20 Must-See Hidden Gems in Hong Kong

Picking the best spots in Hong Kong feels like trying to choose between your favorite dim sum dishes – each one has something special that makes you come back for more. This city is a fascinating mix of old and new, where ancient temples share streets with towering skyscrapers, and hidden alleyways lead to some of the best food you’ll ever taste. From the busy streets of Mong Kok to the peaceful hiking trails of Lantau Island, Hong Kong packs an incredible variety of experiences into its compact territory.

We’ve combed through the city’s districts, islands, and neighborhoods to bring you places that showcase what makes Hong Kong truly unique. Our picks include everything from famous landmarks to local hangouts, busy markets to quiet gardens, and mountain peaks to seaside escapes. We looked for places that aren’t just nice to look at, but also tell the story of Hong Kong’s rich culture and give you that special feeling you can only get here.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a regular to the Fragrant Harbor, this list of 20 must-visit places in Hong Kong will help you discover (or rediscover) what makes this city so special. No rankings here – just great spots that deserve a place on your Hong Kong itinerary.

Victoria Peak

If there’s one spot that defines the Hong Kong experience, it’s Victoria Peak. This mountain-top viewpoint towers 1,800 feet above the city, offering what many consider the most memorable vista in all of Asia. Getting there is half the adventure – most visitors hop aboard the Peak Tram, a historic funicular railway that’s been climbing the mountain’s steep face since 1888. As you rise above the city, you’ll watch the angle of the skyscrapers shift until they appear to lean like a forest of steel and glass. The view from the top is something that photos can’t quite capture – the dense pack of buildings below, the busy harbor dotted with boats, and the green mountains rising in the distance. While tourists flock here during the day, I’d suggest coming at dusk when the city lights begin to twinkle on and Hong Kong transforms into a sea of golden dots stretching as far as the eye can see.

Hong Kong Disneyland

I always tell families heading to Hong Kong to make time for Hong Kong Disneyland. Located on Lantau Island, this magical theme park brings Disney’s beloved characters and stories to life through seven themed lands: Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land. Each area offers unique rides, shows, and experiences that blend classic Disney charm with local Chinese culture.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Ever stood at the edge of one of the world’s most famous harbors, watching the Symphony of Lights dance across the skyline? That’s just another evening at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, a waterfront walkway stretching along Victoria Harbour in Kowloon. This spot offers the most photographed views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, where locals and tourists gather every night to watch the city come alive. You can spend hours here, walking past the Avenue of Stars – Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame – or popping into the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Space Museum. The promenade really shines at night when the harbor lights reflect off the water, and the cool sea breeze provides a welcome break from the city’s busy streets.

Tian Tan Buddha

Perched high atop Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha has been watching over Hong Kong since 1993. This massive bronze statue, sitting 112 feet tall, draws visitors from across the globe to climb its 268 steps for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The Buddha shares its home with the Po Lin Monastery, where the scent of incense mingles with mountain air, and monks go about their daily rituals. I first visited on a misty morning in 2019, when clouds wrapped around the Buddha’s shoulders like a silk shawl. The best part? You can reach this sacred spot via a scenic cable car ride from Tung Chung, floating above lush valleys and getting a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong’s quieter side. Don’t forget to try the monastery’s famous vegetarian lunch – it’s a peaceful way to round out your visit to this spiritual landmark.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

If you’re looking to experience Hong Kong’s spiritual side, Wong Tai Sin Temple should be at the top of your list. Located in the bustling Kowloon district, this famous Taoist temple draws both devoted worshippers and curious visitors with its traditional Chinese architecture and fortune-telling traditions. The temple honors the great deity Wong Tai Sin, who was known for healing powers, and features colorful pavilions, intricate sculptures, and the popular practice of kau cim (where wooden sticks are shaken to reveal your fortune).

Lan Kwai Fong

Get ready to experience Hong Kong’s most exciting nightlife district at Lan Kwai Fong, where over 100 restaurants, bars, and clubs line the L-shaped streets. This entertainment hotspot comes alive after dark, with both locals and tourists mixing and mingling at outdoor terraces and rooftop lounges. You’ll find everything from casual pubs serving craft beers to upscale cocktail bars mixing creative drinks. During special occasions like Halloween and New Year’s Eve, the streets transform into one big party where thousands gather to celebrate. If you’re hungry, pop into one of the many restaurants offering cuisines from around the world – from traditional Hong Kong dishes to Mediterranean favorites.

