A cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong is home to over 7.5 million people, the highest number of billionaires in Asia, over 200 islands, and the world’s largest number of skyscrapers. Its currency, the Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world. Locals speak the predominant language Cantonese, but English and Mandarin are also widely spoken. Hong Kong is famous for being a global melting pot, a place where both eastern and western cultures co-exist. It is technologically advanced but it has successfully preserved its rich history. And it is a favourite destination among first-time and seasoned travellers alike.
So, what is Hong Kong famous for? Hong Kong is famous for being one of the most bustling, vibrant cities in the world. It’s where skyscrapers meet centuries-old temples. It’s famous for its theme park rides, majestic views, and its dining and shopping experiences.
This comprehensive list compiles all the must-sees, must-tries, and must-haves in Hong Kong — eye-catching landmarks, exciting and educational theme parks, signature Cantonese dishes, and quirky shopping routes.
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Hong Kong is famous for breathtaking sights and iconic landmarks
With its skyscrapers and historic temples, Hong Kong is a multi-faceted city that easily blends the old with the new. It’s packed with amazing sceneries that can be viewed from various angles, unique landmarks with rich histories, and sightseeing spots that will take your breath away. Trying to fit everything in one trip can be exhausting so here’s a list of handpicked attractions that must not be missed.
1. The Peak
Hong Kong is famous for The Peak, also called Victoria Peak, which is the highest hill in Hong Kong Island. The summit is occupied by a radio telecommunications facility and is closed to the public but the public parks, shopping centres, and viewing deck attract about seven million visitors annually. It’s not hard to see why. With an elevation of 552 meters, it gives stunning panoramic views of both Central and Kowloon across Victoria Harbour. Daytime gives you gorgeous views of towering skyscrapers of the city centre, green mountains, and shimmering blue waters, while nighttime gives you dazzling displays of glittering neon lights.
You can take a bus or a taxi to the top but the most popular way of getting up to The Peak is via the century-old Peak Tram, the funicular railway that brings passengers from Central. This historical ride opened in May 1888 and became the first cable funicular in Asia, covering a distance of about 1.4 kilometres. It has witnessed wars, been featured on films and television shows, and carried numerous dignitaries. The ride itself offers good city and harbour views, especially if you pick a good seat.
For the more adventurous, you can take a hike via the picturesque Morning Trail. It starts on Hatton Road near Hong Kong University and ends at the Peak Galleria, which is adjacent to the Peak Tower. Because of the crowds at the Peak Tower, some visitors opt to take in the legendary views at the top deck of the Peak Galleria instead.
Location: The Peak, Central, Hong Kong
2. sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Want to see the best views of Hong Kong from another vantage point? Head over to the International Commerce Center (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong. Take a ride on Hong Kong’s fastest double-deck high-speed elevators to reach the 100th floor in just 60 seconds. Here at 393 metres above sea level, you’ll find the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, the only indoor observation deck in Hong Kong that offers 360-degree unobstructed views of the harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline. You may even get to see Tai Mo Shan, the highest Peak of Hong Kong, on a good day.
For awe-inspiring views, come in time for sunset. Morning is the next best time to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds. ICC is located right in the heart of the city, easily accessible via both public and private transport.
Location: 100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
3. Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong is famous for its harbour views so when you’ve had enough of the bird’s eye views from either The Peak or sky100, hop aboard the Star Ferry to get front-row dual-harbour views.
Founded in 1888 as the Kowloon Ferry Company, the Star Ferry carries thousands of passengers daily. The journey from shore to shore takes less than 10 minutes and a ride costs less than HK$4, making it the fastest and cheapest way to travel between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central or Wan Chai. Don’t let the journey’s length or cost fool you; this ferry trip is leisurely and scenic, with expansive views of Central and Kowloon skylines. At nighttime, you’ll be treated to views of towering buildings and shimmering lights. For postcard-perfect shots, take a ferry ride into Central at sunset or 8pm to catch A Symphony of Lights, a lights-and-sounds show featuring over 40 skyscrapers on the sides of Victoria Harbour.
