23 Things To Do In Hong Kong At Night
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There’s always something happening in Hong Kong, whether you’re exploring during the day or partying in Hong Kong at night. Travel brochures will tell you that Hong Kong is a vibrant Asian metropolis – and the brochures are correct. The city is China’s answer to New York City and a thriving urban hub. With around 7.5 million people packed into a small area, there’s a lot of life on the streets.
When you think about what Hong Kong used to be like during the British era (did you ever read James Clavell’s Noble House?), it boggles the mind to realise how much the city has grown. Every night is party night in sizzling Hong Kong. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Hong Kong for business or on vacation, you will find a way to have fun after dark. From laser light shows to floating restaurants and cool clubs, if you’re planning a trip to this mega metropolitan city, here are the best things to do in Hong Kong at night.
Ancient customs continue to run strong within a city that enthusiastically embraces cutting-edge technology. The smell of incense wafts from a temple positioned next to a skyscraper. Traditional Chinese herbalists are as sought-after as electronic stores stocked with the latest gadgets.
There are few places in the world where you’d walk into a no-frills soup house to find a business person wearing a Zegna suit tapping on an iPhone while ingesting a bowl of snake soup to increase blood circulation, cure aches and keep away winter chills.
But the most amazing thing about Hong Kong is when night falls, the concrete jungle turns into a twinkling fairyland. The city’s transformation from a chaotic business metropolis to a glittering oasis of fun is more magical than lucky numbers or snake soup cure-alls. It’s like Cinderella’s pumpkin turning into a coach. Only in Hong Kong, the dark suits vanish and beautiful people materialise dressed in Chanel, Hugo Boss and Jimmy Choo.
Hong Kong at Night
Top 3 Tours
- Aqua Luna Symphony of Lights Cruise – Cruise aboard a classic Chinese junk on Victoria Harbour.
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open-Top Night Tour – See all the main sights of Hong Kong at your own leisure.
- Hong Kong After Dark – Discover hidden gems on a personalised night tour of Hong Kong with a local.
23 Things To Do In Hong Kong At Night
1- Marvel at the Symphony of Lights
The hong kong skyline at night is a glittering show.
Don’t miss the magic of the Hong Kong skyline during the Symphony of Lights.
The multimedia show, A Symphony of Lights, made the Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show”.
For 13 minutes, the Hong Kong skyline lights up as coloured laser beams dance on 40 skyscrapers along Victoria Harbour to create an experience you won’t forget.
It happens every night at 8 pm and is best viewed on the water in Victoria Harbour or at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between the Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Tsim Sha Tsui is also the best place to listen to the light show’s accompanying soundtrack.
The show is free of charge and on every night of the week. And it’s not just for tourists; locals also wander down to the harbour to admire the lights. Reserve your cruise here.
2- Cruise on Board The Aqualuna
Board the Aqualuna for a harbour cruise in Hong Kong at night.
Board the Aqualuna, a Chinese junk with red sails constructed by an 80-year-old craftsman in the traditional way.
Cocktails in hand, you cruise past the fairyland of brightly lit skyscrapers listening to a recording of a silky-voiced 1930s-style Shanghai nightclub singer over the junk’s stereo system.
Another way to enjoy the city from Victoria Harbour is to board the historic Star Ferry, a service started in 1888 by a Parsee merchant.
Aqua Luna has five pick-up points at Tsim Sha Tsui Public Pier 1, Central Pier 9, Hung Hom and Wanchai Public Piers.
3- Party in Lan Kwai Fong
Lai Kwai Fong has the buzziest Hong Kong streets at night.
Hong Kong is a city of people who work and play hard.
There’s a positive vibe in town and Hongkong’s nightlife is about releasing work stress.
Lan Kwai Fong, a square of streets in Central Hong Kong, is party central and a warren of streets packed with eating places, bars and clubs.
You could do a week-long bar hop and still not try them all as there are around 100 bars in this area, from drinking cool jazz bars to faux-English pubs where trivia, pints and sport are on tap.
