10 Things to Do in Hong Kong: Ultimate Travel Checklist

Hong Kong is a dazzling city where East meets West, offering an incredible blend of modern skyscrapers, traditional culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore more, this ultimate travel checklist covers the best things to do in Hong Kong that will make your trip truly memorable.

From breathtaking harbor views to thrilling theme parks, delicious street food to cultural landmarks, Hong Kong has something for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into the top 10 experiences that should be on your Hong Kong itinerary.

1. Victoria Harbor Symphony Unlimited Drink Cruise

Start your Hong Kong adventure with one of the most iconic experiences the city has to offer. The Victoria Harbor Symphony Unlimited Drink Cruise combines stunning harbor views with relaxation and entertainment, making it one of the top things to do in Hong Kong for both first-time visitors and locals alike.

As you glide across the famous Victoria Harbor, you’ll witness the spectacular Symphony of Lights show – a multimedia light and sound show that illuminates the city’s skyline every evening at 8 PM. The unlimited drink package means you can sip your favorite beverages while taking in panoramic views of Hong Kong Island’s towering skyscrapers and Kowloon’s bustling waterfront.

The cruise typically lasts 1-2 hours and offers perfect photo opportunities of Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline. Book your evening cruise to catch the Symphony of Lights show, or opt for a sunset cruise to see the city transform from day to night.

2. Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour

Escape the urban hustle with this comprehensive Lantau Island adventure that showcases Hong Kong’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage. This full-day tour combines wildlife spotting, cultural exploration, and scenic landscapes into one unforgettable experience.

Your journey begins with a dolphin-watching cruise where you might spot the rare Chinese white dolphins (also known as pink dolphins) in their natural habitat. These magnificent creatures are native to Hong Kong waters and offer a unique wildlife experience you won’t find in many other major cities.

After the cruise, you’ll head to Lantau Island to visit the iconic Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. This 34-meter bronze statue sits majestically atop Ngong Ping plateau and represents harmony between man, nature, and religion. The peaceful Po Lin Monastery nearby offers insight into Buddhist culture and serves delicious vegetarian meals.

3. Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Pass

No list of things to do in Hong Kong would be complete without mentioning Victoria Peak, the city’s most famous attraction. The Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Pass offers you the ultimate way to experience Hong Kong’s breathtaking 360-degree views.

The historic Peak Tram, operating since 1888, is an adventure in itself. As you ascend at a steep 27-degree angle, you’ll feel the excitement build while catching glimpses of the city below through the tram windows. The journey takes just 8 minutes but creates memories that last a lifetime.

Once at the top, the Sky Terrace 428 provides unobstructed panoramic views of Victoria Harbor, the city skyline, and the surrounding islands. Visit during sunset for the most magical experience, or come at night to see Hong Kong’s famous glittering skyline. The terrace is 428 meters above sea level – hence the name – and offers the perfect vantage point for those Instagram-worthy shots.

4. Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour with Cable Car

For a different perspective on the Big Buddha experience, consider the cable car option. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car journey is an attraction in its own right, offering stunning aerial views of Lantau Island’s lush mountains, South China Sea, and Hong Kong International Airport.

This scenic 25-minute cable car ride takes you from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village, where you’ll find the majestic Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. The crystal cabin option provides glass floors for an even more thrilling experience as you soar above the landscape.

At Ngong Ping Village, you can explore traditional Chinese architecture, enjoy cultural performances, and discover local crafts and cuisine. The village serves as the perfect complement to your Big Buddha visit, offering a complete cultural immersion experience.

5. Ngong Ping 360: Cable Car Return Tickets & Combos

Whether you choose the standard or crystal cabin experience, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car is one of the most scenic things to do in Hong Kong. The return journey offers different perspectives of the stunning landscape, and combo packages often include additional attractions and dining options.

Consider purchasing combo tickets that include access to other Ngong Ping attractions, walking with Buddha exhibitions, or meal vouchers at local restaurants. These packages provide excellent value and help you make the most of your Lantau Island adventure.

6. Hong Kong Street Food Tour

Discover Hong Kong’s incredible culinary scene with a guided street food tour. Hong Kong is renowned as one of the world’s great food cities, and street food culture is an integral part of the local lifestyle.

Your food adventure might include trying dim sum at traditional tea houses, sampling egg waffles (gai daan zai) from street vendors, tasting fish balls and curry fish balls, and experiencing the famous pineapple bun (bo lo bao). Local guides will help you navigate wet markets, explain the history behind different dishes, and ensure you try authentic flavors that tourists often miss.

7. Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Optional Peak Tram

For comprehensive city exploration, the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is perfect for covering multiple attractions efficiently. This flexible sightseeing option allows you to explore Hong Kong at your own pace while learning about the city’s history and culture through informative audio commentary.

The tour covers major attractions across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, including stops at Victoria Peak, Star Ferry Pier, Avenue of Stars, Ladies’ Market, and many other popular destinations. The optional Peak Tram addition means you can combine efficient city touring with the iconic Peak experience.

Choose from 24-hour or 48-hour passes depending on your schedule, and enjoy the flexibility of hopping off to explore specific areas in detail before continuing your journey.

8. Hong Kong Disneyland Park

Bring out your inner child at Hong Kong Disneyland, where Disney magic meets Chinese culture. This theme park offers classic Disney attractions with unique local touches, making it one of the most entertaining things to do in Hong Kong for families and Disney fans.

Experience exclusive attractions like Mystic Manor, meet Disney characters in special Asian-themed costumes, and enjoy spectacular shows and parades. The park is more compact than other Disney destinations, making it perfect for a full-day visit without feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t miss the evening fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty Castle, and be sure to try the local food offerings that blend Disney favorites with Hong Kong flavors.

9. Hong Kong Ocean Park

For thrilling rides and marine life encounters, Ocean Park provides an exciting alternative to traditional theme parks. This oceanarium and amusement park combination offers educational experiences alongside adrenaline-pumping attractions.

Highlights include the Amazing Asian Animals exhibits, thrilling roller coasters with harbor views, and the Grand Aquarium with its massive underwater tunnel. The cable car system within the park provides stunning views of the South China Sea and Aberdeen Harbor.

Ocean Park successfully combines conservation education with entertainment, making it both fun and meaningful for visitors of all ages.

10. Hong Kong City Highlights Guided Tour

Complete your Hong Kong experience with a comprehensive city highlights tour that covers major landmarks and hidden gems. Professional guides provide insider knowledge about Hong Kong’s history, culture, and modern development.

These tours typically include visits to Man Mo Temple, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village, and various scenic viewpoints. You’ll learn about Hong Kong’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global financial center while experiencing the city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Many tours also include transportation and can be customized based on your interests, whether you prefer cultural sites, shopping areas, or scenic locations.

Planning Your Hong Kong Adventure

With so many incredible things to do in Hong Kong, planning is key to making the most of your visit. Consider purchasing combination tickets for multiple attractions, book popular experiences in advance, and allow flexibility in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries.

Hong Kong’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to move between attractions, and the city’s compact size means you can experience multiple highlights in a single day. Whether you have 24 hours or a full week, these 10 experiences will give you a taste of everything that makes Hong Kong special.

Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, a portable phone charger for all those photos, and an adventurous appetite for the incredible food experiences waiting for you in this amazing city.

Destinations – gotourly