area! My friends and I stumbled upon it one morning after breakfast and did not want to leave. This quaint little area has tons of shopping options from antiques to art as well as other little trinkets you may want to take home. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, I recommend that you go here. While I enjoyed visiting Ladies Street Market (listed later), this area has better offerings.
- Man Mo Temple – Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Rd, Hong Kong, Hours: Mon-Sun from 8am-6pm, Cost: Free to go in providing you’re dressed appropriately…and you may want to give a small donation
If you’re already on Antique Street & Cat Street, then be sure to stick around for Man Mo Temple. It’s located just a short walk away on Hollywood Road. Why visit? It’s really old and has been around since 1847. In fact, it is now a declared monument. You’re welcome to go in the temple as long as you have on the appropriate attire which typically consists of covered arms and legs.
- Jade Market – Kansu Street, Hong Kong, China, Hours: Mon-Sun from 10am-4pm, Cost: Free to look, Bargain before you buy
My friends and I were never able to find Jade Market when we set out to look for it. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to go there if you visit. I’ve heard it’s really nice, although you may or may not get real jade. It’s hit or miss from what I’ve read on forums.
- Ladies Street Market – Tung Choi Street, Hong Kong, China, Hours: Mon-Sun from 12pm-12am, Cost: Free to look, Bargain before you buy
Ladies Street Market is the place where you’ll find all of your standard souvenirs. The best advice I can give you is to go in with a set price in your head and stick to it. Whatever you do, don’t take the price at face value.
- Avenue of Comic Stars at Kowloon Park – Kowloon Park Dr, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hours: Anytime, Cost: Free
I was in hog heaven when my friends and I stumbled on this part of Kowloon Park! What can I say, I’m a geek. I’ve always been a big fan of Chinese and Japanese Animé. Whether you’re into that sort of thing or not, it’s still a fun place to visit!
- Lan Kwai Fong – Central, Hong Kong, Hours: Anytime, Cost: Free
Lan Kwai Fong is a small square of streets located in Central, Hong Kong. If you’re ever in Hong Kong and wondering where the nightlife is, then you’ll find it here! This is a very lively area! The streets are lined with indoor/outdoor style bars and music can be heard all around.
