Essential Hong Kong: Victoria Peak, Iconic Ferries, Local Culture & Wildlife
There is so much to do in Hong Kong—almost too much. I’ve visited more than half a dozen times, and I still haven’t seen everything. One day, I plan to explore the beaches, the islands, and everything in between. For now, I’ll cover what you can do in the city. If you’re looking for Hong Kong Disneyland tips and shopping info, I’ve listed that separately on this page!
Victoria Peak: The Ultimate Panorama
I love a trip to Victoria Peak; however, if you’re coming during the rainy season, it can be a bit of a crapshoot. Check the weather ahead of time, and look outside and up toward the peak. If you can’t see it, you likely won’t be getting much of a view from the top. On our first day, the fog and cloud cover were extremely thick, but it still made for a unique visit.
You can get to the top of Victoria Peak in several ways. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike it—but you may run into some less-than-friendly wildlife along the way. Take a taxi, which will wind you around and offer a fun, scenic drive. You can also take the most direct approach—the Peak Tram. This ride isn’t for the faint of heart—if you’re afraid of heights, it can be quite daunting. The track goes pretty close to the cliffs, and the incline is extremely steep. Don’t worry—the Peak Tram has never had a fatal incident in its history and is quite safe. Arrive early to get a good spot on the tram (the front has the best views)!
The Star Ferry: A Timeless Maritime Tradition
The Star Ferry is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic modes of transport. It’s the most fun way to get from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, and the boats are icons in their own right. Rides are priced by lower deck and upper deck, with the most expensive option being only $5 HKD (less than $1 USD). Be warned: the ride can be somewhat bumpy; however, if you don’t get motion sick (or you come prepared), it’s a lovely ride. The trip across Victoria Harbor takes only about ten minutes each way, and seeing the city from the water (do a round trip like we did to see both sides) is a magical experience. For me, this is a must-do on any Hong Kong trip.
Pop-Up Exhibits & Cultural Spaces
Hong Kong offers many cool, limited-time experiences and artsy exhibits you won’t find elsewhere. On this past trip, Hong Kong seemed to embrace its past, with multiple pop-ups and exhibits that show the city as it was before.
Hong Kong International Airport offers a variety of pop-up experiences and photo opportunities. Many are in the Arrival Hall, so you won’t have to look hard. On my visit, a set of old Hong Kong storefronts was displayed, along with a replica of an old-fashioned McDonald’s complete with signs, tables, and a counter.
The Hong Kong Design Centre hosted Luminous Neon during our visit. This free walk-through experience was filled with some of Hong Kong’s most historic and beloved neon signs, all lit up and brilliantly displayed. The experience made for amazing photos and a chance to mingle with some of the city’s most famous signs. Though the exhibit has since closed, check the Hong Kong Design Centre website for current and upcoming exhibits here!
Another fun pop-up experience on our visit was a bit of a surprise. Various types of old 1960s-style Hong Kong storefronts appeared in MTR stations across the city. We came across one, and it made for a fun photo opportunity. I knew several stations had them because I saw them on Sam is Home, but we happened to find one near our exit, and it was such a nice surprise!
Of all of the experiences we enjoyed, my absolute favorite was the Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey. This experience holds a special place for me because my grandfather was a Hong Kong police officer who actually worked at this station for a time. If the photos look familiar, there’s a good reason—the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station has been used in television and film for decades. They filmed Rush Hour 2 here, along with several Jackie Chan films.
Virtually any time you see a Hong Kong police station on screen, those scenes were likely filmed here. The exhibit is currently still running, and tickets cost $30 HKD for adult admission. The exhibit takes you around the office for photo opportunities and shows what the station looked like in film. You can even walk into the cells! Beyond its film history, the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is one of the few remaining police stations built before World War II.
Across from here, you’ll find a grocery store called Wellcome. This grocery store has some fun little spots inside too—you’ll get to see what an old-fashioned Hong Kong grocery store looked like! It’s also a decent spot to get some snacks and souvenirs you can bring home at local prices.
Urban Parks & Wildlife Escapes
When people think of Hong Kong, they often picture a concrete jungle. While this can certainly be true of the major metropolitan areas, Hong Kong is made up of many islands, lots of green, and plenty of green spaces even within the city’s busiest parts. We managed to visit two of these spots during our visit—and they were both unique in their own ways.
Hong Kong Park is on the Island side, amid the hustle and bustle of Central. The park is a major recreation area for locals with a Squash Center, Sports Center, Tai Chi Garden, and more. My favorite part was the Edward Youde Aviary, which lets locals and visitors get up close to around 60 different bird species. The aviary has two parts: one with smaller enclosures for larger birds, and one vast open conservatory where visitors can explore an elevated boardwalk and watch birds fly directly overhead. If you enjoy bird watching, this is a great spot to visit—and it’s free!
Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui is another hot spot for wildlife viewing and recreation. You’ll find a Kung Fu Garden, swimming pools, and playgrounds here, along with a Maze Garden, Chinese Garden, and, my favorite, a Bird Lake filled with wild flamingos! This is definitely an unexpected spot in the middle of one of Hong Kong’s busiest areas, but it’s so much fun to watch these bright pink birds in a natural, open habitat!
You may notice that I did not include one of the city’s most famous free things to do—the Symphony of Lights. The show—while stunning—is sadly closing this year, and as such, I chose not to mention it!
Overall, even though we didn’t get to see everything we wanted, I feel like we hit a lot of our tried-and-true favorites, nature spots, and new places we’ve been curious about for years. Traveling with an elderly parent can mean slowing down significantly, but it also means more time to stop and take in your surroundings at a slower pace. And that’s never a bad thing!
More Hong Kong posts here!
