First-Timer’s Guide to Hong Kong: Best Things to Do & Places to Eat (From a Local’s Perspective)

Top 10 things to do in Hong Kong:

1. Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour: One of Hong Kong’s most iconic experiences. Enjoy unbeatable skyline views for just a few dollars.

2. Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak: For panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, this is a must. Visit during golden hour for the best photos.

3. Experience Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday nights: A beloved local tradition. Expect racing, craft beer, and a lively midweek atmosphere under the city lights.

4. Visit Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden: A peaceful, Tang-inspired Buddhist complex featuring lotus ponds, bonsai courtyards, and stunning timber architecture.

5. Explore Tai Kwun Heritage & Arts Centre: A restored colonial compound filled with contemporary art, exhibitions, cafés, and boutique shops.

6. Take a boat trip to Sai Kung’s four famous sea caves: Admire Hong Kong’s UNESCO Geopark. Unique towering volcanic rock columns, sea arches, and turquoise waters. One of the best nature experiences in the city.

7. Hike Dragon’s Back: A beginner-friendly hike with sweeping coastal views. Ideal for nature lovers and first-time visitors.

8. Discover PMQ in Soho: An arts and design destination showcasing Hong Kong’s independent creators, ceramics studios, and local crafts.

9. Ride the Ding Ding Tram: A slow, nostalgic ride through Hong Kong Island perfect for sightseeing the local way.

10. Visit the Big Buddha & Tai O Fishing Village: Combine nature, culture, and traditional village life on Lantau Island.

Best places to eat in Hong Kong (local recommendations):

Hong Kong’s food scene is diverse, exciting, and worth planning your trip around. Here are the best food and places to eat that we recommend first-timers to try:

1. Pineapple Bun: Try Hong Kong’s iconic pineapple bun, known for its sweet, crunchy golden-like pineapple top, although there is actually no pineapple in it. Sai Kung Cafe & Bakery offers the classic giant version, while Pineapple Bakery in Sheung Wan is a newly established bakery, a convenient city option known for it’s modern take on the Pineapple Bun.

2. Dim Sum: One Dim Sum and Lung Dim Sum offers casual, and affordable baskets in a cozy neighborhood setting. Lung Dim Sum is especially great for young kids with cute animal-shaped dim sum and for those who are looking for something unique and charming.
For a more refined experience, Luk Yu Tea House in Central for Traditional flavors or Yat Tung Heen (Michelin-starred) serves beautifully crafted dim sum in an elegant setting with exceptional Cantonese dishes and impeccable service.

3. Char Siu Try Hong Kong’s famous Cantonese roast pork. Sun Kwai Heung BBQ Food, located in Chai Wan, offers a smoky, traditional style, while FAT J gives you a city-center option with beautifully caramelized thick cuts.

4. Ho Lee Fook—Modern Cantonese: A lively spot with bold flavors and creative Cantonese dishes. Great for good vibes and a great place to start off the night before Bar Hopping in Soho.

5. Wing Hong Kong: One of Hong Kong’s top modern Cantonese restaurants, Wing Hong Kong, blending tradition with fine-dining creativity.

6. The Chairman Hong Kong’s Most Iconic Cantonese Restaurant: Ingredient-driven dishes and thoughtful techniques make this one of Asia’s best restaurants. Bookings start filling up six months ahead, so do book in advance!

7. Wonton Noodles: Tsim Chai Kee is affordable, hearty, and deeply satisfying. A long-time local favorite.