Ocean Park

Ocean Park Hong Kong has been delighting visitors since 1977 with its unique blend of marine life and thrill rides. Perched on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, this sprawling theme park spreads across two main areas connected by a cable car system that offers clear views of the South China Sea. The lower section houses aquariums and marine exhibits where you can watch dolphins play and penguins waddle, while the upper area features roller coasters and rides that make good use of the park’s hilltop location. What makes Ocean Park special is how it combines education with entertainment – you might start your day learning about coral reef conservation, then find yourself screaming on the Hair Raiser coaster minutes later. The park’s giant pandas, rare red pandas, and sea lions draw crowds year-round, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists who want a break from the city’s usual hustle.

Tai O Fishing Village

Nestled on the western edge of Lantau Island is the rustic charm of Tai O, Hong Kong’s last remaining fishing village. Unlike the glossy skyscrapers and busy streets of Central, Tai O moves at its own gentle pace, where fishermen still tend to their catches and traditional stilt houses line the waterways. The village earned its nickname “Venice of Hong Kong” from the network of canals that weave through clusters of wooden homes built on stilts above the water. As you walk through the narrow paths, you’ll catch whiffs of shrimp paste being made the old-fashioned way and see locally caught seafood drying in the sun. While tourism has found its way here, Tai O maintains its authentic character – elderly residents still gather to play mahjong, small boats ferry locals across the water, and the community’s centuries-old fishing traditions remain wonderfully intact.

Star Ferry

If you’re looking for a quintessential Hong Kong experience, hop aboard the Star Ferry. Running between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1888, this historic ferry service offers passengers a front-row view of the city’s famous harbor and skyline. The 10-minute journey lets you see both sides of Victoria Harbour while feeling the cool sea breeze and hearing the gentle waves splash against the iconic green and white vessels.

Temple Street Night Market

Ever wandered through a market where the night comes alive with bargaining voices and the scent of street food? That’s Temple Street Night Market for you, a buzzing stretch in the heart of Kowloon that lights up after sunset. From fortune tellers reading palms under red lanterns to locals haggling over jade trinkets, this open-air bazaar gives you the real Hong Kong experience. You can pick up everything from fake designer bags to traditional Chinese tea sets, but the real draw is the dai pai dong food stalls, where plastic stools and metal tables fill with people sharing plates of curry fish balls and clay pot rice. Even if you’re not buying, just walking through the market lets you soak in the energy of Hong Kong’s most famous night shopping scene.

Ladies’ Market

If you’re looking to experience the true spirit of Hong Kong shopping, the Ladies’ Market in Mongkok is where you need to be. This bustling street market stretches for nearly a kilometer along Tung Choi Street, offering everything from cheap clothing and accessories to local snacks and souvenirs. Despite its name, it’s not just for women – you’ll find plenty of bargains for everyone, including knock-off watches, electronics, and traditional Chinese trinkets. It’s definitely not the place for high-end shopping, but that’s exactly what makes it special – the thrill of haggling with vendors, weaving through the packed crowds, and hunting for hidden gems among the hundreds of stalls is an essential Hong Kong experience that can’t be replicated in any modern mall.

Ngong Ping 360

Want to see Hong Kong from a whole new angle? Take a ride on the Ngong Ping 360, a cable car journey that carries you high above Lantau Island’s lush mountains. This 25-minute adventure gives you a bird’s eye view of the South China Sea, the giant Tian Tan Buddha, and the bustling Hong Kong International Airport below. When you reach the top, you’ll find yourself in Ngong Ping Village, where traditional Chinese architecture meets modern entertainment. It’s where tourists and locals alike come to experience a slice of Buddhist culture, grab a bite at local tea houses, and snap photos with the famous Big Buddha statue just a short walk away.

Hong Kong Science Museum

Ever wondered how a giant moon balloon floats in mid-air? You’ll find the answer at the Hong Kong Science Museum, where hands-on exhibits make learning feel like play. Located in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui East district, this four-story wonderland lets you explore everything from robotics to space exploration through more than 500 interactive displays. Kids and adults alike can generate electricity on a bicycle, watch their hair stand on end in the static electricity demo, or catch daily shows at the biggest planetarium in Hong Kong. The museum’s crown jewel is its Energy Machine – the largest of its kind in the world – where you can watch a mesmerizing chain reaction of balls, pulleys, and chimes that demonstrates various physics principles.

