Top 20 Tourist Attractions: Things To Do In Hong Kong With Out Of Town Guests

Having a guest over or are you, yourself, travelling to Hong Kong for the first time? There’s plenty of tourist attractions and things to do in the city.

When you think of Hong Kong tourist attractions, of course The Peak and Big Buddha come to mind, and while they are worth checking out, there’s also plenty more things to do in the city. From supporting local businesses to exploring quaint islands and filling your stomach with the city’s best eats, here’s our pick of things to do with out-of-town guests.

Read More: Things to Do – Your Ultimate Hong Kong Bucket List

Have A Seafood Feast At Cheung Chau

If you have a visitor coming into town, gather the troops, hop on a ferry and eat all (no seriously, all) the seafood you can on Cheung Chau Island. The New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant at the end of the promenade is a top choice, but the fish is guaranteed to be fresh wherever you choose to stop!

If you have more time, head over earlier in the day and explore the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, the famous hiding spot of a pirate on the run from the authorities. There’s also the Mini Great Wall and Pak Tai Temple to check out before consuming plenty of Tsing Tao beer with dinner!

Read More: Cheung Chau Island Guide – Ferry Schedule, What To Do & More

Catch The Jockey Club Races And Test Out Your Luck

The Happy Valley Races are definitely a must… Being a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, an evening at “the races” just can’t go wrong. Grab a jug of beer, treat yourself to a hot dog and then try your luck with a bet or two! Win or lose, you can always hop on the tram for a night in Wan Chai afterwards, the night is still young…

Read More: 10 Unique And Unusual Things To Do In Hong Kong

Cue The Free Flow! Who Doesn’t Love A Good Brunch?

Turning eggs and bacon on a Sunday into a weekend-long affair filled with endless prosecco and culinary delights, nobody does brunch quite like Hong Kongers! There’s a huge range of brunches available in Hong Kong, from the cheap and cheerful to a high-end affair with stellar views, but each one guarantees a fun day out in the city. Head to Pier 3 post brunch and wind down (or up!) with one of the cheapest pints in the 852. Take in the awesome skyline and, if you’re on time, catch the light show across the harbour!

Take In Some Zen At The Chi Lin Nunnery

The Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple established in 1934, built in the style of Tang Dynasty, and offers the perfect getaway from the hustle of the city. The complex also has a vegetarian restaurant (located under a waterfall!) and a tranquil public park, Nan Lian Garden. Even if you pop by for an hour or so to walk the park, it’s a great way to get a breath of slightly-less-polluted air!

Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: 50 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong

Pinkies Out For High Tea

Feel like being fancy? Indulging in an afternoon of bubbles, tea and scones is a great way to make your visitors feel special. Hong Kong has a lot of great venues to get your afternoon tea fix, so it’s not hard to find a place to suit your tastes (and budget!).

With so many restaurants and hotels serving up the indulgent afternoon treat, we’re spoiled for choice, but The Peninsula is a Hong Kong institution, not to be missed.

Have A Bespoke Suit Tailored To You

While in Hong Kong, a quintessential experience that is not to be missed is getting a suit tailored. As a city known historically and globally for its tailoring services, there are many options available, but for the men out there who are after high-quality and are a little short on time. See our full list of tailors in Hong Kong and we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your needs.

Read More: Top Hong Kong Tailor Shops For Bespoke Suits, Custom Clothing, Alterations & More

Take A Hike & Walk On The Wild Side

Surprise your visitor by showing off Hong Kong’s natural beauty and taking them on a scenic hike! Dragon’s Back isn’t too challenging and while it can get busy (go early to avoid a busy trail) the views are unbeatable on a clear, sunny day. Get the bus (City Bus No. 9) up to the trail from outside Shau Kei Wan MTR station and walk all the way across the “back” and down to Big Wave Bay. Get rewarded with a cold beer and a refreshing swim (or surf!) on the beach.

For those looking for a more intense hike, the walk to the other Tai Long Wan beach in Sai Kung can be long and tiring, but oh-so worth it when you end up at one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. And if you don’t want to hike back to Sai Kung town after a day of sun, sea, sand, ho fun noodles and beer, you can catch a little boat back. Perfection.

Read More: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

Cruise the Victoria Harbour On The Aqua Luna

While a classic junk experience is a must-do in Hong Kong, hopping on quick cruise on the aqua luna is perfect for guests who don’t have much time on their hands. Pick the dinner & cruise deal to watch the city gleam during the Symphony of Lights show and enjoy a signature dinner of Hutong’s Northern Chinese cuisine. You’ll be sailing your way through the city in style with the junk’s 45-minute cruise where you and your visitor(s) can lay back and relax with a bubbly in hand!

Spend A Quaint Afternoon At Tai O Fishing Village

Some tourists flocking into Hong Kong may not be aware of its history as a fishing village – well it is hard to believe given the glitz and glamour of the city on present day! Believing in show not tell, the Tai O fishing village takes a step back in time with local restaurants and stilt houses. On a lucky day, you might even be able to spot the famous pink dolphins during your boat tour!

