Things to do Alone in Hong Kong

By Dom Bewley
Things to do Alone in Hong Kong

Heading to Hong Kong alone this year, or have a few hours to spare until a connecting flight? Check out our picks of the best things to do by yourself in the city. From Sightseeing tours to art classes, we've got you covered.

Including:

  • Hop-on, hop-off Sightseeing Tour
  • Ngong Ping Cable Car and Village Experience
  • Chinese ink painting class
  • Hong Kong Maritime Museum
  • ...and more!
Image of Bus, Vehicle, Car, Person, Tour Bus,

Image courtesy of TungCheung/Shutterstock

Hop-on, hop-off Sightseeing Tour

If you've never been to Hong Kong before, you might want to get most of the touristy stuff out of the way in one go. That way, you'll have more time to hit up the social side of the city, bar hop, or meet new people on your travels. If that sounds like what you're looking for, then this hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city will give you the freedom to explore the landmarks you want more closely.

You'll find audio guides on each bus that are available in 10 languages, so no matter where you go, you'll get the lowdown on every place you pass. Then, when the bus pulls up, you can either get off, explore, and hop on the next bus, or stay aboard and travel to the next landmark. It's an easy way to see what you want, when you want.

And what will you be seeing? Well, depending on the route you choose to ride, you'll see Victoria Park, Man Mo Temple, Lan Kwai Fong, Causeway Bay, and plenty more besides. And, without any pesky friends or family in tow, it's one of the best things to do alone in Hong Kong. After all, you needn't negotiate where to get off - you're in complete, blissful control. Just as it should be.

Image of Art, Prayer, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Buddha,

Ngong Ping Cable Car and Village Experience

Whether you're willing to admit it or not, cable cars are one of modern life's most joyful additions. Nothing beats sitting in a suspended cable car as you rise into the heavens, seeing the ground beneath you slowly shrink. It must be what the gods felt like, back when they were cool and threw lightning bolts and stuff. Anyway, if you want to feel godly, take this cable car up to gloriously serene Ngong Ping and explore the more spiritual side of Hong Kong.

You'll arrive in Ngong Ping Village, and from there, you can explore the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the Wisdom Path, so be sure to save some time to explore these wonderful sites! Tian Tan Buddha is arguably the best of these; a huge, golden statue of Buddha that can be seen for literal miles on a clear day.

Then, when you've explored to your heart's content, take the car back down the city streets and carry on. Just make sure to bring a photographic machine, because you'll be taking more pictures than there are stars in the sky.

Image of Animal, Bird, Flying, Flock,

Chinese ink painting class

If you're a fan of Chinese artwork throughout the centuries, why not learn to do it yourself? At this traditional ink-painting class, you'll learn to stroke like the masters. Brush stroke, mind - get your head out of the gutter.

The Ka Atelier studio is a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the center of busy Hong Kong, making it the perfect place to escape the city and a wonderfully serene location for learning. Students are given traditional tea before learning the ropes, strokes, and that's not all folks. Once you understand the technique, you'll learn how to paint bamboo, which is not only a staple of Chinese culture, but one of the more intuitive objects to paint. Then, you'll create your very own bamboo masterpiece you can take home with you. Feel free to show it off to all your friends and family - they're bound to care.

And if you're looking for things to do alone in Hong Kong, surely learning has to be up there?

Image of Coat, Boy, Child, Male, Person, Boat, Vehicle, Raincoat,

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Another of life's great solo joys is going at your own pace, wherever and whenever you want. Take museums, for instance. What if your partner, friend, or family member has no interest in visiting a maritime museum? What if they begrudgingly go but speed-run the exhibits, forcing you to do the same? Madness, we tell you! Instead, head to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum alone, look at everything slowly, soak up all that sweet knowledge, and then leave feeling like a better human being.

And what a way to explore! Hong Kong has a rich maritime history that dates back centuries. Wander the museum's halls, and you'll see historic ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime artifacts from way back when. There are also immersive multimedia installations that cater to visitors of all ages, ensuring the learning experience is a little less dry.

Then, when your brain is so stuffed with information you can barely think, stuff your face with delicious treats at the museum cafe. What a day.

Image of Cup, Cooking, Food, Pouring Food, Dining Table, Furniture, Table, Baby, Person, Saucer, Pottery,

LockCha Tea Workshop

Tea fan? Why not do the solo dance all the way to this Tea Workshop at LockCha, learn all about traditional tea and its origins, and then try a variety of Chinese teas?

