Drink in the Views at Ozone

For an unparalleled view of Victoria Harbour, head for Ozone. Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton (currently the world’s highest hotel), it’s the highest bar in the world, and you’ll find yourself peering down on the dense thicket of Kowloon’s skyscrapers, Hong Kong Island’s uninterrupted skyline and the white foam trails of boats criss-crossing the harbour from a lofty height of 490m. An ear-popping ride up in the elevator takes you inside this subtly-lit, futuristic-looking bar – step out onto the terrace, and Hong Kong spreads out beneath you. You can reserve a bar stool facing the bay or else a sofa; for the best views, request the sofa in the far right corner. Apart from champagnes, wines and gin and tonics on offer, you can choose one of the bar’s signature cocktails (from HK$180); Bamboo (green-tea-infused cachaça with ginger beer, lime and lemongrass syrup) is among the most popular and comes in a length of bamboo. Nibbles include international tapas and sushi.

Sail on the Aqua Luna

Decades ago, the waters of Victoria Harbour were filled with dozens of traditional Chinese junks, their red sails aflutter. They all but disappeared with the advent of modern boats, but you can still sail aboard two examples of this venerable ancient sailing ship. On weekday afternoons, between noon and 4pm, one of the junks runs a hop-on, hop-off circuit of the harbour (HK$130) between Tsim Sha Tsui (Pier 2), Central (Pier 9), Wan Chai and Hung Hom, departing from Tsim Sha Tsui on the hour. For a longer and more atmospheric sailing trip, hop aboard the Aqua Luna for a 45-minute daily sunset or evening cruise, complete with complimentary drink (HK$195), or else see the nightly Symphony of Lights laser show from the boat’s deck (HK$285). For an extra-special touch, if you want to romance your sweetie, you can also opt for the latter, followed by a six-course Northern Chinese dinner at Hutong (www.hutong.com.hk).

Visit the Chi Lin Nunnery

Hong Kong’s most striking wooden architecture. This large Buddhist complex, originally built in the 1930s, was completely rebuilt in wood in 1998 in Tang dynasty style. Demonstrating harmony between man and nature, all the buildings are expertly crafted out of interlocking pieces of wood, without the use of a single nail. It’s a tranquil place, with lotus ponds and bonsai trees, and its beautiful wooden pagodas look particularly dramatic against a backdrop of Hong Kong’s green mountains and towering high rises. The entrance to the Lotus Pond Garden is through three gates that represent the Buddhist ideals of wisdom, compassion and ‘skilful means’. The adjoining Hall of Celestial Kings houses a large statue of Buddha, surrounded by deities. In the Main Hall you may come across nuns making offerings to Sakyamuni Buddha or chanting behind intricately carved screens. It’s worth visiting the Nan Lian Garden next door for a glimpse of its golden pagoda and collection of strangely-shaped rocks. At the nunnery, Chi Lin Vegetarian serves excellent vegetarian food. To reach the nunnery, go around the Hollywood Plaza mall, turn right onto Fung Tak Rd and head up the steps.

Take the kids to Ocean Park

Hong Kong’s most popular theme park. Located in Aberdeen, on the south side of Hong Kong Island, the park is divided into two halves: Waterland (lowland) and Summit (headland), with cable cars and the Ocean Express funicular linking the two. Ocean Park is both thrilling and educational. Apart from kiddie-friendly rides in Whiskers Harbour, more action-packed offerings include the Hair Raiser rollercoaster on the Summit’s Thrill Mountain. The Grand Aquarium is the showpiece attraction of Waterworld; apart from showcasing 400 species of fish in different watery environments, it has the world’s largest aquarium dome. The Amazing Asian Animals includes four giant pandas and some rare red pandas, while Marine World lets you get a close looks at large marine animals, such as sea lions and seals.

