Why Hong Kong should be on your radar in 2026

With fine dining, boutique shopping, luxury stays and unique experiences, Hong Kong is the perfect city break to start or end your cruising holiday. 

Hong Kong is a city of colour. Bright red taxis trundle down busy roads lined with streetside stalls. Double-decker trams roll past towering apartment buildings in shades of pink, green and yellow. Glowing lanterns and neon lights hang from the buildings, and the bustling streets are filled with people on their way to have lunch at chic cafes, drink in hidden bars or eat in one of the city’s many restaurants. Hong Kong is a melting pot of tradition and modernity, a place where east truly meets west. Given its convenient location, Hong Kong has long been a favoured stopover destination for Australians, but this cosmopolis is not only a destination in its own right – it’s also the perfect city break, too. Don’t believe us? Read on to discover all the wonderful things to do in Hong Kong for the ultimate urban escape.

How to get to Hong Kong

Australians can reach Hong Kong in nine hours or less, depending on their departure point within Australia. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines and Qantas operate direct flights between Australia and Hong Kong. Conveniently, Australian passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days, making it easy to get there. 

Hong Kong: your pre- or post-cruise destination

Hong Kong is a standout pre- and post-cruise destination, well-suited to fly–cruise packages thanks to its exceptional accessibility and world-class aviation hub, allowing travellers to maximise time on the ground with easy connections. Home to some of the world’s best cruise lines and a major turnaround port, Hong Kong is a major embarkation and disembarkation point. Beyond the cruise itself, Hong Kong delivers a compelling holiday experience, making it ideal to extend your journey before departure or unwind after your voyage, enhancing the overall fly–cruise value proposition.

Things to do in Hong Kong

Eat at a Michelin-star restaurant

There are more than 17,000 eateries in Hong Kong, and more than 70 of them carry Michelin-stars. Naturally, dining at as many as possible is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hong Kong. While The Four Seasons’ Lung King Heen Cantonese restaurant was the world’s first Cantonese restaurant to have acquired a Michelin star, there are myriad venues worth visiting. Those seeking to savour only the best should make reservations at one of the seven establishments boasting three Michelin stars: T’Ang Court and Forum plate up Cantonese cuisine; Caprice and Amber serve contemporary French flavours; sample sophisticated rolls at Sushi Shikon; try delectable Italian fare at 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo – Bombana; or experience experimental Japanese creations at Ta Vie.

Experience food in a new way

At the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Le Petit Chef Dining Room is a 3D culinary experience that takes diners on a visual journey through French classics. Or you can immerse yourself in the art world’s most renowned creators, from Banksy to Picasso, at 7 Paintings, a seven-course meal that integrates holographic imagery, puzzles and painting tutorials into your degustation. Those simply seeking a good meal with a fantastic view should reserve a table at The Grand Buffet on the 62nd floor of Hopewell Mall – the city’s only rotating restaurant.

Delve into culture on Lantau Island

Embark upon a scenic ride aboard the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping Village, a green escape famous for its 34-metre-tall Tian Tian Buddha. Visit the Po Lin Monastery, founded more than a century ago, and gaze upon the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas before stepping back in time at the traditional stilt-house fishing village of Tai-O. In autumn, the Tai-O hosts a lantern festival that lights up Sun Ki and Tai Chung bridges. Visitors craving an outdoor workout can tackle one of the Lantau Island’s hikes, with Sunset Peak being one of the best things to do in Hong Kong for its incredible views.

Sip a tipple at the world’s best bar

In 2025, Bar Leone was not only named the number one bar in all of Asia, but also the best bar in the world by World’s 50 Best Bars. Drop in to taste classic cocktails in an Italian-inspired interior. Another notable bar worth attending is Coa in Central Hong Kong, an agave bar slinging Mexican-inspired cocktails that has won awards such as World’s Best and Asia’s Best Bar between 2021 and 2023.

Go shopping

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is go shopping. The island is a fashion-lover’s paradise, boasting unique boutiques, luxury maisons, niche designers and mega malls. You’ll find the highest concentration of premium labels in Tsim Sha Tsui. Hit up Harbour City, Pacific Place, K11 Musea and Landmark for a little indoor retail therapy. Alternatively, opt for an alfresco wander along Canton Road in Kowloon to peruse high-end designers, from Louis Vuitton to Hermes. Causeway Bay and Times Square are two other districts abundant in elevated outlets.

For more unique shopping experience, pay a visit to the Prince’s Building or 1881 Heritage, two historic sites that have been transformed into curated retail experiences. Those in search of expertly tailored menswear should arrange a visit to The Armoury, while those hoping to procure a rare bottle of whiskey should check out The Whisky Library. And, if you happen to be on the hunt for a designer piece that’s gone out of production, try your luck at luxury consignment store Hula in Quarry Bay or Soho.

Experience the city’s street scene

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is see the city from the streets. Upper Lascar Row (also known as Cat Street) is a petite thoroughfare lined with antique stores and shops selling traditional Chinese collectibles. Take in the smells of street food and the glowing lanterns of the bazaar at Temple Street Night Market, or spend an hour perusing the stalls at the Ladies’ Market during the day.

