The Hong Kong Island is the final catapult to exploring the Asian version of the World City. All great itineraries include its colorful streets, views nearly up to the sky and the food scene, which cannot be resisted. There is energy that is infectious in walking around this city, whether it is sightseeing from hopping on Airport Express to Central to wait in a line to get the famous sourdough egg tart at Bakehouse.
The tourist spots in Hong Kong Island best exemplify the essence of local-global in Hong Kong, the people of Hong Kong and the tourists use the same cafes, trails, and views of the harbour. It is a destination that feeds on taste, culture, and personality, presenting unlimited things to do in Hong Kong, whether it be secret temples and walks along the beach or adventures that reengineer the definition of what really happens when you visit a city.
Discover Hong Kong Food: Authentic Dishes, Street Eats, and Culinary Culture
1. Soar Above the City: The Iconic Victoria Peak Experience
The 552-meter-tall Victoria Peak is one of the most well-recognised tourist spots in Hong Kong Island; the mountain, which overlooks the skyline, the Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon, offers a panoramic view of the region. The iconic Peak Tram is a historic funicular railway built in the 19th century and shuttles passengers up a 27-degree gradient surrounded by lush trees and colonial mansions within a short 10-minute ride; an experience that people in Hong Kong and visitors are adored with.
The more adventurous can enjoy an overlook of Sheaka hill with the Morning Trail, a 50-minute hike of scenic sights and capable of giving breathtaking views and panoramas of the city. The more ambitious may make the trip to High West to get still more luxurious southern perceptions. Be it tram or trail, visiting Victoria Peak tops the list of memorable stuff to do in Hong Kong.
2. Tour With Time on the Iconic Ding Ding Tram
The legendary tram known as Ding Ding has been running since 1904 and is one of the most original things to do in Hong Kong, as they are a moving symbol of Hong Kong and it is authentic. The long (4.5 km) route through Hong Kong Island (Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan) by these open-air double-decker trams provides a nostalgic ride through the colonialism and contemporary, addressing the modern skyline of Hong Kong.
At a mere HK$3, riders will enjoy a cool top-deck seat, cruising through the rhythm of the city, street life sounds, and the vibrations of the city. The soft level of its bell is not only a warning, but the heartbeat of Hong Kong, a mixture of history, culture and simple life bustle into one splendid ride.
3. Feast Local at a Cooked Food Centre
To experience what Hong Kong is all about, not going to any of the top-notch restaurants, plunge into the Hong Kong favourite cooked food centres, the authentic, gritty centres of selling delicious, unbeatable Cantonese food. Located within municipal buildings, which also serve as wet markets, these no-frills restaurants bottle up the iconic dai pai dong culture of the city in a more sanitised, controlled environment.
There are people, locals, who come here to take hearty meals, cold beers, and have a good conversation. The best suggestions are Sheung Wan Market where homestyle favourites are found, Bowrington Road where legendary roast meats can be found and Java Road where fresh seafood and nostalgic charm were once enjoyed by Anthony Bourdain. One of the tastiest things to do in Hong Kong is to explore these food jewels, and in every case, authenticity and elegance are swapped.
4. Conquer the Peaks
Substitute the urban scrum with a mountain breeze and see why hiking is among the best things to do in Hong Kong Island. The skyscrapers are never too far away since there are almost 80% country parks and nature reserves in the area. The favourite trails are Dragon back in traditional seaside scenes, panoramas and post-mountain swims, Mount Butler in panoramas and island-wide view, Sir Cecil Ride in relaxed forest/mountain trails and skyline, and Violet Hill and The twins in scales that burn the legs and give a glimpse of the South China Sea. Bringing their sunsets or adventure, the trails of Hong Kong are equally beautiful and peaceful in their scenery.
TraveliciousBites Travel Tip: Return to the hiking trail with replenishing local tastes, hop to the best Cantonese BBQ, Korean BBQ, or pizza in the city.
5. Beach Escapes on Hong Kong Island
Not many cities allow you to replace office shoes with flip-flops within an hour, but that is the wonder of Hong Kong. Its beaches rank among the best tourist spots in Hong Kong Island, as they provide the best mix of leisure and civilisation. After a hiking trip, Repulse Bay would be the perfect place to have a post-hike Aperol Spritz and have a coastal dinner at Limewood, whereas at Shek O, beach lovers and surfers are invited to a vibrant environment with a lot of BBQ pits.
Chung Hom Kok is a little-known secret of the serenity achiever, quiet, secluded, and with some of the cleanest waters of the island. Urban getaway in the form of beach days is redefined here, starting with energetic beaches and silent coves.
TraveliciousBites Travel Tip: The best place to cap off your hike at Repulse Bay, then relax at The Pulse, where you can enjoy great food, beverages and a view of the sea.
