Whether you are just visiting or have been living in Hong Kong for a while, there are so many amazing things to do and see. From hiking to beaches and nightlife, this city has something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration on what to add to your Hong Kong bucket list, read on! We’ve put together 24 of the best experiences that you won’t want to miss.
The importance of Hong Kong bucket lists
A bucket list is a great way to make the most of your time in Hong Kong. It’s not just for departing travelers, either! Whether you’ve been here a long time, a short time or you’re just looking forward to exploring more of this amazing city, having an idea about what can’t be missed will help ensure that there aren’t any items left off your bucket list.
1. Vist your favorite beach once more
2. Visit Victoria Peak
Before you leave Hong Kong, visit The Peak to say goodbye. Victoria Peak gives you an expansive view of the whole city. Consider hiking up in the early evening to see the sun go down, and say goodbye to the city.
3. Visit Sham Shui Po
The fabric markets in Sham Shio Po have a traditional Hong Kong vibe that’s quintessential to the city. You’ll find all sorts of interesting things here, go here one last time to enjoy one of the city’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods.
4. Take a ride on Aqua Luna or Dukling at night
No matter how many times you have previously done this, try taking a ride on a traditional junk at night through Victoria Harbor one last time. Try to time your ride on Aqua Luna or Dukling to match the daily Symphony of Light show.
5. Take the ferry to Cheung Chau Island
A 30-minute boat ride from Hong Kong will land you in a peaceful fishing village that will feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of typical busy Hong Kong life. Saunter around the quaint villages and pick up lunch from one of the delicious stalls selling fresh seafood around the sandy beaches. The pace might be slower at Cheung Chau Island but there is always plenty to see and do.
6. Take an elevator ride in ICC
Enjoy a ride in the elevator of one of the world’s tallest buildings, the International Commerce Center’s (ICC). The ICC’s 100th floor provides you with breathtaking views of the city with the feeling that you’re in an airplane. Not enough? Enjoy a drink at the Ritz Carlton bar, Ozone, located on the 118th floor.
7. Eat Dim Sum – must do on your Hong Kong bucket list
Before you leave the city of Hong Kong, enjoy a brunch feasting on the wide variety of Dim Sum with your friends to have a perfect goodbye. Try out Maxims Palace City Hall.
8. Have your photo taken at Rainbow Estate
Have you seen the above photo pop up a zillion times on your IG feed, but you’ve never taken the time to consider the exact location? The location is Choi Hung Estate (Rainbow Estate), Hong Kong. If you haven’t done this already, head over to Rainbow Estate to take your own memorable photos.
9. Visit the Big Buddha
Before you leave Hong Kong, consider saying a prayer at the mystical golden Big Buddha that guides life and property in the city. Take a cable car across Lantau Island for an unforgettable trip.
10. Bounce at Ryze
Bounce at Ryze trampoline park: well, you might say this is for children, but everyone can have a good time here. It’s a wall-to-wall bouncing delight for you and your family.
11. Cycle around Hong Kong
Enjoy the entire city via one of the many bike routes in the city. Let’s provide you with a perfect path — Tai Wei to the picturesque Tai Mei Tuk. The 20km stretch will give you the chance to pass through parks along a fascinating harbourfront. You can also pass through villages in Mui Wo; otherwise, take a guided tour to different city sections. Enjoy your ride; there might not be another time.
12. Island hopping
Hong Kong’s Islands provide you with an opportunity to take a quick moment away from busy city life. Consider taking the ferry to Lamma Island to savor the seafood feast, hike around the island, or stroll around the old fishing village.
13. Hire a junk and tick this off your bucket list Hong Kong
Take some still moments away from the busy city life by hiring a private junk for a day. Enjoy any number of Hong Kong’s white sand and beautiful beaches on a junk.
14. Hangout with friends at Sevva
What are you waiting for? Have a drink with a great view at one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks. Sip and soak up some amazing views at Sevva, where they have an incredible selection of drinks that will leave even those with no preference satisfied!