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
4. Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
After a breezy ride aboard the Star Ferry, hop off and stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Along the way, you’ll pass by the iconic Clock Tower and buildings like the Hong Kong Coliseum, Cultural Centre, and the Museum of Art, until you reach the Avenue of Stars.
Another famous Hong Kong landmark, the Avenue of Stars pays homage to the Hong Kong film industry and its stars, with over 100 handprints and sculptures, including Hong Kong’s biggest names like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, John Woo, Chow Yun Fat, and Maggie Cheung. Reopened in early 2019 after a three-year renovation, the promenade now includes more information about the stars available through QR codes, as well as augmented reality technology for some of the more popular statues.
The waterfront promenade is also one of the best spots to marvel at Hong Kong’s wonderful skyline. From 8pm onwards, the promenade attracts crowds as the Symphony of Lights start lighting up the skies.
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
5. Tian Tian Buddha a.k.a. the Big Buddha
Tian Tian Buddha, better known as the Big Buddha, is one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmarks and the most iconic attraction of Lantau Island.
At 34 metres (112 feet) high above the Po Lin Monastery, it is one of the world’s tallest statues of a seated Buddha. It weights over 250 metric tons and was constructed from 202 bronze pieces. Enthroned on a giant lotus on top of a 3-level base platform, the Buddha can be reached through a 268-step route so be prepared for a moderate hike. The statue was built to symbolise the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. The Buddha’s right hand is raised to represent the removal of affliction, while the left rests open on his lap as a gesture of generosity. Unlike other grand Buddha statues, which always face south, the Big Buddha faces north. Underneath the podium is the Po Lin Monastery, a vast Buddhist complex that also brings a steady stream of visitors.
The easiest and most Instagram-worthy way of reaching the monastery is via the 25-minute ride over the bay and mountains on a Ngong Ping cable car. Book glass-bottom rides for even more spectacular views.
Location: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Plateau, Tung Chung Town, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
6. Man Mo Temple
Hong Kong is also famous for its temples. Built in 1847, Man Mo Temple is one of Hong Kong’s oldest Taoist temples. The temple is dedicated to two gods: Man Cheong, the god of literature; and Mo Tai, the god of war. These deities were worshipped by scholars and students who took civil service examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties. During British rule, this temple also served as a local dispute court during moments of tension between the British colonisers and the Chinese population.
Step inside and be struck by the interiors — ornate granite pillars filled with traditional Chinese motifs, granite doorframes, engraved murals and ceramic figurines abound, and the ceiling adorned with enormous coils of incense burned by worshippers. This well-preserved temple was graded as a Grade I historic building in 1993.
Location: 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
7. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a misnomer. This magnificent temple in the New Territories is technically not a monastery because no monks live here, and it houses far more than 10,000 Buddhas. There are 430 steps leading up to the hill, lined up with life-sized golden Buddha statues, each holding a unique pose and expression. Further up the hill is the main complex (also known as Man Fat Sze), where another 12,000 golden statues will greet you. At the hill’s highest point, you’ll find a reclining stone Buddha above a koi pond and a waterfall cascading behind a tall statue of the Gautama.
Location: 221 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
8. Dragon’s Back Hike
The skyscrapers, the glistening neon lights, and the bustling city centre are all part and parcel of a Hong Kong getaway. But if you’re ready to see the other side of Hong Kong, the Dragon’s Back Hike is recommended.
Dragon’s Back is the most most popular hiking trail in Hong Kong because it is easy to access, easy to complete, and gives magnificent views of the great outdoors. It is the last leg (section 8) and the most scenic part of the Hong Kong Trail. The hike starts at Shek O Road and about 20 minutes into the hike, you’ll find yourself on the Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point overlooking Shek O Beach on the foot of the hill. Shek O Peak gives incredible panoramic views of the peninsula’s coastline. Your uphill climb will take you to the Dragon’s Back Hike Viewing Point, a great spot to view the Tai Tam Bay. If time permits, carry on to the nearby beach, the Big Wave Bay Beach, and get rewarded with shimmering white waves against a backdrop of blue skies.