LockCha is a Canton-style tea house that blends traditional and Western decor, making it a stylish place to enjoy sipping on one of Hong Kong's most popular drinks. And, with five different teas to enjoy at the end of your historical journey through China's relationship with tea, you'll be sipping like royalty.

Just remember to take all that sweet knowledge back home with you and regale tales of your tea exploits to your colleagues around the water cooler.

Image of Bunker,

World War 2 Walking Tour

And finally, we'll end our exploration of the best things to do alone in Hong Kong by stretching our legs and our minds. If you're unaware of Hong Kong's important role in the Second World War, prepare to be made aware!

On this walking tour, your guide will bring personal stories to life, explaining the British surrender to Japan, Japan's occupation, and their eventual defeat. On the way, you'll visit key locations from the war and see relics from the era. You'll also learn about Japan's not brilliant treatment of the local population.

History buffs or the casually curious will both enjoy this walking tour, so go ahead and book it. Right now.

And those were our picks of the best things to do alone in Hong Kong! Looking for more vacation inspiration? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can also see all the city's best bits for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Hong Kong in November
Blog

Hong Kong in November

If you're thinking of visiting Hong Kong in November, check out our guide and find out why it might be the best time to visit the city! Including: Is November a good time to visit Hong Kong? Which month is typhoon season in Hong Kong? What is the coldest month in Hong Kong? Hong Kong in November: Weather Hong Kong in November: What to pack November Events in Hong Kong The Best November Attractions in Hong Kong Is November a good time to visit Hong Kong? We would argue that Autumn is the best time to visit Hong Kong. It's just out of the rainy season, temperatures are pretty high, and humidity is at a low. If you're looking to spend a lot of time outside on your vacation, then November is one of the best months in Hong Kong! Which month is typhoon season in Hong Kong? Typhoon season falls in the wettest months in Hong Kong, which are between April and October. In fact, around 80% of the city's rainfall occurs between May and September, so as long as you're away during that period, you can expect a much drier time! What is the coldest month in Hong Kong? January is the coldest month in Hong Kong. However, with temperatures then hitting an average of 61°F, it's a far cry from the chilly and often snowy temperatures we experience in the West during the same month. Hong Kong in November: Weather So, if you're traveling to Hong Kong in November, what can you expect weather-wise? Well, unlike out West, November is one of the driest and sunniest periods in the city, with temperatures hitting average highs of 84 °F and lows of 54 °F, meaning it's the perfect month to plan some outdoor experiences! Don't worry; we've got you covered on those a little further down. Even with some relatively hot days, UV levels aren't particularly high, meaning even paler people will have a good time without needing to dodge from shaded area to shaded area. Nice. Rain-wise, there are an average of five rainy days in November, with around 1.5 inches of rain over that period. It's also the very last month you can potentially see typhoons, but the probability is so low that you'll likely only see one every five years or so. Fingers crossed you get "lucky"! Humidity-wise, Hong Kong is also incredibly dry in November. This means exploring is much less sticky, but it also means you should prepare for dry skin when you pack. More on that right now! Hong Kong in November: What to pack We recommend packing a medley of outfits so that you're prepared no matter what. When temperatures hit their highs, you'll want some lighter clothing: t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses, and the like. And, when temperatures start to drop on the cooler days or evenings, pack some thicker coats, jumpers, and warm boots. Trousers will help, too! To combat the drier weather, make sure you pack plenty of face and hand moisturizer, or you'll be a walking, talking flake. November Events in Hong Kong: Wine and Dine Festival Fans of grapes and the finer dishes in life ought to book a trip to the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival. Held from late October to early November at Central Harbourfront, it's a four-day extravaganza featuring global cuisine, fine wines, and entertainment. With over 400 booths, it's a culinary delight you won't find anywhere else. You can also unwind on the lawn while taking in music performances, making it a delightful and immersive experience. November Events in Hong Kong: Great November Feast However, if you're traveling to Hong Kong later in November, you may well miss the Wine and Dine Festival. Chin up, fellow traveler! Because you can still go check out the Great November Feast! Encompassing the entire month, the Great November Feast features an array of culinary events, including a beer festival, a fashion market, and wine exhibitions. Acclaimed restaurants set up shop, and the city's streets and alleys reveal hidden culinary treasures. As you embark on your gastronomic journey, be sure to savor some of Hong Kong's signature dishes, such as dim sum, Chinese barbecue, noodles, and congee, adding a delicious layer to your culinary exploration. The Best November Attractions in Hong Kong: Ngong Ping If it's local culture you seek, hop on a cable car up to stunning Ngong Ping. This period village is nearly untouched by modern society, and you'll find tons to see and do when you make your trip. The cable car ride-up offers a ton of photo ops for snappy fingers, and once you ascend to the top, you'll be free to explore at your leisure. Check out the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path, and the aforementioned Ngong Ping Village, check out the mind-bending informative experiences in the cable car center, and then ride back down to carry on with your city exploration. If you've got a few hours to spare, you won't find many better places to spend them. The Best November Attractions in Hong Kong: Ocean Park Of course, if you want to make the most of the warm, sunny weather and cool off in a water park, you're not alone. Ocean Park, Hong Kong's best water-based theme park, draws countless splash lovers to its doors every year. So why not join them and check out some of the amazing entertainment you'll find on-site? At Ocean Park, there's something for everyone. White-knuckle enthusiasts will love hair-raising rollercoasters like Hell Raiser and Arctic Blaster. Families can opt for leisurely rides and captivating animal encounters with Arctic foxes, penguins, giant pandas, and meerkats. Marine World and Aqua City cater to marine enthusiasts with sharks, jellyfish, and dolphins. And did we even mention the park's cable car, which provides stunning views of the area and the South China Sea? Well, we have now. If you're looking for fun, thrills, and to cool off, check out Ocean Park! And that's everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in November. If you're looking for more vacation inspiration, Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Hong Kong in May
Blog

