Where to take visitors in HK: expat tips

You’re bound to have some overseas guests on the doorstep of your Hong Kong home before too long. What are some must-do visitor activities? Here are some tips from Hong Kong expats on where to take visitors to impress them.

Things to do for all ages

“Lantau for the Big Buddha or just a good hike!” – Emelie

“Few things beat the Peak on a clear day or evening. A ride on the Star Ferry. Dim sum in an old-style tea house like Luk Yu. A trip to Shek O or Sai Kung country park is also a surprise to many visitors; they can see that Hong Kong is not just skyscrapers. ” – Jacinta

“Take them to the Hong Kong History Museum on the first day to give context to their visit. Then, weather permitting, an afternoon on Chung Hom Kok beach with a barbecue or picnic, and an authentic Cantonese feast somewhere special like Summer Palace at the Shangri-La.” – Claire

“The Star Ferry!” – Murray

“The Dragon’s Back trail always leaves visitors in awe at how green and mountainous Hong Kong is! The Peak makes the city look like a breathtaking land of Lego. Inspiration Lake is great for a picnic, biking and boating, but get there early if you want to park your car.” – Neelam

“I recommend any beach on Lantau, the Big Buddha in Ngong Ping, a visit to the Peak, and also catching the Star Ferry to Kowloon with a walk along the waterfront.” – Maria

“Beyond all the obvious ones from all the guides, our guests particularly like food experiences such as Din Tai Fung, Lamma Island for a seafood lunch and a family walk, a hike on the Dragon’s Back, and visiting Stanley market.” – Nico

“Nothing beats a Star Ferry ride in the evening over to Kowloon (and back) to see the views and lights. The harbour is incredible and there are so many food and bar options on both sides to choose from. There are also some great options for junk hires, which are always fun, by day or night; you can self-cater or have the junk company do it all for you.” – Anne

Things to do with kids

What are great things to do with little ones in town?

“Ocean Park is great both to get a taste of Hong Kong and as an amusement park. Also try the SuperPark for indoor activities.” – Neelam

“Ocean Park is a fabulous combination of fun rides and nature. I don’t know why Disneyland gets a bum rap for its relatively small size; when you’re a family with young children, it’s enormous! And, while they may not have great surf, the beaches in Hong Kong are wonderful.” – Jacinta

“We like the Science Museum, a day out on High Island for the beach and a seafood lunch at Yau Ley, and scooting and playing on the roof garden of the Cruise Terminal (converted from the old Kai Tak runway).” – Claire

“Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Ocean Park and Disneyland.” – Murray

“Disneyland, Tai Po Village and Cheung Sha beach.” – Maria

“Ocean Park is such an iconic Hong Kong park and it’s great for kids of all ages (and adults!). I recommend getting the Gold Pass (yearly) so you can go whenever you fancy with the family, even just for a couple of hours. This also gets you discounts on purchases in the park. Other family outings include the Botanical Gardens, the beach and more specifically Repulse Bay as it has trees for cover, and shops, restaurants and a playground.” – Nico

See more in our Things To Do section

Rain, haze or shine: Indoor activities for kids
Best public swimming pool in Hong Kong for families 
12 free (or very cheap) things to do in Hong Kong

This article first appeared in our City Guide 2019. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue or one of our annual guides.