The 8.5 kilometre-long trail takes anywhere between 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. Some sections can be steep so make sure to wear a sturdy and comfortable pair of hiking shoes.
Location: Shek-O Country Park, Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known for magical amusement parks and fascinating museums
Up for thrilling rides and exotic wildlife? Or does learning about history, culture, and even space fascinate you more? Whether you’re a kid or kid-at-heart eager for an exciting time, or a museum junkie looking to learn more about Hong Kong’s history, you will not be disappointed. Here are famous amusement parks and museums that should be part of your itinerary.
9. Hong Kong Disneyland
Perched on a reclaimed land in Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is one of only three Disney theme parks in Asia. It opened in September 2005, and is more compact compared to its Asian and Western counterparts, but still packs exciting rides and fun attractions where you can unleash your inner child.
Divided into seven lands (Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, and Mystic Point), Hong Kong Disneyland promises adventures, classic stories straight from beloved Disney animations, and exhilarating rides. A lot of the attractions are geared towards younger kids, with family-friendly rides like the Cinderella Carousel; It’s A Small World, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. For leisurely rides, you can opt for the Jungle River Cruise or the Rafts to Tarzan’s Treehouse. For heart-stopping rides, the Hyperspace Mountain is a crowd favourite but you can also head to the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars or the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop. The theme park also opens new rides every couple of years or so, and a Frozen themed land is said to open in 2021.
The daily Main Street parade and the nightly Disney in the Stars fireworks show are not to be missed. The theme park’s cast members speak Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, so language barrier will not be a problem. Guide maps are also printed in traditional and simplified Chinese as well as English.
Location: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
10. Ocean Park Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s original amusement park (and arguably the most popular one) is a cross between a theme park and a marine park zoo. Opened in 1977, twenty-eight years before Disneyland came to town, it sits over a mountain on the southern district of Hong Kong. Covering an area of 91.5 hectares (226 acres), the park is divided into two halves: Waterland (lowland) and Summit (headland), with 1.5-kilometre cable car system and the Ocean Express funicular railway linking the two. It’s so vast that it’s hard to cover the whole park in just one day. It’s well worth trying though.
Combining rollercoasters with exotic wildlife, Ocean Park is both thrilling and educational. If suspenseful rides are your thing, Ocean Park’s four rollercoasters (Hair Raiser, Raging River, The Dragon, and the Mine Train) got you covered. The Rapids and Ferris Wheel are also worth checking out.
An array of animal exhibits will amaze you, including the Polar Adventure where you can encounter penguins, sea lions, seals, and arctic foxes; and the Grand Aquarium which features the world’s largest aquarium dome and holds around 5,000 fishes from over 400 species. The Amazing Asian Animals that houses two rare giant pandas (Ying Ying and Le Le), as well as rare red pandas, should not be missed.
Need to refuel after all those heart-racing rides and exciting meet-and-greet with the animals? Grab a bite at one of the restaurants at Summit (Cafe Ocean, The Terrace Cafe, or The Bayview Restaurant) where you can eat while taking in stunning views of the ocean and islands below.
Location: 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
11. Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Established in 2000, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is part of the wax museum chain founded by French wax sculptor Marie Tussaud. It is the first Madame Tussauds in Asia and houses over 100 wax figures of internationally known personalities, a third of which are Asian stars. The wax figures are featured in themed interactive exhibits such as Hong Kong Glamour, K-wave Zone, Music Icons, Kung Fu Zone, and The Champions, among others.
Feel free to strike a pose with life-like wax figures of Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Princess Diana, David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Tiger Woods, The Beatles, and even Marie Tussaud herself. Recent additions include Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson, Hong Kong rapper and K-pop star and Hong KongJackson Wang, Ariana Grande, and Pia Wurtzbach.
Location: Shop P101, 128 Peak Road, Peak Tower, The Peak, Hong Kong
12. Hong Kong Museum of History
Hong Kong is famous for being Asia’s world city, a social and economic force. Ever wonder what life was like before all the globalisation and technological advancements that shaped modern Hong Kong? Here at the Hong Kong Museum of History, you can travel through time and see a history lesson like no other.