Hike the Hong Kong Trail

Hong Kong’s longest hiking trail. Visitors (and even Hong Kong residents themselves) forget just how green Hong Kong is, and just how much scope there is around the city for good hiking. The longest hike you can do is the 50km Hong Kong Trail that starts from Victoria Peak and passes through Hong Kong Island’s five country parks before finishing near Shek O Road on Island South. The trail is divided into eight sections of varying difficulty, with different sections taking from one and a half hours to four hours to complete. A particularly scenic part of the trail, known as the Dragon’s Back since it runs along the mountain ridge from Shek O Peak to Wan Cham Shan Peak, takes around four hours. It starts from Shek O Road near To Tei Wan village on the south side of Hong Kong Island; from the highest vantage points along the trail you get spectacular views of the coastline, while the finish point of Tai Long Wan Bay is a great place for a dip. To get to the starting point, take bus #9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR stop to To Tei Wan.

Walk the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

Scenic walkway along the southern tip of Kowloon. This boardwalk runs along the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, and is an excellent place for scenic views of Victoria Harbour. It runs from the KCR Clock Tower near the Star Ferry terminal to the Hong Kong Coliseum and other buildings on reclaimed land of Tsim Sha Tsui East. Along the way you pass the Cultural Centre and the excellent Museum of Art, before reaching the somewhat underwhelming Avenue of Stars that commemorates Hong Kong’s formerly illustrious movie industry. Look out for the bronze statue of Bruce Lee. In the evenings (8-8:20pm), the promenade becomes a stage for the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest laser show, projected from numerous skyscrapers. It’s also the favorite vantage point for locals who come here to watch the Chinese New Year fireworks show (late Jan/early Feb) and the colorful boats on the bay taking part in June’s Dragon Boat Festival.

Ride a Double-Decker Tram

Hong Kong’s oldest rails? The venerable tall and narrow double-decker trams that ply the north shore of Hong Kong Island have been part of the Hong Kong landscape for decades. They may not be the fastest way of getting around, but they’re a terrific way of exploring the city. There are six tram routes to choose from; the longest journey you can do is from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan (change at Western Market) which takes around one and a half hours. Board the tram from the back and pay the flat fare HK$2.30 as you leave (no change given). For best views, try to grab a front seat on the top deck.

Temple Street Night Market

Hong Kong’s best night market. Extending for three blocks from Man Ming Lane to the north to Nanking St in the south, this night market (6-11pm daily) is the place to go just for the atmosphere, though you can also bargain hard for cheap clothing, fake Rolexes and other items. Fortune tellers tend to congregate in the middle of the market; they can tell you your future by reading your palm or your face, making predictions based on your date of birth, or by getting a trained bird to pick out your fortune card. If you’re lucky, you might see a Cantonese opera singer do a short performance at the market. If you’re hungry, you’re in luck: the dai pai dong (food stalls) serve anything from noodles to curry.

Visit Man Mo Temple

One of Hong Kong’s oldest Taoist temples. Its ceiling festooned with dozens of earth-colored coils of incense burned by worshippers, and its air thick with fragrant smoke, this colorful temple was built in 1847 by wealthy Chinese merchants. Dedicated to the writing-brush-wielding god of literature (‘Man’) and the sword-wielding god of war (‘Mo’), during British rule this temple served as a local dispute court during moments of tension between the colonialists and the Chinese population. Oaths were made here, sometimes accompanied by chicken sacrifice. Today it’s a popular place of worship. Some of its outstanding features include the four gilt plaques on poles outside the entrance, one of which tells menstruating women to keep out of the main building. Check out the Kung Sor hall, which was used by the local Chinese community for settling disputes before the introduction of the present-day justice system.

