Hong Kong is a captivating city that offers a multitude of experiences for adventure enthusiasts, food lovers, and beachgoers alike. Embark on exhilarating hikes that lead you to breathtaking vistas, sample an array of mouthwatering cuisine that ranges from traditional dim sum to innovative fusion dishes, relax on picturesque beaches with crystal-clear waters, and explore a diverse range of activities and attractions.
In this blog post, we will unveil the best hiking trails, culinary gems, stunning beaches, and must-do activities that make Hong Kong a destination like no other.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN HONG KONG
- Best Value Hotel: Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay – 4-star hotel for less than $100
- Best Value Luxury Hotel: Hotel ICON – $150 for a 5-star hotel with an epic pool
- Best Hiking/Adventure Base: Hotel Stage – Located in Kowloon and right next to lots of epic hikes.
Check out my full guide here: BEST AREAS TO STAY HONG KONG
27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
In this guide, you will find 30 different places to visit in Hong Kong, which you can choose from to fill your itinerary. I did all of the activities in this guide personally, which is why I can recommend them to you. For almost of the things to do in Hong Kong, which are listed in this guide, there is a link to a more specific and detailed blog post about that individual activity. If you click on that link you will find directions, more photos, helpful tips and a guide on the best place to book if necessary.
So let’s get into it with my list of 30 adventurous things to do in Hong Kong.
TAKE A SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT FROM THE PENINSULA HOTEL
Hong Kong is one of the most unique cities in the world with the incredible, city metropolis meeting the jungle and mountains. The best way to see the contrast between the city and the jungle and to enjoy an epic fly-over view of the city is with a Hong Kong helicopter tour. I did the Heli-Tour from the Peninsula Hotel and it was simply incredible.
We took off from the Peninsula Hotel rooftop helipad and then toured out over Lion Rock and to the edge of the New Territories. Here we saw the wild nature in the mountains of Hong Kong before cruising back over Hong Kong Central to witness the towering skyscrapers at Victoria Harbor and Causeway Bay. It’s a little bit pricey compared to other helicopter flights around the world but one of the most epic things to do in Hong Kong if you have the cash to splash.
Read the full blog post for more photos and details: EPIC HONG KONG HELICOPTER TOUR FROM THE PENINSULA HOTEL
MY 4 FAVORITE HONG KONG TOURS
- Victoria Peak Tram & Sky Terrace: If you visit Hong Kong, you have to visit Victoria Peak!
- Aqua Luna Victoria Harbor Cruise: Sail Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on a traditional Chinese wooden junk boat.
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park: An awesome experience for all ages!
- M+ Museum Ticket: Most popular museum in Hong Kong!
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook
SUICIDE CLIFF & KOWLOON PEAK
Kowloon Peak hike leads you on a journey up to the Kowloon Peak viewpoint and then along the ridge to one of the most well-known hiking photography spots in Hong Kong, which is Suicide Cliff. The total hiking trail is under 7-kilometers to see both viewpoints and is recommended for sunset. It’s not a hike for beginners but is relatively safe for the average hiker!
Both of the ledges at Suicide Cliff are among the best photo spots in all of Hong Kong with huge drops and an epic background of Kowloon behind. This is a great area to be for sunset as you can see from the photos below. Suicide Cliff is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong if you want a sunset with epic city views in the background.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: KOWLOON PEAK HIKE TO SUICIDE CLIFF
VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK
The Victoria Peak Circle Walk is one of the simplest hikes in Hong Kong but offers some of the most spectacular views. For that reason, it is up there as one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong and is accessible for all levels of hikers including children, elderly and even dogs! If you want the view but not the grind, this is a great one.
You can book your ticket on the tram or take a bus up to the peak and then do a full lap of the circle-walk, which is 3km in total. If you are keen on the workout, you can walk all the way up through Long Fu Shan Country Park. I did both ways and enjoyed it twice.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK
You NEED the Octopus Card
TRAVEL TIP: In Hong Kong you NEED the Octopus Card to use public transport and ferries, which is how everyone gets around. Pre-Book your Octopus Card with a Pre-Loaded balance of 50HKD so you can pick it up at the airport (very easy) and then catch public transport straight to your hotel.
- Conveniently ride the MTR, bus, ferry, coach, and tram with just a tap of your Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
- Conveniently pick up your card with a preloaded credit of HKD50-100 at the Hong Kong International Airport
RHINO ROCK TRAIL IN STANLEY
The Rhino Rock is one of the most incredible rock formations in Hong Kong, bearing an uncanny resemblance to a Rhinoceros. It’s a very short hiking trail in Stanley that is less than 1-kilometers each way. With stunning views of the coast, this is a great mini-adventure for a sunny day! This trail is also known as Che Pau Teng.