Hong Kong’s rich history and cultural heritage are well documented in this museum. A mind-blowing 400 million years’ worth of history is available for exploration here. The main attraction is a permanent display called the Hong Kong Story, which consists of eight impressive galleries that take you on a fascinating journey from pre-historic Hong Kong to the Opium Wars to the Japanese occupation to British rule to the 1997 handover to China. There are over 4,000 exhibits, with archaeology and local history collections of over 70,000 items, giving visitors plenty to observe and learn. Life-sized, interactive exhibits, and well-recreated replicas of natural environments, folk culture and historical settings give you a vivid picture of Hong Kong’s colourful past.
Location: 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
13. Hong Kong Space Museum
After engrossing yourself with Hong Kong’s stories from the past, why not take a trip into the future? The Hong Kong Space Museum is the city’s first planetarium and is located just a short walk away from the Hong Kong Museum of History so you can explore both museums in one day. It’s easy to spot this museum on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront because of its enormous egg-shaped dome (that also earned the nickname “pineapple bun”).
This astronomy and space science museum opened in 1980 and currently features two permanent exhibitions — the “Hall of Cosmos” and “Hall of Space Exploration.” With over a hundred exhibits of which about 70 percent are interactive displays, space and science enthusiasts are given opportunities to explore virtual galaxies on a surfboard, experience space flight, and witness space technology and gadgetry in action. The theatre dome, which accounts for half of the Hong Kong Space Museum, allows visitors to watch documentary screenings under the curved ceiling of the planetarium.
Location: 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Hong Kong is famous for gastronomic delights
Famished after all the exploration and sightseeing? You’re in luck because Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers. From street food to budget eats to Michelin-starred meals, this city offers around 15,000 restaurants — one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world. The wide array of choices will spoil you but it can also be a bit overwhelming for the uninitiated. To help you trim down your choices, here’s a list of must-try foods in Hong Kong and where to find them.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong Street Food & Cheap Eats
14. Dim sum
What’s a Hong Kong trip without dim sum? This Cantonese classic is one of, if not the most, famous foods in Hong Kong. Traditionally served in bamboo steamer baskets, must-try dim sums include har gao (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (roast pork buns), siu mai (pork dumplings), xiao long bao (meat or seafood dumplings with broth inside), and wu gok (taro dumplings). It is common to eat these bite-sized dishes with tea, following a Cantonese tradition called yum cha (literally “drink tea”), which is why dim sum is often served at teahouses.
Where to get your dim sum fix:
Tim Ho Wan
Once known as the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world, this Hong Kong classic serves top-quality, freshly prepared, and affordable dim sum, including the world-famous char siu baos.
Location: multiple locations across Hong Kong
Lin Heung Tea House
Sample a taste of an older Hong Kong at Lin Heung Teahouse. This old-timer dates back to 1928 and is known as the granddaddy of dim sum joints. Dim sum is served from traditional carts and as soon as servers come out of the kitchen, customers will come waving order sheets, so you may not get all the dim sum dishes you wanted to try if you’re not aggressive enough.
Location: 160-164 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Mott 32
For dim sum in style, Mott 32 is the place to be, where classic dim sum recipes are given high-end contemporary twists. The Barbecue Pluma Iberico Pork with Yellow Mountain Honey (limited daily) and Soft Quail Egg, Iberico Pork, and Black Truffle Siu Mai are not to be missed.
Location: Basement, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4a Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
15. Siu mei (roasted meat)
Hong Kong is famous for roasted meat or siu mei. Hong Kong-style roasted meat is a staple in Cantonese cuisine. These succulent, juicy meats are roasted to perfection and served with special spices and sauces, over steaming hot rice and a side of veggies. Typical varieties include char siu (barbecued pork), siu ngo (roasted goose), siu app (roasted duck), siu yuk (roasted pork belly), and si yao gai (soy sauce chicken). You can easily spot a siu mei restaurant by their displays of large meat slices and even whole chickens and ducks hanging by the storefront.
