Did you know that Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world? With a population of over 7.5 million, this bustling city rarely sleeps as there’s always something to discover around every corner. You can explore centuries-old religious monuments, shop for unique local brands in more than ten major malls, and delight your tastebuds with a range of cuisines served at Hong Kong’s wide number of Halal eateries.
So, if you’re in the midst of planning your next dream vacation, here are 10 reasons why you should consider Hong Kong as your ultimate destination.
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Traveling to Hong Kong’s neighbouring cities is a breeze, with plenty of options to choose from. You can easily hop on a train, ferry, bus, or even catch a short flight to nearby destinations.
Once you’ve landed in Asia, Hong Kong makes an ideal starting point. As one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, it’s easy to find direct flights in and out of the city. Located in the southern part of China, Hong Kong also serves as the perfect layover destination before continuing your journey to Southeast Asia.
If you’re planning a longer stay, consider visiting Shenzhen or Macau — two cosmopolitan cities often included in travelers’ itineraries due to their easy accessibility from Hong Kong. You can take a 20-minute train ride on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) or a 45-minute metro ride on the East Rail Line. While the train is the most popular option, some may prefer private shuttle buses, a ferry ride from the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal to Shekou Cruise Port, or even a short flight to Shenzhen Airport.
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The Hong Kong Transport Department estimates that 90% of the 12 million daily passenger trips are taken on the city’s public transportation system, which encompasses trains, buses, minibuses, trams, taxis, and ferries. This statistic underscores the efficiency of public transport in Hong Kong.
When you’re in the city, the first thing you’ll want to grab is an Octopus card. Having a Tourist Octopus can save you a lot on public transport in Hong Kong. If you're only using public transport for part of your trip, you might prefer to pay as you go. However, getting the card allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket counters, especially during peak hours at train stations. Just top up your Octopus card with cash, and you'll be able to use it nearly everywhere, including at Victoria Peak’s binoculars, convenience stores, and vending machines.
Simply use your Octopus card to tap and pay for trains, trams, buses, minibuses, or the Star Ferry. At the end of your trip, you can either keep the card as a souvenir or return it to get a refund of any remaining balance.
Feast on the best of Hong Kong's local cuisine – Dim Sum! Head down to Islamic Centre Canteen when you're in town.
Tip! Be sure to enjoy Dim Sum in the morning! It’s when locals typically have it for breakfast. By the afternoon, most of the popular dishes are already sold out!
Put your worries about finding Halal food to rest when you’re in Hong Kong!
One of the things we love most about the city is its wide selection of Muslim-owned and Halal-certified restaurants serving local Cantonese cuisine in almost every district. You might have to do a bit of walking to find them, but once you do — trust us, it’s worth it.
You’ll discover a plethora of Halal eateries offering authentic Cantonese, Turkish, Indian, Indonesian, and other international cuisines. Here are two must-visit Halal food spots you shouldn’t miss while in Hong Kong.
As cliche as it sounds, no itinerary is complete without this famous Halal restaurant. Located on the 5th floor of the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Center, the food here is definitely affordable with Dim Sum dishes starting at HK$18.
Halal Status: Halal-Certified restaurant
Address: 5/F, Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm
Wai Kee is another recommended Muslim-owned eatery that you should visit when you are in Hong Kong. This is the place for you to get your authentic roasted duck rice for HK$46. The flavorful taste will keep you coming back for more.
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
Address: Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm
You best believe this is just the cherry on top of Hong Kong’s Halal food scene. There are more than 100 Halal restaurants in this city so be sure to plan your itinerary wisely and get a taste of the local cuisines in Hong Kong! To discover more Halal eateries, you can check Hong Kong Tourism Board’s list of Halal eateries here.
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According to the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, there are approximately 300,000 Muslims living in Hong Kong, making up 4% of the city’s population. The Muslims in Hong Kong are of many races such as Chinese, Indonesian, and Pakistani, with a vast majority of Sunni Muslims.
Hong Kong has a total of five official mosques, the largest being the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre, which can accommodate up to 3,500 people. Founded in 1896, the Kowloon Mosque was initially built to serve the Indian Muslim troops of the British army for their religious practices. The mosque features a square design, with four minarets, a white marble facade and flooring, a pink roof, and a large dome atop.
The four other mosques in this territory include Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, Jamia Mosque, Chai Wan Mosque and Stanley Mosque.
Apart from these mosques, one can find prayer rooms and spaces in major tourist attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. To navigate more prayer rooms, you can check Hong Kong Tourism Board’s list here.
Hong Kong is known for its towering skyscrapers, boasting over 7,000 high-rise buildings. This makes it the city with the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, with their combined height surpassing 330 kilometers. With a stunning array of high-rise buildings lining the harbor, Hong Kong is renowned for its iconic cityscape. The view is especially captivating at night, as the colorful lights illuminate the waterfront, particularly around Victoria Peak.
More so, as of December 2005, Hong Kong broke a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show”. This 10-minute show is called A Symphony of Lights and begins every night at 8pm. It showcases a dazzling display of visual effects as lasers and flashes illuminate the night sky, accompanied by uplifting music. It’s definitely a show you must not miss while you’re in Hong Kong!
At the end of the show, you can head to popular hotspots like Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo for a vibrant night-time experience. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience, you can take a night cruise along Victoria Harbour or visit Temple Street Night Market where you can purchase antiques and tea ware as souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
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Hong Kong is home to a variety of vibrant street art, perfect for capturing your OOTD (Outfit of the Day) shots. These art spots, such as Art Lane, are easy to find and feature colorful murals painted on old buildings, often blending themes of art and music.