6. Discover Hidden Treasures on Cat Street
Enter the heritage of Sheung Wan at the core of the Upper Lascar Row, commonly referred to as Cat Street, where history, art, and culture are bound up together. This bustling alley, which served as a black market in the early 20th century to peddle black market products, is now a marketplace full of antiques, vintage posters, jade carvings, cameras and vintage collectibles.
It is a paradise for treasure hunters who are interested in old Hong Kong charm, and one of the most interesting stuff to do in Hong Kong. Have a sip of coffee at Halfway Coffee, visit the artefacts of the Mao-era, and have a glance at murals on the nearby streets that give the district a touch of a creative addition to the nostalgic experience.
TraveliciousBites Travel Tip: While in Cat Street, the area, go beyond and visit Stanley Market where you can find cheap art, jewellery and handmade items in a colourful seaside market place.
7. Cafe Culture on Hong Kong Island
Cafe hopping around Hong Kong Island is by far the best things to do in Hong Kong, fueled by caffeine. The Third-wave coffee culture of the island is flourishing in PoHo artsy Alleys in Sheung Wan, down to the seaside bliss of Kennedy Town. The big chains are no longer shining bright, as independently roasted cafes serve creamy flat whites to experimental pour-overs. Oneday and Plumcot are must-visit coffee shops located in Tai Hang, Halfway Coffee and Meanwhile Coffee are located in Sheung Wan, Winstons Coffee is located in Sai Ying Pun, and % Arabica is located in Kennedy Town. All cafes incorporate quality brews and inviting creative spaces that are either work-friendly or relaxing.
TraveliciousBites Travel Tip: After a caffeine kick in Sai Ying Pun, relax and sweat off at gems of Second Street, Primal Booze & Feed, as well as Crushed Wine Bar.
8. Dive into Adventure at Ocean Park
Ocean Park is one of the best tourist spots in Hong Kong Island, as it is the original and the most picturesque theme park in the city. It was opened in 1977 and is only 15 minutes by MTR to Admiralty, a fun-filled rollercoaster, marine world and a view of the South China Sea.
The park is split into the Waterfront and The Summit and is connected by a funicular railway and cable car, which combines adrenaline and education. Ride on the Hair Raiser or The Flash, go to the aquariums or relax on the old Ferris Wheel. The seasonal activities, such as Halloween Fest and Summer Splash in Ocean Park, are an additional thrill that makes the place a one-day adventure for everyone.
TraveliciousBites Travel Tip: Go around Halloween Fest with immersive decorations, themed performances, and night rides that are to remember.
9. Feel the Rush at Happy Valley Races
There is no better way to have fun things to do in Hong Kong than to be at the Happy Valley Racecourse on a Wednesday evening. Founded in 1845, it is a historic venue that combines more than 180 years of horse-racing history with the vibrant nightlife in the city. Every September to July, Happy Wednesdays will turn the track into a festival of fast-paced races, cheering crowds, and open-air beer gardens.
Only paying HK$10 to attend the event, one can drink cold San Mig beers and dance to live music and bet a humble HK$20 on horses with the most ridiculous names. You may be going there to be thrilled, partying, or people-watching, but Happy valley draws the most infectious fun, flair and friendly competitiveness of Hong Kong.
10. Heritage Meets Hip: Explore Tai Kwun & PMQ
Tai Kwun and PMQ are two of the most interesting tourist spots in Hong Kong Island, which combine history, creativity, and culture. Having served as colonial police quarters and prison areas, they are now reborn as colorful centres of art, shopping, and dining realms, and are a flawless addition to your list of things to do in Hong Kong. In Tai Kwun, lost blocks of prison became galleries, smuggled speakeasies and sunny courtyards, such as Armoury Terrace.
Only a short distance, PMQ is a boutique shopping center, art studios and artisan markets with handmade ceramics, jewellery and designer fashion. Have a coffee in Jessy Coffee PMQ and then see its artistic labyrinth of local handicrafts and international flavor.
TraveliciousBites Travel Tip: It is advisable to avoid the congested restaurants of Central Market, taken up a more relaxed drink at Stormies instead which has a more relaxed atmosphere.
11. Cruising Down the Skyline on the Star Ferry
Riding the Star Ferry is not merely a means of transportation but a journey, a ritual and one of the most recognisable things to do in Hong Kong. In service for more than 100 years, this 10-minute ride between the centre and Tsim Sha Tsui provides incomparable skyline offers at a mere cost of less than USD 1. Cruising over Victoria Harbour with its shimmering skyscrapers on each side of the waterway, it is the best way to start or end your urban exploration. Combine your ferry ride with a drink at Pier 3, an ice cream on the promenade at TST or a spin on the AIA Observation Wheel to create a classic Hong Kong experience.