Upmarket drinking establishments serve up international wine and fabulous cocktails.
Things start heating up around 9 pm, so make sure you have a nap in the afternoon. Happy hour is between 7 pm to 10 pm.
Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s legendary nightlife zone and is near Central MTR Station. Check out these Hong Kong panoramic sky bar views.
Chic Scandinavian-themed bar and restaurant, Finds (an acronym for Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden), is the social den for Hong Kong’s expat community, mostly Swedish clothing manufacturers and Nordic shipping executives.
Try the traditional Swedish spirit called Skane Akvavit, distilled from potatoes and flavoured with herbs.
The Swedes call it the water of life.
The liquid is 40% alcohol and tastes like mouthwash but the cocktails are exotic with intriguing names like Shanghai Gaga, Blueberry Koskenkorva and Earl Grey Tea Martinis.
Finds is at The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
5- Ride The World’s Longest Escalator
Ride the 800m (2600ft)-long Hong Kong escalator, which is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system.
The public escalator connects Queen’s Road Central to the mid-levels and passes the bars and eateries of SoHo along the way.
SoHo is a cosmopolitan entertainment district with cool restaurants, hip bars, hopping nightclubs that attract a sophisticated expat clientele.
Hip spots include Quinary mixology bar and Varga Lounge for retro music and a step back into the past.
Relax in a whisky bar, or if you’re hungry, SoHo has no shortage of international fare.
Quinary is at 56-58 Hollywood Road Central, Hong Kong.
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6- Drink Cocktails In A Rooftop Bar
Sevva Bar has a view of skyscrapers of Hong Kong at night.
Slouch in a comfy lounge on the terrace of the ultra-glamorous bar, Sevva, 25 stories high in Central Hong Kong, as you gaze at the inky sky and the towering office buildings lit up like Christmas trees.
Ozone is the world’s highest bar on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre, with views of Kowloon and the western side of Hong Kong Island.
Skye Rooftop and Dining in Causeway Bay is a futuristic-looking restaurant and bar with a contemporary French menu.
Sevva is at 25/F, Landmark Prince’s, 10 Chater Rd, Central, Hong Kong. Here’s a sky bar tour you may like to join.
7- See the Hong Kong Skyline from Victoria Peak
A bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong at night.
For a spectacular view of Hong Kong at night, make the journey up to Victoria’s Peak.
The Sky Terrace has a 360-degree viewing platform that allows you a bird’s eye view of the city without flying over it.
The multi-level entertainment precinct has an assortment of restaurants, shops and the bar at the top is the spot for a cocktail as the sun goes down.
The various paths around Victoria’s Peak provide numerous points of interest to see the city come to life.
Watch the humming of the bay as boats and ferries move across the water while the lights slowly turn on and transform the feeling of Hong Kong.
The Peak Tram ride to Victoria Peak’s summit is an experience on its own and has been operating for over a century.
Victoria’s Peak is in Central Hong Kong. Reserve your tickets online here.
8- See Movie Stars at the Garden of Stars
Hong Kong’s skyline at night.
Kung fu movie fans will want to explore the Garden of Stars, Hong Kong’s version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
The garden has statues of some of Asia’s biggest movie stars, including Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and many more.
The 400-m promenade also hosts cultural programs, dancing, musical performances, exhibitions and a different view of the ‘Symphony of Lights Show.’
The Garden of Stars is at No.20 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
9- Shop At Temple Street Night Market
There’s nothing more lively than a Hong Kong street market, and there’s no shortage of street markets in Hong Kong.
If you’re looking for a late-night shopping experience in Jordan and Yau Ma Tei’s colourful and busy area, check out the Temple Street Night Market.
This market is open until late at night and spans five city streets with hundreds of stalls selling various goods.
From clothing, electronics, and souvenirs to the countless food options, you’ll have something to do for hours on end.