It really does resemble a Rhino so much and when you see it in person, the ridges and holes in the rock almost seem to resemble the eyes, wrinkles, and features of a giant rhinoceros. This is a very easy adventure and one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: RHINO ROCK TRAIL IN STANLEY
LANTAU PEAK HIKE
The Lantau Peak hike is one of the most spectacular things to do in Hong Kong, taking you to the Lantau Peak summit, which is the second-highest point in Hong Kong. There are several routes to the top. One route includes a visit to the big buddha while another route is touted as the ‘hardest’ hike in Hong Kong. The panoramic views from the summit are just off the charts and nothing like you would expect when you think of the big city life in Hong Kong.
Wha I love about Lantau and Lantau Peak is that you are just so far away from the city and urban sprawl. Even at the summit, you don’t have the cities below you and it just seems that you are right out there in the middle of the natural wonders of Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: LANTAU PEAK HIKE
SHEUNG LUK STREAM CLIFF JUMP IN SAI KUNG
There aren’t too many (legal) cliff jumps in Hong Kong except for a couple but if you are looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can head down to Sai Kung. Here you will find the rockpool cliff jump at Sheung Luk just near Tai Long Wan Beach. I visited the Sheung Luk Stream en route to Sharp Peak on a massive hike but there are lots of ways to get there without a big hike.
The cliff jump is ‘relatively safe’ and ranges from 1-2 meters all the way up to about 10-meters depending on how adventurous you get. The rocks can be slippery here and the water is dark. This means you need to be careful not to slip on the rocks and check for debris under the water before you jump.
There has been a death recorded here from cliff jumping so be very careful. I didn’t find it dangerous but keep that information in mind.
Read the full blog post for more photos and details: SHARP PEAK HIKE IN SAI KUNG
JARDINE’S LOOKOUT HIKE
Jardine’s Lookout Hike is quite a short trail but it leads you to one of the best viewpoints over Hong Kong Central and the harbor. The great part about this hike is that it’s one of the lesser-known things to do in Hong Kong so you can often be one of the only people up at the viewpoint. Whereas Victoria Peak can be quite busy. If you are looking for an epic view of the city without having to hike for more than a few kilometers, this is your trail.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: JARDINE’S LOOKOUT HIKE
AP LEI PAI ROCK POOL
At the end of the Ap Lei Chau to Ap Lei Pai hike you can find quite a unique place to visit. Once you reach the end of the trail on the far side of the hill. This is where you will find the small Mount Johnston Lighthouse.
It’s just a little structure and more of a marker than a beautiful, coastal lighthouse. It was a pretty area of coastline so we set off to explore around the rocks and see what we could find.
About 100-meters to the right of the lighthouse we found a little tide-pool. It was a hot day and the water was looking enticing so we stripped down and decided to go for a swim. The water in the tide pool wasn’t too deep but just deep enough for a little cliff jump off the side. This is a little hidden gem and one of the most off-the-beaten-path things to do in Hong Kong.
Read the full blog post for more photos and details: AP LEI CHAU TO AP LEI PAI HIKE (MOUNT JOHNSTON LIGHTHOUSE)
MA ON SHAN HIKE
The Ma On Shan is one of the most epics but challenging hikes in Hong Kong with 866m of the incline leading you all the way from Ma On Shan to Sai Kung. The trail climbs hundreds of stairs and rocky paths before you make it to the Ma On Shan summit. The hike then winds along the ridge, all the way to Sai Kung. This is hands down one of the best attractions in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: MA ON SHAN HIKE
LION ROCK HIKE
The Lion Rock hike in Hong Kong is one of the most popular trails in the region with an epic viewpoint over Kowloon all the way to Hong Kong Central. The lion-head shaped rock at the summit is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city from the forest. It is the kind of rock formation that you seem to spot out no matter where you are in Hong Kong but it isn’t until you are up there that you can enjoy the incredible view from the head of the Lion.
The hike up is only a few kilometers and once you reach the summit, you will find yourself on a winding ridge down the back of the Lion until you reach its head. It was one of my first hikes in Hong Kong and even after a month of hiking, it remains up there as one of my favorites. It’s a great spot for sunset and a lot of night photographers migrate here after dark to shoot the city lights. This is easily one of the best things to do in Hong Kong and is very popular among locals and tourists.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE LION ROCK HIKE
CASTLE PEAK HIKE
The Castle Peak Hike in Hong Kong is a very steep 600-meter ascent to a radio tower that sits along the beautiful ridge overlooking the Tuen Mun region. There is a route that takes just 6-kilometers out and back from Tuen Mun MTR station or a longer 10-kilometer route that also includes a hike to Yuen Tau Shan. Watching the sunset from the radio tower atop the ridge was a pretty epic way to spend the evening and definitely one of the must-do things in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE CASTLE PEAK HIKE
WEST DOG’S TEETH RIDGE
The West Dog’s Teeth Hike in Hong Kong is billed as the hardest hike in Hong Kong. The trail involves 850m of incline and requires a very basic level of bouldering and scrambling to reach the end of the ridge.
