Looking for a Hong Kong bucket list for your first visit?
I’ve got you covered!
As a Hong Kong local who has been living here for over 20 years, you can trust me on this list. I’ll try to keep it less clichéd than the ones you’ve found online—enjoy!
Oh, and I will also include some restaurants that, as a local, I recommend avoiding (this may be controversial).
1. Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for iconic skyline views
The first one—yes, it’s cliché, but it will be ABSOLUTELY INSANE if you don’t do it.
Taking the Star Ferry and enjoying the Victoria Harbour view is just so worth it. It’s not expensive at all (maybe around USD 3 for the fare?), and the view is absolutely stunning, especially with the sea breeze.
I once brought my cousin (she is French-born Chinese), and she cried when she saw the Victoria Harbour view for the first time.
Mind you, she’s a global traveler who has been to New York, Switzerland, the UAE, Brazil, and 30 other countries.
I know I’ve set a high expectation for you here, but I swear it’s that good.
Plus, it’s just a fun way to commute from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island!
2. Go to a Harbour view resto
If you want to enjoy the Victoria Harbour view multiple times and from different angles throughout your trip, I recommend booking a seaview restaurant.
You can find some good ones at Harbour City (the shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui) and One Peking.
While many of them are fine dining and pricey, I recently discovered one called Vesu Pizza Bar that offers an IMMERSIVE harbour view.
And the prices are actually very reasonable!
This is not sponsored, but I truly recommend it if you want to take some Instagrammable fine-dining photos on a budget!
3. Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak and enjoy the panoramic city vista
Another tourist must-do in Hong Kong is taking the tram to The Peak.
Another tourist must do thing in Hong Kong – take the tram to the peak.
Seriously, the view during the tram epic is so one of a kind and epic and you should really do it.
Depends on your energy level, feel free to buy the round tickets!
Or else, consider taking the tram up and perhaps take the bus when you go down – so you can get a taste of both experience.
When you arrive there, don’t forget to walk uphill along Mount Austin Road for a bit ( 15 minutes) to Victoria Peak Garden.
That one is such a secret garden and many people picnic there!
PRO TIP:
Honestly when it comes to the Peak tower, I’d say avoid those souvenir shops there as the price is quite crazy and the products aren’t that great.
If you are looking for some refreshing and meaningful choice, make sure you read my another popular blog post: 12 things to buy in Hong Kong – from HK local!❤️👇🏼!
4. Eat dim sum at a traditional tea house
The food in Hong Kong is so amazing and dim sum is definitely one of the highlights.
If you want an authentic traditional experience, I would definitely recommend Sheung Hei and Sun Hing, both in Kennedy Town.
And for some fancier choices, check out Above and Beyond (Hotel Icon) in Tsim Sha Tsui. The view there is stunning!
The price is actually quite reasonable for a Michelin restaurant. I’d definitely say this is one of my hidden gems as I don’t think people online recommend it enough.
FUN FACT:
The experience of eating dim sum and traditional Chinese tea is called “Yum Cha”.
5. Hike a section of the Dragon’s Back trail for nature views
For the hikers out there, I GOT YOU.
Dragon’s Back trail is THE escape from Hong Kong’s crazy city vibes, and trust me, those ridge views of beaches and mountains is so instagrammable.
It’s not even that hard to hike!
Even your out-of-shape friends can handle it, and you’ll get those nature shots that’ll make everyone back home jealous.
Lemme tell you, seeing Hong Kong’s wild side is literally everything when all everyone thinks about is shopping malls and skyscrapers.
The best part?
After the hike, you can just hop over to Stanley or Repulse Bay to chill at the beach, grab some amazing food, or snag cute souvenirs at Stanley Market.
It’s the perfect day out!
6. Experience the vibrant nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong
I don’t think clubbing is a must-do, as it really depends on your personality and energy level, lol.
That said, you can just walk around Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) to soak in the vibes and take some iconic shots!
The recent hit in town is the 33.hk and lemme tell you – the songs there are totally FIRE.
Absolutely love it.
Take a snap with the iconic Hong Kong taxi!
