Hong Kong dazzled us. That’s the word that best describes how we felt during the days we spent there, in November 2019. We arrived with very high expectations and it exceeded them all: impressive skyscrapers, super modern transport, technology and, something we didn’t expect, loads of nature, with mountains, hiking trails and beaches. It had been on our list since 2017, when we were in China and couldn’t go because of typhoon season.
We were lucky enough to explore it with a friend who lives there, who taught us a bit of the language, the food and the Hong Kong you won’t find in guidebooks. We never stopped: on foot, by bus, ferry, tram, train and metro. In this guide we share the best things to do in Hong Kong, with what we experienced and prices updated for 2026.
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Summary: things to do in Hong Kong
| Category | Key details |
|---|---|
| Must-sees | The Avenue of Stars, the Star Ferry, Victoria Peak, Lantau’s Big Buddha and the Dragon’s Back trail |
| Recommended days | 3 days for the essentials · 4 or 5 to add trails and beaches |
| Best time to go | November and December · typhoons from May to November |
| Getting around | Octopus card for the metro, buses, trams and ferries |
| Currency | Hong Kong dollar (HK$) |
| Visa | Argentina and Spain: no visa for up to 90 days |
| Money-saving tip | Go up Victoria Peak by bus and get to Lantau by ferry + bus |
1. The Avenue of Stars and the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade
The best photos we took in Hong Kong are from the Avenue of Stars, in Tsim Sha Tsui, on the Kowloon side. It’s a promenade of about 400 meters along the harbor, starting at the Clock Tower, with a head-on view of the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island. That’s where you’ll find the Bruce Lee statue: a must-have photo!
Go at sunset and stay until it gets dark: watching the buildings’ lights come on is a show in itself.
2. The Symphony of Lights (A Symphony of Lights)
Every night at 20:00, the skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor sync up in a light and laser show of about 10 minutes, completely free. For us, the best place to watch it is the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, between the Clock Tower and the Avenue of Stars.
Important for 2026: the government announced that it will be retired in the second half of 2026 and replaced with a different type of show, so check whether it’s still running before you go. It’s also canceled when typhoon signal 3 or higher, or a red or black rainstorm warning, is in force. Another way to see it is from the water:
3. The Star Ferry
Crossing the harbor on the Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central is one of the nicest and cheapest things to do in the city. It runs from 6:30 to 23:30, with departures every few minutes.
| Star Ferry (adults) | Upper deck | Lower deck |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | HK$5 | HK$4 |
| Weekends and public holidays | HK$6.50 | HK$5.60 |
In 2026 the company requested a fare increase that was still under review: check the price on its website. There’s also a 4-day tourist pass for HK$50.
4. Victoria Peak
From Victoria Peak you get the most famous view of Hong Kong, and for us it’s in our world Top 10. You can go up on the historic Peak Tram, but we went up and came back by bus, which is much cheaper. To reach the highest viewing deck you have to pay for entry to the Sky Terrace 428, in the Peak Tower.
| Victoria Peak (since Dec 2025) | Adults |
|---|---|
| Peak Tram round trip | HK$116 |
| Peak Tram one way | HK$82 |
| Sky Terrace 428 | HK$80 |
| Combo tram round trip + Sky Terrace | HK$182 |
The tram runs from 7:30 to 23:00 and the Sky Terrace is open from 8:30 to 22:00. At night, the view of the illuminated skyscrapers is incredible.
5. Lantau Island and the Big Buddha (Tian Tan)
One of the places that impressed us most was the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island: a bronze Buddha about 34 meters tall seated on top of a mountain, next to Po Lin Monastery. The views from up there are unique.
How to get to the Big Buddha
There are many ways. We took the ferry to the island and then a bus: we recommend it because it’s quite a bit cheaper and from the ferry you see Hong Kong from a different perspective. On the way back, we took two buses. The fastest and most spectacular alternative is the Ngong Ping 360 cable car:
| Ngong Ping 360 (round trip) | Adults |
|---|---|
| Standard cabin | HK$295 |
| Crystal cabin (glass floor) | HK$365 |
It runs Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on weekends from 9:00 to 18:30, and it stops on maintenance days or in bad weather. If you’d rather go with an English-speaking guide:
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6. The Dragon’s Back trail
This was Hong Kong’s big surprise: the nature. Led by our friend, we hiked the Dragon’s Back, a trail along the mountain ridge in the southeast of the island, with beautiful views of the beaches. We felt like we were on another planet, just a few kilometers from the skyscrapers.
Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and avoid the hottest hours of the day.
7. Hong Kong’s beaches
Yes, Hong Kong has beaches, and very nice ones. Some of the best known are on Hong Kong Island, such as Repulse Bay, Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Stanley and Deep Water Bay. The official beaches have lifeguards from April to October, from 9:00 to 18:00.
