12 Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong for First-time Visitors

For people who are planning a family trip, Disneyland is no doubt the best place to go in Hong Kong. Both children and adults could have fun at the movie scene of Star Wars or Toy Story, or closely interact with Disney princesses and other adorable characters. Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point are must-try as they are exclusive to HK. It will be so much fun to take roller coaster to explore the Wild West, or take electromagnetic car to find hidden treasures. Also, one should not miss the Flower Parade, Light Parade or the Firework Show. Three hotels and various restaurants are easily accessible, meeting demands of people from different countries or with religious backgrounds.

 Recommended Tour:  One Day Disneyland Tour including Ticket & Coach Transfer from $149

The second recommended place to go in Hong Kong is the Ocean Park full of marine creatures and amusement facilities, another ideal destination for family trip, graduation journey or dating. At the waterfront area, people may greet panda, crocodile and other rare Asian animals. Dining at the underwater restaurant is going to be very romantic. On top of the mountain, everyone will be cheered up by dolphin and sea lion performance, as well as polar animals like penguin and arctic fox. Amusement facilities like Roller Coaster, Tropical Rapids and Crazy Galleon are also here. 

Cableway, ocean express and hillside elevator send people to every attraction inside the park. What is more, there are special celebration events every Chinese New Year, Halloween, Christmas and summer break from Jul. to Aug.

 Recommended Tour:  Private Hong Kong Day Tours without Hotel  from $132

Victoria’s Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong, enabling tourists to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of closely packed skyscrapers and the beautiful Victoria Harbor. The night view is much more breathtaking and worth taking photos. First-time travelers are highly recommended to take time-honored tram to the peak. After appreciating the scenery, remember to send a postcard at the Peak Post Office, or walk to the Madame Tussauds, another popular place to visit in HK, to see lifelike wax figures of world famous celebrities and stars.

 Recommended Tour:  Half Day Sit-In-Coach Tour of Hong Kong Island from $79

If it is your first time visit to HK, one-stop traveling place such as Central will always be a wise choice. Central actually serves as a political and commercial center in HK. August municipal buildings coexist with dynamic banks, financial institutions etc., forming an impressive cityscape. Nevertheless, Central is better known as shopping paradise by ladies, because shopping malls like Hong Kong Landmark and Alexandra House gather many fancy bands. Even if you do not buy anything, it is joyful to roam around and feel the chic atmosphere. Speaking of dining, Michelin as well as HK-style restaurants are everywhere. Any places to go in the evening? Bars at Lan Kwai Fong are youngsters’ favorite.

Mong Kok in north Kowloon is considered the best place to visit in Hong Kong by young people. All sorts of stores cater to people with different shopping demands. Ladies may go to Langham Place to buy the clothes in vogue, or go shopping at the chain stores of SASA or Bonjour for stylish cosmetic products. Rows of stores sell high quality digital products or books. What is more, animation lovers and sports shoes collectors could find their desired items with ease. After shopping, it is time to taste mouthwatering food at Mong Kok. HK Dim Sum and dessert are must-try. Also, many restaurants here offer authentic Japanese or Korean flavors.

Tsim Sha Tsui is a good place to see HK’s commercial prosperity. People may go shopping at the Harbor City, DFS Duty Free Galleria or SOGO, and then have delicious food at the Alfresco Lane while enjoying harbor view. If it is a family trip, Hong Kong Museum of History, Science Museum, Space Museum and Cultural Center at Tsim Sha Tsui are worth considering. Besides, this area is recommended to people who wonder where to live in Hong Kong. Along the Nathan Road, tourists are offered various choices, from five-star hotels to economy ones. Amenities such as metro and convenient stores are readily available.

Victoria Harbor lies between the Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. Appealing water view makes itself one of the top 10 places to visit in Hong Kong, let along the skyscrapers scatter alongside. Tourists may take a walk along the promenade on the north, and enjoy the cluster of modern buildings on the opposite. To fully feel the scenery of both sides, it cannot be better than taking a Victoria Harbor River Cruise. If you think it’s expensive, then the Star Ferry is an economical alternative. Every 8 p.m., the Symphony of Lights is on show on time. More than 40 buildings give out colorful glow along with the rhythmic music, injecting great vitality to the Victoria Harbor. More splendid firework show can be seen every New Year’s Eve.

 Recommended Tour:  3 Days Xi'an Private Tour with Hotel  from $349

Along the Victoria’ Harbor, there is another top place to visit in Hong Kong, Avenue of Stars. This waterside promenade copies that in Los Angeles and exhibits the golden handprints of those who have made admirable achievements in HK’s film industry. If you happen to be a huge fan of HK movie, why not come here and find the handprint of your favorite actor or director? Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Yun Fat Chou, John Woo and Kar Wai Wang all show up. Also, it is a must to take photos next to the sculpture of HK’s Kung Fu legend, Bruce Lee. In addition, you may consider scheduling the Avenue of Stars in the evening to watch dazzling light show, Symphony of Lights, mentioned above.

With attractive coastal landscape and secluded vibe, Shek O peninsula is a Hong Kong nice place to visit especially in summer. At the Shek O Beach, tourists could have fun swimming, surfing or barbecuing. Nearby cliff enables rock climbers to flex their muscles. Besides, lines of colorful houses will light up people’s mood, and remember to take photos against this vibrant background. Shek O Country Park is also a worth visiting place to go hiking and get close to nature. The Dragon’s Back Trail inside is very popular as it permits the perfect view of blue sea and rolling mountains.

Are there any offshore places to visit near Hong Kong? Lamma Island is recommended to first-time visitors. Unlike bustling Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui, this small island features peaceful vibe. Picturesque sea view, winding path, as well as delicate boutique and bar let every tourist gain a sense of serenity. Of course there are also interesting outdoor activities. Tourists could enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or go to sea with local fishermen. Speaking of which, seafood feast is a must on Lamma Island. If you’d like to stay here for a few days, many cozy homestays are available.

Cheung Chau Island is the most populous off-island in Hong Kong. Old temples and thriving snack booths unfold Cheung Chau’s original look as a fishing port. Now, at the West Bay area, you may rent a bike and ride along the coastline. Beautiful scenery as well as mild wind will blow your annoys away. More exciting activities could be found at the East Bay Area. With coach’s help, you could feel the thrill of surfing or sailing. By the way, the only way to this island is by ferry from Central Pier, and one day is enough to tour the whole island.

Lantau Island is the largest island in HK. It may sound unfamiliar, but the Disneyland is located right here. Twice as large as the Hong Kong Island, there are many worth trying things at Lantau. For example, one may take Ngong Ping 360 cableway to enjoy the island panorama and see the Big Buddha (Tiantan Buddha), watch the sunrise on the Phoenix Mountain, or experience all kinds of water sports at the south beach. To feel local customs, tourists may pay a visit to Tai O fishing village or Po Lin Monastery. Like other popular places to see in Hong Kong, shopping is also a part of Lantau tour, and Citygate Outlets is recommended.