Where to find siu mei:
Yat Lok
This Michelin-starred restaurant is famous for its roast goose drumstick over rice and for rendering the late chef and television host Anthony Bourdain speechless.
Location: G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
Chop Chop
For charred but tender roasted pork belly char siu served with fried egg and rice, head over to Chop Chop. Chef Dai Lung, the creator of this dish is regarded as one of Hong Kong’s top four Cantonese chefs.
Location: Shop 3, G/F, 18 Wang On Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Joy Hing Roasted Meat
This crowd-pleaser is famous for its char siu, lean with a hint of sweetness and served with a secret sauce. If you want to sample different types of siu mei, order the Three Treasure rice which features char siu, roast duck, and roast chicken sitting on a mound of steamed white rice.
Location: Block C, G/F, 265-267 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
16. Beef Brisket Noodles
Visiting Hong Kong in winter? A steaming bowl of tender braised brisket chunks with springy or chewy noodles drenched in flavourful beef bone broth would be perfect. But even on regular days, beef brisket noodles spiced up with a variety of Chinese herbs and spices should not be missed when in Hong Kong.
Where to find slurp-worthy beef brisket noodles:
Kau Kee Restaurant
Opened more than 90 years ago, this quintessential Chinese noodle joint is known for two specialties — beef brisket noodles and beef tendon curry noodles. If you can only visit one restaurant for beef brisket noodles, it has to be here.
Location: 21 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong
Supreme Beef Brisket Soup
Supreme’s signature beef brisket noodles features juicy lean meat mixed with chunks of white radishes soaked in savoury clear broth and sprinkled with scallions. Open until midnight, it’s a favourite among night owls.
Location: Shop C, Wing Shing Bldg, 30-40 Temple St, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
17. Claypot rice
Like other neighboring Asian countries, Hong Kong is famous for its rice meals. Another winter comfort food, claypot rice or bao zai fan is Chinese-style rice cooked (or scorched) and served in, you guessed it, a clay pot topped with a variety of cured meat like chicken, pork, duck, Chinese sausage and vegetables. The pots are slow-cooked over a gas or charcoal stove, letting savoury juices from the meats drip on the rice while a layer of crunchy, charred rice is formed at the bottom of the pot. Mixed together and splashed with a sauce mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and pepper, this dish is truly worth indulging in.
Where to get claypot rice:
Four Seasons Claypot Rice
With over 30 claypot options, this no-frills claypot rice joint offers traditional toppings like chicken, pork chop, sausage, and beef. Feeling adventurous? Go for house specialties such as duck feet, eel and frog. Be prepared to queue; this 30-year-old establishment is a favourite among travellers and locals alike.
Location: 46-58 Arthur Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Hing Kee Claypot Rice
This neighbourhood institution spreads across two streets and six separate branches around Temple Street so you can get a seat without queueing. Hing Kee, like Four Seasons, is one of the few claypot restaurants that still use charcoal stoves instead of gas stoves. With over 70 options from classic to innovative, all at considerably lower prices than other restaurants, there’s something for everyone here. The chicken claypot rice with Chinese mushrooms is recommended.
Location: 12 – 19 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
18. Pineapple Bun
Locally known as bor lor bao, a pineapple bun is sweet, fluffy, crumbly pastry commonly served in bakeries and cha chaan tengs (teahouses). Despite the name, the bun contains no pineapple. What it has instead is a golden brown, crusty top which resembles a pineapple, hence the name.
The pastry is so ubiquitous and iconic that in 2014, the Hong Kong government listed the bun as one of 480 items in the city’s “living cultural heritage.” One bite of this Hong Kong staple and you’ll understand why it’s so loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s firm on the outside, sweet and crunchy, while soft on the inside. Other variants include pineapple buns with a slab of butter on the inside, and pineapple buns filled with shredded coconut, custard cream, or red bean paste.
