What to see in Hong Kong 2026: a complete self-guided itinerary with restaurants

Are you looking for What to see in Hong KongThis Asian metropolis where East and West merge is one of the most fascinating cities in the world and one of our favorites! Neon lights, unique architecture, night markets, century-old trams, temples steeped in history, and some of the best cuisine in China.We visited in 2014 and just returned in 2026 as part of our second trip through China. We'll tell you all about our experience and logistics. travel to Hong Kong independentlyYou'll find the video of our last trip at the end! 🎬

To make it easier for you to read, below is an interactive index with all the key points of this Hong Kong guide:

What to see in Hong Kong: the 10 must-sees

Hong Kong can be overwhelming at first glance, so we've organized the places to see in Hong Kong by priority so that, if you're short on time, you know what you can't skip. With 2 full days You can see the essentials; with 3 or more, you really start to get into their neighborhoods.

1) Victoria Peak: the best views of Hong Kong

Boarding the Victoria peak It's one of the must-do things in Hong Kong, ideally at sunset to see it all: first in daylight and then illuminated. The most iconic way to get there is by PeakTramThe most famous funicular in Asia, which climbs almost vertically up the hillside with incredible views during the ride. Once at the top, the views of Hong Kong skyline They're some of the most spectacular in the world: skyscrapers packed tightly together by the sea, with green hills in the background. The queues can be long, so we recommend... Buy Peak Tram tickets in advance here to save time. We We decided to go up by tram and down on foot (it took us approximately half an hour and it's 2,5 km). To get a good view up there, go to free viewing point Victoria Peak's Lions Pavilion.

2) Walk of Fame and the light show over Victoria Harbour

El Walk of StarsIn Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon), it's one of those places you have to see both day and night. By day, you can enjoy the views of Hong Kong Island across the bay and take the iconic photo with Bruce Lee or put your hand on Jackie Chan's.

At night, to see the "Symphony of Lights" light show over Victoria Harbour, which takes place every day at 20:00 pm and illuminates the skyscrapers across the water with synchronized music. It's free and one of the most breathtaking sights in the city. Arrive early to get a good spot.

Right in the same area as Tsim Sha Tsui is the K11 Museum, an luxury shopping center with art installations integrated throughout its architecture. If you like art and have some time, it's worth a visit; it's a very different experience from any conventional shopping mall.

3) Cross on the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island

After Walk of FameYes, the natural thing to do is to cross the bay in the Star ferryThe public ferry that connects Kowloon with Hong Kong Island costs very little (less than €1), takes a few minutes, and the skyline views from the water They're spectacular: you have the skyscrapers straight ahead, the port on either side, and the feeling that the city is enveloping you. It's a route many locals take daily to get to work, and one of those little moments that make Hong Kong a unique city. The subway also connects these two points, but it's underwater and doesn't offer any views.

4) Central, Soho, Cat Street, temples and Tai Kwun

Central is Hong Kong Island's financial district, but also one of the most interesting neighborhoods to visit in Hong Kong. Highlights include the revitalized Central Market and its main street, Queen's Road. The famous Midlevels escalator (the longest open-air one in the world), which goes up to the neighborhood of Soho and allows you to effortlessly ascend through alleyways filled with restaurants, bars and galleries. Our advice: don't go all the way up. The first few stops are the most interesting; the further up you go, the less there is to see and the neighborhood loses its appeal. Stay in the Soho and Hollywood Road area, that's where everything is.

Along the way, it's worth taking a detour to Pottinger StreetThe cobbled street with its stone steps, lined with souvenir shops, is very photogenic. Hollywood Road You will also find the Cat Street antiques market (Upper Lascar Row): Stalls overflowing with porcelain, jade, antique clocks, coins, and all sorts of curiosities—perfect for browsing and finding a souvenir. This area also boasts some fantastic specialty cafes where it's worth stopping for a break and simply soaking up the local atmosphere.

Going up a little further you reach the Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong's oldest and most famous Taoist temples, always full of spirals of incense hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere inside is dense and very special. Be careful if you wear contact lenses; the smoke is very strong inside.

