Hong Kong: Top 7 Must See Spots, Things & Places

A trip to Hong Kong will definitely leave you dumbfounded.There is just too much beauty in a single place. 

Commonly known as H.K., Hong Kong is the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. H.K. is located on China's south coast and bordered by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea.

Considered one of the most populated areas in the world, H.K. has so much stunning sights to offer to its visitors. A 3-day 2-night tour to Hong Kong was enough to make me question whether the sights I beheld were real. H.K. is hands-down dreamy, unreal, and out of this world. This may sound cliche but its true.

Of the four areas - i.e. Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 offshore islands, Hong Kong Island waas the most overwhelming for me. I was blown away right from when I landed at the airport.

It is a heck of a destination! Yea, it is.

Hong Kong has some of the most scenic architecture, infrastructure, and skylines in the world. Below are some of must see and visit places.

1. Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak offers a gorgeous view of Hong Kong central, Victoria Harbor, and the Kowloon Peninsula.

Image Credit: Ryan Cheng

How To Get To Victoria Peak

The best way to get to the Peak is via the Peak Tram.

Option 1:

By Foot - From Central Station MTR to the Peak Tram Terminus

Take the MTR to Central H.K. and leave through exit J2 at the Central MTR station. Turn right, via Chater Garden, cross Queen’s Road Central and go up through Garden Road. If you see the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on your left; and St John’s Cathedral on your right, then you're on the right track. The terminus is to your left.

Option 2:

By Bus to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus Located at Garden Road

Hope on the Peak Tram shuttle bus number 15C at the Central (Near Star Ferry Pier 7) Bus Terminus.

Bus Shuttle Operating Hours

The bus shuttle that leaves  from Man Kwong Street outside Central Hong Kong (Pier 7) and operates daily from 10:15 am to 11:55 pm; and leaves every 15 to 20 minutes.

The bus shuttle that leaves from Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus operates daily from 10:15 am to 11:55 pm and leaves every 15 to 20 minutes.

The fare is HK$4.20 for adults

2. The Symphony of Lights Show

This is a coordinated external ornamental light and laser multimedia show that features 45 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbor. The show is usually accompanied with music and last approximately 10 minutes. To view the show, find a comfortable place by the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront in Kowloon. 

Image Credit: Kroon

How to Get to the Symphony of Lights Show

At the MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, use Exit J. Signs to the Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront should lead you to the viewing point.

3. The Hong Kong Skyline

Dubbed as one of the city skyline with the largest visual impact of all world cities, you have to see it to believe it.

Image Credit: Ryan Cheng

Iconic buildings that can be spotted here include:

• The International Commerce Center (ICC), which towers at 484m (1,588 feet) high. This is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the third tallest in the world, by height to roof measurement.
• HSBC Headquarters Building
• Central Plaza. This is the triangular-topped building with a pyramid-shaped spire visible in the picture above.
• The Center. Famous for its nightly multi-colored neon light show.
• I.M. Pei's Bank of China Tower. Its the one with a sharp, angular facade in the photo above. 

4. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade commences from the historic Clock Tower and heads up to Hung Hom. Notable landmarks along the promenade include:

• The Hong Kong Cultural Center
• The Hong Kong Space Museum
• The Hong Kong Museum of Art; and
• The Avenue of Stars.

How to Get to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Option 1: Leaving from Kowloon

• At the MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, use Exit E.
• Walk along Salisbury Road then take a right turn. 
• Go through the pedestrian tunnel / subway next to the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA). If you spot the Hong Kong Cultural Center, you are on the right track. 

Option 2: Leaving from Hong Kong Central or Wan Chai 

• If leaving from Take the Star Ferry at pier 7 headed to Kowloon. 
• The Promenade is near the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui.

5. The Clock Tower

How to Get to the Clock Towr

Option 1: 
Leaving from Kowloon

• At the MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, use Exit E.
• Walk along Salisbury Road then take a right turn. 
• Go through the pedestrian tunnel / subway next to YWCA. If you spot the Hong Kong Cultural Center, you are on the right track. 
• Turn right again and walk towards the water front. The Clock Tower is the red brick and granite tower that greets you.

Option 2: 
Leaving from Hong Kong Central or Wan Chai 

• If leaving from Take the Star Ferry at pier 7 headed to Kowloon. 
• The Clock Tower is located near the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui.

6. Ocean Park Hong Kong

Do not pass. For some of the most thrilling roller coaster rides and a very large aquarium.

7. Hong Kong Disneyland

Bonus Tips for Planning Your Hong Kong Visit

• Take advantage of budget airline offers such as Air Asia and Tiger Airways by subscribing on their websites. 
• Book your airline ticket in advance of your trip to get cheaper options.
• Book your accommodation way in advance of your trip. Use aggregation sites such as www.booking.com, www.agoda.com, etc.
• Winters in Hong Kong can be very cold. Therefore, carry warm clothing especially if planning a tour of the Peak. 
• Take offs and landing at Hong Kong International airport offers some of the most breathtaking views of H.K. If you arrive to the country in the morning, try and make your departure in the night. And vice versa.
• If you have the time, incorporate Macau into your Hong Kong itinerary. Macau is just a 1 hour boat ride away and can be toured in a day.
• Upon landing at Hong Kong airport, purchase an Octopus Card.