10 things you didn't know you could do in Hong Kong

You’ve already ticked off some of Hong Kong’s most iconic experiences, like crossing Victoria Harbour on the famous Star Ferry and taking the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for those postcard-perfect skyline views. But once you’ve seen the headline attractions, what’s next?

As you move beyond the usual checklist, it’s easy to miss lesser-known gems or overlook entire neighbourhoods. Hong Kong is a city of layers, and some of its most memorable moments involve digging a little deeper. Here’s a roundup of things to do in Hong Kong that offer a fresh perspective on the city.

Sharp Island 

Best for: beach day

Besides its urban buzz and awe-inspiring high-rises, Hong Kong also has some world-class beachside retreats and natural landscapes. Amid the city’s wealth of spectacular beaches, Sharp Island is often overlooked. Ride a sampan boat from Sai Kung to Kiu Tsui Beach, then hike for a couple of kilometres with sweeping mountain views. At the end, you’ll find yourself at Hap Mun Beach, a quiet hideaway with powdery sand and sparkling water.

On The Hill Coffee Bar 

Best for: unique coffee spot

With its grand Victorian-era buildings, Tai Kwun is well known as a vibrant cultural centre and a superior spot for sophisticated cocktails by the open courtyard. It’s easy to get caught up in the art and architecture and miss one of the city’s most unique spots for your daily cup of caffeine, tucked in the far northeast corner of the complex. At the On The Hill Coffee Bar, you can order a drink and take a seat, flanked by rows of former prison cells on both sides – an unusual setting that perfectly captures Tai Kwun’s juxtaposition of history and happening culture. 

Kam Tin 

Best for: local experience

Need a break from the chaos? In Kam Tin, time moves at a leisurely pace, shaped by residents who prefer a relaxed rhythm over the constant rush of city life. Stroll along the mural-lined main street and settle into one of the cosy independent cafés before heading to Red Brick Market , where you can browse anything from retro memorabilia to handmade candles crafted by local artisans. Surrounded by fields and set against distant mountains, the area encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply and soak up the scenery.

Tai O 

Best for: fishing village 

Tai O fishing village offers a glimpse into a different side of Hong Kong, one that’s full of coastal character shaped by the Tanka people’s traditional way of life at sea. Hop on a boat, ride through the stilt houses and keep a lookout for General’s Rock; with some luck, you may even spot Hong Kong’s pink dolphins nearby. Make sure to pick up a jar of Tai O’s signature shrimp paste to add an extra umami kick to your meals for weeks and months to come.

Kowloon City  

Best for: Thai food

Kowloon City is affectionately known as Hong Kong’s “Little Thailand” and is also home to the Chiu Chow community. Its multicultural legacy makes this area a top destination for foodies, yet it’s often overlooked even by visitors exploring Kowloon Walled City Park. For a taste of Thailand in very Hong Kong surroundings, step into the wet market and ride the slow escalators up to Amporn Thai Food, where you can order fragrant mango fried rice and garlicky stir-fried greens, before finishing with a bowl of traditional Chiu Chow sweet soup.  

Ma Wan 

Best for: creative workshops

A colourful hidden pocket between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi, Ma Wan is one of Hong Kong’s newest attractions after making its vibrant debut as a lifestyle hub in 2025. Pop in and out of each rainbow-hued building and you’ll discover shops and studios run by artisans and creatives. This close-knit community offers a variety of goods and workshops, from soap making and metal forging to fabric weaving. With so many activities to explore, it’s the perfect time to get your creative juices flowing.

Cape D’Aguilar 

Best for: tranquil hike

Perched on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island is Cape D’Aguilar. Its remote location keeps it off many visitors’ itineraries, but its very isolation makes it unusually peaceful. It offers a family-friendly hike with spectacular views of distant green islands, rocky coastlines and the shimmering South China Sea. Adventure seekers can discover several hidden caves and clamber over rocks toward the shoreline.

Lai Chi Wo 

Best for: Hakka heritage

As soon as you enter this centuries-old Hakka Walled Village, local aunties will offer you cha guo (savoury rice cakes), a classic Hakka treat, as a first introduction to Hakka cuisine and culture. Although Lai Chi Wo feels laid-back today, it was once a lively community, whose past has been carefully protected through rural revitalisation efforts. Weave your way between timeworn houses and into the dense nearby forest, then dig into authentic Hakka braised pork and yellow wine chicken at Ming Kee Restaurant (Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail, Plover Cove Country Park, Shuen Wan).

Tsz Shan Monastery 

Best for: spiritual serenity 

Long before you arrive at Tsz Shan Monastery, you’ll see the vast bronze-cast white statue of Kwun Yam towering 76 metres tall against the green hills of eastern Tai Po district. Inside, you’ll find imposing temples and, beneath the great Kwun Yam statue, one of the world’s best collections of Buddhist art. Opened in 2015, Tsz Shan Monastery was built to exacting standards of traditional craftsmanship that achieve a sense of serenity amid the lush natural surroundings. Visits must be booked in advance , so plan your trip early.

Mei Mo House 

Best for: nostalgic history

Museums beyond Tsim Sha Tsui’s rich cultural district are often missed, but at Mei Ho House you can discover a more local story and experience how many of Hong Kong’s residents lived for decades. Located in Shek Kip Mei, this 1950s public housing block is now a heritage museum that traces how public housing developed and how residents’ lives changed over time. Wander into recreated rooms and engaging exhibits for a journey into Hong Kong’s recent past.