10 Places You Absolutely Cannot Miss When Visiting Hong Kong (2019)

Hong Kong, whose name literally translates to ‘fragrant harbour’ in Mandarin has a very enticing fragrance in the modern world: the smell of financial success, and of money. It ranks among the top five on the Global Financial Centres Index, standing alongside London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore, and the other financial global powerhouses.

One of the countries with the highest consumption of tea in the world, it also has approximately 8,000 skyscrapers with an average of at least 14 floors per building, which speaks volumes of the advancement of its infrastructure and gives the city its famous skyline.

Super swank tall buildings aside, there is a lot more to Hong Kong. The city’s light and sound show Symphony of Lights, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent light and sound performance, is one of the many attractions in Hong Kong listed in this article.

In addition to the absence of pesky visas and the status of its international airport as one of the world's top 10 in terms of service and security, Hong Kong also has many entertaining attractions, such as Madame Tussauds and Disneyland. For those of you who like shopping, there is K-11, the Hong Kong Art Mall with stores that cater to every need and taste, besides a host of other malls as well.

When travelling abroad language is often a concern, but you do not have to worry about communication problems in Hong Kong. Cantonese and English are both spoken prominently there and all the signboards are English. The residents too speak the language well so you will not have problems getting around or asking for help. A top notch public transport system as well easy availability of accommodation are two other reasons why Hong Kong offers tourists a safe and enjoyable experience.

A trip to the megapolis is incomplete without paying a visit to some of the many high rises that characterize it, such as the roof top of the Two IFC tower, the roof top garden at IPC Mall, and Sky100 Hongkong Observation Deck, the city’s highest indoor observation deck that gives you a view of Hong Kong Island, and places such as Kowloon besides the mountains and of the surrounding sea.

In addition to Madame Tussauds, there is also Avenue of The Stars in the Tsim Sha Tshui area to take pictures and get signature prints of famous artists like Jackie Chan.

If you enjoy history you can also visit Hong Kong Museum of History. Schedule a trip on a Wednesday when entry is free. Go for the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail to see the history of the Tang Dynasty. There are various temples that are worth paying a visit to but note than most are suited to visit on foot.

There is so much to see and do here that makes Hong Kong suitable for not just adult tourists but also children and adolescents.

Contrary to the media’s portrayal of Hong Kong as a triad (transnational organised crime syndicate) den, facts on the ground show Hong Kong as a country with a low crime rate. The UN ranks it as third lowest in terms of murder and drug cases and sixth on the list of 10 safest countries for female travellers.

Hong Kong with a population of about 7 million people also has its own Consulate in 127-129 Leighton Road, 6-8 Keswick Street, Causeway Bay to deal with the loss of important documents, such as passports, ATM cards, and the like. All of this only goes into making Hong Kong a safe tourist destination for all.

Hong Kong is a city whose citizens are predominantly ethnic Chinese and that would intimidate many tourists into thinking they will have trouble communicating during their visit, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As a former British colony, the English language is steeped in its history and culture.

While Cantonese is a prominent language even on the signage, signposts bear English as well. Tourist attractions all have signboards in English for the ease of travellers.

From the moment you get off the ferry at Honk Kong, you will be struck by the variety of shopping centres dotting the city. If you were under the impressions shopping in the city is only about the malls, think again. There are umpteen markets that sell everything from t-shirts, to toys, electronic goods, and various curious and souvenirs exclusive to Hong Kong at cheap prices. Some markets you absolutely must visit are Ladies Market in Mong Kok and Street Market around Kowloon or Nathan Road.

For those of you who like to buy high-end goods, you can stop by Causeway Bay at Hongkong Island that sells branded clothes like Sogo, Giordano, and many others at affordable prices.

When planning for your trip you need to do more than pack your favourite clothes and scout for all the popular tourist destinations. Check the weather for one. Hong Kong has a wet, humid summer and dry winters so you may want to check beforehand and prepare accordingly. Also remember to tuck in a map which will keep you from getting lost while hunting down tourist attractions.

Wet wipes can also be your best friend when you need to visit the toilet as Hong Kong mostly has dry toilets. In addition, you will have to keep in mind the local discipline; the locals are sticklers for proper etiquette especially when it comes to waiting in line for your turn, standing on one side of the escalator to give room to people who want to move ahead , and refrain from eating and drinking when in certain places or inside vehicles.

