From the modern skyline at Victoria Harbor to the traditional Tai'O fishing village and bustling Stanley markets, Hong Kong is a wonderful mix of many cultures and offers. There are countless things to do in Hong Kong and see. Hong Kong is a city of contrasts in which stands out a mixture of Chinese tradition and modernity that make it a unique place in your itinerary of Hong Kong.
For architecture lovers it is essential to compare the HSBC Main Building of Norman Foster with the Bank of China Tower of Ieoh Ming Pei among Hong Kong tourist spots. Hong Kong is one of the biggest business hubs for jewellers.
Hong Kong after the cyclone season is nice and sunny and great for exploring both the busy city and the quiet green parts of the islands. Get some great deals on camera equipment while you’re there.
Here are few interesting places to visit in Hong Kong for tourists:
1. Avenue of Stars
You are not a tourist in Hong Kong until you take your picture with the Bruce Lee statue on the Avenue of Stars and then you enjoy the light show over the bay. In the heat of this powerful film industry, world-class stars such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, or directors such as Wong Kar-Wai and John Woo have emerged.
It’s touristy, slow and slightly inconvenient to get to, but it’s definitely worth the trip – especially in the dark. Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour lights up like a Christmas tree at night and the Star Ferry, or Avenue of Stars are the places to be to see it. If, you get overwhelmed by crowds, this view will remind you why you moved to HK in the first place.
Closest station: Wan Chai (from Hong Kong Island) and East Tsum Sha Tsui (from Kowloon).
2. Temple Street Night Market
To practice the noble art of bargaining or go hunting and catching the most kitsch objects in Asia you have the Temple Street night market or the Mong Kok market. The mixture is explosive and the atmosphere very overloaded. Asia is in its pure state.
3. Po Lin Monastery
Because you can’t go to Hong Kong and not visit the Big Buddha! The Big Buddha, really is a Big Buddha, it’s also free to visit (although the cable car does cost, of course). The nearby Po Lin Monastery is both peaceful and impressive. You can see photos from my visit here.
Nearest MTR station: Tung Chung. Then take the Cable Car, or a bus to the Buddha.
4. Stanley Market
Ocean Park offers the biggest oceanaria and is all about marine animals. Tour to ocean park will engage your full day. Filled with lots of fun rides Ocean Park holds 2nd position when talking about the largest theme parks in Hong Kong. Explore closely the habitat of more than 400 species of aquatic animals. This is one of the few places which lets you explore the habitat of Giant Pandas.
5. Mong Kok Flower Market
There is something calming about being amongst trees, plants and flowers, then returning with large blooms of roses, gerberas, sunflowers and peonies. Located beside the Mong Kok Stadium, the Flower Market is jam packed with street stalls and large air-conditioned stores – perfect for cooling down on humid days. The quaint back streets between the market are also great for cooling down and getting away from the crowds.
Don’t leave without buying a butter, pineapple bun from one of the bakeries on Prince Edward Road before you go. Sitting on the heart of Hong Kong, Mongkok is the most visited and crowded markets of Hong Kong. The amazing market is heaven for shoppers. The neon-lit streets of Mongkok Market will let you shop for toys, clothing, accessories, mementos and everything you want.
The streets of Mongkok are also famous for street food. Pleasure your taste buds with mouth-watering food of Mongkok.
6. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
A lesser known monastery, The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery, is a worthwhile day trip from the city. Covered, in buddhas, as you would expect, the grounds are peaceful, beautiful and offer great views, once you reach the top of a very long series of steps – take water, you’ll need it.
7. Sun Yat-sen Museum
Sheung Wan is a local and interesting area on the Western side of Hong Kong Island. Wander through the streets of Sheung Wan at night. After around 9pm the streets are refreshingly quiet and slightly cooler than during the day. The dimly lit and often carless streets are very safe (use common sense of course) and interesting to explore. End the trip by walking down to the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park for a walk along the waterfront.
Nearest MTR Station: Sheung Wan
8. Kowloon
Most people head straight for OZONE atop the ICC Tower, but for a more relaxed, laid back feel, go down a couple of floors to The Lounge & Bar. The views of Hong Kong Island are incredible and the chocolate cake is to die for.
Nearest MTR Station: Kowloon
9. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is located north of Kowloon. If your trip coincides with a holiday such as the Chinese New Year, look through the streets to see if you come across any Chinese Lion and Dragon dance.
10. Star Ferry Pier
Take the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong. The nine-minute ride was chosen by National Geographic Traveler as one of their "fifty places of a lifetime" (whatever that means), and apparently it's also been voted the most exciting ferry ride in the world. The Star Ferry is a Hong Kong icon (having operated since the 1870s) and I'm sure it feels similar today to how it always has. It's pretty awesome both at day and at night.