On the way back to Central, don't miss Tai Kwun, the Hong Kong's former colonial prison has been transformed into a cultural space with exhibitions, galleries, restaurants, and a rich history.The architecture of the complex is impressive, and the blend of colonial past with contemporary art makes it very special. It deserves at least an hour's visit. Just a few meters away, we also recommend a trip to the... JC Contemporary Museum of Contemporary Art which is free to enter. It's also next to a square full of really interesting works of art (see video at the end).

5) Temple Street Night Market

El Temple Street Night Market, in Kowloon, is one of the Hong Kong's most famous night marketsFrom dusk onwards, it fills up with stalls selling clothes, gadgets, souvenirs, street food, and fortune tellers. It's not the most authentic (it's quite tourist-oriented), but the nighttime atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, and the lights make it a worthwhile visit, especially if it's your first time. Remember that at the beginning of Temple Street there's a large red paifang typical of Chinese architectureWe recommend starting there and walking the entire street to the end, where you'll find street food and a clothing and souvenir market. Keep in mind that haggling is expected in these types of markets.

6) Mong Kok and the Ladies Market

Mong kok It is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the world and one of the liveliest in Kowloon. Known for its colorful neon lights and Ladies MarketA popular market full of clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at very affordable prices (though you should still haggle). But the best thing about Mong Kok is simply strolling through it: its side streets hide shops selling sports equipment, electronics, a flower market, a bird market, and a goldfish market. If you happen to be there on a rainy day like we were, you can also get lost in Argyle CentreIts narrow corridors are packed with tiny shops selling clothes, accessories, and cosmetics.

7) Wan Chai: the most authentic Hong Kong

Vilniaus r. sav. It was, without a doubt, our favorite neighborhood in the entire city. While Central is cosmopolitan and Kowloon is touristy, Wan Chai is where real people liveFlower markets, street food stalls, traditional shops, and that neighborhood feel that makes you feel like you're in the authentic Hong Kong of old. Don't miss its market and the iconic Blue House. This is where we discovered a genuine Hong Kong. cha chaan teng (a local Hong Kong café), which is a gastronomic and cultural experience in itself. We show it to you in the video at the end and in the section on where to eat in Hong Kong.

8) Ride the Ding Ding: Hong Kong's historic trams

The ding ding These are the double-decker trams that have been running in Hong Kong since the early 20th century. They are a real means of transport that people use to get to work, but also an experience you can only have hereGo upstairs, look out the windows without glass, and watch the city slowly pass by as skyscrapers surround you. It's very cheap and connects Wan Chai with Causeway Bay, so use it to get around between neighborhoods and enjoy the ride. You'll need the Octopus Card (Hong Kong transport card) or exact change.

9) Causeway Bay and Times Square Hong Kong

Causeway bay It's the most commercial and lively district on Hong Kong Island. Shops of every brand, shopping malls one after another, and a frenetic atmosphere that doesn't stop even at night. Times Square in Hong Kong (Nothing like the one in New York, but just as big) is the nerve center of the area. If you like shopping or simply want to soak up the city's urban rhythm, this is your neighborhood.

10) Monster Building (Quarry Bay)

The Monster Buildings The Montana Mansion in Quarry Bay are the most photographed apartment blocks in Hong Kong: a cluster of towers surrounding an inner courtyard, forming that image of tightly packed skyscrapers you've seen a thousand times on social media. Let's be honest: We believe they've basically become just an Instagrammable site with nothing more to it.The inner courtyard is impressive, yes, but it's surrounded by little more than the seafront promenade. Access is free, but please be respectful as it's a residential building. If you happen to be passing by, take a look; if you're short on time, there are more interesting places to visit.

More things to see and do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has much more to offer. If you have more time, here are some other options. places to see in Hong Kong which we also recommend:

• Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery, on Lantau Island: the large seated bronze Buddha, which can be reached by the spectacular cable car Ngong Ping 360This excursion will take at least half a day, as it's on another island. We went on our first trip to Hong Kong, and even then it seemed like a theme park; we don't want to imagine what it's like now.
• Tai O, the fishing village of Lantau: Houses on stilts, boats, and a traditional atmosphere that seems from another era. It's often combined with a visit to the Big Buddha.
• Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery: a classic Chinese garden and a wooden Buddhist monastery, an oasis of calm in the heart of Kowloon.
• Mong Kok Goldfish Market and Flower Market: The themed markets of goldfish and flowers, a very local and curious experience.
• Disneyland Hong Kong and Ocean Park: The city's two major theme parks are ideal if you're looking for things to do in Hong Kong with children.