Not only are most of the toilets in Hong Kong in general dry, toilets in various places, especially in tourist areas, generally do not provide tissues either. Wet tissues then become more than just a convenience and you would do well to keep some with you at all times. Even otherwise they are very useful for quick and easy cleaning.

It’s not only for women, male tourists will also benefit from keeping wet wipes handy. Given the humid weather at times, you will need a fuss free way to clean yourself while staying out all day shopping and visiting tourist destinations. While in Hong Kong you will surely want to sample the local cuisine at roadside stalls and wet tissues are a great way to clean up after a scrumptious meal.

In general, Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with 4 different seasons, namely spring, summer, autumn, and winter. According to BP-Guide’s observations, the most popular time for tourists to visit Hong Kong is in the winter, ie between September to February.

Since the temperature can reach minus 10 degrees Celsius in winter in Hong Kong, you will need to bring a jacket, polyester shirts, gloves, hats, and insulated footwear which can keep your feet from getting cold. Depending on how cold it will be during your stay, you may want to throw in a special night time moisturizer and some lotion to keep your skin from drying in the cold air. Pack a lightweight shawl or blanket which you can use at night if you are not accustomed to the cold.

Be aware of and follow the local discipline not only in public places but also in the MTR or Mass Transit Railway. You should get yourself accustomed to queuing orderly while traveling in Hong Kong, especially in public areas such as bus stops, elevators, escalators, or travelators.

The general rule is to stand on the right side on escalators or elevators when not in a hurry, but if you are in a rush and need to move ahead then use the left side. If you are getting very late in getting somewhere it is perfectly fine to run but do so carefully, and on the correct side. Do not expect people to disrupt the system and get out of your way, or worse, push them. These points are important to note not just for correct etiquette but also for the sake of safety. When on public transport do not hesitate to give up your seat to the elderly or those who need a seat, this is common courtesy which applies wherever you go.

It goes without saying but a map is mandatory when travelling to any new place. You can always ask for help with directions but it is your quick guide to your location and the roads. The last thing you want is to be lost and waste time finding your way. There are plenty of maps integrated with apps, such as Google Maps which are very useful.

However, BP-Guide advises you to bring along a printed map as well. It makes it easier to ask for help when lost. Map indexes on printed maps are designed specifically for tourism purposes and make it easier for you to read them and find your way to your chosen tourist attractions.

There are always new and unique things in Hong Kong for the tourists. Various shopping centers, temples, different buildings with unique architectural styles, parks, and landscapes on land and at sea, all of which have been listed below in this BP-Guide article.

To facilitate you in creating your own Hong Kong tourist itinerary, BP-Guide also provides information about the uniqueness of each place we have listed so you will have no trouble deciding which places you want to visit most.

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on the MTR Disneyland Resort Line from Sunny Bay Station. It is a spectacular amusement park spread over an area of 126 hectares. Because the park is open from 9:00 to 18:00 on Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holiday, and it offers a variety of attractions, it would be a pity if you missed this.

For example, Main Street USA is an entrance into the park that features a mixture of American and Chinese cultures, Tomorrowland is alien nuanced and decorated with stars that make it appear futuristic, and in Fantasyland you can take your little one to meet various Disney characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, and many others.

There are so many interesting rides in this Disneyland, one of only three in Asia, the others being Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland Resort that you are bound to get restless while standing in line, awaiting your turn to get in.

If you are impatient to get in you can use the Fast Pass available at the Hong Kong Disneyland premises for a fast queue. The entrance fee to Hong Kong Disneyland are priced starting at HK$619 for adults (age 12 – 65 years) and HK$458 for children aged 3-11; senior citizens (above age 65 years) are charged HK$100. That roughly translates to Rs.5,000 for adults, Rs.3,700 for children and Rs.800 for senior citizens.

To make commuting easy you could look at seeking accommodation or lodging in the nearby Hong Kong or Kowloon area. Staying within easy access of the park will also cut down travel costs.

Madame Tussauds Museum, run by The Peak and located in Peak Tower, Victoria Peak, is the perfect place to fulfil your dream of taking pictures with famous people from around the world, both living and dead.

Initiated by Marie Tussaud of France, the statues in the museum are made of wax but the likeness to the living people they represent is striking. The life-sized statues have the exact same height and physical features of the people they represent. The Museum is open every day from 10:00 until 22:00 hours.

