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
One of the most popular tourist spots in Hong Kong Island is the 552-meter-high Victoria Peak; that mountain, which commands the skyline, Victoria Harbor,, and Kowloon, gives the viewer a panorama of the area. The Hong Kong travel experience is loved with an iconic Peak Tram, a historical funicular railway, constructed in the 19th century and which transports passengers up a 27-degree gradient tram amidst the green trees and colonial mansions with a slight journey taking 10 minutes; an experience that is cherished by people in Hong Kong and those who come to visit.
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
By far the most enjoyable things to do in Hong Kong, albeit with the help of caffeine, are the Cafe hopping around Hong Kong Island. The Third-wave coffee culture of the island thrives in PoHo artsy Alleys in Sheung Wan, all the way to the bliss of the seashores in Kennedy Town.
The large chains are no longer shining bright, like the independent cafe roasts creamy flat whites and experimental pour-overs. Oneday and Plumcot are coffee shops that must not be missed, but they are in Tai Hang; Halfway Coffee is in Sheung Wan, and Meanwhile Coffee, Winston’s Coffee is in Sai Ying Pun, and % Arabica is in Kennedy Town. Each of the cafes has quality brews and welcoming, creative spaces, which 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 favourite tourist spots in Hong Kong Island as it is the first and most scenic theme park in this city. It was opened in 1977; it is just 15 minutes by MTR to Admiralty. The park has a themed roller coaster and a view of the South China Sea.
The park is divided into Waterfront and The Summit, which is linked to a funicular railway and cable car, which makes it part of combining adrenaline and education. Ride the Hair Raiser or the Flash, go to the aquariums or have a rest in the old Ferris Wheel. The activities of the season like Halloween Fest and Summer Splash in Ocean Park are also another fastening activity that makes the place a one-day adventure for all.
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
One will not find a better method to have fun things to do in Hong Kong than to attend the race course at the Happy Valley, which is on Wednesday evening. It is a historic place, which only adds over 180 years of horse-racing history and the city nightlife to the mix and was founded in 1845. Happy Wednesdays Every September to July, Happy Wednesdays will transform the track into a festival of high-speed races, screaming fans, and outdoor beer gardens.
Being able to pay HK3 for getting to the event, an individual can enjoy cold San Mig beers and rock on to live music and place bets as small as HK20 on horses with the craziest names. Maybe you are going there to get thrilled, partying, people watching, but Happy valley attracts the most infectious fun, style and pleasant feature competition Hong Kong has ever had.
10. Heritage Meets Hip: Explore Tai Kwun & PMQ
Tai Kwun and PMQ are among the most fascinating tourist destinations in Hong Kong Island, which comprise the historical, creative, and cultural elements. Previously used as colonial streets, as police quarters and as areas of prisons, they are now reborn as colorful hubs of art, shopping and dining worlds and are an ideal place to add to your list of things to do in Hong Kong. Lost blocks of jail were turned into galleries in Tai Kwun, the smuggled speakeasies and sunshine courtyards, including 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.