Go up Victoria Peak

The loftiest views on Hong Kong Island. Victoria Peak (552m) is Hong Kong Island’s highest point and is one of the city’s biggest attractions. From this greenery-covered mountain, you get tremendous views of both Central and Kowloon across Victoria Harbour. The most popular way of getting up to Victoria Peak is via the Peak Tram, the 125-year-old funicular railway that climbs up steeply from near Hong Kong Park in Central. It finishes up at the Peak Tower, where you can pay to go up to the observation deck at the top. Tip: head for the top deck of the adjacent Peak Galleria shopping center and you’ll get virtually the same views for free.) From Victoria Peak, you can wander along the scenic 3.5km Morning Trail that runs past the Peak Lookout, or even hike a section of the Hong Kong Trail that starts from there. For something less strenuous, linger in the beautiful gardens up Mt Austin Rd, 500m northwest of the peak; the old governor’s summer lodge once stood here before it was burnt down by the Japanese during WWII. If you have your heart set on seeing the sunset from Victoria Peak, get to the Peak Tram with plenty of time to spare as queues can be long.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui, known more commonly as TST, is a shopping and entertainment hub at the southern point of Kowloon and offers a real taste of what Hong Kong has to offer. The Tsim Sha Tsui district is a melting pot of culture and commerce that speaks to the heart of Hong Kong. Nathan Road is the main artery running through the area, where you'll find numerous restaurants, boutiques, and other unique vendors. If you're looking for the world-class luxury Hong Kong promises, you can find high-end retailers on nearby Canton Road. At the southern end of the neighborhood, you'll find the Clock Tower, a Hong Kong landmark. Nearby, the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Complex is the premier cultural center in the country and includes tourist attractions such as the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. In the evening, the waterfront is the perfect place to watch the nightly light show, lighting up the sky and skyscrapers across the harbor.

Man Mo Temple

As you stroll down Hollywood Road, you will smell the incense from the Man Mo Temple long before you see the building. The temple was built in 1847 and is often remembered for its smoke-filled interior, where incredible coils of burning incense hang from the ceiling. Here, worshipers pay tribute to Man, the god of Literature, and Mo, the god of War. For those looking to see into the future, fortune-tellers are on-site and will advise you for a small fee. Note, there are multiple Man Mo temples throughout Hong Kong, but this location on Hollywood Road is the largest and most famous.

Day Trip to Lamma Island

If you are looking for a quick escape from the city and want a complete break from streets and cars, one of the easiest and most rewarding things to do is to take a ferry to Lamma Island. This beautiful island of rolling hills, scattered beaches, and quaint villages, has no roads or vehicles. You can hike through the interior to remote beaches and seaside villages. Ferries will take you either to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. Both of these villages are quite lovely and have restaurants. You can hike between these two villages, and many tourists choose to take the ferry to one of these and then hike to the other to catch the ferry back to Hong Kong Island. If you are interested in doing a hike on Lamma, see our article on the best hikes in Hong Kong to plan your route. If you don't want to do any hiking, Lamma Island still makes a beautiful outing.
Approximately 8,000 people live on this island, which is only about 13 square kilometers, but most of the island is simply covered in forest. Ferries leave the city from Central Pier 4 to go to Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan and take about 30 to 40 minutes. Check the ferry schedule for times.

Hong Kong Park

Beautiful, centrally-located park. Sandwiched between skyscraper hotels and banks on one side, and greenery-covered mountains on the other, this appealing 8-hectare park is one of Hong Kong’s most attractive green spaces. Built on the site of the former Victoria Barracks, this isn’t untamed nature: beautifully-tended flower beds surround an artificial lake in the centre of the park, fed by a cascading waterfall and shaded by trees, and there’s a fountain pavilion where you can sit, surrounded by spray. Apart from enjoying the park’s serenity or lunch at the al fresco restaurant, visitors can walk through the Edward Youde Aviary, near the park’s south border, home to 90 species of birds a raised wooden walkway that takes you up into the canopy. Near the lake, the Forsgate Conservatory features plants from tropical and arid areas, while the Visual Arts Centre, in the southwest corner of the park, stages temporary exhibitions by up-and-coming local artists. For a panoramic view of the park, climb the 105 steps up to the top of the 30-metre Vantage Point tower.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, located in Sha Tin, offers a beautiful and peaceful escape from the bustle of central Hong Kong and a look at the countryside. Set on a hilltop, the main access to the monastery is reached by walking up a long and curving set of stairs (approximately 400 steps), lined with hundreds of golden statues. The walk is part of the attraction, and each of the statues is unique, many with quirky facial expressions and other interesting characteristics. Once at the top, the path opens into the square in front of the main temple, a welcome sight both because it's the end of the climb and for the impressive structures and statues that surround the open space.

Inside the main temple, small Buddha statues line the walls from almost the floor to the ceiling. In the square stands a large pagoda, and statues surround the complex. At the opposite end of the square from the main temple, the view extends out over the lush surroundings, with beautiful vistas looking over pine trees and rolling hills.

