Street art, cocktails, and vintage shopping! Here are 12 very cool things to do in Hong Kong

Beyond its iconic skyline and bustling markets, Hong Kong offers an incredible mix of cultural experiences, hidden adventures, and creative hotspots. 

From artistic villages on quiet islands to hidden bars and pristine beaches, here’s your guide to experiencing Hong Kong’s coolest offerings.

1. Discover an Island’s Artistic Soul

Step into a world where industrial heritage meets creative expression on the charming island of Peng Chau. 

The star attraction is the whimsically transformed Fook Yuen Leather Factory, a 1930s industrial relic now serving as an outdoor art gallery. This Grade III historic building has been reinvented as a vibrant ‘secret garden’ where street art and creative installations transform forgotten spaces into social media-worthy moments. 

While you’re there, explore the island’s pottery workshops and indulge in fresh seafood along Wing On Street.

2. Sail the Symphony of Lights

Soak up Hong Kong’s dazzling skyline from the best seat in the house aboard an Aqualuna cruise. 

These traditional red-sail junks offer various experiences, but the Symphony of Lights cruise is especially magic. For 45 minutes, you’ll glide across Victoria Harbour while watching the city’s nightly multimedia show illuminate the skyscrapers with synchronised lights, lasers, and music. 

Or during the day, hop aboard for a dim sum journey through Lei Yue Mun or the afternoon tea tour with harbour views.

3. Beach Hop Like a Local

Think Hong Kong is all skyscrapers and busy streets? Think again. 

This city-state is also home to stunning beaches, where you can swap the urban bustle for golden sands and ocean views. Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau Island offers three kilometres of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, while Shek O Beach provides a perfect escape from Hong Kong Island’s urban buzz. 

Hidden away on Sharp Island, Hap Mun Bay Beach – nicknamed “Half Moon Bay” for its curved shoreline – feels like a secret paradise with its white sands and pristine waters, while over at Clear Water Bay Second Beach, the calm waters make it one of Hong Kong’s most popular summer spots

4. Follow the Street Art Trail

Every March, Hong Kong’s concrete canvas comes alive with vibrant murals and bold installations, transforming city walls into works of art. 

The annual HKwalls festival turns the Central and Western District into an open-air gallery, where international and local artists breathe new life into ordinary streets. 

But whatever time of year you visit the city, you’ll find its streets brimming with art.

For year-round street art hunting, head to Sai Ying Pun’s ARTLANE, where the buildings of Ki Ling Lane and Chung Ching Street burst with kaleidoscopic creativity.

And check out areas like Sheung Wan, Sham Shui Po, Sai Kung and Hollywood Road for more incredible art while you’re on the go.

5. Seek Out a Secret Speakeasy

Master the art of hide-and-sip in Hong Kong’s speakeasy scene. 

At Bar001, in historic Tai Kwun, finding the entrance is part of the adventure – just look for the vintage doorbell. Foxglove, meanwhile, maintains its cover as an umbrella shop while serving creative cocktails in a 1950s-inspired setting, complete with live jazz.

For gin enthusiasts, Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria transforms a former ping pong hall into a hip haven with over 150 gin varieties, while Artifact Bar offers a surreal, dystopian-inspired atmosphere perfect for late-night drinks.

6. Trek the New Territories

Escape the urban jungle for Hong Kong’s wilder side. 

The challenging High Junk Peak Country Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views over the Clearwater Bay Peninsula, while Sunset Peak on Lantau Island offers a different kind of magic. 

Here, you’ll discover mysterious stone huts from the 1920s and, if you time it right, silvergrass swaying in the golden hour light. These trails reveal a peaceful side of Hong Kong that feels worlds away from the bustling streets below.

7. Pamper Your Feet

After exploring the city’s steep streets and hiking routes, treat yourself to a legendary Hong Kong foot massage. 

Ten Feet Tall offers a Caribbean-inspired oasis where you can sip coconut juice and enjoy frozen yoghurt during your treatment. 

For something more traditional, visit Tai Pan Reflexology Parlour, where 1940s China-inspired décor sets the scene for expert reflexology sessions that will have your feet ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

8. Step Back in Time at a Traditional Village

Journey to Lai Chi Wo, one of Hong Kong’s oldest, largest, and best-preserved Hakka villages. This UNESCO award-winning settlement offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s rural heritage with over 200 historic houses arranged in precise rows according to feng shui principles. 

Wander through the village’s ‘feng shui’ woods, explore the cultural hub, and marvel at the centuries-old trees, including the fascinating Hollow Tree with its mysterious trunk openings.

9. Savour Cha Chaan Teng Culture

Cha Chaan Teng, Hong Kong’s signature cafés, serve up a delicious blend of East-meets-West comfort food. 

From pillowy scrambled eggs to Hong Kong-style French toast and the essential milk tea, these casual eateries offer an authentic taste of local life. 

Visit iconic spots like Cheung Hing Coffee Shop or Australia Dairy Company to experience this beloved dining tradition firsthand, and don’t forget to try the signature yuen yeung – a mix of coffee and milk tea.

10. Capture moments worth sharing

Hong Kong serves up endless photo opportunities for those with a creative eye. 

Start at the atmospheric Man Mo Temple, where incense spirals create ethereal scenes, then head to Cape D’Aguilar for dramatic seascapes and ancient rock carvings. 

Don’t miss the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery for spiritual grandeur, or ascend to Ozone Bar, the city’s highest, for a fantastic vantage point over the glittering skyline.

11. Ride the Ding Ding

There’s no more charming way to explore Hong Kong Island than aboard its iconic trams, affectionately nicknamed ‘Ding Ding’ for their distinctive bell sound. 

For just HK$3 (30 pence) you can traverse the island from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, taking in the city’s evolution from a wooden bench seat. Grab a spot on the upper deck for the best views of the city’s ever-evolving architecture.

12. Hunt for Vintage Treasures

While Hong Kong buzzes with modern technology, its vintage shops hold some of the city’s most exciting finds. 

Step into Bang Bang 70s for a groovy blast from the past, or seek out Little Dot Vintage Shop’s neon-lit collections of mid-century finds. 

For literary treasures and vintage movie memorabilia, You Wu Studio x JikSap offers an enchanting journey through Hong Kong’s cultural history. 

Or visit Vintage 1961, where you’ll find an expertly curated collection of European jewellery and accessories from the 1960s to 1980s, including some rare Victorian pieces.

Find out more at discoverhongkong.com