In addition to sculptures of local artists such as Jay Chou and Michelle Yeoh, you can also take pictures with statues of Ir. Soekarno, Indonesia's first president. The Museum can be accessed from Central via bus route number 15, 15B, 15C, minibus route number 1, and Peak Tram.

The museum promises an unforgettable photography experience with scenes depicted from Hong Kong’s glamorous locations, music Icons, historical and national heroes, movie and sports stars and other famous people. Tickets are priced starting from Rs.2,275 for adults (aged 12-65 years), Rs.1,750 for children (aged 3-11 years) and senior citizens (aged above 65 years).

You are required to purchase tickets in the form of e-tickets if you want to enter Madam Tussaud Museum. If you get hungry in the middle of your museum tour or realise you are starving after you finish looking at all the statues, you can also stop by The Peak Lookout restaurant, New York Fries, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company located near Madam Tussaud Museum.

The most lively market in the Hong Kong area is Temple Street Night Market and it is located along Man Ming Lane to the south of Nanking Street.

Frequented by tourists looking for good bargains on flash disks, watches and clothes, Temple Street Night Market located in Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon and adjacent to Exit C MTR Yau Ma Tei Station is also a shopping paradise for cheap cookware, electronic items, and unique culinary products.

The night market looks like a scene straight out of the movie The God of Cookery Stephen Chow. It is open from 14.00 to 1.00 the next day. Nevertheless, the BP-Guide’s advice is to visit as early as 6:00 pm, because it is about this time that most booths are open and the market gets its festive vibe. The crowds also start building so you get the true vibe of the night market.

Carry enough money when goin shopping at Temple Street Night Market. To access this market, BP-Guide recommends using MTR via Exit A, B1, or C2 Jordan Station, or Exit A Pilkeem Street Station. You can also take a bus and get off at Temple Street Jordan or Shanghai Street stop, which is as convenient as taking the MTR.

A wide variety of lively attractions such as live performers, circus, or street photography, as well as a sea of people milling about in the surrounding area makes Mong Kok one never-ending market. One of Mong Kok's mainstays is the Ladies Market on Tung Choi Street east of Nathan Road, where you can buy a variety of clothes, accessories, and cosmetics for women.

There is also Langham Place at 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon which is open every 11 AM to 11 PM with HK Seibu, its famous department store, to satisfy those of you who want to shop with air conditioning in Mong Kok area. When you shop in any area in Mong Kok, avoid carrying too much money.

This is because local traders become suspicious. Additionally, the Hong Kong government has also warned people to be careful with tourists who flash large amounts of cash. You are also advised to bargain for up to a fifth of the asking price at the shopping center in Mong Kok area which can be accessed via Exit A1 to B2 and E1 to E2 on this TST MTR.

The Stanley area is a posh residential area in Hong Kong. Therefore, it is not surprising that tourist attractions here are clean and the surroundings aesthetically done up. Take for example Stanley Market and Stanley Beach which are located at Stanley Street and Stanley Market Road Stanley.

Paintings of Hong Kong, cheongsams for children, and clothing and accessories for adults from many well-known Japanese brands at affordable prices but limited choices, are the champions of this which lies alongside a scenic coastline.

In addition, there are shops selling Indonesian goods in the vicinity of Stanley Market and Stanley Beach which makes you feel like you have landed in Jakarta. There are many bus options that you can choose to access Stanley Market and Stanley Beach. However, the BP-Guide recommends taking the 6X bus which runs every day from 6.50 to 20.00 and has additional services with different timings for each access route.

For the Exchange Square route bus number 6X opens at 7:00 and 8.20, while the Stanley route via the same numbered bus is open every day from 17.30 to 18.30. In order to get the full experience of shopping at Stanley Market and Stanley Beach, we recommend you there by bus (buses are available Monday to Saturday).

The Hong Kong Ocean Park area, or Ocean Park, consists of two unique parts, the top which has a jellyfish aquarium, seals and a variety of fun games including a roller coaster; and a lower area that has the Grand Aquarium, Panda Village, and Hong Kong Area.

In the amusement park, which has been built around the concept of a family educational tour, tourists also have the opportunity to see the Symbio fountain, the first of its kind 360-degree fountain with special effects of laser, explosions, and fireworks. The free cable car service can be accessed at the tourist area located behind the hill and directly connected with MTR Admiralty to get here.

The Ocean Park area is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Mondays to Fridays and 10 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. You can also get there by bus number 629. The ticket prices range from Rs.1,950 for children (aged 3 to 11 years) up to Rs.3,900 for adults (aged 12 years and above). The admission gate at Ocean Park only accepts e-ticket so book your tickets before you get there.

