Hong Kong is a fascinating island city. Vibrant and densely populated, this major port and global financial center is well-known for its impressive skyline. This cosmopolitan city is also famous for its bustling streets, steaming Cantonese dim sum and cultural experience. Exploring this cosmopolitan island is like an endless adventure so here’s our  list of the top 10 must visit tourist attractions in Hong Kong to get you started! Have fun!

1. Victoria Peak & Peak Tram Experience

The highest point on the island, it’s a great spot to experience Hong Kong and taking the famous Peak Tram up makes the perfect package. While queuing for the tram, you get to read about its history in The Peak Tram Historical Gallery and the ride up is a once in a lifetime experience. Evening time is the best time to take in the full light up splendour of the city. We do not recommend taking the tram down after that, the queue is crazy. Take a bus down from the small bus interchange back to the lower grounds instead.

Address: Mid Levels, Hong Kong l Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm Daily l Tel: +852 2849 0668 (Peak Tower), +852 2522 0922 (Peak Tram) & +852 2849 4113 (Peak Galleria) l Website: thepeak.com l Getting there: Peak Tram from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road (Recommended), Bus 15 from Exchange Square bus terminus (near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D) or Minibus 1 from MTR Hong Kong Station public transport interchange.

2. Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine-life theme park that has been wowing visitors with its animal exhibits, thrill rides and shows since 1977. During festive seasons, Ocean Park Hong Kong will take on unique themed events such as Halloween Bash, Asia’s biggest Halloween party, and Summer Splash water play activities so there is never a dull moment for you and your family!

Address: Aberdeen, Hong Kong | Tel: +852 3923 2323 | Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm | Getting there:Bus 629 from Central Pier 7 or from MTR Admiralty Station, Exit B | Fee: Adult HK$345, Child HK$173 | Website: Ocean Park Hong Kong | Facebook: Ocean Park Hong Kong *Visitors are advised to check for ticket prices on the website as ticket price may vary according to season. 

3. Hong Kong Disneyland

No trip to Hong Kong would be complete if you don’t visit the Disneyland! Magical memories awaiting all families as you embark on an amazing journey through seven themed parks from dawn to late evening! Stay till late to catch Disney Paint the Night nighttime spectacular – a symphony of music and colour that showcase stunning light constellations of your favourite Disney stories will touch your heart and make you gaze in wonder.

Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong | Tel: +852 3550 3388 | Opening hours: 9:00am – 8:00pm (Mon – Fri), 9:00am – 5:00pm (Sats, Suns & Public holidays) | Getting there: 30 minutes ride from MTR Kowloon Sta., MTR Hong Kong Sta., and Hong Kong International Airport MRT station | Fee: General admission (Adults: 12 – 64) HK$499, Child (3 – 11) HK$355, Seniors (65+) HK$100 | Website: Hong Kong Disneyland | Facebook: Hong Kong Disneyland *Visitors are encouraged to check the website for full ticket prices 

4. Avenue Of Stars

With commemorative plaques, celebrity handprints, movie memorabilia, a life-size statue of the world famous kungfu actor Bruce Lee, the Avenue of Stars glamorize Hong Kong’s film industry against the gorgeous panoramic view of the city’s skyline and Victoria Harbour

Address:Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon | Getting there:MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit J. Follow the signs to the Avenue of Stars | Website: avenueofstars.com.hk 

5. Ladies Market

With over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs, the Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street provides a one-kilometre stretch on which to practise your haggling skills. It gets its name from the huge amount of clothing and accessories on sale for women of all ages; however, with watches, cosmetics, bags, home furnishings, CDs and trinkets also up for grabs, you don’t need to be just in the market for a pair of nylon stockings to find something within its crowded aisles.

Address: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon | Getting there: Exit E2 from MTR Mong Kok Station or take Bus 1, 1A, 2, 6 or 9 from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier and get off at Nelson Street Station

6. Temple Street Night Market

As the sun goes down, the streets starts getting busy as traders laid out their wares for business and the opera singers and fortune tellers come into play. Named after the resident Tin Hau Temple, this popular street bazaar is the best place to soak up the local street retail scene. While not always a pleasant side, you get to shop and bargain over trinkets, tea ware, electronics, watches, menswear, jade and antiques the local way. Treat yourself to delicious claypot rice, seafood, noodles and desserts while you are there.

Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon | Getting there: Exit C from MTR Yau Ma Tei Station or Exit A from MTR Jordan Station

7. Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery & Ngong Ping, Lantau Island

You can’t exactly say that you have been to Hong Kong without paying tribute to Tian Tan Buddha (昂坪天壇大佛), visit Po Lin Monastery and shop at Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island. Erected in 1993, Tian Tan Buddha sits 34 metres high and face north to look over the Chinese people. The eyes, lips, incline of the head and raised right hand delivering a blessing to all, combine to bring a humbling depth of character and dignity to the massive Buddha, which took 12 years to complete.

Address: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon | Getting there: MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car, MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre or catch ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village | Website: Po Lin Monastery

8. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple

This famous temple’s claim to ‘make every wish come true upon request’ is probably the reason behind its popularity. Home to three of the key Chinese religions – Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, the temple’s beautifully ornamented facade against lush greenery backdrop make it both a scenic and religious attraction. Housing the portrait of Wong Tai Sin from Guangdong, worshippers from all over the world pray for good fortune through offerings, divine guidance and fortune telling at its grounds.

Address:2, Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon | Getting there: Exit B2 MTR Wong Tai Sin Station | Website: Wong Tai Sin Temple 

9. Dragon’s Back Trail Trekking

Hiking is big in Hong Kong. There are many hiking trails in Hong Kong but the most famous one would be the Dragon’s Back Trail since Time Magazine declared it as The Best Urban Hike in Asia (22 Nov 2004 Asia issue)! Dragon’s Back, also known as the Hong Kong trail Section 8, is approximately 8km long and an easy walk after the first quarter or so of the trail.

Start Point Address:To Tei Wan | Getting there: Exit A3 from Shau Kei Wan Station, take bus no. 9 from the Shau Kei Wan bus terminus to To Tei Wan (name of the bus stop) on Shek O Road.

10. Kat Hing Wai Walled Village

An old walled village inhabited by the Hakka descendents of those who once built these walls to protect themselves from rival clans, bandits, pirates even tigers still exist outside the town of Yuen Long. Rich with culture and with history dating back all the way to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Kat Hing Wai Walled Village is a rectangular-shaped village constructed mostly of blue brick walls. The village is a great glimpse into the intriguing past of these early settlers.

Address:Kam Tin, Yuen Long, New Territories | Opening hours: before dark daily as it is still a real residential area | Getting there: Exit MTR Kam Sheung Road Station, walk to Kam Po Road through footbridge and then turn to Kam Sheung Road. It takes around 20 minutes from Kam Po Road to Kat Hing Wai.

Exploring Hong Kong is a perfect way of experiencing Asia. Share with us your experience and some of your personal favourite spots if you had been there.