Where to get the best pineapple buns:
Kam Wah Café & Bakery
Established in 1973, Kam Wah Cafe is one of the most popular cafes serving pineapple buns. Their pineapple buns have beautiful golden brown crusts, but soft and light inside. The buttered variant is a crowd favourite as the slightly salty butter contrasts with the crunchy sweet top.
Location: G/F, 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Kam Fung Cafe
This local institution dates back to 1957 and is known for its excellent milk tea, egg tarts, and pineapple buns. Not only are the buns fresh and soft inside, it also stays moist even after being left out for some time.
Location: 41 Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
19. Egg Waffles
Made from a batter of egg, wheat flour, evaporated milk, and sugar, egg waffle, or gai daan jai in Cantonese, is one of the famous street snacks in Hong Kong. You’ll immediately recognise the sweet eggy smell as you wander the city streets. Egg waffles are crisp on one side and soft on the other. A piece can have around 20 to 35 small round balls which can be torn from the waffle, making it ideal for sharing. Usually served hot and eaten plain, modern stalls serve it flavoured variants like matcha egg waffles, chocolate egg waffles, and sometimes even topped with scoops of ice cream.
You can easily find a street stall selling egg waffles anywhere in Hong Kong but here are a couple of famous places to get these egg-cellent street snack:
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles
What started out as a hole-in-the-wall in North Point is now a Michelin-starred establishment. The egg waffles here are deliciously puffy and crispy, feather light with a chewy inside. Don’t expect fancy flavors; Lee Keung Kee only specialises in the classic flavour mastered to perfection.
Location: 492 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Oddies Foodies
Oddies pioneered the egg waffle and soft serve ice cream combo, a favourite among the younger crowd. Not only can you choose egg waffle variants (ranging from classic to apple pie and vanilla pudding to meat floss), you can also choose your ice cream flavour and toppings.
Location: 45 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong
20. Egg Tarts
Dan ta, or egg tarts, are made of buttery, crisp, and flaky tart shells with silky smooth egg custard filling. Originally invented in Lisbon, Portugal, egg tarts were adopted in Guangzhou and spread to Hong Kong and Macau. The Hong Kong and Macau versions were altered though, notably lighter than the original Portuguese egg tarts.
Where to get these eggy delights:
Lord Stow’s Bakery
Ask any egg tart fan for egg tart recommendations and Lord Stow’s will likely be on the list. The first Lord Stow’s bakery opened on Coloane Island in Macau 31 years ago and became famous for its signature black patches of brulee’d sugar atop its egg custard. The sole store in Hong Kong used to be at EXpresso, a small cafe at the Excelsior. This store had already closed but the egg tarts are available until December 31, 2020 at the Mandarin Cake Shop at the Mandarin Oriental.
Location: Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
KFC
Yes, you read it right. The fried chicken experts also serve up great egg tarts. Which isn’t surprising at all once you find out that they use the authentic recipe from Margaret Wong, Andrew “Lord” Stow’s ex-wife. She and Andrew had perfected this recipe over the years and Margaret went on to establish her own shop, Café e Nata, after their divorce. In 1999, KFC bought the recipe from Margaret.
Location: multiple locations across Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as shoppers’ paradise
You’ve explored your way through Hong Kong’s dazzling sights and attractions, and you’ve taken your taste buds on a delicious tour. Now, it’s time to cap off your trip with retail therapy. With streets dotted with boutiques, retail outlets, malls, this shopping mecca gives you a variety of options for different budgets, whether you’re looking to reward yourself or share souvenirs with friends and family back home. Here are some of the best areas to shop in Hong Kong to get your money’s worth.
21. Temple Street Night Market
Hong Kong is famous for its markets and Temple Street Night Market is a favorite both among tourists and locals. As its name suggests, this famous night market is situated in Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. When the sun goes down, more than a hundred stalls pop up in this 600-meter street, and tourists start flocking to buy various goods at relatively low prices including clothes, embroidered Chinese jackets, shoes, socks, bags, watches, and electronic gadgets. Standard souvenir items like handicrafts, tea sets, chopsticks, those ubiquitous I love H.K. shirts, and even antiques are present. Knock offs are aplenty, and most of the goods are of the same designs and quality so your goal is to find the best bargains to get the most bang for your buck.