🗺️ Map with everything to see in Hong Kong

To help you get organized, we've included a Map with all the places to see in Hong Kong This guide covers destinations in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. This way you can plan your route by area and avoid wasting time on travel:

Video of our route: what to see in Hong Kong in 2 days

In the following video of our YouTube channel You have our complete visual guide on What to see in Hong Kong: the Walk of Fame, the Star Ferry, the Peak Tram and Victoria Peak, Wan Chai and its cha chaan teng, the Ding Ding trams, the Temple Street Night Market, the Monster Buildings and the Michelin Duck at Yat LokSubscribe and don't miss our journey through China! 🎥

COMING SOON

Where to stay in Hong Kong: our hotel

To stay in Hong Kong We recommend the area of Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok) As a first option: you'll be close to the Walk of Fame, well-connected by subway, and with views of the Hong Kong Island skyline. If you prefer to stay on the island, Central or Wan Chai These are the best areas. We stayed in Mong Kok: excellent location and directly connected to the subway. We also chose it specifically because if your flight is late, they offer you the free use of your spa's showers, Something that is appreciated after a long day walking around the city.

Where to eat in Hong Kong: essential gastronomy

La Hong Kong gastronomy This is one of its greatest attractions: traditional Cantonese cuisine, British influence, Michelin stars, and classic street food stalls. Here are our recommendations:

• Yat Lok, roast duck with a Michelin star: a small, unpretentious restaurant in Central with a Michelin Star thanks to its roast duckOrder the duck and don't overthink it: it's the place to eat. Go early or you'll have to wait in line. By the way, as you can see in the photo, it's a shared table.

• Cha chaan teng Kam Fung and the pineapple bun: el cha chaan teng It's the quintessential Hong Kong local café, serving milk tea and iced coffee (all in the same cup), toast, and noodles. Our recommendation is the Kam Fung, in Wan Chai, where you have to order the pineapple bun (Polo bao): A fluffy bun with a sweet, crispy crust and cold butter inside. It doesn't have pineapple; the name comes from the texture of the topping. Amazing!

• Mak's Noodle, the most famous wontons: A must-have classic with several locations (the best known in Central), serving the same for decades. noodles with wontons in brothSimple and perfect. A very local experience.

• Mammy Pancake, the egg waffles: egg waffles Egg waffles are the most typical street snack in Hong Kong. Mammy Pancake is one of the most popular, with several locations. Order the one from chocolate and matchaCrispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Perfect for eating on the go.

How to get to Hong Kong and get around the city

• Airplane: el Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), on the island of Chek Lap Kok, is connected to the center by the Airport Express (about 24 min to Hong Kong Station).
• Train from mainland China: The bullet train arrives at the station of West KowloonIt's 15-20 minutes from Shenzhen and less than an hour from Guangzhou. Book in advance at Trip.com and bring your passport (there is border control).
• Getting around the city: el subway (MTR) Hong Kong's is excellent, clean, and connects all the points in this guide. Buy one. Octopus Card As soon as you arrive: it works for the metro, tram, ferry, buses, and even for paying in shops. Here. Yes, Google Maps and all Western apps work. (unlike mainland China), so you'll get around without any problems.

📱 Internet in Hong Kong: eSIM Holafly

We always travel with eSIMs from Holafly because they offer unlimited internet, activate in seconds, work without a physical card, and have excellent coverage. If your trip includes mainland China take the Mainland China + Hong Kong specific eSIM Holafly's (which also includes a VPN for apps blocked in China), not just the Hong Kong one. So don't even think about buying two: with that one you have both territories covered. You have a 5% discount with the code LOCALGUIDEGRANCANARIA.

🏥 Travel insurance for Hong Kong (5% discount)

If you're traveling to Hong Kong on your own and don't yet have insurance, we always book it with IATIPrivate healthcare for tourists in Hong Kong is very expensive, so it's best to have coverage. For active travelers like us, the IATI Backpacker policy It's the most complete. You have a 5% discount for being our reader:

We hope this Guide to what to see in Hong Kong on your own We hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Here's a summary of useful links:

And here's the link to More full articles about the other stops on our two routes through China: