Hong Kong Solo Travel Guide: 29 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong Alone

Hong Kong is my hometown. I was born here and lived here until I was nine years old. While living in Toronto, I visited Hong Kong many times and witnessed the many changes in the city. Sometimes, I don’t feel I belong here, yet there is a sense of familiarity. I feel like I’m learning about the city from a different perspective, and it is refreshing to see the city from another angle.

So, I’m excited to put together this post for anyone who is travelling solo to Hong Kong for the first time. The city has over 7 million people living in a small area of 2,754 km². This fast-paced city will keep you buzzing day and night. I can see why the little city attracts millions of tourists each year.

Keep reading and learn how about all the fun things to do in Hong Kong on your own. Most of these travel tips are from a local perspective (i.e. me), so I hope you will enjoy them.

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Solo Travel in Hong Kong: what you need to know

Before you take a solo trip to Hong Kong, take a look at my travel tips first:

• The local language is Cantonese but most people have a knowledge of English.
• Get an Octopus Card, a rechargeable smartcard for public transportation, and use it to take the Airport Express and any other transportation.
• Plan your solo trip to Hong Kong with the following festivals and events:
  • Chinese New Year (January/February) – go to the flower market on New Year’s Eve, visit Wong Tai Sin Temple on New Year Day, watch fireworks and attend other fun activities
  • Dragon Boat Festival (June) – watch racing teams compete at Stanley and Victoria Harbour
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (October) – see lantern displays and folk shows around HK
  • New Year Celebration (December 31) – countdown at Victoria Harbour and watch a firework musical show at midnight.

Is Hong Kong safe for solo female travellers

If you are travelling to Hong Kong for the first time, you must wonder if it is safe to travel alone in HK. And I can confidently say that Hong Kong is safe for female solo travellers. The city’s crime rate is low, pickpocketing is not a major concern, and violent crime is pretty rare.

I grew up in HK and have lived on and off in the city for the past eight years and have never felt any danger at any point. Hong Kong is one of the places where I can roam around freely throughout the day and night.

Tips for staying safe for solo female travellers in Hong Kong

Even though HK is considered a safe city, I still recommend practicing your regular travel safety precautions. Here are some safety travel tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of your belongings (bags, mobile phone, etc), especially in a crowded area.
• Leave your passport, (large sums of) money and other valuables at your hotel.
• Avoid poorly lit alleys at night when you are walking home at night.

How to get to Hong Kong

Plane

Most international travellers will fly directly into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), located in western end of the city.

There are a few ways to get into the city from the airport. The easiest way is to take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station or Hong Kong Station. There are also buses and taxis that can take you anywhere in Hong Kong.

How to get around Hong Kong on your own

There are many ways to get around Hong Kong. Use your Octopus card for all the transportation modes listed below (except taxi) so you can get around the city easily.

• Mass Transit Railway (MTR) – Hong Kong’s subway system that covers all the major districts
• Bus – several bus companies have double-deckers that effectively cover areas around the city and places not reachable by MTR
• Minibus – the small buses have similar routes as buses, but you could request to get off in between stops (if you know a bit of Cantonese)
• Tram – a scenic way to travel across the north end of Hong Kong Island
• Ferry – the best and cheapest way to travel between Kowloon and HK Island. And the only way to get to some of the outlying islands.
• Metered Taxi – the most direct way to get around the city. The base fare is $27HKD. Cash only.
• Walking – my favourite way to explore Hong Kong

29 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong Alone

If it is your first time in Hong Kong, consider spending two to five days in Hong Kong to properly see the city. HK is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance.

And even though Hong Kong has one of the highest costs of living in the world, there are many free activities and affordable local food that you can try. I listed many free things to do in HK below.

So, without further ado, here is my list of 29 best things to do in Hong Kong for solo travellers.

Best neighbourhoods in Hong Kong to explore on your own

1. See Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui

The first place to start your solo trip to Hong Kong is at Tsim Sha Tsui, a touristy area at the south tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. Also known as TST, the area has many shopping centres, museums, good eateries and a beautiful harbour.

This is where you can enjoy the pedestrian promenade along Victoria Harbour, see a gorgeous view of all the high-rises on Hong Kong Island and maybe even catch a sunset near Star Ferry Terminal.

2. Wander around Central on Hong Kong Island

Central is a central business district with lots of commercial buildings and international retailers occupying the north-end area of HK Island. And this is where you can find almost any type of cuisine in Central. From local mom-and-pop shops to Michelin eateries and high-end restaurants, you will find something you want to eat.

