Things to do Alone in Hong Kong

Published: July 18, 2024
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!
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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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

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Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong
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Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong

Are you bringing the kids with you on your Hong Kong vacation? Check out our picks of the best things to do with your little ones in the city and keep them tantrum-free! Including: Is Hong Kong good to visit with kids? How many days to spend in Hong Kong with kids? Which month is best to visit Hong Kong? Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong Is Hong Kong good to visit with kids? There are tons of things to do with kids in Hong Kong, so it's definitely a good choice. With a ton of theme parks, arcades, landmarks, and places to eat, so there will be never a dull moment for the little ones! How many days to spend in Hong Kong with kids? You'll need at least 2-3 days to tackle all of the suggestions on our list, so bear that in mind when booking your flights and accommodation. Of course, if you're traveling from further afield, you may want to spend even longer in the city. Which month is best to visit Hong Kong? Ideal periods to visit Hong Kong are from March to April or October to November. That way, you miss the hot and humid summers, as well as the colder, drier winters. Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Disneyland The dream destination of kids the world over is arguably Disneyland. Full of magic, wonder, and plenty of fun things to do, it's easily one of Hong Kong's best family-friendly destinations. If you want an in-depth breakdown of the theme park, including hotels, restaurants, and all the best rides, check it out here. For the abridged version, read on. Highlights include the Castle of Magic Dreams, a place inspired by the many princesses and queens of Disney's most famous works - featuring a light and sound extravaganza at the Momentous event. Marvel fans are in for a treat, as you can join the likes of Ironman and Antman as they battle Hydra and try to save the world. And, coming in November 2023 is The World of Frozen, an entire zone dedicated to their favorite characters from the blockbuster Frozen franchise. At this point, a trip to Disneyland is almost a rite of passage for any child, so make sure your little ones don't miss out when you visit Hong Kong this year! Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong: Monopoly Dreams Monopoly has been the ruin of many a family gathering, but Monopoly Dreams does away with all of that. Instead, it provides you and your kids the opportunity to walk around recognizable landmarks from the board game and undertake fun challenges, all without a flipped table in sight! Mr. Monopoly needs your help to foil the dastardly diamond thief, and it's up to you to solve the mystery and save the day! Test your luck on the grand Fortune Board, unearth hidden clues in the Study, embark on a thrilling pursuit within the 4D theater, and seize bundles of cash within the Ultimate Banking vault. You'll also have the opportunity to engage in a colossal rendition of the beloved board game and be awed by the world's most massive playing token. Sure, it's Monopoly, but not like you've ever seen before. Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong: Legend Heroes Park If your kids are missing their screens and consoles, why not throw them a bone at Legend Heroes Park? This entertainment tour-de-force features stunning VR experiences, arcade games, and snacks to fuel their gaming bliss. Your ticket lets them experience 2 hours of everything in the venue, including VR skydiving, shoot 'em ups, super-speed car chases, terrifying alien invasions, and hilarious bumper car mayhem. Then, there are the arcades, which will fill you with nostalgia and keep them entertained to no end. There are also physical arcade games like air hockey, archery, and football games to enjoy. Then, grab a snack at the bar and check out the mini-mall on site, where you can pick up the hottest merch from toy giants like Lego and Hello Kitty. Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong: Noah's Ark Whether you're religious or not, a trip to Noah's Ark is a fun time for even the moodiest child. But what is Noah's Ark? Well, it's a life-sized replica of the bible boat, as well as a theme park. Really. Combining education, entertainment, and environmental conservation - just as Noah would want - Noah's Ark is a captivating visit for all who dare enter. The centerpiece is obviously the Ark itself, which makes a fine photo op from the outside, and features a wealth of interactive exhibits and displays offering insights into the story of Noah on the inside. Other experiences there include the Solar Tower and Solar Ark exhibit, which shine a light (pun clearly intended) on sustainable energy solutions and environmental awareness. Then, there's the Ark Garden, a peaceful park with a mini zoo and botanical gardens, and an Adventure Playground for your really little ones to enjoy. A whole world of fun, really! Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong: Wildfire Pizza Bar After all the excitement detailed above, they'll need some food to top them up. Why not stop by Wildfire Pizza Bar and get them something delicious? With us, you get a drink and french fries for free, but why not spoil them with a pick from the restaurant's mouth-watering pizza menu? You won't find many better cheese-covered bread disks in Hong Kong, so settle in for some gooey fun and make sure they're ready for your next adventure! And those were our picks of the best things to do with kids in Hong Kong! Of course, you may decide to visit the city without them at some point, and if you do, you'll want to know about the best experiences and attractions for your child-free trip. Don't worry; Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
10 Historical Places in Hong Kong
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10 Historical Places in Hong Kong

