Welcome to the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where tradition meets modernity in the most exciting ways. 😄 You may know this city for its most iconic attractions like Ocean Park Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland and Central Market, but this East Asian gem hides even more treasures that even seasoned travellers might not be aware of! So, if you’re looking for things to do in Hong Kong, let us share with you some truly unique experiences that will add a touch of excitement and adventure to your Hong Kong itinerary. 🌎
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1. See the City from the Sky
Everyone who’s been to Hong Kong before knows of Ngong Ping 360. It’s a cable car ride that offers a breathtaking aerial view of the city that will leave you in awe. Hop on the new Crystal Cabin and soar above the stunning landscape while capturing Instagram-worthy photos. The bottom of the car is fully transparent which lets you see the lush forest greenery down below! 😃It’s a sight to behold and we recommend you plan ahead what kinds of photos you want to take while you’re in the cabin because you’ll reach your destination in no time.
Once you reach the top, step into Ngong Ping Village, where you'll get a panoramic view of the city from high above! Don't miss the opportunity to climb the steps leading to the Giant Buddha statue, an impressive feat that tests your endurance while rewarding you with an unforgettable view. Nearby, the Wisdom Path awaits, with its captivating story and awe-inspiring scenery, making it an Instagram-worthy spot you won't want to miss. Remember to bring sunscreen, especially if you're visiting during summer or spring!
P.S. You may approach the staff to help you locate the prayer facility for you to do your obligatory prayers. The prayer room is complete with prayer mats, Quran and compass to ensure you have a convenient experience!
Halal food nearby:
- Ebenezer's Kebabs & Pizzeria
Halal status: Halal-certified
Locations & opening hours:Click here for the full list!
2. Shop for Old School Souvenirs and Gifts
Select 18
If you love old school Hong Kong movies and shows then you MUST visit Hong Kong for their one-of-kind souvenir stores! 🔥Select18 is one of the most noteworthy places to visit for souvenirs. Old school collectors will love this place because it sells a variety of vintage items, including clothing, accessories, furniture, and even home decor. If you like relics of the past, you’ll find items like old Sony record players, 1970s Dunlop duffel bags, Pepsi thermos from 1988 and much more just to give you an idea of what to expect. As you stroll through the street near the store, be sure to admire the colourful murals and art that adorn the walls and snap a couple of IG-worthy pictures!
Select 18
Address: Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, Tung St, 14號號地舖
Opening hours: Daily; 12pm - 7pm
Halal food nearby:
- Tasty Bites 2
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Turkish food
Address: 3 Tsing Chau St, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 11:30am - 10:30pm
- Islam Food Since 1950
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Syrian food
Address: Shun King Building, 33-35 Tak Ku Ling Rd, Kowloon City, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 11am - 10pm
DongpoHK
Another hidden gem is DongpoHK, where you can find unique postcards and experience the old-world charm. The store sells a variety of old school items and souvenirs, including vinyl records, and even Jackie Chan memorabilia (any Rush Hour 2 fans here?). You can find some unique gifts here that you won't be able to find anywhere else so if you’re looking for a souvenir that can convey the authenticity of Hong Kong, DongpoHK is where you should be at.
If all that shopping and walking got you a little peckish, DongpoHK sells artisanal and locally produced ice cream! 😎You can also enjoy freshly brewed tea and coffee at their cafe (YES a cafe) where you can sit on traditional-style furniture and enjoy the murals surrounding you - a nod to the most old school but nostalgic Hong Kong culture
#HHWT tip: The store is small, so it can get crowded during peak times. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit during the morning or late afternoon!
DongpoHK
Halal status: We’ve checked to see that the ingredients are all Muslim-friendly and are made with plant-based ingredients. We suggest that you purchase their ice cream selection at your own discretion!
Address: 17 Shing Wong St, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Fri - Sun; 12pm - 6pm | Mon - Thu; Closed
Halal food nearby:
- 27 Kebab House
Halal status: Uses halal-certified ingredients
Address: D-E號舖, 蘇豪, 27 Lugard Road, Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 10am - 6am
3. Eat your way through the city
Halal food isn’t difficult to find when you’re in Hong Kong but if you’re looking for a dining experience that you can’t get back home then we recommend some places you should consider:
JAJA
Hong Kong is a city that loves its coffee, and fortunately for fans of light bites and refreshing drinks there are cafes on every street! If you're looking for a unique cafe experience, then you should check out JAJA. This cafe is located in Causeway Bay, and it has a super pink interior. Known for its plant-based menu that’s super attractive, JAJA is a popular visit for its creative and wholesome vegetarian cuisine to the table!
You can order menu items like sushi, salads, corn on the cob, and twisted cheese breads and more! If you’re brave (or famished) enough, you can try ordering their famous 1-metre long pizza which is big enough to feed approximately 10 people (or even more!). 🤩
P.S. You can even dine al fresco on their spacious balcony to enjoy the view overlooking Victoria Harbour.
JAJA
Halal status: Vegetarian food
Address: 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 11:30am - 10pm
Kung Tak Lam Shanghai Vegetarian Cuisine
For a more upscale vegetarian dining experience, visit Kung Tak Lam Shanghai Vegetarian Cuisine in Causeway Bay. This restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a slightly higher price range, perfect for a memorable meal. You can bask in the cityscape with the floor to ceiling windows as you dig into delicious traditionally hand-pulled noodles and various other vegetarian dishes like sweet sour mushroom stir-fry. You won’t be able to tell that these dishes were plant-based alternatives!