When you are in Central, look for some of the interesting attractions like the stone-slab street, aka Pottinger Street, that has vendors selling seasonal items, the hilly area with many bars called Lan Kwai Fong (which is better to visit at night), museums in Tai Kwun, and hip bars and restaurants in SoHo.

3. See the newly developed West Kowloon

One of the newer and redeveloped areas in Hong Kong is the area known as West Kowloon. It is located at the southwest tip of the Kowloon Peninsula.

The newly developed area has a large shopping centre, modern museums, modern architectural buildings that envelop the space, and an open lawn area where you can relax and enjoy a view of Hong Kong.

4. Visit Sham Shui Po, an up-and-coming neighbourhood

Sham Shui Po is an older neighbourhood on the Kowloon side. The area has many immigrants and working-class families. It is very high in density and poor.

But this off-the-beaten-path spot in HK is growing in popularity. In recent years, young entrepreneurs have discovered the old neighbourhood’s charm and opened shops promoting creativity and sustainability.

Today, there are many things to see in Sham Shui Po, including outdoor markets, fabric stores, a street filled with toy stores, buildings selling only the latest electronics, leather goods stores, and some of the best coffee shops in HK.

Fun experiences in Hong Kong by yourself

5. Take the Central-Mid-Levels escalator

In the middle of Central is a set of escalators that can take you all the up to the Mid-levels. This walkway system is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.

From the bottom of Queens Road Central to the top of Conduit Road, the system covers over 800m, which includes 18 escalators and three inclined moving walkways.

It is a fun way to move around in Central and Mid-levels, but the set of escalators runs downhill from 6-10am for commuters going to work, and it shuts down at midnight.

6. Take the Star Ferry from TST to Central

The Star Ferry is a passenger ferry system that takes people from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central and Wanchai and vice versa. I’ve always associated the Star Ferry as a commuter transportation system because that’s how my mom used to go to work.

But from a tourist perspective, I think this is one of the best ways to see Hong Kong. The ferry ride itself is enjoyable and very scenic. On a sunny day, you can see the entire north side of HK Island and various structures lining the Victoria Harbour.

And taking the Star Ferry is really affordable. It costs only $5HKD to sit on the upper deck on weekdays and $6.5HKD on weekends and holidays. Make sure to catch one between 6:30am to 11:30pm.

7. Take the Hong Kong Tramway on HK Island

Affectionately known as the “ding ding” (because of the tram’s bell sound), the Hong Kong Tramway is a double-decker tram crossing Hong Kong Island’s north side between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. It also goes to Happy Valley (if you get on the right tram).

It has been around since 1904 and is one of the oldest forms of transportation in Hong Kong. Locals still use it to commute around the city. But for tourists, it is a fun way to see different neighbourhoods across Hong Kong Island.

Find a tram stop (which is in the middle of the street), and get on the tram from the back. When you arrive at your destination, pay $3HKD cash or Octopus at the front of the tram.

8. See Victoria Harbour on the Aqua Luna

Aqua Luna is the iconic junk boat with red sails that cruises through Victoria Harbour. During the hour-plus cruise, you can see Victoria Harbour from another perspective.

All you have to do is decide when you want to go on the Aqua Luna. Sailing in the early afternoon includes high tea on the boat, while a gorgeous sunset may appear when you sail in the late afternoon. Or if you choose to go at night, you can enjoy the Symphony of Lights (light and laser show) from the boat.

Whichever time slot you pick, book ahead to guarantee a spot on the Aqua Luna.

9. See art murals around the city

Hong Kong has many fun art murals scattered all over the city. I didn’t pay much attention to them before, but they are popping up everywhere.

Here are some places where you can find interesting wall art in Hong Kong:

• Central – many can be found around the hilly streets of Central and SoHo
• Sai Yin Pun – many murals created by local and international artists are part of Art Lane, which is between Ki Ling Lane and Chung Ching Street (near Sai Yin Pun MTR exit B3)
• Ap Lei Chau – a local neighbourhood with murals that depict themes from everyday life
• Sham Shui Po – multi-colour blocks at Man Fung Building

10. Watch horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse

One of my new favourite things to do in Hong Kong is going to Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday nights. For a small admission fee of $10HKD, you will guarantee a grand old time!

A lot of (local) people go for the actual horseracing, and you will see them studying newspapers and analyzing statistics to maximize their odds of winning. But if you are not into gambling (or don’t know what is going on, like me!), you will still enjoy the fun and social atmosphere (over some drinks, of course!)

11. Watch the sunset at Red Incense Burner Summit on Braemar Hill

There are many places in Hong Kong to watch the sunset. But the best spot has to be at the Red Incense Burner Summit on Braemar Hill.

