Hong Kong is a city of contrasts and contradictions, where the past still lingers alongside the future. It’s a place that has been shaped by British rule for over 150 years, but its people have never forgotten their Chinese roots. Today it is one of the most densely populated cities on earth, with an economy built around finance and trade. But at the same time, Hong Kong is also a city of outstanding natural beauty, with mountains, beaches, forests, and some of the world’s best shopping. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to this fascinating city. The following are the top 5 things to do in Hong Kong:
1. Take a trip up to Victoria Peak
Visit Hong Kong Island’s highest point, which offers unrivaled views across the territory to mainland China. You’ll see modern skyscrapers, colonial buildings, temples, parks, monuments, etc. If you’d like to get even closer to the heart of the city, take the elevator up to the observation deck atop the Peak Tower for a bird’s eye view of the area. Victoria Peak has been part of Hong Kong since 1842, when it was first used as a military garrison. In 1898, Queen Victoria made it her summer residence and named it “Mount Victoria.” She died there in 1901, and the mountain is named after her. Today, Victoria Peak is a popular attraction with visitors from all over the world.
2. Explore Aberdeen Harbor
One of the main reasons why so many people visit Hong Kong is to experience the vibrant nightlife of Central. If you’re looking for something different to do, head to Aberdeen Harbour. Here, you can find shops, restaurants, bars, and street food vendors. There’s plenty of space to relax here, whether you want to walk along the waterfront or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Aberdeen Harbour was once home to the old Aberdeen Prison, built-in 1863 to house prisoners. In 1997, the prison closed down and now houses luxury apartments. You will need a boat ticket to explore the harbor. It may seem as though there are far too many tourists in Hong Kong, but if you look beyond the big hotels and crowded streets, you’ll discover a beautiful city rich in culture.
3. See Stanley Market
The Stanley Market is the most significant market outside of Asia. Every Sunday, locals flock to Stanley Market to shop for everything from clothes to fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The entire area becomes a hub of activity, especially during lunchtime, and almost feels like a small town. When it comes to Stanley Market, you can sample Cantonese cuisine, dim sum, barbecue meat, and refreshments. As well as eating, you can also quickly spend hours walking around the stalls and browsing through the merchandise, which ranges from clothing to souvenirs. You can find anything you could imagine in this market, including fresh fish and meats, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and clothing. A long time ago, Stanley Market was the only source of commerce in Hong Kong. And although the market hasn’t changed much over the years, it still retains its original atmosphere.
4. Have breakfast at the Lan Kwai Fong Night Market
Few places in the world offer such a unique dining experience as the Lan Kwai Fook night market. As soon as the sun goes down, hundreds of stalls come alive throughout the streets of Wan Chai. At first glance, you may think that you’ve stumbled upon a local eatery while walking through the streets, but don’t be fooled because these stalls serve delicious dishes featuring ingredients such as Korean BBQ, Dim Sum, and Congee. When you feel full, make your way to the end of the night market, where you can wash down your meal with some Chinese tea. Don’t forget to try some roasted duck eggs. Lan Kwai Fong Night Market was opened in 1958 by British businessman Sir David Marshall who then turned it into one of the most famous night markets in the world. Today, it attracts thousands of tourists every week.
5. Go to Ocean Park
Ocean Park is one of the biggest attractions in Hong Kong. If you love animals, this should be on your list of things to do! Ocean Park has rescued and rehabilitated various marine species, including sea lions, penguins, elephants, tigers, and sharks. Some of them are kept behind glass enclosures, while others are free-roaming. You can spend an entire day visiting Ocean Park and seeing its diverse collection of marine life. The best part about Ocean Park is that multiple rides and exhibitions are available. So even if you have young kids with you, they’ll still get to ride exciting rides without worrying about safety restraints. You can choose between indoor and outdoor exhibits. Indoor exhibits include aquariums, interactive displays, and zoological gardens. Outdoor shows feature lush green landscapes and tropical plants. Over 500 animals live at Ocean Park, including giant pandas, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and more.
6. Take a ferry to Lamma Island
If you want to see the beauty of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, take a trip to Lamma Island. This island offers beautiful views of Victoria Harbor and is quite picturesque. Ferries depart from Central Pier (below Central). Tickets cost $15 per person and last approximately 1 hour. The ticket includes transportation, entrance fees, snacks, and soft drinks. Lamma Island was a remote island until the early 20th century when the government decided to build a lighthouse here. It became so popular that today, it’s not uncommon for visitors to arrive by boat or helicopter instead of the ferry.
Bottom line
Hong Kong has a lot to offer. It’s easy to fall into the trap of only doing what everyone else does when you travel. Take some time to try out these five top things in Hong Kong. Each of them will ensure that your trip is anything but ordinary. When you visit Cathay Pacific, They will ensure that your journey is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
