by chensiyuan / CC BY-SA 4.0
A Tale of Two Cities: Hong Kong Island’s Sophistication Meets Kowloon’s Authentic Charm
Table of Contents
A. About Hong Kong
Nickname: The Pearl of the OrientHong Kong, literally meaning fragrant harbor, with a population of more than seven million sparkles as a city that never sleeps, bursting with high energy, featuring a highly impressive skyline.
The city, which returned to China's possession in 1997 after more than a hundred years of British occupation, is the fourth most densely populated territory in the world.
➕ The Good
The former British colony is the ultimate destination for every dedicated shopping fanatic, scoring a record 9.25/10 in this category.
Other than that, the now Chinese metropolis possesses an outstanding setting with its deep natural harbor and a very impressive modern skyline (best seen from Victoria Peak) and is very safe.
In addition, the nightlife is excellent and public transport is simply outstanding.
➖ Negative Aspects
Though scoring 6.75/10 for its sights, there are not as many top sights as in other high-rated cities and Hong Kong is rather expensive.
Furthermore, several of the more important sights lie quite far outside the city.
B. Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than thirty sights in Hong Kong. The following sights contribute to a score of 6.75/10 in this most important category:
# Victoria Peak 7
With an elevation of 552 m (1,811 ft), Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, offers — on a bright day — spectacular views of the city, the harbor, and the outlying islands.
We recommend a visit just before it gets dark and then to stay and marvel at the highly impressive lit-up skyline. To avoid massive queues, consider instead of the Peak Tram (actually a funicular railway) to get to the top by public bus (#15C) or taxi.
Viewpoint Elevation: 552 m / 1,811 ft
# Ocean Park 6
Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a crossover between an amusement park, a marine park, an oceanarium (ca. 4 million liters, designed by Frank Gehry), and an animal theme park. The park is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, around 10 km from the city.
With an area of more than 915,000 square meters and more than 44 attractions and rides inside the park, it attracts almost 8 million visitors annually.
by Leonardolo / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Sky 100 6
From the sky100 indoor observation deck in West Kowloon you have a postcard-like 360° view of Hong Kong through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sky100, also called ICC, is the tallest building (484 m, 1587 ft) with the highest indoor observation deck (393 m, 1289 ft) in Hong Kong with four restaurants on the 101st floor.
Skyscraper Total Height: 484 m | Observation Deck: 393 m | Completed: 2011
by Staeiou / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Nan Lian Garden 5
This beautiful Chinese Classical Garden features hills, two water ponds, and a waterfall, the iconic Pavilion of Absolute Perfection connected by two red-painted Zi Wu Bridges, as well as a lot of trees, rocks, and wooden structures.
Park Land Area: 0.35 km2 / 8.64 acres | Created: 2006
# Temple Street Night Market 5
The city's largest and most popular night market features over one hundred stalls selling clothing, electronics, toys, trinkets, secondhand goods, jewelry, food, and various other cheap merchandise.
by Severin Stalder / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Ladies' Market 5
This 1 km long colorful market in Mongkok consists of over one hundred stalls selling mainly bargain clothing, souvenirs, accessories, cosmetics, and household products.
# Nathan Road 5
Nathan Road is the main thoroughfare and shopping street in Kowloon. It stretches for 2.2 miles (3.6) kilometers aligned south-north from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sham Shui Po.
Shopping Street Length: 3.6 km / 2.2 miles
by Paul Louis / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Causeway Bay 5
Causeway Bay is a famous upmarket shopping and dining area with lots of entertainment venues. The rents in the shopping areas of Causeway Bay are consistently ranked as one of the world's most expensive.
# Wong Tai Sin 5
Dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, this 18,000 m2 (190,000 sq ft) Taoist temple complex is Hong Kong’s busiest temple with over 10,000 visitors each day.
by HK Arun / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Hong Kong
#11 | Man Mo Temple 5
Man Mo Temple, built in 1847, honors the gods of literature and war and is known for its detailed architecture and cultural significance. The temple features intricate carvings, hanging incense coils, and historic artifacts.
by LuhIao Mowioa Laoui / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Museum of Tea Ware (Flagstaff House) 5
The Museum of Tea Ware, situated in a historic colonial building in Hong Kong Park, offers a comprehensive collection and exhibitions on the history and culture of Chinese tea drinking.
by Chanyuk Kunming / CC BY-SA 3.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Hong Kong
MACAO 7
Macao is a small, densely populated region with a unique cultural and historical heritage, a thriving economy centered on tourism and gambling, and a distinct administrative and legal system.
The region is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Ruins of St. Paul's and the Historic Centre of Macao and its famous Casinos like the Venetian.
City 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2005 | 1h by Speedboat
by HK Arun / CC BY-SA 3.0
Big Buddha 6
The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is a monumental bronze statue representing harmony, accessible via steps or a cable car.
Completed in 1993, it stands at 34 meters tall and weighs over 250 metric tons.
Statue Distance from Hong Kong: 57 km
by Jakub Hałun / CC BY-SA 3.0
Disneyland Hongkong 6
Disneyland Hong Kong features seven uniquely themed areas, from early 20th-century America to futuristic worlds, each with distinctive attractions and experiences.
Statue Distance from Hong Kong: 23 km
by Castleofmagicaldreams2020 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom 6
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, in Zhuhai, China, is a major theme park with the world's largest aquarium, numerous marine exhibits, and various rides and shows.
Theme Park | World's Largest Aquarium 2h from Hong Kong, by Ferry to Macau and then Bus or Taxi
by worldcitiesranking.com
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Hong Kong (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend you when visiting Hong Kong for at least three entire days:
Victoria Peak (Viewpoint with Funicular Railway) 7
🌏 MACAO (city, 1h away by Speedboat) 7
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (Theme Park, 2 h away) 6
Disneyland Hongkong (23 km away) 6
Big Buddha (Statue, 57 km away) 6
Ocean Park (Theme Park, 10 km away) 6
Sky100 (Height: 484 m) 6
Chi Lin Nunnery 5
Nan Lian Garden (Park) 5
Temple Street Night Market 5