Read More: Your Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

Marvel At The Big Buddha

A cable car ride so calm, even those with acrophobia can be at ease! Hop on the Ngong Ping cable car (or hike your way up on the challenging Rescue Trail!) and make your way through the village to see the bronze Buddha standing 34 metres tall. No matter your faith, you will find a sense of peace and serenity here that makes the 268 steps a breeze (okay hot, humid days exempted)!

Read More: Beat-The-Heat Beauty Tips & Products To Keep Cool In Hong Kong Humidity

Release Your Inner Child At Hong Kong Disneyland

You didn’t just hear from us, but all the 90’s kids when we say Disneyland is therapy and soul food. After the much-anticipated opening of Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen, it sure has been buzzing with people of all ages – other notable highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Toy Story Land and the show-stopping Momentous fireworks and light show in the evening.

Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Go To The Peak Via The Peak Circle Walk

Head up to The Peak for some awesome cityscape views, and if you have time (a little over an hour at average walking speed), tackle The Peak Circle Walk starting at Lugard Road. This is especially worth doing if it’s a nice day. After that, indulge in some daan dat (egg tarts) at the famous Tai Cheong Bakery at The Peak Galleria.

Sassy Tip: Beat the crowds at The Peak Tram Station by hopping on the red minibus No.1 from ifc mall instead. It’s about $10 and will get you up to The Peak in record time.

Explore World Class Bars & Speakeasies

From award-winning bars like COA and Argo to more hole-in-the-wall hidden finds and snazzy rooftop bars, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to bars in Hong Kong. Make your way for sundowners with unmissable happy hour deals with some bars giving you a tipple for free with the purchase of one! There have also been a rise in live music so let loose, the night is young!

Read More: Best Hidden Bars And Speakeasies In Hong Kong

Spot Stingrays At Ocean Park

A long-standing favourite in Hong Kong, Ocean Park not only is home to daredevil rides but to a handful of wildlife and marine life. We could stare at the aquarium all day, but we also need to make room for the pandas, splashy water rides to cool off in summer and a cable car ride right along the sea.

Ocean Park Hong Kong, 80 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, www.oceanpark.com.hk

Shop Til You Drop At Causeway Bay

Undoubtedly one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong, Causeway Bay is a shopper’s paradise with multiple malls, plenty of restaurants, Hong Kong’s largest public library and just so much life in general! While you’re there, we’d also recommend exploring the neighbouring Wan Chai for more old-school charm.

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Causeway Bay

Dine At A Cha Chaan Teng Or Yum Cha

Sharing your round table with strangers, being confused about how to order your food (or at times sitting and eyeing a cart to grab your dim sum), feeling the rush and also getting random compliments from older ladies – it’s all part and parcel of the local cha chaan teng experience. Try local favourites like iced milk tea, pineapple bun, chow fun, baked pork rice and so much more – some local restaurants do not have an English menu so do your research beforehand.

Read More: The Best Hong Kong Dim Sum – Where To Find Yum Cha In Hong Kong

Support Local Businesses & Do Fun Workshops At PMQ

Of course Hong Kong has massive logos of Chanel, Hermes, Dior and more high fashion labels, but the creatives in the city are constantly starting their own businesses be it in fashion, homeware or lifestyle products. To discover and support local businesses, we often like to wander around PMQ in Central which also boasts a number of creative workshops for visitors to take home a keepsake.

Read More: 50 Local Hong Kong Brands You Need To Know

Cycle Around Tai Mei Tuk

Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, you’ll find plenty of scenic cycling trails dotted around the 852. One of our favourite is Tai Mei Tuk which is suitable for riders of all levels – the path in between the reservoir is picturesque and you can also do boat paddling next to the barbecue area. For somewhere a little more off-beaten, we’d suggest Nam Sang Wai in Yuen Long where you can explore old villages and the countryside.

Read More: The Best Cycling Trails In Hong Kong

Hop On The Star Ferry And Walk Along The Avenue of Stars

Another way to get a magnificent view of Hong Kong is by walking along the waterfront (through Sun Yat Sen Park) in Sai Ying Pun, hopping on a tram to Central, and then jumping on the Star Ferry across to the Avenue of Stars. There’s just nothing quite like sitting by the water, eating a Mr. Softee Soft Serve and admiring the bright lights of this big city. You may even catch a glimpse of the Aqua Luna’s iconic red sails if you get your timing right! It’s a breathtaking sight, one that will make you (and your visitor) fall in love with the city all over again.

Read More: The Best Ice Cream Shops In Hong Kong: Gelato, Soft-Serve & More

Snap Photos For Memories At Insta-Worthy Spots!

Of course your guests’ trip is all about making memories! Snap stunning photos for the ‘Gram at underrated Instagram spots where you can easily explore hidden gems in the city. We have our own comprehensive guide to our go-to spots!

Read More: 15 Underrated Instagram-Worthy Places In Hong Kong

Editor’s Note: “Top 20 Tourist Attractions: Things To Do In Hong Kong With Out Of Town Guests” was originally published in November 2016 and was most recently updated in June 2024 by Fashila Kanakka.