Despite the name, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is not actually a monastery at all, and no monks live on the site. It also contains far more than 10,000 Buddhas. The complex was built in the 1950s but is still listed as a historic site.

To reach the monastery, take the MTR East Railline to Sha Tin Station, Exit B. It's easy to get confused here, and another temple is located on a nearby hill. Make sure you are on the right path before heading up.

Tai O Fishing Village

A visit to Tai O village offers an experience you won't find anywhere else in Hong Kong. Although it is a popular place to visit for tourists, it is a far cry from the busy city, crowded markets, and theme parks. Tai O is home to people who live a quieter, more traditional way of life. The Tanka people who live in Tai O, found on Lantau Island, build their homes on stilts over tidal flats. Villagers offer boat rides around the village, after which you can visit the local markets and sample some of the fresh seafood. Occasional sightings of the endangered pink dolphin occur in the nearby waters. Many people visit Tai O village after they've made the journey up to the Big Buddha.

Lan Kwai Fong

As Hong Kong's most popular dining area, the lively streets that make up Lan Kwai Fong are packed with crowds checking out Hong Kong's trendiest restaurants. If you are looking for a place to eat in Hong Kong, especially at night, this is the place to come. Dining on the open-air patios lining the sidewalks and watching the crowds stroll by is a fun endeavor. In addition to the street level establishments, you'll find restaurants are literally stacked upon one another in the buildings along here. Be sure to check out the directories located at the main entrances. You can find cuisine from around the world. For a dependably good meal, try Bistecca (Italian) or Brickhouse (Mexican).

The main street in Lan Kwai Fong is D'Aguilar, but make sure you don't miss wandering down some of the many laneways to find hole-in-the-wall-style restaurants serving some of Hong Kong's best food. Lan Kwai Fong is just up from Queens Road in Central Hong Kong (MTR Central Station).

Dragon's Back Hike

If you've had enough of the tight confines of Hong Kong and are ready for a little exercise, try escaping to the Dragon's Back Hike. Hong Kong's most popular hiking trail, this hike offers spectacular views out over the ocean, Big Wave Bay, Mount Collinson, Stanley, and Shek O. It's a pleasant change from the buzz of the big city to hear birds singing, the sound of small waterfalls, and the leaves rattling in the ocean breeze.
The hike is relatively easy but be sure to start at Section 8 (bus stop To Tei Wan). From here, the walk takes you up a short distance and then is predominantly downhill with rolling sections to Big Wave Bay. Once you've reached Big Wave Bay, you have the option of catching a taxi or mini bus to nearby Shek O. Both areas have fantastic beaches for swimming, and Shek O has a variety of restaurants serving good seafood. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and your bathing suit and towel on this hike. A swim to cool down followed by a fruit smoothie or ice-cream at the end of the hike is heavenly.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island. Here, you'll find a wonderful world filled with fun and fantasy populated with the cast and characters from Disney movies. The park is divided into seven lands: Adventureland; Fantasyland; Toy Story Land; Tomorrowland; Grizzly Gulch; Mystic Point; and Main Street, U.S.A. Performances happen throughout the day in the various lands and feature everything from parades to musicals, right through to evening fireworks over the castle. Also on offer are a wide array of adventures, ranging from Jungle cruises to a trip to Tarzan's Treehouse, as well as water-based fun at Liki Tiki.
You can reach this site on the MTR Disneyland Line, Disneyland Station. If you want to save yourself some time and hassle, pick up a Hong Kong Disneyland Admission with Transport. This comes with hotel pickup, general admission ticket, and an MTR pass to either Hong Kong or Kowloon to get you back at the end of the day.

Temple Street Night Market

A stroll through the Temple Street Night Market is another one of those all-important things to do while you're in Hong Kong. Located in Kowloon, this is the place to go to taste eclectic foods and to shop for bargains on everything from clothing and trinkets to electronics and household goods. Vendors sell gadgets of every shape and size, as well as jade jewelry and traditional Chinese crafts. The market gets going around 6pm, but vendors are often slow to get set up, so it's best not to arrive too early. This is the best market for tourists in Hong Kong, but you can find a number of interesting street markets. See our article on Hong Kong street markets to learn about markets to explore by day. The MTR stop for the Temple Street Night Mark is Jordan Station,