The Ultimate First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Hong Kong (2025)

Hong Kong is a vibrant city full of contrasts — sky-high towers, peaceful temples, night markets, and nature trails. Here’s your 2025 guide to the 10 Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong — with tips, views, and hidden gems!

Explore the bustling nightlife of Kowloon, Hong Kong with neon lights and city life.

Hong Kong is a city where glittering skyscrapers, peaceful temples, lush mountains, and bustling street markets coexist in stunning harmony. Whether you’re into food, fashion, hikes, or heritage, Hong Kong delivers. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best places to see in Hong Kong—including famous landmarks and hidden gems perfect for any kind of traveler.


1. Victoria Peak (The Peak)

View showing Victoria Peak with High west to the left and The Mount Austin to the right

Why Go: For the most iconic panoramic view of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour.
📸 Top Tip: Visit during golden hour or at night.
🚠 How to Get There: Peak Tram or bus from Central.
🎟️ Don’t Miss: Sky Terrace 428, Peak Circle Walk.


2. Tsim Sha Tsui & Avenue of Stars

Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, Victoria Harbour from Sky100

Why Go: Walk the harborfront promenade with views of Central’s skyline.
📍 Highlights:

  • Avenue of Stars (Bruce Lee statue)

  • Symphony of Lights show (8 PM nightly)

  • Victoria Harbour ferry rides
    🛍️ Great for: Souvenir shopping, street food, and selfies.


3. Central & Mid-Levels Escalator

Inside the escalator system

Why Go: Explore the heart of modern Hong Kong with its longest outdoor escalator system.
📍 Top Spots:

  • PMQ (design hub)

  • Tai Kwun (heritage + art space)

  • SoHo cafes and rooftop bars
    🛎️ Perfect for: Creative travelers & foodies.


4. Man Mo Temple

Photo

Why Go: One of the city’s oldest temples, filled with spiraling incense and quiet charm.
📍 Location: Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
📸 Tip: Morning light filters through the incense beautifully.


5. Ngong Ping & Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)

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Why Go: A peaceful mountaintop escape and cultural experience.
🚠 Take the: Ngong Ping 360 cable car
📍 Top Sites:

  • Big Buddha (climb 268 steps!)

  • Po Lin Monastery

  • Wisdom Path walk


6. Dragon’s Back Hike

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Why Go: Easy coastal ridge hike with sweeping sea views.
📍 Location: Shek O Country Park
🥾 Length: 2–3 hours
🏞️ Ends near: Big Wave Bay (surf & relax!)
🎒 Tip: Bring water and sunblock—no shade at the top!


7. Mong Kok & Ladies’ Market

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Why Go: For buzzing local life, bargain shopping, and street snacks.
📍 Highlights:

  • Sneakers Street

  • Fa Yuen Street Market

  • Temple Street Night Market (for dinner!)
    🎁 Good for: Souvenirs, quirky fashion, local vibes.


8. Ocean Park

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Why Go: Hong Kong’s original theme park with rides, cable cars, and sea animals. Visit official site
🎟️ Tip: Less crowded on weekdays.
🎡 Combo of: Amusement park + aquarium + mountain views.


9. Lantau Island Beaches & Tai O Fishing Village

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Why Go: A quiet, scenic break from the city.
📍 Visit:

  • Tai O (stilt houses + dried seafood market)

  • Pui O Beach & Silvermine Bay
    🐬 Bonus: Spot pink dolphins on a boat tour!


10. Star Ferry Ride

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Why Go: Classic Hong Kong experience with unbeatable harbor views—for just HKD $2.70!
📍 Route: Tsim Sha Tsui ↔ Central
🎥 Great for: Photos, sunsets, and budget-friendly transport.


🔗 Top Hotels at best prices curated just for you: Check prices here
🧭 Bonus Spots to Explore
  • Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden – Zen in the city

  • Hong Kong Museum of History – Free and insightful

  • Sky100 Observation Deck – Panoramic views from Kowloon side

  • Lan Kwai Fong – For nightlife & social energy


🍽️ What to Eat in Hong Kong: Local Favorites & Vegan Gems

Hong Kong is a food paradise — whether you’re craving classic Cantonese dishes or clean plant-based eats. Here’s a quick guide to must-try foods and where to find them:

🥢 Local Must-Try Dishes
  • Dim SumTim Ho Wan, Maxim’s Palace

  • Roast GooseYat Lok, Kam’s Roast Goose

  • Wonton NoodlesMak’s Noodle

  • Pineapple Bun & Milk TeaKam Wah Cafe, Lan Fong Yuen

  • Egg TartsTai Cheong Bakery

  • Claypot RiceFour Seasons Claypot Rice, Yau Ma Tei


🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Dim SumLockCha Tea House

  • Mock Meat & Buddha MealsPo Lin Monastery, Pure Veggie House

  • Fusion BowlsMana!, Confusion Plant-Based Kitchen

☕ Street Snacks You Can’t Miss
  • Curry fish balls

  • Cheung fun (rice noodle rolls)

  • Bubble waffles

  • Stinky tofu (only for the brave!)

  • Sugar cane juice / herbal teas

🛂 Hong Kong Visa Information (2025)

Most travelers can visit Hong Kong visa-free for short stays. However, requirements vary by nationality, so always check in advance.

✅ Visa-Free Entry:
  • India, US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Canada: 7 to 180 days (depending on country)

  • No visa needed for tourism if within the allowed stay.

🖥️ Check Requirements or Apply:
🛬 For Long Stays or Work Visas:

📌 Tip: Even if visa-free, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

🗓️ Travel Tips
  • Best Time to Visit: October to December (cool & dry)

  • Transport: Use the Octopus Card for MTR, trams, ferries

  • Currency: HKD (Hong Kong Dollar)

  • Language: Cantonese (English widely understood)

🗣️ Basic Cantonese Phrases for Travelers
  • Hello – 你好 (Néih hóu)

  • Thank you (gift/service) – 多謝 (Dōjeh)

  • Thank you (small favor) – 唔該 (M̀h gōi)

📌 Tip: English is widely understood in Hong Kong, but locals appreciate a little Cantonese.

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