Hong Kong has a fascinating history from the time when the last emperor of the Song Empire fled there 700 years ago through to British colonisation which made Hong Kong a key port. Discover the top 10 things to do in Hong Kong including the Museum of History, Victoria Peak, Lantau Island, Starr Ferry, Temple Street night markets and the best Dim Sum for lunch.
Photo credit: Ed Coyle Photography on VisualHunt.com
1. Discover Hong Kong’s history
Hong Kong has a number of museums, but the Museum of History is probably the standout and favourite for tourists. Learn why Hong Kong became one of the world’s foremost trade, investment and financial centres. The top 10 Museums in Hong Kong.
2. Take the Tram to Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island with an elevation of 552 meters. This is undoubtedly the best place to look out over the towering city skyline. Ride the 125-year old Tram where you will experience sweeping views of Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers and walking paths. At the peak, you will see the city’s beautiful blue waterways, green hills to the distant. Why not enjoy the beautiful night view of Hong Kong.
3. Lantau Island
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong. It is sparsely populated and is a great get away for relaxation, sightseeing and outdoor activities. The island is a natural parkland with beaches, mountains, hiking and biking trails. Popular attractions on Lantau Island are:
- Disneyland – a fairy tale world with all of the classic Disney attractions.
- Po Lin Monastery – which boasts one of the biggest bronze statues of buddha in the world.
- Ngong Ping 360 – a 25-minute ride on Ngong Pong offers astonishing views of the magical deep sea and lush green mountainside.
- Tai O – a fishing village where you will find stilt houses, fishing boats and village.
4. Ride the Star Ferry
The Star Ferry is one of the best ways to enjoy the view of the skyline of Victoria Harbor. The Star Ferry has been used to carry passengers from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and back since 1888.
You can embark on a trip from Tsim Sha Tsui Pier on the Kowloon Peninsula to either its Central Pier or Wan Chai Pier on the Hong Kong Island side.
It is memorable to take a close look at so many towering skyscrapers while floating on the calm waters.
5. Temple Street Night Market
To truly experience local life in Hong Kong, the street markets are worth a visit. Temple Street is one of the best markets with a local atmosphere. You can find a great variety of things such as local foods, clothes, jade and antiques. Street singers and fortune tellers make it all the more colourful. You might also want to check out this link for the best markets in Hong Kong.
6. Chinese dim sum for lunch
Dim Sum literally means “to touch your heart” and refers to a vast number of exquisite bite-sized dishes. Most restaurants offer anywhere between thirty or forty different dishes. They are steamed in advance in bamboo baskets and paraded around the restaurant in steam carts.
The diversity of dim sum dishes is truly amazing. Here are some of the best Hong Kong restaurants to try Dim Sum.
7. Take a day trip to Macau
Macau’s embraces both Chinese and Portuguese heritage as well as an array of modern architecture. Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including one of the oldest and most famous Taoist temples in Macau, A-Ma Temple. The temple was built in honour of Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. Visit the ruins of St Paul, a 16th-century complex featuring the remains of the Cathedral of St Paul. Walk up the 66 steps to admire the elaborate stonework of the church’s facade. Make your way to the Fortaleza de Monte (Mt Fortress), a 15th-century military centre built to protect the region’s Jesuit properties. Stop at a restaurant for lunch and then tour the Macau Museum and Macau Tower, whose observation decks provide breathtaking views of the entire city.
8. Explore mainland China for a day
Take a day trip to Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city (formerly known as Canton) and learn about the Qin Dynasty’s terracotta warriors and their horses. Experience the beauty, history and excitement of Guangzhou, China’s largest trading port and enjoy a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the adorable pandas at the Shenzhen Safari Park.
9. Stroll Along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade runs along Kowloon’s waterfront. It is a wonderful place to take in the beautiful views of the Hong Kong skyline and bustling Victoria Habour.
10. Visit the Old Town Central
Beneath the stunning skyline of Central Hong Kong, there exists an abundance of history, arts, food and culture. The Old Town Central is one of the city’s oldest and most archetypal neighbourhoods. It is a place traditions and innovation, excitement and tranquillity coexist. The neighbourhood with its history-steeped areas, heritage, food, arts and hidden treasures in the warren of streets and alleys. Witness the dramatic transformations that have characterised Old Town Central’s short but colourful history and explore a city that is always changing but never detached from its origins.
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