15. Helicopter ride from the top of the Peninsula Hotel
Despite the stunning view of the city from the Peak, the best place to enjoy the city’s view is from a helicopter. The Peninsula’s flight tours can be combined with afternoon teas, facials, and more. Your fun in the city is not complete without this exciting adventure.
16. Vist PMQ
PMQ the former Police Married Quarters is a relatively new creative hub. The quarter has been transformed into a sensational innovative space for artists, creatives, and food lovers. Make sure you have enough time to wander around. It’s fun, it’s relaxing, and you’ll be able to tick another item off your bucket list.
17. Hiking
There are plenty of walks you can consider for the weekend, including Dragon’s Back, Lion Rock, and Bride’s Pool hike. But if you’re trying to squeeze as much as you can into your time before leaving Hong Kong, consider doing an early evening hike to Victoria Peak or even 1,000 steps from Park Hill to Stanley. The views will take your breath away. Hiking provides you with the perfect opportunity to depart the noisy city and enjoy some quiet moments.
18. Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
Though the area is relatively small due to the surrounding skyscrapers, the annual fiery dance’s enthusiasm has never been hampered. Check out the Tai Hang dragon dance during the Next Mid Autumn festival, which was made famous in the 19th century when the people of Tai Hang believed that a three-day Fire Dragon dance was the only way to halt the bad luck in the village. This dance is generally held around September or October.
19. Do a beach cleanup
You have probably enjoyed your time at Hong Kong beaches while basking in the scorching sun so, help to leave the beaches clean for the next people that come and join a beach clean-up. Participate in the annual Hong Kong CleanUp challenge for ICC World Cleanup Day (normally around September) or on Earth Day (normally around April). You can register here.
To learn more about beach cleanups in Hong Kong read our entire article dedicated to beach cleanups.
20. Learn Mahjong
Learn to play Mahjong – a multiplayer game that has been played for thousands of years. Doing well at this game requires skill, strategy, and calculation. Well, luck and chance count too. You should have seen plenty of people clicking their Mahjong tiles around the alleyways. Put this on your bucket list!
21. Join a Dragon Boat team
Dragon boating is one of the oldest sporting traditions in Hong Kong – since you’re in Hong Kong, join a Dragon Boat team. It’s an exciting water sport where the whole city becomes the spectators. There are many teams you can join!
22. Take a Tai Chi class
Heal your body and mind with a Tai Chi class and balance your Yin and Yang. The ancient art is one you must have seen people practicing in many different locations around Hong Kong. Don’t leave the city without at least trying this timeless tradition once.
23. Take Kung Fu lessons
No matter where you live in the world, you must have heard about Kung Fu, made famous by Hong Kong’s own Bruce Lee. Be a boss in your new country by taking kung fu lessons. Click here to learn about some of the best martial arts schools. A bucket list must!
24. Chinese cooking lessons
You will miss the local delicacies once you leave Hong Kong -that’s why you should learn how to make some of the local food and show your family your cooking skills. When next you’re salivating for Dim Sum, you only need to get to the kitchen and make some! Click here for the best cooking classes in Hong Kong.
Finally
Once you know what your bucket list items are, settle back and enjoy the last of your time in Hong Kong; however long or short. You’ll be amazed at what you can do in Hong Kong and what items you can tick off your bucket list within a short space of time.
If you think we’ve missed out on any topics on bucket lists for Hong Kong, or you have any questions, please let us know in the comment section below.
If you’re leaving Hong Kong, check out our Conclusive Guide to Leaving Hong Kong. In this article, topics we cover include; the best moving companies in Hong Kong, a guide to donating items, tips on selling a second-hand car, how to get rid of unwanted furniture, and a list of admin items you’ll need to consider to help make a smooth exit out of Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong is my hometown. I was born here and lived here until I was nine years old. While living in Toronto, I visited Hong Kong many times and witnessed the changes in the city. Sometimes I don’t feel I belong here but yet there is a sense of familiarity. I feel like I’m learning about the city from a foreigner’s perspective and it is refreshing to see the city from another angle.
We are so touched by your comment – Thanks so much! We hope you’ve been inspired to do at least one new thing? 🙂