The street market starts at 2pm with few stalls but becomes busier at dusk. The best time to join in on the lively atmosphere is from 8pm onwards. Even if you’re not shopping, you can still have fun soaking up the buzzing vibe by checking out street performances, mouthwatering street foods, fortune tellers offering palm readings, face readings, and tarot cards; and ear-splitting Cantonese karaoke.
Location: Temple Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
22. Mongkok Ladies Market
Probably the most famous street market in Hong Kong, Ladies Market in Tung Choi Street, Mongkok is a great destination for bargain hunters. Ladies Market got its name for selling mainly feminine goods in the past but it’s no longer the case. With more than 100 stores, you can score great deals on just about anything — shoes, watches, clothing, bags, cosmetics, toys, housewares, Chinese teas, trinkets, and souvenirs. You can also easily take a break from shopping and grab snacks at street side food stalls scattered in the area.
The place is notorious for counterfeits of branded apparel and bags, which you’ll easily recognise based on the cheap prices. But these bargains are also what keep people drawn to this market. It gets even cheaper if you buy in bulk. It’s also near Fa Yuen Street (sneaker street) so you can complete your OOTD by squeezing both markets in one trip.
Ladies Market open earlier than Temple Street, at 12nn, so you can get more shopping (and eating) done here. The market is bustling at nighttime but also way more crowded.
Location: Tung Choi Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong
23. Causeway Bay
If global designer brands and luxury stores are what you’re after, there’s probably no better place than Causeway Bay. This pulsing retail heart of Hong Kong is a maze of swanky malls, high-end department stores, hip boutiques, and even street markets.
For big international brands, the best shopping malls to visit are SOGO, Hong Kong’s biggest department store that’s spread out over thirteen floors; Times Square, one of the biggest malls in Hong Kong that houses over 200 specialty stores ranging from luxury to mid-range products; Lee Garden One and Two, a pair of relatively small, high-end malls that house many luxury stores, including one of two Hong Kong Apple stores and fashion retailers like Fendi, Gucci and Hermes; and Fashion Walk, a shopping complex spanning four streets and featuring well known brands such as Alexander McQueen and Armani, as well as local fashion designers. Luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Cartier also have stand-alone shops. For bargain-priced goods, head to Jardine’s Bazaar and Jardine’s Crescent.
This highly commercial neighbourhood is always buzzing, filled with on-the-go locals and tourists at busy intersections like the Yee Woo Street, a classic example of bustling Hong Kong. Even if you’re not out to shop ’til you drop, this atmosphere is worth seeing and experiencing for yourself.
Location: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
24. Hollywood Road
One of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, Hollywood Road is where eastern and western cultures collide. Don’t be fooled by the name; unlike the Avenue of Stars, this street has nothing to do with Hollywood. Hollywood Road was put up early in 1844, way before the more famous Hollywood in California was settled. It is said that holly shrubs were growing in the area when the road was constructed, thus the name.
Art savvy shoppers and antique lovers will surely enjoy hunting for artworks, artifacts, and ancient treasures while strolling along the mural-laden neighbourhood. The road is lined with art, design, and photography galleries, mostly featuring contemporary Chinese art from legendary and world-class artists like the late Wu Guangzhong, Fernando Botero, Zao Wou-ki, and Karin Weber. Just a short walk off of Hollywood Road, PMQ (formerly Police Married Quarters) at Aberdeen Street houses works by promising young artists and designers in Hong Kong. Most of Hong Kong’s antique shops are also concentrated in Hollywood Road. Look for Chinese style furniture, scroll paintings, porcelain and ceramics from the past 1000 years, phonographs, watches, silk garments, and kitschy curios.
Location: Hollywood Road, Central / Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Also Read: Hong Kong on a Budget: 12 Travel Tips to Save You Money
Armed with this extensive list, you have the answer to your question: what is Hong Kong known for? You’re now more than ready to take that trip to the endlessly fascinating destination that is Hong Kong. Enjoy!
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