This ridge-hike reminded me of a lot of the hikes in Hawaii that take you along the jagged ridges to a summit. There were never any moments of danger but this hike would be among the most exhilarating hikes in Hong Kong with the basic bouldering and the rugged trail. It’s definitely the trail to pick if you love adventure and are wondering what to do in Hong Kong?
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: WEST DOG’S TEETH HIKE ‘HARDEST HIKE IN HONG KONG’
AQUALUNA SAILBOAT HARBOR CRUISE
Hands down this tour is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night for all ages. The Aqualuna is a traditional red-sail Chinese junk boat, which will tour you around the harbor. At night the sails are lit up and just look incredible. Throughout the sail you can appreciate Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor views aboard what is one of the last sailboats of it’s kind!
During the trip, you can relax in style on a comfy lounge bed, enjoy a complimentary drink and soak up the sights and sounds of Hong Kong’s fantastic scenery.
Then halfway through the cruise, the sailboat seems to come to a halt and the Symphony of Lights laser and lights show comes to life. Lots of the skyscrapers and buildings in the harbor participate in a co-ordinated show with lights seemingly dancing from the city in tune with the soundtrack. It’s a fun couple of hours and one of the more unique things to do in Hong Kong.
To book your trip online at the lowest (This is where I booked mine)you can click here: AquaLuna Harbor Cruise
HANG OUT AT THE AVENUE OF STARS FOR SUNSET
One of the best and easiest places to hang out during sunset is at the Avenue of Stars near Tsim Sha Tsui. The Avenue of the Stars has over a hundred of celebrity handprints, which is designed to take you on a ‘journey of the stars’.
The Avenue of the Stars’ glamorous movie theme may be the drawcard but the star of the show is the backdrop. I came here many times for sunset when I didn’t have time for a full hiking adventure. The reflection of the water from the lights is pretty special as you look across to Hong Kong Central. It’s also a great spot to watch the Symphony of Lights, which is a laser, light and sound show, which happens at night.
DRAGON’S BACK HIKE
The Dragon’s Back Hike is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong due to its impressive coastal views seen from the ridge-line but also because it is one of the less intense routes in the region. Really after Victoria Peak, I think this may be the second most popular hike in Hong Kong. The Dragon’s Back Trail gives hikers outstanding, scenic views of the coast without too much incline and climbing. The trail is suitable for families, amateur hikers and all tourists looking for an adventure.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: DRAGON’S BACK HIKE
HIGH JUNK PEAK IN SAI KUNG
The High Junk Peak hike, also known as the Country Trail, is in the Sai Kung region of Hong Kong. Hundreds of steps lead you up and down the ominous, but relatively safe peaks, which overlook the stunning blue water of Clear Water Bay. This is another great trail for a sunny day as you should be surrounded on all sides with turquoise water and lovely beaches.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE HIGH JUNK PEAK HIKE IN SAI KUNG
NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE
The Ng Tung Chai Waterfall hike is one of the most epic things to do in Hong Kong. The trail guides you through the jungle, visit multiple waterfalls and can lead to the highest peak in Hong Kong (if you venture that far).
Out in the New Territories, this is a wild hike. In fact, this hike was probably the most wild I saw the jungle in my entire time in Hong Kong. Huge leaves draped over the trail, which was often comprised of giant boulders.
There were 4-5 waterfalls and then a few watering holes along the trail but the lower falls were by far my favorite. We climbed up to the second tier and enjoyed the mini slot canyon to ourselves. Few others were on this trail and it was definitely an incredible jungle getaway.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE
SHARP PEAK IN SAI KUNG
Sharp Peak Hike in Sai Kung is one of the most scenic hikes in Hong Kong. The stunning coastline of Sai Kung wraps around the dramatic ridges below you as you stand atop one of the highest points in the region. The turquoise water and white sand of the beaches will blow away your perceptions of Hong Kong as a city destination.
The hike takes you through the forest, along the beach and then all the way up to the top of Sharp Peak. This is one of the more grueling Hong Kong points of interest (depending on your approach) because you go straight up the trail from the beach for hundreds of meters in a row without a break in the incline. Luckily the coastal views throughout the hike make up for the pain and suffering. This hike is best done on a sunny day!
