Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong

The Star Ferry has been crossing Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since 1888 and remains one of the world's great ferry journeys for under HKD 4. The crossing provides unrivalled views of the skyline from the water, especially spectacular at night during the Symphony of Lights show. It's a living piece of Hong Kong heritage and a must for first-time visitors.

Temple Street comes alive after dark with hundreds of stalls selling clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and street food stretching over a kilometre in Yau Ma Tei. Fortune tellers, Cantonese opera performers, and clay pot rice stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere. Bargaining is expected — start at half the asking price and work up from there.

Tim Ho Wan earned a Michelin star as the world's most affordable starred restaurant, putting dim sum firmly on the global culinary map. Their signature baked BBQ pork buns (char siu bao) are crispy, sweet, and utterly addictive. Arrive at opening time to avoid the queues that form at every branch across the city.

The giant bronze Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) at 34 metres tall sits atop Ngong Ping plateau on Lantau Island, accessible by cable car or bus through dramatic mountain scenery. The adjacent Po Lin Monastery offers vegetarian meals and insight into Buddhist practice in Hong Kong. Tai O fishing village on the western tip of Lantau is a tranquil half-day trip from the Buddha.

Mong Kok holds the record as one of the world's most densely populated districts and is a sensory overload of neon signs, street markets, and local life. The Ladies' Market, Goldfish Market, and Flower Market are all within walking distance of each other for a classic Kowloon afternoon. Street food stalls along Sai Yeung Choi Street serve egg waffles, curry fish balls, and mango sago.

Built in 1847, Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is one of Hong Kong Island's oldest and most atmospheric temples, perpetually fragrant with the smoke from giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The temple is dedicated to the gods of literature and war and remains an active place of worship. It's a peaceful antidote to Hong Kong's relentless pace, and free to enter.

Compact but charming, Hong Kong Disneyland offers a more manageable park experience than its US counterparts, with shorter queues and uniquely Asian touches throughout. Mystic Point and Castle of Magical Dreams are highlights not found at other Disney parks worldwide. The park is easily accessible by dedicated MTR line directly from central Hong Kong.

A 30-minute ferry from Central, Cheung Chau is a car-free island known for its laid-back fishing village atmosphere, fresh seafood, and the famous Bun Festival held each May. Rent a bicycle to explore the island in a few hours, stopping at Cheung Po Tsai Cave and the Pak Tai Temple. Seafood restaurants along the waterfront promenade serve superb live prawns and steamed fish.

One of Hong Kong's largest and most vibrant Taoist temples, Wong Tai Sin is famous for fortune telling through kau cim — a traditional practice where you shake a bamboo cup of numbered sticks. The ornate main temple is surrounded by fortune tellers' stalls and beautifully landscaped gardens. It's a fascinating window into folk religion as practised by millions of Hong Kongers today.

The Star Ferry has been crossing Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since 1888 and remains one of the world's great ferry journeys for under HKD 4. The crossing provides unrivalled views of the skyline from the water, especially spectacular at night during the Symphony of Lights show. It's a living piece of Hong Kong heritage and a must for first-time visitors.

Temple Street comes alive after dark with hundreds of stalls selling clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and street food stretching over a kilometre in Yau Ma Tei. Fortune tellers, Cantonese opera performers, and clay pot rice stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere. Bargaining is expected — start at half the asking price and work up from there.

Tim Ho Wan earned a Michelin star as the world's most affordable starred restaurant, putting dim sum firmly on the global culinary map. Their signature baked BBQ pork buns (char siu bao) are crispy, sweet, and utterly addictive. Arrive at opening time to avoid the queues that form at every branch across the city.

The giant bronze Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) at 34 metres tall sits atop Ngong Ping plateau on Lantau Island, accessible by cable car or bus through dramatic mountain scenery. The adjacent Po Lin Monastery offers vegetarian meals and insight into Buddhist practice in Hong Kong. Tai O fishing village on the western tip of Lantau is a tranquil half-day trip from the Buddha.

Mong Kok holds the record as one of the world's most densely populated districts and is a sensory overload of neon signs, street markets, and local life. The Ladies' Market, Goldfish Market, and Flower Market are all within walking distance of each other for a classic Kowloon afternoon. Street food stalls along Sai Yeung Choi Street serve egg waffles, curry fish balls, and mango sago.

Built in 1847, Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is one of Hong Kong Island's oldest and most atmospheric temples, perpetually fragrant with the smoke from giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The temple is dedicated to the gods of literature and war and remains an active place of worship. It's a peaceful antidote to Hong Kong's relentless pace, and free to enter.

Compact but charming, Hong Kong Disneyland offers a more manageable park experience than its US counterparts, with shorter queues and uniquely Asian touches throughout. Mystic Point and Castle of Magical Dreams are highlights not found at other Disney parks worldwide. The park is easily accessible by dedicated MTR line directly from central Hong Kong.

A 30-minute ferry from Central, Cheung Chau is a car-free island known for its laid-back fishing village atmosphere, fresh seafood, and the famous Bun Festival held each May. Rent a bicycle to explore the island in a few hours, stopping at Cheung Po Tsai Cave and the Pak Tai Temple. Seafood restaurants along the waterfront promenade serve superb live prawns and steamed fish.

One of Hong Kong's largest and most vibrant Taoist temples, Wong Tai Sin is famous for fortune telling through kau cim — a traditional practice where you shake a bamboo cup of numbered sticks. The ornate main temple is surrounded by fortune tellers' stalls and beautifully landscaped gardens. It's a fascinating window into folk religion as practised by millions of Hong Kongers today.