In one of Hong Kong's busiest neighborhoods, you'll find Public Square Street. This mural spot features stairs adorned with bright yellow, blue, and red floral designs—perfect for an Insta-worthy shot.
Another notable street art location is Sing Lei Mahjong Parlour, located in the heart of Temple Street Market. It showcases striking caricatures of political leaders engaged in a humorous game of mahjong.
Nothing beats a family day out at Hong Kong’s top theme parks. Relive your childhood dreams with a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland. Concerned about Halal food? No worries! The park offers Halal-certified restaurants, and you’ll find a prayer room next to the Explorer’s Club Restaurant at Mystic Point.
And let’s be honest, you don’t need to be a child to enjoy Hong Kong’s theme parks. There’s something for everyone, no matter your age. If you're looking for a magical experience, Hong Kong Disneyland is the place to be. Stay for a night or two at their resort, and you’ll be surrounded by all the wonders that’ll bring out your inner child.
For thrill-seekers, Ocean Park is the ultimate destination. Despite being 48 years old, this park is far from outdated. Don’t miss its exciting rides like Hair Raiser, The Flash, Crazy Galleon, and The Rapids. When it's time to pray, just visit the Guest Relations Office, and the staff will guide you to the prayer room. And when you’re hungry, refuel at Ocean Park’s Halal-certified spots, including Café Ocean, Dive Into A Float at Marina World, and Panda Café Food To Go at Amazing Asian Animals.
Tip! Bring along your prayer garments and prayer mat. You’ll find the Qibla direction marked in the room. You can perform your Wudhu in the nearby washrooms.
In the evening, hop aboard the Bauhinia Harbour Cruise and take in the stunning views of Victoria Harbour. Named after Hong Kong’s iconic flower, this ferry offers a glimpse of the vessels that have long been part of the city's public transportation system. Enjoy a meal from the Halal menu on board, or relax and breathe in the fresh air on the upper deck.
For more information about The Bauhinia Harbour Cruises, visit their website here.
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Despite its small size, Hong Kong successfully preserves its natural landscapes. From scenic beaches to lush mountains, both locals and tourists can enjoy activities like hiking, walking, and swimming. A spot you must not miss is The Hong Kong Global Geopark. This UNESCO-designated site is famous for dramatic volcanic rock formations, towering sea cliffs, and ancient geological landscapes. Located only an hour away from the city centre, the geopark is also known as a unique “Geopark in the City”, making it even more unmissable for every nature lover.
For a relaxing escape, Kowloon Park is perfect for bird watching, picnics, and unwinding. Popular beaches like Big Wave Bay, Repulse Bay, and Mui Wo & and SilverMine Bay offer beautiful spots for a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by hills and greenery, these beaches provide a stunning blend of blue waters and green landscapes.
Be sure to set aside a day to hike the Dragon’s Back. This scenic trail will lead you to the breathtaking Big Wave Bay, with panoramic views of Hong Kong's coastline along the way. While the hike can be challenging, it’s worth it, and you can take it at your own pace.
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Can you believe that the first inhabitants settled in Hong Kong during the late Stone Age? That was almost 9,000 years ago! Today, Hong Kong is home to many unique treasures, including the 34-meter tall ‘Big Buddha’ at the Po Lin Monastery, and modern temples like the Wong Tai Sin Temple, which serves as a place of worship for Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
For history and culture lovers, Hong Kong’s UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, Tai Kwun and The Blue House, are absolutely unmissable. Just 2.7 kilometers apart, both landmarks received the Award of Excellence from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Tai Kwun is a beautifully restored former Police Central Station that now serves as a vibrant public space filled with heritage exhibitions and cultural events, all set within its 170-year-old historic buildings. Similarly, The Blue House is a striking revitalisation of a traditional tong lau tenement, transformed into a lively community hub. Together, these two sites offer visitors a rich and immersive look into Hong Kong’s carefully preserved cultural heritage.
Other historical sites worth visiting include the Haw Par Mansion, which blends both Chinese and Western architectural styles, and Kamikaze Cave, once occupied by Japanese forces during World War II.
A trip to the Hong Kong Museum of History offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, where you can imagine how early settlers arrived in Hong Kong on junk ships. Dive deeper into the city’s development and modernization under British rule.
Don’t miss Kowloon Walled City Park, a reminder of how this area was once the most densely populated place on Earth, with an estimated 30,000 to 60,000 people living in cramped conditions. While the living conditions might seem unusual today, the stories of the residents reveal a community that, despite their hardships, found happiness and resilience in their environment.
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Lastly, Hong Kong’s vibrant energy wouldn’t be the same without the people who call it home. Whether you’re up at 5 a.m. watching locals practice Tai Chi or enjoying a meal at a street food stall in the evening, you’ll find friendly locals eager to start a conversation, no matter the language barrier.
And if you happen to get lost, don’t worry—locals are always happy to help you find your way. Just make sure you have a few Cantonese phrases ready!
Hong Kong is a vibrant city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination for every traveler. From its iconic skyline and rich cultural heritage to its Muslim-friendly attractions and diverse cuisine, the city truly offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history enthusiast, or simply someone eager to experience a dynamic urban landscape, Hong Kong promises unforgettable memories at every turn. So go ahead, add this incredible city to your bucket list and get ready for an adventure that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.
