Things To Do In HK – A Comprehensive Guide for First Time Visitors

Hong Kong, a vibrant city in East Asia, is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. Hong Kong is known for its rich culture, stunning skyline, and incredible attractions. With an estimated population of over 7 million people, the city is a buzzing metropolis with plenty of things to do.

This guide is designed to help first time visitors explore everything that Hong Kong has to offer. From exploring the city’s many museums and parks, to experiencing the traditional culture and trying out delicious local cuisine, this blog post will provide all of the information you need to make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

History and Culture

Hong Kong has a long and fascinating history that stretches back over 4,000 years. The region was first settled by the Chinese in 214 BC, when it was known as the Kingdom of Panyu. After centuries of Chinese control, Hong Kong was ceded to Britain in 1841 after the First Opium War and remained under British control until 1997 when it was returned to China. Throughout its history, Hong Kong has been a major trading port and has been heavily influenced by both Chinese and Western cultures.

Today, Hong Kong is one of the most populous cities in the world and is home to a unique and diverse culture. The city’s population is made up of people from all over the world, resulting in a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions. With a strong emphasis on education and business, Hong Kong is a thriving economic center and has become a popular destination for tourists.

Getting Around

Hong Kong is an easy city to get around, as it has an extensive public transportation system. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the most efficient way to get around, as it operates on over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of track and stops at all of the major attractions. The MTR also offers several special discounts for visitors such as the Octopus card, which gives travelers access to discounted fares.

Buses are another popular option for getting around, as they are more affordable than the MTR and cover more ground than the rail network. Taxis are also available for hire, although they can be more expensive than the other options. For those looking to explore further afield, there are several ferry services that offer trips to nearby islands or mainland China.

Popular Attractions

Hong Kong is filled with attractions and places to visit. One of the most popular attractions is Victoria Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. The peak is accessible by cable car or by foot via a steep hiking trail. At the top, visitors can explore the shopping center or take in the views from the peak’s observation deck.

The Big Buddha is another popular attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year. Located on Lantau Island, the statue stands at an impressive 34 meters (112 feet) tall and can be reached by cable car or bus. The Po Lin Monastery nearby is also worth visiting as it provides insight into traditional Buddhist culture.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art is another must-see attraction in the city. Located in Central Hong Kong, the museum houses over 14,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art including traditional paintings and sculptures. The museum also offers several interactive exhibits that provide insight into Chinese culture and history.

Entertainment

Hong Kong is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. There are several bars and nightclubs located throughout the city that offer an array of music, drinks, and entertainment. Lan Kwai Fong is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs located in the area.

The city also has many live music venues that feature both local and international acts. The Hong Kong Coliseum hosts regular concerts from some of the world’s biggest artists and also serves as a venue for sports events and other performances.

Theaters are also popular in Hong Kong, with several venues offering both traditional Chinese plays as well as modern productions. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is one of the most popular venues with regular performances of plays, musicals, and concerts.

Cuisine

Hong Kong is known for its culinary delights and offers a variety of local dishes as well as international cuisine. Cantonese cuisine is particularly popular in Hong Kong, with dim sum being one of the most popular dishes served in restaurants throughout the city. Other local dishes include dumplings, noodles, congee (rice porridge), and many other dishes.

Street food is also popular in Hong Kong with vendors selling skewers of meat, seafood dishes, noodles, and rice dishes from stalls throughout the city. For those looking for something more upscale, there are several fine dining restaurants located in Central Hong Kong that offer international cuisine as well as Cantonese dishes.

Shopping

Shopping is a popular activity in Hong Kong with plenty of shopping malls located throughout the city offering everything from designer clothes to electronics. One of the most popular malls is Harbour City which features over 800 stores selling fashion items, electronics, jewelry, toys, and more.

The Temple Street Night Market is another popular destination for shoppers looking for souvenirs or bargains on clothing and accessories. The market comes alive at night with vendors selling everything from traditional Chinese artwork to cheap jewelry and toys.

Outdoor Activities

Hong Kong offers plenty of outdoor activities for those looking to get out into nature or experience some adventure activities. The city’s many trails offer stunning views of both mountain and sea with hikes ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks through rugged terrain.

The beaches in Hong Kong are also worth exploring with some offering calm waters perfect for swimming while others offer great surfing opportunities. Sai Kung Country Park is another popular destination with several trails leading through the park’s lush green landscape and offering stunning views of nearby islands and mountains.

Example Tour – Lantau Island Half-Day Tour

One popular tour for first time visitors to Hong Kong is a half-day tour of Lantau Island. This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Lantau’s most beautiful attractions including Ngong Ping Village and Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha). The tour starts with a ride on the Ngong Ping cable car which offers stunning views over Lantau Island before arriving at Ngong Ping Village where guests can explore traditional Chinese architecture and learn more about local culture at Po Lin Monastery.

The tour then continues with a visit to Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) which stands at an impressive 34 meters (112 feet) tall overlooking Lantau Island below. Visitors can explore the statue’s base which contains numerous sculptures depicting traditional Chinese art before heading back down to Ngong Ping Village where they can enjoy lunch at one of many local restaurants before returning to their hotel. This tour provides a great introduction to Lantau Island’s rich culture and stunning scenery for first time visitors to Hong Kong. Book a Lantau Island Half-Day Tour here.

Example Tour – Victoria Peak Half-Day Tour

Another popular tour for first time visitors to Hong Kong is a half-day tour of Victoria Peak which offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline from 552 meters (1,811 feet) above sea level. This tour starts with a ride on the historic Peak Tram which ascends up Victoria Peak with iconic views of Hong Kong below before arriving at Victoria Peak Gardens where visitors can explore lush green gardens filled with numerous species of plants before heading up to Sky Terrace 428 which offers 360 degree views over Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peninsula below.

The tour then continues with a visit to Madame Tussauds wax museum where visitors can pose for photos with some of their favorite celebrities before heading back down via Peak Tram to Central Hong Kong where they can explore one of many stores in addition to grabbing lunch or dinner at one of many local restaurants before returning to their hotel. This tour provides an incredible view of Victoria Harbour as well as insight into Hong Kong’s rich culture for first time visitors to Hong Kong.Book a Victoria Peak Half-Day Tour here.

Conclusion

Hong Kong is an exciting destination that offers something for everyone. From exploring traditional Chinese culture and sampling delicious local cuisine, to taking in incredible views from Victoria Peak or taking part in thrilling adventure activities on Lantau Island, this guide has provided just a few ideas for things to do in this vibrant city when you travel there for the first time. With plenty more activities available than what’s listed here, we hope that you have found some inspiration for your next trip to Hong Kong!