Going up to the summit isn’t hard at all. Actually, it is a really short hike. It is worth hiking for 15 minutes to the top and watching the sunset behind the city. And if you stay longer, you can see an amazing night view of the city too!

12. Enjoy HK’s vibrant nightlife

A trip to Hong Kong is not the same without seeing the vibrant nightlife. Even if you travel solo, it is worth experiencing the exciting nightlife which goes on every night.

Go to Lan Kwai Fong, where bars line every street and every corner. Hong Kongers love their happy hour. Drinks are discounted in the afternoon and usually between 5-8 pm. And partygoers continue well into the night. LKF is probably the best (and rowdiest) place for a New Year’s Eve party. 

Also, check out SoHo for high-end bars and restaurants. Take the set of escalators on Queens Road Central, and it will take you to SoHo. This area is a favourite amongst expats and tourists. 

13. Enjoy a day at a theme park

Ocean Park is an amusement park with roller coasters, theme park rides, cable cars and animal sanctuaries all packed into one. It is the second-largest theme park in HK and one of the oldest parks in the city. However, the ethical history of the animal-themed areas has been iffy, to say the least. But if this is your childhood nostalgia, it might be worth visiting.

If you are a Disney fanatic, Hong Kong has a Disneyland! It is one of the two Disneys in Asia (the other in Japan). The park in HK has seven theme areas, with the latest one called World of Frozen, which opened in November 2023. Book your Disney ticket before you go (it’s cheaper than buying one at the park and you don’t have to queue).

Fun things to do alone in Hong Kong: Shopping

14. Shop at one of many shopping centres around Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the best cities for shopping! Honestly, I don’t know any other city that has extended hours of operation, stores open until 10 pm, night markets open well into the night, and major retailers will even open on most holidays (some may also open on Chinese New Year Day!).

And there is no sales tax on any purchases. What you see is what you pay. There are opportunities to shop almost everywhere.

Whenever I go shopping (which is not often), I make sure to hit one of these shopping centres:

• Harbour City – one of the biggest and oldest shopping centres. There are over 700 stores, plenty of restaurants and an Ocean Terminal Deck for sunset and Instagram photos.
• K11 Musea – the glitziest shopping centre in HK. Many high-end retailers, but I enjoy walking through the space while enjoying the architectural interior.
• Time Square Shopping Mall – an oldie but a goodie. Great department store and lovely seasonal displays.
• IFC Mall – excellent shops and a western supermarket with a large selection of imported food.
• Festival Walk – my go-to shopping place in Kowloon. You can find almost any store in this 7-floor shopping mall and pick up all your groceries at the same time.

15. Buy cheap souvenirs at local markets

As for markets, visit the Ladies Market in Mong Kok for bargains and Temple Street Night Market for all kinds of trinkets. And make your way to Stanley to visit Stanley Market as well. Remember, you can haggle prices at the markets! 

• Fa Yuen Street Market – an open-air market with vendors lining both sides of the street selling cheap knick-knacks, clothing and fruits
• Ladies’ Market – an open-air marketplace in Mongkok selling affordable fashion
• Temple Street Night Market – the revitalized Temple Street has more food vendors than before (it almost feels like a Taiwanese night market)
• Stanley Market – a touristy market in Stanley that sells silk clothing, sportswear and souvenirs.

16. Visit unique markets around Hong Kong

If you want to see other sides of the city, Hong Kong has some unique spots around the city that might pique your interest. 

• Goldfish Market – see bags of goldfish outside of every aquatic store on Tung Choi Street.
• Flower Market Road – the area around Flower Market Road has many stores selling flowers throughout the year. The area gets even busier before Chinese New Year.
• Sneaker Street – they sell sneakers, obviously. It is south of Fa Yuen Street Market.
• Yuen Po Street Bird Market – not far from Flower Market Road, you can see different types of birds in and around the Chinese garden
• Apliu Street Market – you can buy many cheap refurbished electronics, cameras, computers, etc.
• Cat Street – there may or may not be a random cat at Cat Street, but it is mostly filled with antique shops

Solo activities to do in Hong Kong: Best of HK Food

17. Eat Hong Kong-style food

There is so much to eat in Hong Kong. But one of the must-try foods is Hong Kong-style food, which is inspired by traditional Cantonese cuisine, British food culture and other Asian cuisines.

