Hong Kong rewards travellers who look beyond the usual checklist of skyscrapers and shopping centres. With the right mix of neighbourhoods, harbour experiences, cultural attractions and outdoor adventures, you can put together an itinerary that reveals just how wonderfully varied the city can be.
Stay and Start at Tsim Sha Tsui
Make Tsim Sha Tsui your base at a property like Park Hotel Hong Kong in the middle of Kowloon’s entertainment and business district, with key attractions, malls, restaurants and nightlife all within easy reach. Nearby highlights include Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Centre, while Kowloon Park offers a peaceful break. Of course, from such Tsim Sha Tsui hotels near MTR stations, you can set off for more city escapades too.
Take a Ride on the Star Ferry
You will also be ideally placed to hop aboard the iconic Star Ferry for a short crossing between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Its green-and-white double-decker boats have carried passengers across Victoria Harbour for more than a century, retaining their nostalgic character while offering modern comforts. For something extra special, choose a harbour tour that lets you enjoy A Symphony of Lights, a nightly light and music spectacular, from the ferry’s open-air deck.
From Temples and Theme Parks to Malls and Markets
The saying goes that “variety is the spice of life”, and this certainly applies to enjoying things to do in Hong Kong! Kowloon is perfect when you want to create such a diverse itinerary; visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Wong Tai Sin Temple, shop at malls like Harbour City or K11 MUSEA, and hunt for bargains at Ladies Market and Sneaker Street. You can also set aside time for visits further afield to Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park Hong Kong, offering fun theme park thrills.
Don’t Miss Nature and Island Adventures
While there’s plenty to enjoy in urban environments, don’t forget that there are idyllic natural landscapes, well worth exploring as well. Head to Southern Hong Kong Island for the Dragon’s Back trail across Shek O Peak, followed by some time in the sun, sand and surf at the beaches of Big Wave Bay or Repulse Bay. For some more discoveries, take a trip to Lantau Island, home to Po Lin Monastery and the impressive Tian Tan Buddha, set high on Mount Muk Yue.
