Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong: Beyond the Tourist Trail (2026)

Victoria Peak (552m) gives you a 360° view of one of the world's most spectacular skylines. The classic photo — skyscrapers in the foreground, harbour behind — is taken from the Peak Galleria viewing terrace. The Peak Tram is the world's oldest funicular railway (since 1888) and climbs at a stomach-dropping angle.

Dim sum (點心) is Hong Kong's defining culinary experience — steamed dumplings, char siu bao, cheung fun served from bamboo steamers and push carts. The best dim sum is in working-class neighbourhoods like Sham Shui Po and Jordan, where locals actually eat. Skip the Tsim Sha Tsui tourist restaurants charging 3× the price.

Must-orders: har gow (shrimp dumpling), siu mai(pork dumpling), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls),egg tarts. Order tea — this is called "yum cha" (飲茶).

The Star Ferry has been running since 1888. At HKD 3.4, it's one of the world's best-value experiences. The 10-minute ride across Victoria Harbour gives you the full Hong Kong skyline view. Take it at dusk when the buildings start lighting up. You can pay with Octopus Card.

The Tian Tan Buddha (Lantau) is 34 metres tall and sits at 520m altitude — you climb 268 steps to reach it. The Po Lin Monastery beside it is an active working monastery. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung takes 25 minutes and gives spectacular views over mountains and sea.

Temple Street at night is Hong Kong at its most atmospheric — fortune tellers, street food, bargain clothing, and Cantonese opera. It's touristy but fun. Bargaining is expected at the stalls. Try the street food: curry fishballs (HKD 10), stinky tofu, and egg waffles (雞蛋仔).

Hong Kong has 40% of its land as country parks — most visitors have no idea. The Dragon's Back trail on Hong Kong Island is rated one of Asia's best urban hikes. From the ridge, you can see the South China Sea on one side and the city skyline on the other. Finish at Big Wave Bay beach (bring your own towel).

Tai O is a traditional fishing village on Lantau where houses sit on stilts over water channels. It feels completely different from the rest of Hong Kong — time-frozen, quiet, fishing nets drying in the sun. Take a boat tour through the channels (HKD 30, 20 minutes). You might see pink dolphins.

The trams (nicknamed "Ding Ding" for their bell sound) have been running since 1904 and are the slowest but most charming way to see Hong Kong Island. For HKD 3, you get a slow-motion journey through Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Happy Valley. Sit on the upper deck at the front. Pay with Octopus Card as you exit.

Built in 1847, Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road is one of Hong Kong's oldest and most atmospheric temples. Giant incense coils hang from the ceiling, filling the space with fragrant smoke. Dedicated to Man (god of literature) and Mo (god of war). No entrance fee. Combine with Antique Row on Hollywood Road.

Every night at 8 PM, 44 buildings on Hong Kong Island synchronise their lights and lasers in a 13-minute show. Watch from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade for the best view across the harbour. It's free, it's spectacular, and it only takes 13 minutes — great as a dinner prelude.