Things to do in  Hong Kong SAR

Dividing Hong Kong Island from Kowloon, Victoria Harbour has long been the lifeblood of the city. It is from these waters—often teeming with a motley mix of traditional and modern vessels—that the city’s twin skylines are best viewed. The harbor is historically responsible for the city that surrounds it as well; its deep and sheltered waters situated strategically on the South China Sea have directly contributed to Hong Kong’s rise as a major world trading center.

Overlooking the Central district on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak (The Peak) is one of the best vantage points for top views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. Rising 1,810 feet (552 meters), the mountain is topped with a 360-degree Sky Terrace viewing platform and the Peak Tower complex of shops and restaurants. There’s also a network of nature trails through lush tropical forests.

Upper Lascar Row, also known as Cat Street, is a combination bazaar and flea market. Stretching for about 550 feet (168 meters), it’s jam-packed with more than 30 shops and stalls selling antiques, vintage items, secondhand goods, curios, Mao memorabilia, and souvenirs, as well as jade, silk, porcelain, and other products.

Set between Central and Causeway Bay, Wan Chai became notorious for its red-light district. Though some of that remains, today the destination is known for its vibrant mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. This is one of the oldest areas in Hong Kong, offering plenty of history and heritage.

One of the oldest and most famous temples in Hong Kong, Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is dedicated to Man Cheong, god of literature, and Mo Tai, god of war. A mainstay of the community, this Taoist and Buddhist temple reflects social and religious practices in Hong Kong and offers a respite to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mong Kok’s Ladies Market is one of Hong Kong’s most legendary street markets. Its name originates from the large amount of women's clothing and accessories for sale, but that’s not all you’ll find. A little less than a mile long, the market is crammed with all manner of clothing stalls and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as goldfish, electronics, household items, and just about anything else money can buy.

Located just west of Central, Sheung Wan is one of the hippest districts in Hong Kong. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Sheung Wan is a vibrant mix of trendy coffee shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and creative spaces, as well as more traditional shops, markets, and temples.

Lush, manicured, and impeccably feng shui-ed, Hong Kong Park is a rare oasis of green in one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas. A lake, an aviary, and an artificial waterfall combine with playgrounds, sports facilities, a conservatory, a teaware museum, and a visual arts space to create the perfect escape from city life.

Lantau Island’s Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is a huge bronze seated Buddha at 112 feet (34 meters) tall. The statue is a popular pilgrimage site for travelers from Asia and around the globe who climb the 268 steps leading to its base for panoramic views of the South China Sea.

The second-oldest road in Hong Kong, Hollywood Road runs for 0.62 miles (1 kilometer) from Sheung Wan in the west, past trendy SoHo, and through to Central in the east. It’s home to a plethora of antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques, as well as a lively and growing assortment of hip restaurants, bars, clubs, and boutique hotels.

The Mid-Levels Escalators is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, stretching for over 2,600 feet (800 meters) and rising 443 feet (135 meters) from the heart of bustling Central to the residential Mid-Levels. It offers an easy way to traverse the hilly streets, and to explore an area full of attractions.

Extending from Kowloon’s colonial Clock Tower to Hung Hom, Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is among the best places in the city to take in the spectacular Hong Kong Island skyline across Victoria Harbour, as well as the nightly Symphony of Lights. Popular attractions including the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Hong Kong Cultural Centre all lie within easy walking distance of this waterfront boardwalk.

Hong Kong Island lies in the southern reaches of the Hong Kong region and is home to some of its most popular attractions. Highlights include Victoria Peak, the Central Mid-Levels escalator, Aberdeen, Deep Water Bay, and Stanley Market. The Central and Causeway Bay areas are prime destinations for shopping, eating, and sightseeing. A surprising amount of greenery lies along the mountainous interior, while charming fishing villages, coves, and harbors dot the coastline.

Stanley, a former fishing village on the quiet south side of Hong Kong Bay, has become one of the area’s top destinations for shopping. Its famous open-air market, a maze of streets running down toward the water, is crammed with cut-price clothing, souvenirs, silks, crafts, art, Chinese costume jewelry, and bric-a-brac.

Hong Kong’s trendy SoHo is known for its contrasting architecture and vibrant nightlife, blending natural features, traditional Chinese culture, and colonial design. Popular with locals and internationals alike, the entertainment district offers bars, restaurants, and clubs with a range of cuisine and amusements.