Our 5 Most Recommended Hong Kong Activities

Hong Kong is a vibrant, fast-moving city that will sweep you up like a tsunami.

Get swept up in the diverse mix of people dressed in suits most likely because they are hurrying off to business meetings.  Similarly over wonton soup entrepreneurs forge hundred million dollar deals as commonplace as gamblers betting $1,000 USD on baccarat tables in near-by Macau casinos.  Because it was a former British colony for 156 years, Hong Kong serves as a safe starting place for anyone interested in visiting a more tame and westernized version of Asia.  Although there are hundreds of interesting things to do, we’ve compiled our list of our top 5 favorite Hong Kong activities.

Make sure to see Victoria Harbor at night.  Series of skyscrapers display vibrant lights, contrasting the backdrop of Victoria Peak.  Buildings cover the hill face from top to bottom where they almost touch the harbor below.  From suntanning and shopping to authentic Asian food, Hong Kong offers an abundance to entice almost any traveler.  Here is my list of 5 favorite activities in this seaside metropolis.

Our 5 Most Recommended Hong Kong Activities

#1 in Hong Kong Activities: Ride the Tram Up Victoria Peak

We took the tram to the top of Victoria Peak and shot a multitude of photos of Hong Kong Harbor and skyline.  The steep ride to the top scares some but is worth the views of the diverse landscape. The city is not just all buildings and water – many mountain ranges abound.  Although we didn’t have time to go hiking on this trip, we did enjoy perusing the various shops and tasting some delicacies in the mall at the summit.

#2 in Hong Kong Activities: Eat at the Dim Sum Library

Located in the Pacific Place luxury mall, the Dim Sum Library is a popular lunch spot for busy business people.  We dined here three times in our 5 day trip, each time ordering the Iberian pork dumplings.  Most noteworthy these are the best dumplings I have ever had.   I would go back to Hong Kong just for one order.  All the dim sum dishes were delicious but these pillows of pork yumminess were incredibly good.  Here’s the Dim Sum Library’s website.

#3 in Hong Kong Activities: Ride the Central and Mid-Levels Escalators

The central and mid-levels escalators are a hillside transit system with 20 escalators and 3 inclined moving walkways.   From 6am to 10am the escalators move downwards providing commuters an easy way to get to work since most live on the hill.  Then from 10am onwards they move upwards allowing shoppers and diners to get up the hill (and commuters to return home in the evening).

Flanking these moving walkways are a myriad of interesting shops and restaurants.  As a result we spent hours meandering around, popping in here and there, exploring with no particular intention.  Furthermore some of the more alluring stores are situated near the escalators.

#4 in Hong Kong Activities:  Visit Kowloon’s Flower Market

To get to the flower market we took the 10 minute ferry ride from Hong Kong over to Kowloon to explore its many markets. Kowloon is the shopping, arts and entertainment district in the northern part of the city.  Nestled in the Mong Kok area you’ll find the animated open-air exchange with individual vendors selling fresh cut bouquets, potted plants, seeds and bulbs.  Marvel at the color, variety and smell while your senses are captivated by the beauty.  Once you’re done, venture out to see the stalls selling live snakes or the fresh fish market.

#5 in Hong Kong Activities: Eat Noodles at Mak’s Noodles

Mak’s Noodles is conveniently located in the Mid-Levels escalator area at 77 Wellington Street.  As a result lots of locals flock to feast at Mak’s, which for me is a sign of great food.  (We were the only caucasians!)  We feasted on shrimp and pork dumplings in a delicious noodle broth for the equivalent of $5 USD per person including beverage.  Feel free to read the Wikipedia article about Mak’s Noodles.

I hope you’ve found useful our 5 recommended activities in Hong Kong.  As with any city spend your first day on a hop on and hop off bus if you have time. As a result you develop a good layout of the city which can be essential in trip planning.  Focus your first 2-3 days on the 5 activities listed above.  If you stay longer you may consider a day trip to Macau to visit the casinos and simultaneously get another stamp in your passport.

What are some of your favorite Hong Kong activities?

Please leave your answers in the comments so I can respond!

Happy travels,

Matt Weatherbee