When you are in Hong Kong, look for these HK food:

• Pineapple Bun + Butter – for breakfast or afternoon tea. And it is best to eat it with Hong Kong Milk Tea! 
• Egg Waffle – similar to a regular waffle but looks like a sheet of bubble wrap where each “bubble” resembles an egg
• Hong Kong-style Milk Tea – a classic drink in HK made with black tea and evaporated milk
• Typical Hong Kong Breakfast – includes eggs, spam, thick toast with butter, and macaroni in clear soup.
• Dim Sum – there are many to choose from. Sumai (pork dumplings), Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), rice noodle rolls, chicken feet and more! Yum!

18. Try high tea at a high-end Hong Kong hotel

Afternoon tea was introduced in HK when the city came under British rule. The custom started when a British family founded The Peninsula Hotel in 1928. And the high-end hotel became the “it” place to sip tea and eat fancy desserts.

Today, many people still flock to the Peninsula to have traditional high tea in their lobby lounge. But you can also visit other Hong Kong hotels because many of them also serve high tea.

And afternoon tea in Hong Kong is similar to what you might find in a typical British tea room: finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and, of course, tea. So bring an empty stomach and enjoy!

Hong Kong: what to do for outdoor enthusiasts

19. Visit Tai Po

Tai Po District is a suburban district in the northeast of the city. The area of Tai Po used to be a traditional market town where many residents made a living by clamming, fishing and harvesting pearls. Today, Tai Po is a thriving town with interesting things to see, like Tai Po Market and Hong Kong Railway Museum.

Moreover, it is also an excellent spot for seeing the rural areas of Hong Kong. Tai Mo Shan, the tallest mountain in Hong Kong, is east of Tai Po. To the west, you can visit the Buddhist temple at Tsz Shan Monastery and see 280 million-year-old rocks at Ma Shi Chau. And to the north, hike over the 8 peaks named after Chinese Mythological immortals at Pat Sin Leng.

20. Visit Sai Kung

Sai Kung is a favourite weekend getaway for Hong Kongers. The area includes Sai Kung Town, where you can buy the catch of the day directly from local fishermen or you can pick your own seafood at the restaurant, and they will prepare it exactly how you want.

The area also includes two country parks, secluded beaches, and many rocky island. If you are keen to see the greener side of Hong Kong, spend the day hiking easy trails like Trio Beach hike or Tai Tan Country Trail. Or hike around the High Island Reservoir and UNESCO Global Geopark and see the hexagonal rock column island of Po Pin Chau.

21. Visit Lantau Island

Hong Kong has 263 outlying islands and the largest one is Lantau Island, which is located on the west end of the city.

When you are visiting Lantau Island, you can see the Tian Tan Buddha, the biggest attraction on the island. And when you get off the beaten path, you can visit Tai O Fishing Village and see stilt houses around the old fishing village and a chance to see pink dolpins.

If you want something more active, there are plenty of hiking trails around Lantau Island. Tung O Ancient Trail is an easy coastal trail in Lantau North Country Park, West Dog’s Teeth is a challenging climb up the mountain ridge to Lantau Peak, Fan Lau hiking trail wraps around the southwest tip, and Lo Yan Shan hiking trail explores the lesser-known Chi Ma Wan Peninsula.

22. Visit one of the outlying islands around Hong Kong

Besides Lantau Island there are a few other islands worth visiting while you are in Hong Kong. Each of them are quite different but they are all excellent day trips if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. I put together detailed itinerary for each of these islands:

• Cheung Chau Island – spend the day hiking the easy trail around the “dumbbell island”
• Lamma Island – hike from one village to another and enjoy local food
• Peng Chau – sunbathe on secluded beaches and hike up to the top of Fingerhill
• Po Toi Island – trek all three hiking routes and see Hong Kong’s South Pole

Hong Kong solo hiking: best trails around HK

23. Hike to Victoria Peak

If there is only one thing you must do in Hong Kong, it is to go to Victoria Peak. And there are many ways to get to the Peak, so choose one you will enjoy. When you reach the top, walk the Circle Walk, aka Luguard Road, a big loop that starts and ends at the Peak Tram to see a panoramic view of the city.

And if you decide to experience the view at night, you will be in awe of the city’s shimmering lights high from above.

24. Hike other well-known trails around Hong Kong

Besides Victoria Peak, there are several other well-known trails around Hong Kong you should consider hiking. They all have amazing views of the city, well-marked trails, and are easy to get to.

Here are some of the famous Hong Kong hiking trails:

• Dragon’s Back Hike – the most popular day hike where you can hike on the undulating hills that resemble a “Dragon’s Back”
• Violet Hill and the Twins – conquer 1,000+ steps and see a view of Stanley
• High West – hike this after seeing Victoria Peak and see views of southern HK Island
• Mount Davis hike – follow the easy paved path and see an old military site

25. Try one of the easy hikes around Hong Kong

Even if you have never hiked, consider trying one of the easy hiking trails in Hong Kong because it is one of the best ways to see areas outside the urban centre. Many easy trails are paved and well-marked. Plus, there is always a mobile phone signal to check your Google Maps for trail information.