If you are reading this blog post till now, there’s one thing for sure…
You have good taste! <3 If you approve of some of these looks, please kindly pin or share some of these outfits so many tasteful fashion babes can come across this outfit inspo, thanks pretty! ❤️
And…it would truly mean the world to me if you stay until the very end. ❤️
7. Experience the Symphony of Lights evening Harbour show
For this one, this is not my taste cause I am a local here but for tourist, this is so worth it!
The Symphony of Lights show (Free and 8 pm daily) is straight up magical – it’s like the whole Hong Kong skyline decided to throw a party every single night!
Those skyscrapers light up with colors that dance across the harbour, and the music makes it feel like you’re in some epic movie scene.
It’s completely free to watch from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, and trust me, you’ll wanna have your phone ready because this light show is a TOTAL vibe.
8. Check out the “Blue House” in Wan Chai
Not many people mention this but The Blue House in Wan Chai is literally the cutest hidden gem that most tourists totally miss out on!
This bright blue building isn’t just eye-catching – it’s actually a slice of old-school Hong Kong that somehow survived all the crazy development happening everywhere else.
Inside, you’ll find the coolest little museum showing how locals actually lived back in the day, plus there are these adorable mom-and-pop shops and cafés where you can get authentic local snacks that hit different from the fancy resto stuff.
The whole area around it has this amazing retro vibe that feels like you’ve stepped into a Hong Kong movie from the 60s – perfect for those unique pics that’ll make the people dm you “wait, where even is that?!”!
PRO TIP:
There is a second hand shop call ‘GREEN LADIES” next to blue house – I once thrifted a Missoni dress and Pucci top there LOL
For the fashion girlies out there, DO pay a visit!
The address: G/F , 4 Hing Wan Street, Wanchai (Wanchai MTR Exit A3)
9. Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Get ready to be awestruck by the Tian Tan Buddha (aka Big Buddha) – this colossal bronze dude is chilling on Lantau Island, serving major spiritual vibes!
At 34 meters tall, he’s basically the ultimate selfie backdrop in HK.
A little insider secret:
Tucked away nearby is the peaceful Plum Village where you can escape the tourist crowds and spend a blissful half-day meditating and recharging your batteries.
It’s like a mini-retreat right in the middle of your sightseeing trip and it’s FREE! But again, reverse the spot in advance!
10. High tea at Peninsula Hotel
For the bougie girlies out there, this is for you.
Not sure if it’s just me, but whenever I visit a new city, I always love to go to one of the best hotels and have a light high tea there!
So if you are like me, I’d recommend the one at The Peninsula.
The quality is amazing and the setting is so vibey and classy and totally perfect for taking some Instagrammable shots!
That said, the reservation for high tea is always quite full so I’d suggest you book it in advance!
Or else, you can just walk in there to get sandwiches in the lounge – that’s an equally pleasant experience!
11. Try out the Hong Kong Milk tea
There are all kinds of milk tea around the world but lemme tell you, the Hong Kong milk tea just hit different.
Hong Kong style milk tea actually has a rich history dating back to the British rule time and is a popular fast food item since then.
It’s bold, it’s creamy, it’s literally everything.
And instead of mixing tea with milk, the Hong Kong style milk tea mixed with evaporate milk, which elevates the favor to a whole new level!
When you order the milk tea in Cha chaan teng, you can ask for no sugar option.
Reminder:
When you order the milk tea in Cha chaan teng, you can ask for no sugar or less sugar option!
I personally order no sugar everytime as I love to taste the raw taste of milk tea.
At the end of the day, it depends on your taste <3
Last but not least, if you are solo traveler and you want to hire a friendly tour guide to show you around and help you take photos -well, find me!!
I love meeting new ppl and I have a Canon g7x camera for photo taking. Follow me on insta @hannahnfashion and dm me and have a chat :)!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So there you go my loves – the 11 things to do in Hong Kong!
Do you love this bucket list? I hope you do get inspired and enjoy these tips!
For more Hong Kong blog post from a local, check out this read down below – see you there loves! <#
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