Chi Lin Nunnery

Set amid the towering skyscrapers of Diamond Hill, Chi Lin Nunnery feels like stepping into a different world entirely. This Buddhist complex, built in the Tang Dynasty style, sits in perfect harmony with its modern surroundings, yet seems to exist in its own peaceful bubble. What makes this place special is how it was constructed – the entire structure was built using traditional Chinese techniques, without a single nail. The peaceful gardens, lotus ponds, and bonsai trees provide a much-needed escape from Hong Kong’s busy streets. While most visitors come to see the golden statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha and other deities housed in the main hall, locals often visit the adjacent vegetarian restaurant for its simple, tasty meals served in a tranquil setting.

PMQ

If you’re looking to experience Hong Kong’s creative spirit, PMQ is where you’ll find it. This former police married quarters has been reinvented as a hub for local designers and artists, who now fill its studios with everything from handmade jewelry to innovative furniture designs. Walking through the building’s corridors feels like exploring an ever-changing art gallery, where you can chat with creators in their workshops and discover unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else in the city. It’s not just about shopping – the space regularly hosts exhibitions, pop-up events, and workshops that let you dive into Hong Kong’s design scene firsthand. Even if you’re just passing through, the building’s mid-century architecture and buzzing creative atmosphere make it worth a visit.

Stanley Market

If you’re on the hunt for authentic Hong Kong culture and local life, Stanley Market is where you’ll find it. This bustling maze of narrow lanes and packed stalls has been a favorite spot for both locals and visitors since the days when it was just a humble fishing village. Today, it’s a place where you can spend hours wandering through shops filled with everything from traditional Chinese artwork to silk clothing, and from handmade jewelry to quirky souvenirs. The market sits right by the waterfront, so once you’re done bargaining with vendors, you can grab a seat at one of the seaside restaurants, sip a cold drink, and watch the boats bobbing in the harbor. It’s not just about shopping – it’s about soaking in the atmosphere of old Hong Kong while enjoying the cool sea breeze.

Lamma Island

If you’re looking to escape the busy streets of Hong Kong, I always recommend heading to Lamma Island. Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Central, this laid-back island offers a perfect mix of hiking trails, sandy beaches, and fresh seafood restaurants. With no cars allowed, the island’s peaceful fishing villages and winding paths let you experience a slower side of Hong Kong that most tourists never see.

Man Mo Temple

Built in 1847 during Hong Kong’s colonial era, Man Mo Temple stands as one of the city’s oldest and most important places of worship. I first visited this incense-filled sanctuary back in 2019, drawn by its rich history as a gathering place for both gods and mortals. Tucked away on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan, the temple pays homage to two deities – Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. Giant incense coils hang from the ceiling, filling the air with fragrant smoke that’s said to carry prayers to heaven. The temple’s walls tell stories through intricate carvings and decorations, while students and businesspeople alike come to pray for success in their endeavors. What makes this place special is how it maintains its spiritual atmosphere despite the modern city that has grown around it.

Sai Kung

I always recommend Sai Kung to visitors looking for Hong Kong’s more relaxed side. Located in the New Territories, this former fishing village has kept its traditional charm while becoming a hotspot for seafood lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The waterfront promenade comes alive with local fishermen selling their catch from bobbing boats, while the surrounding area offers hiking trails and hidden beaches that show off a quieter side of Hong Kong not many tourists get to see.

Hong Kong Park

Tucked away in the heart of Hong Kong’s concrete jungle is Hong Kong Park, an 8-hectare oasis where city dwellers come to escape the daily grind. Unlike the countless shopping malls and office towers that surround it, this park holds onto a piece of old Hong Kong, with its traditional tea house and colonial-era buildings scattered throughout the grounds. As you walk along the winding paths, you’ll spot turtles sunbathing by the lily pond and hear the cheerful songs of birds from the Edward Youde Aviary above. The park cleverly blends natural elements with modern architecture – think cascading waterfalls next to glass-and-steel structures, and ancient banyan trees providing shade for tai chi practitioners in the early morning hours. Thanks to its strategic location between Pacific Place and the Peak Tram terminus, locals often use its elevated walkways as a scenic shortcut through the city.