And you don’t need any special hiking equipment to hike these easy trails. All you need is a pair of comfortable sneakers, water, snacks and your mobile phone. There’s always someone on the trail, so even if you are hiking solo, you won’t feel alone.

26. Hike one of the off-the-beaten-track places around HK

Besides the easy trails, there are many off-the-beaten-track places that are quite interesting. These hidden gems are scattered throughout Hong Kong; you can only see them when you follow the hiking trail.

These are some of the interesting gems I found in Hong Kong in the past two years:

• Mount Nicholson Hike – see hidden rock statues in the middle of HK Island
• Rhino Rock Hike – find a rocky rhinoceros head in Stanley
• Cape Collinson hike – visit an old WWII battery
• Pineapple Mountain – hike the Great Canyon of Hong Kong
• Tsing Yi Nature Trails – meander through a series of easy trails in Tsing Yi
• Tsing Yi Peak – hike the three peaks on Tsing Yi Island
• Lin Ma Hang Cave and Robin’s Nest hike – see a hidden cave near the regulated border zone between HK and Shenzhen

27. Attempt one of the challenging hikes around HK

Some of my favourite hikes in Hong Kong are quite challenging. If you are an advanced hiker and want to try some of the harder hikes, consider spending a day hiking one of these:

• Ma On Shan Hike – hike across the horse-saddle mountain to Sai Kung
• Kowloon Peak and Suicide Cliff – see the most famous and dramatic cliff in HK
• High Junk Peak – hike one of the three sharpest peaks in HK
• Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail – hike around HK’s largest reservoir
• Kai Kung Leng hike – hike on the “Rooster Ridge” in Lam Tsuen Country Park

Things to do as a solo traveller in Hong Kong: Trips outside of HK

28. Take a day trip or weekend trip to Macau

Macau is a small city connected to southern Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. The city was a former Portuguese colony; today, it is a popular weekend destination for Hong Kongers.

Take a day trip to Macau or spend the entire weekend seeing the well-preserved colonial city and trying some of the best Macanese cuisine. Follow my Macau itinerary and decide how long you want to stay in Macau.

29. Take short trips to places around Asia

Hong Kong is a major Asian travel hub where you can fly to almost anywhere in Asia in just a few hours. One of the best options is to fly with HK Express, a low-cost carrier with flights to Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and many more.

HK Express has many sales throughout the year, and you can snag cheap flights and spend a few days elsewhere.

I have flown with HK Express many times and found the low-cost carrier to be quite good, especially if you are travelling with a 7kg carry-on luggage, i.e. not paying for checked luggage. Read my review on HK Express and decide for yourself if you want to fly with them, too.

RELATED POST – other unusual things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong solo travel: where to stay

If you only have a few days, stay somewhere convenient and close to all the places you want to visit, like Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side or Central, Sheung Wan, Wanchai or Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island.

But if you are interested in staying at fun and unique places, stay at these boutique hotels on Hong Kong Island:

• Tuve Hotel ($$) – Stay at the best minimalist boutique hotel and enjoy Le Labo bath amenities. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
• The Fleming ($$) – An urban boutique hotel designed with a nautical theme. Every detail in the room is well-designed. Conveniently located in Wan Chai. In my opinion, the best affordable boutique hotel in Hong Kong! Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
• 99 Bonham ($$) – Tucked away in the small streets of Sheung Wan, this luxury boutique hotel has very stylish rooms. Each suite has a bathtub and a kitchenette. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking

Is Hong Kong worth visiting as a solo traveller

I didn’t realize there are so many things to do in Hong Kong until I put together this post. I’ve always known that Hong Kong is an interesting place but when I actually put everything in a post, I’m actually surprised by all these wonderful activities that are great for visitors.

So I hope you will find inspiration on what to do in Hong Kong for your next holiday. Which activity are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments.

Ready to plan your trip to Hong Kong? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Hong Kong accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours in Hong Kong.

Thank you for reading my Hong Kong solo travel guide

I have many posts on Hong Kong and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in HK:

Hong Kong posts

• 6 boutique hotels: where to stay in HK for solo travellers
• Hong Kong food culture: must-try food
• Best places to watch the sunset in Hong Kong
• HK off the beaten path: 11 hidden gems
• How to get to Lamma Island
• Short and easy hikes in Hong Kong
• Macau itinerary: things to do for solo traveller
• My honest review of HK Express, HK budget airline

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!