Drink coffee at a fashionable cafe

Beloved US label Ralph Lauren has its own cafe chain, known as Ralph’s Coffee, and you can find two outposts in Hong Kong at Ocean Terminal and Prince Building. You can also find the Vivienne Westwood Cafe in Causeway Bay.

Sharpen your eye for art

Tucked away in West Kowloon Cultural District is a collection of world-class museums where visitors can find art and historical artefacts. The M+ Museum presents 20th and 21st-century modern and contemporary works spanning art, design and moving images. The Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases more than 900 Chinese treasures procured from the Palace Museum in Beijing. The Hong Kong Museum of Art is a large-scale public gallery bringing local and international artists together in an exhibition of objects and visual artworks spanning modern, contemporary and Chinese genres, antiquities, calligraphy and much more.

Walk the promenade

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without walking along Victoria Harbour waterfront to visit the Avenue of the Stars. This 440-metre promenade offers incredible city skyline views, prime viewing of the Symphony of Lights show, and a variety of celebrity statues including Bruce Lee and Anita Mui.

Visit a tea house

Hong Kong’s Chinese afternoon tea culture blends traditional Cantonese dim sum with a leisurely social atmosphere, where people gather to enjoy tea, small dishes and conversation. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, find a table at LockCha Tea House in Admiralty or Central.

Get a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong

One of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong is alight the historic Peak Tram funicular from Central to Victoria Peak and ascend to Sky Terrace 428 for panoramic views of the metropolis. Ready to take your adventure to new heights? Book a scenic heli-flight over the city with Hello Hong Kong Helicopter Tours that take wing from the rooftop of The Peninsula Hotel.

Find spirituality

Man Mo Temple was built in the middle of the 19th century and is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. Though it isn’t enormous, the interiors are opulent and filled with incense spirals, making it quite an atmospheric site of worship. The complex includes the Kung Sor assembly hall and Lit Shing Kung for worshipping Taoist and Buddhist deities.

Marvel at the UNESCO Global Geopark

The UNESCO Global Geopark is a dramatic landscape of columnar-jointed volcanic rocks, sea stacks, cliffs, fossil sites and strange sedimentary formations. It’s a picturesque and pristine environment framed by beaches that allows visitors to reconnect with nature without having to travel hours away from the city. Hiking trails traverse the park, or travellers can join a guided tour or sightseeing cruise.

Travelling with the family…

Should you be travelling with children, some of the best things to do in Hong Kong with toddlers, tweens and teens include spending a day at Hong Kong Disneyland, where little tykes can meet Mickey or Elsa, or checking out the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre where children can disappear into brick-building experiences.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

Tourists visiting Hong Kong most commonly stay in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai area.

• Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon’s waterfront is popular for its luxury hotels, shopping at Harbour City, the Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour views.
• Central on Hong Kong Island draws visitors with high-end hotels, historic landmarks, nightlife and easy MTR connections to Victoria Peak, SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong.
• Causeway Bay is famous for its bustling shopping streets, department stores and trendy cafés.
• Wan Chai provides a mix of business and leisure, with convenient access to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, nightlife spots and local markets.

Best luxury hotels in Hong Kong

• The Peninsula Hong Kong | Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, it is renowned as Hong Kong’s ‘Grande Dame’ of hotels, famous for its colonial charm, fleet of Rolls-Royce cars and iconic afternoon tea.
• Rosewood Hong Kong | Situated in Admiralty near Victoria Harbour, the hotel has an ultra-luxury design concept, panoramic harbour views and a rooftop pool.
• The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong | Perched in Kowloon’s International Commerce Centre, The Ritz-Carlton is one of the world’s tallest hotels and home to the spectacular Ozone bar.
• Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong | In Central, Four Seasons is where you’ll find Michelin-starred Cantonese dining at Lung King Heen, impeccable service and views of Victoria Harbour.
• The Upper House Hong Kong | Admired for minimalist contemporary design, spacious suites, and the intimate Café Gray Deluxe, this hotel is located in Admiralty and has city skyline vistas.
• Regent Hong Kong | Found in Wan Chai, Regent is recognised for its timeless luxury, elegant interiors and the Tiffin Room which serves classic Indian-inspired high tea.
• Island Shangri-La Hong Kong | With grand architecture, a lovely atrium and an excellent Japanese restaurant, Nadaman Japanese, you’ll find Shangri-La in Admiralty.
• Mondrian Hong Kong | The Mondrian is positioned in Sheung Wan and is known for its bold, contemporary design. It also has an eclectic rooftop bar.
• Mandarin Oriental The Landmark Hong Kong | Located at 15 Queen’s Road Central, this hotel is one of the city’s premium dining destinations with Amber, Somm, Sushi Shikon and Kappo Rin.
• Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong | The flagship location of the world-renowned hotelier is found on Connaught Road Central and offers excellent views of Victoria Harbour.
• The St. Regis Hong Kong | The St. Regis has bespoke butler service, luxury accommodations and the stylish Astor Bar with city views over Wan Chai.

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