Best things to do in Hong Kong

Enjoy a world of Disney characters and Disney-inspired rides and attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland, an Asian branch of the popular American brand. Opened in 2005, the park caters to tourists, with the Disney cast speaking English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Explore seven themed sections, from a world of fantasy to Main Street, USA. Along the way you'll encounter attractions like Tarzan's treehouse, a Cinderella carousel, and Sleeping Beauty's castle--plus live Disney characters and plenty of dining options. Although an American company, this location has a uniquely Chinese flair, with important components of Chinese culture, such as feng shui, incorporated into its design.

An amusement and marine animal park with a huge variety of sea-themed rides on offer, Ocean Park attracts millions each year. This sprawling complex combines amusement rides with marine mammal shows. A large mountain separates the grounds into two parts--waterfront and summit--with a cable car running between them. Enjoy a ride up the funicular to reach the peak's attractions and panoramic views. Various shows will introduce you to marine animals like sharks, gators, and penguins, while rides will get your adrenaline pumping.

As the highest point on the island, Victoria Peak (The Peak) gives you a view of the Hong Kong skyline that's hard to beat. Visit the free observation deck to see the panorama of soaring skyscrapers, green hills, and busy Victoria Harbor. Grab an audio guide to listen to the history of this cosmopolitan city and the buildings in front of you. Several different lookout spots offer similar views, including a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) walk. For the full experience, take the peak tram to reach the top. As you ascend, the city unfolds in front of you. For a budget-friendly alternative to the tram, ride a public bus to the summit.

The largest of Hong Kong's islands, Lantau island offers up no shortage of tourist attractions, from sandy beaches to Buddhist architecture. Take a quick boat trip there, and then explore quaint fishing villages, ancient temples, and outlet shopping. Ride a cable car up to the massive Buddha figure--a highlight of the island, on the grounds of one of the nation's most revered monasteries.

Both a pilgrimage site and a popular tourist attraction, Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) ranks among the city's top must-sees. The massive 34 m (111 ft) bronze statue, formally known as Tian Tan Buddha, was erected in 1993, bringing the Po Lin Monastery to the world's attention. The Buddha sits at the top of 268 steps, facing north. Climb to the top for a closer look at the statue, and to savor the panoramic vista of mountains and sea below. Remember that this is an important Buddhist site, so be respectful of those here to see Buddha as more than a tourist attraction. After your visit, explore the Po Lin Monastery just opposite.

Hong Kong Skyline remains one of the most impressive things about this world-class city. For the best view, make your way to the top of Victoria Peak, where you can look out unimpeded over the whole island and its cityscape. You'll also get fantastic views by simply taking a walk along the river. Hopping on a boat cruise will give you the chance to view both the dense collection of skyscrapers beyond Victoria Harbor, and look back on Kowloon. At night, a dazzling show of colored lights, laser beams, and searchlights illuminates the dark sky on both sides of the harbor, and is worth a watch.

Through exhibits of natural history, archeology, ethnology, and local history, Hong Kong Museum of History presents the historical and cultural heritage of this island. Established in 1975, the museum includes collections that date back to 1962, when the former city museum was founded. Eight permanent galleries tell Hong Kong's story, covering 400 million years of history through graphics, dioramas, text, and special audio and lighting effects. You'll embark on a journey through time, from Prehistoric Hong Kong to the modern metropolis. Exhibits focus on the dynasties, folk culture, opium wars, early days of the city, Japanese occupation, and return to China. Temporary exhibits related to the museum's theme change periodically.

An urban area to the south of the island, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade enchants crowds of visitors with its spectacular view of Hong Kong's skyline, standing tall above Victoria Harbor. The sight of endless skyscrapers across the busy waters gives you an idea of the pace at which this place moves. Tour attractions like the cultural center and space museum, and finish off with some high-end shopping or take a break to refuel at one of the area's cafes or restaurants.

Retrace Macau's Christian heritage at Ruins of St. Paul's, one of the region's landmark attractions. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the church was originally one of the largest Christian shrines in Asia. A 19th-century fire destroyed much of the original complex, but the ornate southern facade still stands as a reminder of the building's former grandeur. A steel stairway provides visitors with access to the top, while the onsite museum houses artifacts providing insight into the history and art of Christian faith in the Far East.

Dive into Hong Kong's diverse historical and cultural heritage by sampling scrumptious local delights on a walking food tour through its vibrant neighborhoods. With a small group of travelers, you'll follow a knowledgeable guide, eating your way through back alleys and colorful open markets. Meeting a local chef is a great opportunity to learn how Guangzhou and Cantonese cuisines blended with British cooking traditions and Western influences from the 1950s. Most tours last 4 hours, which is more than enough time to sate your appetite and see some of the city's highlights along the way.

Built in the classical style of the Tang Dynasty and featuring water as its central theme, Nan Lian Garden contains wooden bridges, pavilions, a waterfall, a spring, a brook, and two koi ponds. The serene setting of the garden serves a quick getaway from the city's hustle and bustle. Stroll around to admire the garden's architectural structures, such as terraces, towers, a thatch-roofed cottage, and a watermill.