Hong Kong & Macau

Packed with nature reserves, bustling markets, dai pai dongs and teetering tower blocks, Hong Kong is as fast-paced as it is diverse. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, don’t let a day go to waste by making time for any of these must-visit attractions. Home to more than 7 million people, 260 islands and more skyscrapers than any other city on the planet, Hong Kong is an immense destination in every sense of the word. But don’t be overwhelmed, as it’s also an incredibly easy city to navigate. Meander your way between river cruises, ancient monasteries, quiet fishing villages and futuristic light shows, and end a day of exploring with a cocktail and a bird’s-eye view.

Most markets in Hong Kong close when the sun goes down, but that’s when Temple Street comes alive. The wares here are standard, but the Temple Street Night Market is about more than haggling. Grab a plastic stool at one of the dai pai dong restaurants and tuck into the freshest seafood available. Later, stop by the fortune tellers on your way out for a glimpse into your future.

The views from Victoria Peak are legendary for good reason. You can take a bus or a taxi to the top of the mountain, but the Peak Tram is far more fun. Buy a fast-track combo package to skip the ever-present queue and you’ll be enjoying stunning views in no time. For the more adventurous, the Morning Trail offers a lovely, though strenuous, hike to the top.

Head to the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour around 8pm every evening to catch A Symphony of Lights, a dazzling show. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent light and sound show, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. Grab a drink at Eyebar in Tsim Sha Tsui for an unparalleled vantage point and cocktail or book a cruise for front-row views from the water of Victoria Harbour.

Don’t let the facade of this temple fool you. Tucked into Sheung Wan’s Hollywood Road, the interior is one of the most striking in the city. Dedicated to Man Cheong (the god of literature) and Mo Tai (the god of war), the elegant Man Mo Temple is often populated by students cramming for their exams. Step inside and be humbled by the hundreds of smoking spires of incense. Photos are allowed but please be respectful.

A shopper’s paradise, Hong Kong is bursting with markets, each offering something unique. Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market has over 100 stalls selling almost everything from souvenirs to knock-off watches and cheap clothing. A visit to the Jade Market in Jordan will reward you with affordable pearl and jade jewellery though you’d be wise to do some research before going. You can’t leave Hong Kong without a wander through Cat Street; it has the best selection of curios and antiques.

Tian Tan Buddha – better known as the Big Buddha – is one of Hong Kong’s biggest attractions. Standing 34 metres (112 feet) high above the Po Lin Monastery, the enormous statue brings a steady stream of visitors to this quiet corner of Lantau Island. Book a glass-bottom Ngong Ping cable car for the ride up and take in stunning 360-degree views over the mountains below. You might even meet a friendly cow or two while you’re visiting – they roam wild across the island.

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s must-visit attractions, but the name is a little misleading. It’s not technically a monastery (because no monks live here), and it’s home to far more than 10,000 Buddhas. Sitting high in the Sha Tin countryside, this is one of the quirkiest religious sites around. The 430-step stairway to the top is flanked by countless golden Buddha statues, each with a unique pose and expression.

Over on the Kowloon side of the harbour, this golden sculpture is one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmarks. Sitting outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Wan Chai waterfront, the perpetually blooming flower marks the site where this territory was handed over to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997.

The Magic Kingdom opened in 2005, bringing Mickey and his gang to Lantau Island. Unleash your inner child on classic Disneyland favourites such as Space Mountain and It’s a Small World and prepare for some new attractions. Expansions in 2020 mean a bigger castle and the opening of a Frozen-themed section called Frozen Land, with two new rides to explore.