Kung Tak Lam Shanghai Vegetarian Cuisine
Halal status: Vegetarian food, alcohol may be served at this eatery. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.
Address: 31 Sugar St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 11am - 10pm
4. Visit Hong Kong's Mosque for Prayers
Experience the cultural diversity of Hong Kong by visiting the city's oldest mosque, the Kowloon Mosque! It’s also the largest mosque in Hong Kong and is an integral part of the Muslim community in the city. An interesting fact about this mosque is that it can fit up to 3,500 people at prayer time (how interesting is that?)!
Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre
Address: 105 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Halal food nearby:
- KFC Hong Kong
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Shop 101 & 106-108, 1/F, Chuang's London Plaza, 219 Nathan Road, Jordan
Opening hours: Open daily; 8 am - 10 pm
Masjid Ammar and The Islamic Centre
It is a must-visit for both Muslim travellers and those interested in exploring different religious sites. The Islamic Centre is also within the vicinity and you can come and try the authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum (which is halal of course!) at the Islamic Centre Canteen. An interesting thing that you’ll realise is that despite this eatery being in a Mosque, locals often frequent this spot for breakfast and lunch! It’s hard to tell if the majority of the diners were Muslim but it was heartening to see the local Hong Kong community putting away their differences and get together to enjoy a meal familiar to the city, culture and it’s people. ❤️
Masjid Ammar and The Islamic Centre
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Oi Kwan Rd, 40號伊斯蘭中心5樓
5. Explore Museums and Galleries
M+
Credit: @mplusmuseum on instagram
Are you a person who enjoys deep and thought provoking conversations? M+ Museum in Hong Kong offers exhibitions like "Things, Spaces Interactions” which showcases more than 500 objects that have shaped society to become what it is today. Some objects include powerful historical posters from Vietnam that shed light on the government's aspirations during the 1900s among many others that’ll transport you to the historical aspect of Southeast Asia. Prepare to be captivated by thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge your perspectives!
M+
Address: 38 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong
6. Spend a Day at Hong Kong's Thrilling Theme Parks
No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to its renowned theme parks! If you have a day to spare, make sure you check out one of these exciting parks (or both!):
Hong Kong Disneyland
What's not to love about this magical place? You can meet your favourite Disney character, hop on thrilling rides that'll get your adrenaline pumping and witness the spectacular fireworks display at night! ✨ It’s definitely a must-visit attraction in Hong Kong regardless of age. 😄One of the newest attractions at the park is the Castle of Dreams that was newly transformed and refurbished as a tribute to the stories of the 13 different Disney Princesses and Queens which can be seen through the uniquely designed towers, turrets, domes, finials and spires. It’s a celebration of diversity and culture (much like Hong Kong)!
P.S. We highly recommend you stay till the end of the night to catch the “Momentous” Nighttime Spectacular, a 20 minute long light show and fireworks display that’s suitable for all ages. You can look forward to multimedia elements, including large scale 3D projection mapping technology, choreographed fountains, illuminated water projection, lasers, theatrical lighting, pyrotechnics, and even fireworks effects all while listening to iconic Disney songs re-imagined for spellbinding experience! 🎆 We could go on and on but it’s better to experience it in person!
As for halal food, you can visit the Tahitian Terrace Restaurant which serves a halal-certified menu featuring dishes like Seafood and Chicken Laksa and much more! If you’re looking for a prayer room, you may approach the park staff for assistance or make your way to the Quiet Room where there’s a designated ablution area and a spacious interior for prayers.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong
For the uninitiated, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park all in one place! 🥳 Get on thrilling rides, see and get up close with adorable wildlife animals like penguins and various sea creatures. There’s even a bird sanctuary for you to see colourful birds in their natural habitat! Not to mention, there’s a halal food menu available at Café Ocean where you can enjoy Yunnan Rice Vermicelli with Soup and a choice between Soy Chicken or Braised Beef.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Address: Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sun; 10am - 7:30pm
BONUS:
7. Go Island-Hopping Away From the City
Credit: @melt.murmurr on Instagram
When you think of Hong Kong, you’d envision a metropolis city brimming with life and culture but as with every modern city, Hong Kong has a more idle story to tell from its past! If you’re eager to escape the bustling city life for a bit, you’ll love Cheung Chau, also known as “Long Island”. The dumb-bell-shaped island is famous for its distinct waterfront filled with fishing boats and seafood eateries. Not to mention, it’s car-free!
Credit: @chanapoo on Instagram
The scenic beaches and family-friendly hiking trails are one of the draws to escape from the fast-paced city life. But don’t think there’s nothing to do here just because it’s away from the mainland! The younger residents have opened new hipster, Instagrammable cafes and retail stores along the streets. Why not cycle by and look for the island’s oldest lucky buns baker - Kwok Kam Kee, while you’re exploring?
P.S. Halal food is hard to find on these islands, we suggest you pack something to bring along during your adventures. There are seafood restaurants all over the island, however, they may serve alcohol and meat, we recommend you dine at your own discretion!
Check out more halal food options in our IG reel below!
Hong Kong is a treasure trove of experiences, blending tradition, excitement, and cultural diversity. Discover a side of Hong Kong you never knew existed and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic metropolis. Remember to embrace the lively spirit of the city, try new things, and let the vibrant energy of Hong Kong guide you on your adventure! So when will you be visiting Hong Kong? 😃
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This article was brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.