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Hong Kong spreads across a hilly peninsula and more than two hundred islands at the mouth of the Pearl River. A British colony from the 1840s until its return to China in 1997, it is now a special administrative region where Cantonese culture, colonial buildings and dense skyscrapers crowd remarkably steep terrain. Much of its land is protected country park.
The Peak Tram climbs to Victoria Peak for the classic harbor view, and the Star Ferry has shuttled passengers between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade the skyline glows at night, and West Kowloon holds the M+ museum. On the island, incense coils hang from the ceiling of Man Mo Temple, the old Central Police Station now houses the Tai Kwun arts complex, and the Mid-Levels Escalator climbs uphill. Temple Street Night Market and the packed streets of Mong Kok show Kowloon's busy side, while Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery offer calm. On Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha sits above Ngong Ping, near the stilt houses of Tai O, and the Dragon's Back trail follows a ridge down to the sea.
Hong Kong suits food lovers, hikers and anyone who enjoys dense urban energy. October to December is clear and comfortable, while summer is hot and prone to typhoons. The MTR and ferries are efficient.
WiserMap travel guideHong Kong China Victoria Peak Star Ferry and Big BuddhaDiscover the best places in Hong Kong, from Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry to temples, night markets, the Big Buddha, Tai O and the Dragon's Back trail.Read the guide
The Peak Tram has climbed steeply up from Central since 1888 to Victoria Peak, where the Sky Terrace and the free Lugard Road walk give famous views over the harbor and skyscrapers. Lines are long at sunset, so go early in the day or take a bus or taxi up instead.
A waterfront walk in Kowloon facing the Hong Kong Island skyline, with the Avenue of Stars and the nightly Symphony of Lights show. West along the shore, the West Kowloon Cultural District holds the M+ museum, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and a large harborside park.
Green and white ferries that have crossed Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central since the 1880s. The ride takes under ten minutes, costs very little and gives some of the best skyline views in the city. Pay with an Octopus card, and sit on the upper deck for photos.
Tai Kwun is the restored Central Police Station and Victoria Prison compound, now a free arts and heritage center with galleries, courtyards and restaurants. The Central to Mid-Levels Escalator next to it is the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, through the SoHo bars.
A temple on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan, built around 1847 and dedicated to the gods of literature and war. Inside, giant incense coils hang from the ceiling and fill the smoky halls. Entry is free. Antique shops and the Cat Street market line the nearby lanes.
Wong Tai Sin is a busy Taoist temple where visitors shake fortune sticks, with an MTR station at its door. Two stops away, Chi Lin Nunnery is a calm Buddhist complex of wooden halls built without nails, next to the classical Nan Lian Garden with its golden pavilion.
A 34-meter bronze Buddha on Lantau Island, reached by about 268 steps, with Po Lin Monastery at its foot. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung gives long views over the sea and airport. Cable car lines can be long, and the system closes for maintenance some days.
Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei comes alive at night with stalls of cheap goods, fortune tellers and open-air seafood restaurants. Mong Kok to the north has the Ladies' Market, Goldfish Market and Sneakers Street. Bargaining is expected, and the area is very crowded on weekends.
A fishing village on western Lantau where houses stand on stilts over tidal creeks. Shops sell dried seafood and shrimp paste, and short boat trips go out to look for pink dolphins, though sightings are rare. Buses run from Ngong Ping, so it combines well with the Big Buddha.
A ridge walk in Shek O Country Park on the southeast of Hong Kong Island, with views over the sea, beaches and islands. Most people walk about 8 km from To Tei Wan down to Big Wave Bay beach. It is fairly easy but exposed to sun, so carry water and start early on hot days.
A theme park on the south side of Hong Kong Island combining thrill rides, a cable car along the headland, giant pandas and a large aquarium. The newer Water World sits next to it. Plan a full day, check show times on arrival, and use the MTR South Island Line to get there.
A car-free island a short ferry ride from Central, with a relaxed vibe, beaches and a paved family trail of about 1.5 hours between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Along the way are Hung Shing Yeh beach and hillside views. Finish with seafood at Sok Kwu Wan and a ferry back.
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