Top 10 lists are all the rage these days, from the 10 best films of the year, to 10 ways to change your life right now. We don't deal in fads but are happy to jump on the top 10 trend. So, without further ado, these are our picks of the 10 best historical places in Hong Kong! Including: Aberdeen Fishing Village Victoria Peak Tian Tan Buddha Wong Tai Sin Temple and more! Aberdeen Fishing Village Aberdeen Fishing Village dates back to the 18th century, back when Hong Kong was a much smaller settlement than it is today. Some of that history remains today, including the Hung Shing Temple that dates back to the 1700s, as well as a number of fishing boats throughout the centuries. Why not take a tour of the area, where you'll see and snap all the sights, board a houseboat from the 1960s, and then tuck into a traditional fish and noodle broth often consumed by the local fishermen? Victoria Peak Back in the 19th century, when Hong Kong was a British colony, Victoria Peak was prime real estate for white Europeans. As the highest hill on the island, measuring over 1800 feet, it offered amazing views of the developing city. And being so high up, it also has a cooler microclimate when compared to street level. Nowadays, the mountain has predominantly returned to its verdant roots, but it still offers visitors the best views of the city and historic nature trails to explore. Getting up there is easy enough, thanks to the Peak Tram, which goes from the city streets to the top of Victoria's Peak. Tian Tan Buddha While the Tian Tan Buddha was only built in the 1990s, that's technically the past and, therefore, technically historic! But given the spectacle that it provides, it earns its place on our list. Also known as "Big Buddha", Tian Tan Buddha is massive. 112 ft tall, over 280 tons of bronze, and perched atop Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, it's one of the most prominent sights in Hong Kong. So go see it, take some pics, and revel in its spiritual significance. Take a historical tour of the city If just one historical place isn't enough, why not a bunch? On this historic tour of Hong Kong, you'll get your steps in while seeing the sights. Explore the myriad architectural delights of Central District, including Gothic Revival, classic Colonial, and elegant Neoclassical buildings that rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers. Stop for snaps in Statue Square, then see Norman Foster's famous HSBC building up close. Other highlights include lush Hong Kong Park and historic Hollywood Road, home of Tai Kwun, aka the former Central Police Station Compound, with its beautiful courtyard and original prison cells to explore. Wong Tai Sin Temple Found in north Kowloon - in Lion Rock, to be exact - is the Wong Tai Sin Temple. Also known as the Great Immortal Wong Temple, the distinct red and bronze Taoist temple was built back in the 1920s and is a hugely popular tourist destination to this day. So, why not go and smell the incense that wafts out of there on a daily basis, bask in its grand, spiritual design, and take some photos while you're at it? Man Mo Temple Man Mo Temple is certainly one of the oldest temples that still stand in Hong Kong, having been built around the 1850s. Thankfully, it's considered a protected historical sight now, so it's likely to still be standing decades from now. But there's no time like the present, so go check it out on your visit. Dedicated to King-Emperor Man and Holy King-Emperor Kwan - patrons of study - it was often visited by students hoping to do well in school. Nowadays, its double-eave, green tiled rooftop, and courtyard layout are indicative of the Qing dynasty and more than earn a place on your camera roll. Kowloon Walled City Park Kowloon Walled City has an interesting past, to say the least. Originally a military stronghold during the 1400s, it later became a hodge podge of makeshift flats and residences for miscreants until it was demolished some 30 years ago. Today, a beautiful park lies atop the remains, but elements of its past have been preserved for visitors and locals alike. So go see its lush green spaces and marvel at the interesting artifacts that remain, including The Yamen, a Qing-era building, and what remains of the South Gate. Chi Lin Nunnery Getting its name from the nuns that used to go there in the 20th century, Chi Lin Nunnery is actually a large Buddhist temple. Rebuilt in the last 30 years to match the traditional Tang Dynasty style of architecture, it absolutely deserves its place on this list as one of the 10 historical places to visit in Hong Kong. It's the world's largest hand-made wooden building, and its beautiful, intricate designs cover more than 360k square feet. Go for the architecture and history; stay for the huge ornate statues of gods and goddesses. Wan Chai Blue House If you're after one of the most unusual places in Hong Kong, this historical flat block is sure to break the top 10. Yes, it's just a flat block, but it's also entirely blue, a listed building, and just so happens to be built in the 19th-century style popular in South China at the time. It's also a massively popular tourist destination, thanks to its striking blue color, and the Hong Kong House of Stories event space that's open to one and all. Featuring historical exhibits and artifacts, it's a great way to get a sense of what life was like back then. Clock Tower Built back in 1915, the Hong Kong Clock Tower is easily one of the 10 best historical places to visit in the city. Once standing tall by the Kowloon–Canton train station, now it is all that remains. At over 140 feet tall, it's hard to miss. And its distinct red brick 'stripe' along the center makes it easy fodder for a whole bunch of vacation snaps. So now you know about the 10 best historical places in Hong Kong! If you want to make the most of your visit, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can also see the more modern experiences in the city for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Hong Kong in January
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Hong Kong in January