The Peak Tower, also known as The Peak or The Victorian Peak, began to soar began to soar in popularity as a tourist destination after it was featured in the Jackie Chan movie, Rush Hour II. The wok-shaped building with a height of approximately 552 m above sea level is located at Mid Levels. It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding islands and mountains from a spectacular 180 degree angle.

The unique shape of The Peak Tower adds a new dimension to the experience of viewing the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong. There are various ways to reach The Peak Tower, for example by Peak Tram, taxi, or bus number 15 majors The Peak Terminus, at a price of about Rs.150.

Use the opportunity to experience a ride in an authentic Chinese rickshaw. You will see an old rickshaw puller with his rickshaw giving rides around the building. Take in the sight and even a ride as this is the last rickshaw puller in Hong Kong! He carries on his trade, even as a tourist attraction, earning him the attention of over 6.9 million tourists each year. Another thing you need to keep in mind - visit the toilet before you go there because it is not easy to access one at The Peak Tower.

The reputation of Lan Kwai Fong as a lively entertainment area in Hong Kong city comes from Lan Kwai Fong being a tourist destination that is never deserted, not even on Halloween or during New Year celebrations.

Starting from Disco Disco and Club 97 in 1980, Lan Kwai Fong has been transformed into a vibrant clubbing, dancing, eating and drinking venue with over 100 different bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs surrounded by skyscrapers.

The place is abbreviated with LKF and is located in a small street in the Central area near Theater Lane and D'Aguilar Street. It also offers a variety of beer and cocktails with prices ranging from around Rs.300 to Rs.1,000.

It's not hard to find this place. You just ride the MTR Exit D2 Central and walk for about 5 minutes. You can also take a bus number 12M, 13, or 40M to visit here.

Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to visit Lan Kwai Fong, given the many staged shows, and the dinner scene is more lively than on any other day.

Not only does it have a reputation as a busy park, Victoria Park is also on the list of places one must visit places when visiting Hong Kong. It has a strong Indonesian atmosphere. Indonesian workers speaking a multitude of Indonesian dialects, such as Java, Sunda, Sasak Lombok, Samawa Sumbawa, and others, throng the area dressed in their indigenous clothes.

Stop for a chat with the workers, or you will see them playing tennis, basketball, jogging, or practicing martial arts at a spot located in Causeway Bay, which is a part of the Wan Chai District.

You can get to Victoria Park through dozens of bus or trams, all of which take different routes to get there. Tourists can also take the MTR Causeway Bay or Tin Hau Station to reach there if you arrive here during a special occasion as this place will be even more crowded then.

Examples of the bustling events around Victoria Park are the Hong Kong Flower Show on Lunar New Year and City Forum which is usually held on Sundays. In addition to Sunday, Saturday is also a good day for those of you who want to visit Victoria Park. But remember that on Saturday too Victoria Park also remains crowded.

As the name suggests, the famous Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is located on the 100th floor of the world’s fourth tallest building, International Commerce Centre (ICC), right behind Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101 and Shanghai World Financial Tower. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong occupies the top 17 floors (from 102 to 118) of this building, above the Observation Deck, making it the world’s highest hotel. As fantastic as these numbers are, bring your attention back to the 100th floor and the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck which provides a spectacular 360 degrees view of the city.

Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is located at 100 / F, ICC Tower, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon. To get there one must take an elevator that can go up to floor number 100 within 60 seconds.

One would think soaring up to those dizzying heights was enough, but the indoor observation deck promotes the spirit and creativity of the local community and offers not just a spectacular day view but an equally scintillating view of the night sky. Get there at 17.00 and watch the city light up like nothing you have seen before.

Given the popularity of Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck with tourists, the management of this building has taken steps to make their visit more memorable with attractions such as Sky-High Fun Mirror and Sky-High 3D Hong Kong Street.

There are also a number of free workshops to complement your summer vacation as well as stimulate creativity while on holiday. Access to the entrance of this building is directly connected to Elements Mall, Level 2 (Metal Zone) and accessible via Exit C1 or D1 MTR Kowloon Station.

Ticket prices alone ranges from Rs.1,400 per adult or Rs.3,600 for 2 adults and 1 child package. When you arrive at the top and want to take photographs as souvenirs, it will incur an additional charge of Rs.900.