8. Central and the “ding ding” trams
On the other side of the Star Ferry is Central, the district of skyscrapers, banks and bars. The best way to explore the north shore of the island is to hop on the double-decker trams, the “ding dings”, which cost just HK$3.30 per ride. Sit upstairs, at the front, and enjoy the city going by the window.
9. Man Mo Temple
Right on Hollywood Road, in Sheung Wan, Man Mo Temple is one of the best-known temples in the city, with incense coils hanging from the ceiling. It has been a declared monument since 2010 and is a perfect contrast with the skyscrapers around it.
10. Mong Kok and the Ladies’ Market
Mong Kok is one of the densest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Kowloon. On Tung Choi Street you’ll find the Ladies’ Market, close to a kilometer of stalls selling clothes, accessories and souvenirs (exit E2 of Mong Kok MTR station). Ideal for a bit of haggling and buying souvenirs.
11. Temple Street Night Market
As evening falls, Temple Street fills up with food stalls, curious objects and fortune tellers. It’s the most famous night market in Hong Kong and a good place for a street-food dinner.
12. Tsim Sha Tsui and shopping
If you like shopping, Hong Kong is paradise: all the big brands are here. Nathan Road, in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the area’s shopping malls are the best known.
Day trips and tours in Hong Kong
We didn’t find a free tour of Hong Kong on Civitatis, but there are guided tours in English that are worth it if you want to understand the city better:
How many days to stay in Hong Kong (itinerary)
With 3 days you see the essentials; with 4 or 5 you can add nature.
| Day | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Central and the “ding ding” trams · Man Mo Temple · Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui · sunset on the Avenue of Stars and the Symphony of Lights |
| Day 2 | Lantau and the Big Buddha (ferry + bus or Ngong Ping 360) · Temple Street at night |
| Day 3 | Dragon’s Back and a beach on the south of the island · Victoria Peak at night |
Best time to visit Hong Kong
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, November and December are, for many, the best months of the year, and that’s exactly when we went, in November. January and February are cool; March and April, humid and foggy; from May to August it’s very hot and humid. Typhoons can come from May to November, most likely between July and September: that’s what happened to us in 2017, and why we had to leave Hong Kong for another trip.
How to get around Hong Kong
Transport is super modern and easy to use. The key is the Octopus card, which works on the metro, buses, trams, ferries and even for paying in stores:
- Tourist Octopus: HK$39, no deposit, and you top it up with whatever amount you want.
- Standard Octopus: HK$50 deposit plus HK$150 of initial stored value.
- You can also use it on an iPhone, with the Wallet app or the Octopus app for tourists.
From the airport
The Airport Express reaches Hong Kong Station (Central) in about 24 minutes for HK$120 when you pay with Octopus or a contactless card.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
On your first visit, the most practical thing is to stay near the metro and the harbor: that way you get everywhere quickly and have the bay view just steps away.
Entry requirements for Hong Kong
Citizens of Argentina and Spain can enter Hong Kong without a visa as visitors for up to 90 days, according to the Immigration Department. Always check the current requirements before you travel.
Travel insurance for Hong Kong
We never travel without insurance, especially so far from home. We use IATI and, through our link, you get a 5% discount.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Hong Kong
How many days do you need to see Hong Kong?
With 3 days you can see the essentials: Tsim Sha Tsui and the Avenue of Stars, the Star Ferry, Victoria Peak, Central and Lantau with the Big Buddha. With 4 or 5 you can add hiking trails such as the Dragon’s Back, beaches and markets.
Do I need a visa to travel to Hong Kong from Argentina or Spain?
No. According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, Argentine and Spanish passport holders can enter without a visa as visitors for up to 90 days.
Is the Symphony of Lights still running?
It’s a free light and laser show over the skyscrapers at 20:00, lasting about 10 minutes. In 2026 the government announced that it will be retired in the second half of the year and replaced with a different format, so check whether it’s still on before you go. It’s canceled when typhoon signal 3 or higher, or a red or black rainstorm warning, is in force.
How can you get up to Victoria Peak cheaply?
We went up and down by bus, which is much cheaper than the Peak Tram. The tram costs HK$116 round trip (since December 2025) and the Sky Terrace 428 viewing deck is paid separately (HK$80).
How do you get to the Big Buddha on Lantau?
There are two options: the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (from HK$295 round trip in a standard cabin) or, as we did, the ferry to the island and then a bus, which is cheaper and has incredible views of the city.
What is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, November and December are considered the best months. Typhoons can come from May to November, especially between July and September.
Which transport card is best in Hong Kong?
The Octopus card, which works on the metro, buses, trams, ferries and even for paying in stores. The Tourist Octopus costs HK$39, with no deposit, and you top it up with whatever amount you want.
Conclusion: Hong Kong, a must for every traveler
Hong Kong has it all: one of the most impressive skylines in the world, temples, markets, beaches and incredible trails just minutes from the city. It reminded us much more of Japan than of China, and it left us wanting to go back. If you love modern cities and nature, for us it’s a must.
If you’re continuing through the region, take a look at our Asia travel guide.
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