Three decades before Disneyland came to town, Ocean Park was Hong Kong’s original amusement park. Sitting on the south side of Hong Kong Island, it combines roller coasters with exotic wildlife. Marvel at the aquarium and meet the resident pandas Ying Ying and Le Le before testing the laws of physics on the Whirly Bird and the Hair Raiser, a roller coaster with incredible views

Macau (also known as Macao) is one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia with its old-world Sino-European architecture and culture existing side by side with the modern and lavish lifestyle - the result of its casinos and tourist industry. The location and function of the island has definitely facilitated many important cultural exchanges between the east and west in the field of the arts, science and trade. Known by many as the Asia’s gaming capital with its many casinos, Macau is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 20 important and well-preserved historical locations. Among the most noticeable attractions are the ruins of St. Paul's Church and Largo do Senado (Senate Square) which are known as the heart of old Macau.

The Historic Centre of Macau is a great example of how Europe can successfully blend with Asia as in Macau Europeans and Asians have lived and traded with each other in harmony for a long time and still do so today. Macau was a Portuguese settlement and a stronghold of Christianity in Asia from the mid-16th century as well as displaying Chinese influences through a number of its buildings and gardens. All are connected or linked along the island’s narrow streets, old mosaic pathways and squares and walking round, discovering architectural and cultural gems makes up a lot of the island's appeal to visitors.

This is currently the biggest casino in the world with a vast selection of 800 gambling tables and a couple of thousand slot machines from four differently themed gaming sections (total area well over 550,000 square feet!). The $2.3 billion project has 3,000 luxury hotel suites, more than one million square feet of retail space, huge event venues (large enough to hold 90 Boeing 747 jumbo jets) and entertainment. In short, it is the biggest building in Asia.

Guia Fort and Lighthouse overlooks Macau from the summit of Guia Hill. The fort was built in 1865 and was the chief observation post during colonial times, designed to defend the city. It is well preserved and contains barracks, a water cistern, an ammunition cache, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guia as well as the commander's house and storage area. It's worth taking the cable car (the smallest in the world) up here because of the great views over the city and sea and also because of the enjoyable hiking along the trails that lead away from the fort into the surrounding hills.

The Cybernetic Fountain is the largest manmade water fountain in Asia. Through its 86 water spouts, the main cannon shoots a spray of water 80 metres high. The Cybernetic Fountain also sports a laser show and the sight of 288 coloured spotlights shining through falling water is certainly impressive. The laser show is free to the public but make sure you check the schedule to go to see it at the right night.

Taipa village is a small and peaceful community with narrow streets, markets and great Macanese food. Portuguese-style offices, ancient temples and colonial villas blend effortlessly amongst old-fashioned street lamps, hanging flower baskets and street vendors. Food Street which is also known as the Rua da Cunhna, draws many people over to the south of the island, eager to savour the true taste of Macau. Of course, there are several casinos (ubiquitous to Macau) and the Macau Jockey Club where you can watch races in air-conditioned comfort, but local charm wins out here. You'll also find the ruin of Sao Paulo Church here - a single standing facade with no church behind it; unusual to say the least.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a large (111,500sqm) theme park, with various port 'towns' - among them New Orleans, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Cape Town. The area, within walking distance of the ferry terminal, features shops, restaurants, nightlife, an amusement park and amphitheatre. The vast assortment of shops at Fisherman’s Wharf rivals any of the world's shopping capitals. The first large-scale addition to Macau’s shopping scene beyond the casinos, it features over 150 stores and making your way around them all can take some time. Once a peaceful fishing community Fisherman's Wharf nowadays is anything but and is on the list of worldwide one-stop entertainment destinations.

The tallest building in Macau is an impressive structure that stands tall as a mark of Macau’s willingness to embrace the modern age. From the highest viewing deck it is possible to see 55km away. If you have the courage to face it then have a go at jumping off the world's highest bungee jump - you'll reach up to 200kmph before eventually landing in a specially designed airbag. Besides the view there's lots of fun to be had such as movies, shopping and theatre. Macau Tower draws visitors for both its internal and external qualities, whether inside enjoying the various realms of entertainment or outside enjoying the contemporary architecture, it is definitely one of Macau’s ‘must-do’s’.