Victoria’s Peak
Take the iconic Hong Kong tram up the mountain to Victoria’s Peak, high above Central. From the peak, you can see both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. If you’re feeling hardier, you can also hike up to the peak on the Old Peak Road, a well-maintained walkway that passes by beautiful historic mansions and offers expansive vistas along the way.
Mong Kok
The bustling, ever-crowded Mong Kok neighborhood is home to several markets selling all manner of necessities, from fresh seafood to homewares. As you wander the crowded streets, the swaggering smells of stinky tofu and fish balls fill the air. This is Hong Kong at its most raw, buzzing with cacophonous noise, conversation, and culinary prowess.
Dragon’s Back
While Hong Kong offers endless hiking trails, one of the most famous is the Dragon’s Back. This stunning trail takes you up and over the tree-covered Shek O Peak to the southern shore of Hong Kong Island. It finishes at Big Wave Bay, where you can go for a quick swim in the South China Sea to cool down and then seek out fresh seafood.