Hong Kong in May

Are you planning to visit Hong Kong in May? Check out our guide to the month, including the best things to see and do, what to expect from the weather, and how to pack for it! Including: Is May a good time to visit Hong Kong? Is May rainy season in Hong Kong? What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? Hong Kong in May: Weather Hong Kong in May: What to pack May Events in Hong Kong The Best May Attractions in Hong Kong Is May a good time to visit Hong Kong? If you prefer your vacation to feature some sun and heat, then May is a great time to visit Hong Kong. The temperature gets a proper summer hike for the first time during the year, and you'll definitely get some sun if you play your cards right! It's also the proper beginning of the city's rainy season, so it's worth bearing that in mind, too. More on that down below! Is May rainy season in Hong Kong? Yep, May is also the beginning of Hong Kong's rainy season, so pack accordingly. Don't worry - we cover all that and more down below! What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? October is typically the cheapest month to visit Hong Kong, as it comes at the end of the city's warmest period. So, while you may have to wrap up, you'll also miss the city's rainy season.   The Best May Attractions in Hong Kong: Ngong Ping Go see a slice of history at Ngong Ping, a village untouched by time and surrounded by wonderful architecture and photo-friendly landmarks. Take the cable car up to the village, snap as you go, and then reach the top and go exploring! Make sure to see the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Wisdom Path, then buy a souvenir from the village before taking the cable car back down to civilization!   And that's everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in May! If you want some more experiences to flesh out your itinerary, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price! So grab a Hong Kong pass and save while you see it all!
Dom Bewley
Hong Kong in December
Blog

Hong Kong in December

Are you thinking about visiting Hong Kong in December? Check out our extensive guide and find out why it just may be the perfect month to travel! Including: Is December a good month to visit Hong Kong? What is the cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong? How many days do you need in Hong Kong? Hong Kong in December: Weather Hong Kong in December: What to pack December Events in Hong Kong The Best December Attractions in Hong Kong Is December a good month to visit Hong Kong? We would argue that December is one of - if not the best - month to visit Hong Kong. Dry, cool days and tons to do and see also make it one of the busiest months to visit the city, as plenty of tourists do the very same. What is the cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong? October is the cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong, with flights at a historic low during that time. Why? Well, we don't rightly know. October is the official end of Hong Kong's wet season, which also means it's when temperatures start to drop. You'd think it'd be one of the busiest and, therefore, most expensive times to visit, but alas, it is not. How many days do you need in Hong Kong? At a minimum, we'd say you should spend at least three days in Hong Kong to see and do most of the good stuff, but you'd be pushing it. Really, you should look at spending four to five days in the city so you can take your time and really soak it up. Plus, with a bunch of December-specific events in Hong Kong, those may take up more time than you'd realize.   And that's everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in December! For more vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price! So grab a Hong Kong pass and save while you sightsee this December!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.