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: SHARP PEAK HIKE IN SAI KUNG
ENJOY SOME OF THE BEST NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS
With so many lights on at night, Hong Kong is, of course, one of the best places in the world for night photography. While you won’t be able to see the stars, you will be able to enjoy the sea of lights that switch on from all the skyscrapers after the sun sets below the horizon. There are lots of urban spots where you can reach rooftops and more but I prefer to view the lights from a hiking vantage point. My favorite night photography spots were Jardine’s lookout, The Peak Circle Walk, Braemar Hill, and Lion Rock.
TWIN PEAKS & VIOLET HILL HIKE
The Twin Peaks Hike in Hong Kong takes you on a journey up and down Violet Hill while giving you incredible views over Stanley and the peninsula below. It’s up there amongst the toughest Hong Kong hiking trails due to the brutality of the stairs. No matter which direction you attack the trail from you will have to endure hundreds of stairs up and down the twin peaks.
This Hong Kong hike is often nicknamed the ‘Terrible Twins’ because many people despise a thousand stairs that burn your legs as you make your way up and down the two peaks. This hike is up there with the toughest things to do in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: TWIN PEAKS HIKE & VIOLET HILL HIKE
PAT SIN LENG HIKE
The Pat Sin Leng Ridge Trail is one of the most epic hikes in Hong Kong. The trail climbs hundreds of stairs before you traverse the safe but scenic ridge-line throughout the rest of the route. The hike often feels like Hawaii but is less than an hour away from Hong Kong city-center. The Pat Sin Leng hike isn’t an easy journey with 856m of incline over the 10-km route.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: PAT SIN LENG HIKE: AN EPIC RIDGE TRAIL
BRAEMAR HILL HIKE
The Braemar Hill hike takes you up to one of the best viewing platforms to watch the sunset over Hong Kong. It has a few names and this hike is often also referred to as, Hung Heung Lo Fung or the Red Incense Burner Summit. The hike is very short with an option to hike 3km in total or you can even reach the summit with just a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop! If you are looking for good night photography, this is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: BRAEMAR HILL SUNSET HIKE
AP LEI CHAU TO AP LE PAI (MOUNT JOHNSTON LIGHTHOUSE)
The Ap Lei Chau to Ap Lei Pai hike is a great little coastal trail that takes you out to Mount Johnston Lighthouse via a small sandbar. It’s an out-and-back hike that is just under 5-km but it will still serve up some solid incline with over 500m of ascent up and over the hills each way. This is a beautiful hike on a sunny day, so make sure you don’t forget to look out for the secret tide pool. By far, this is one of the hidden gems in Hong Kong making it an epic adventure and one of the more unique Hong Kong attractions.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: AP LEI CHAU TO AP LEI PAI HIKE
SUNSET PEAK HIKE
Sunset Peak hike on Lantau Island is an epic stairway climbing challenge to one of the best viewpoints in Hong Kong. As the name suggests, it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the peninsula below.
This trail has a bit of everything. It begins with a grueling climb up a long set of stairs before a winding trail takes you through the forest. You then emerge on a grassy hilltop to make your way up to the viewpoints. From the summit, you can look over to Lantau Peak and down to the coast below.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: SUNSET PEAK HIKE ON LANTAU ISLAND
TAI MO SHAN
The Tai Mo Shan hike is a special adventure because it is the highest peak in Hong Kong, which is why I’d say it’s up there in the top ten things to do in Hong Kong. The hike takes you on a journey through the jungle, passing by several incredible waterfalls before you reach the peak, which overlooks Hong Kong on a clear day. It isn’t necessarily the most epic view from the summit even though it is the highest. However, the journey up to the top is quite scenic and the waterfalls along the way make the adventure well worth your time.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: TAI MO SHAN HIKE: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN HONG KONG
HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER HONG KONG ARTICLES?
- A complete guide to the best things to do: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
- My favorite hikes in Hong Kong: 21 AWESOME HIKES IN HONG KONG
- How to plan your Hong Kong trip: 3-DAY HONG KONG ITINERARY FOR ADVENTURE-LOVERS
- The biggest ever guide for where to stay in Hong Kong: WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG: BEST AREAS & HOTELS
- My favorite EASY hikes: 10 EASY HIKING TRAILS IN HONG KONG
- The most luxurious places to stay: THE TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS IN HONG KONG (5-STAR LIST)
- The ultimate adventure: EPIC HONG KONG HELICOPTER TOUR FROM THE PENINSULA HOTEL
- The toughest overall hike: WEST DOG’S TEETH HIKE ‘HARDEST HIKE IN HONG KONG’
- Best waterfall hike: TAI MO SHAN HIKE: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN HONG KONG
Justine
Tuesday 29th of August 2023
that is exactly the recommendation that I was hoping for! Paired with beautiful images. Thank you!!
Stella Wilson
Thursday 8th of October 2020
Nice post. I am in love with all these beautiful photographs. Thanks for sharing this amazing travel destination in Japan.