Are you heading to Hong Kong in January? Check out our guide to the month, and find out what to pack, what to expect, and where to go to make the most of it!Including:Is January a good time to go to Hong Kong?What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong?What month is the rainy season in Hong Kong?Hong Kong in January Is January a good time to go to Hong Kong? January is a great time to visit Hong Kong, as it's outside of the busiest season, and the weather is a lot more palatable for most of us Westerners! However, don't expect scorching heat - as January is the coldest month of the year. What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? October is the cheapest month to travel to Hong Kong, for both flights and accommodation. This may be due to the lack of seasonal events over this period, or simply because October is a pretty quiet month travel-wise for many people.   What month is the rainy season in Hong Kong? May - September is the wettest season in Hong Kong while also being the hottest. 80% of Hong Kong's rainfall occurs during this period, so if you visit Hong Kong in January, expect a cool and dry experience!   Hong Kong in January: Weather January is Hong Kong's coldest month, with temperatures in the province hitting average highs of 66°F during the day and average lows of 58°F in the evening. So, even at its coldest, Hong Kong in January is incredibly mild and pleasant. Coupled with the month's low rainfall, you're in for a treat! So, when packing, take these temperatures into account. Make sure to pack warmer clothing for the evenings and some lighter jackets for the day. You can comfortably leave the wooly hats, scarves, and jackets at home, though, unless the thought of 58°F evening gives you chills.   Hong Kong in January: Seasonal Events Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of seasonal events that happen in Hong Kong in January. You have the Gregorian New Year - the one most of us celebrate - on January 1, which people do celebrate in Hong Kong, but not to the same extent as out West. The only other event that can occur in January is the Lunar New Year. However, because that date moves depending on the moon, it isn't set in stone. Because of this, it's worth looking it up online to see if it lands on your vacation! Things to do in Hong Kong in January So, what can you do on your January vacation in Hong Kong? Well, we'll include a mix of both indoor and outdoor activities so you can make the most of it!   Things to do in Hong Kong in January: Disneyland If you're bringing the little ones with you on your Hong Kong vacation, you can't go wrong with a trip to Disneyland! Hong Kong's biggest - and arguably best - theme park has tons of thrills and spills for all ages. Inside, you'll find themed rides featuring some of Disney's most recognizable characters, from Elsa to Ironman. By the time you've seen them all, you'll have helped save the world countless times! You can even stay on-site if you want to make the most of your visit, as Disneyland Hong Kong offers a number of unique hotels themed around different eras and characters from the company's history. And, with a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, Disneyland Hong Kong is the perfect place to visit in January!   Things to do in Hong Kong in January: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour If you like to sightsee and want to get all of it done in a day, there's no better way than on a Big Bug Sightseeing Tour. With them, you can hop off at any stop, take a closer look at one of many Hong Kong landmarks, and then get the next bus to continue your trip. They give you the control you need to see what you want when you want, making them the perfect way to tick all your bucket list entries in 24 hours. With your Big Bus ticket, you can see Victoria Park, Man Mo Temple, Lan Kwai Fong, Causeway Bay, and more. And, with ten languages available through the audio guide, you'll be kept in the loop about the history of each one in the run-up to reaching it, so you can decide if you want to get off and have a browse. And hey, if you're more of a night owl, you can even do it at night.   Things to do in Hong Kong in January: Legend Heroes Park Beat the evening chill with a trip to another reality. At Legend Heroes Park, you'll find a wealth of gaming goodness, from VR to arcade cabinets, and even old-school-cool games like air hockey. Your ticket gives you two hours to explore and play whatever you please, from zombie shooting co-op VR fun to classic arcade games like Pacman and Streetfighter. You can even grab a coffee and a snack at the on-site cafe to keep yourself fueled for more gaming fun!   Things to do in Hong Kong in January: Madame Tusaauds If you're traveling to Hong Kong alone in January, you may want some company. Why not meet your fave celebs in wax form? From K-Pop stars to historical figures, make your way through several themed zones and meet some of the world's greatest icons. And that's everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in January! If you're sticking around for a while and the above suggestions won't fill out your itinerary, don't worry; Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the best of the rest for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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