The food is delicious; try the seafood, noodles with dumplings, tofu pudding and clay pot hot-pot rice stalls.
The Temple Street Night Market is at Temple St, Jordan.
10- Relax in the Botanical Gardens of Hong Kong Zoo
Founded in 1864, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a cultural icon and one of the oldest in the world.
Explore the garden into the evening to escape the frenetic pace.
The Green House and Mammal Sections are only open during the day, however, the Fountain Terrace Garden and other parts of the sprawling park remain open until 10 pm.
The Hong Kong Zoo and Botanical Gardens is at Albany Road, Central, Hong Kong.
11- Hunt For Ghosts In Wan Chai
Paranormal thrill-seekers will find lots to experience in Wan Chai, which is one of the most haunted places in Hong Kong.
The Japanese occupied Wan Chai during World War II and an organised tour with a knowledgeable tour guide will transport you back into Wan Chai’s past.
Be sure to visit Nam Koo Terrace in Wan Chai, a military brothel during World War II, where they say you can still hear screams and see those who never made it out of Nam Koo Terrace alive.
Nam Koo Terrace is at 55號 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, amongst the rest of the creepy Wan Chai district.
12- Rock At A Concert In Hong Kong
Hong Kong has numerous stadiums such as the Coliseum, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre that frequently have concerts and events.
If you’re looking for some live entertainment, you’ll find it in Hong Kong, the city that never sleeps.
From local acts to international megastars, there’s always something happening in at least one of the various options.
Enjoy live music and the exciting atmosphere created by screaming fans in one of Asia’s most exciting cities.
13- Go Squid Fishing
One of the more unique activities in Hong Kong is squid fishing from April to August, when the harvest season takes place.
Glowing lanterns attract the squid and you don’t need to be an expert to catch some.
The process of squid fishing is straightforward, throw a line with a baited hook in the water and hope for the best.
The real fun comes later when you eat and drink with the crew who prepare a feast with the squid you caught.
There are many options for where to go and enjoy squid fishing in and around Hong Kong.
14- See The Historic Kowloon Station Clocktower
Soak up Hong Kong’s history by visiting the Kowloon Station Clocktower in the tranquil area of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Declared a monument in 1990, the clocktower was built in 1916 for the Kowloon-Canton Station and is the last remaining structure of the station after it was demolished to make way for Hung Hom Station.
The clocktower is a reminder of Hong Kong’s rich past, from the 19th century to World War II and the Japanese occupation.
The Kowloon Station Clocktower is a park located in Tsim Sha Tsui.
15- Enjoy Garden Hill In Sham Shui Po
In one of Hong Kong’s oldest neighbourhoods of Sham Shui Po, Garden Hill is a low-key park that overlooks this historic district.
Enjoy the gardens with the locals, who often come here to have a drink while watching the sunset.
Once you’re done at Garden Hill, wander along to the Golden Computer Shopping Arcade, grab some food or find a market.
Garden Hills might be a relaxing place to end your day of exploring in Sham Shui Po as its laid-back nature is something hard to find in the fast-paced city of Hong Kong.
Garden Hill is at Sham Shui Po, Kowloon.
16- Escape To Lantau Island
Get away from the skyscrapers and spend a few hours at the Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island, wandering through the market stalls and tasting local seafood dishes.
Tai O offers a taste of what Hong Kong was once like before it became a city of skyscrapers.
The view from the top of Lantau Peak is a seven-kilometre hike with stairs and rocks along the way.
Be sure to bring a flashlight as there’s no lighting to guide you up or down Lantau’s Peak.
The view at the top is a lovely spot to gaze at the Hong Kong skyline.
Lantau Peak is at Lantau Island.
17- Play Board Games
Check into a board games cafe and have some good old-fashioned fun in Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong’s board games cafes are popular with the locals and is a social alternative to playing computer games.
Grab a drink, join a board game and have a great night in a fantasy world with role-playing, detective, war, strategy and other types of board games.
Popular board games in Hong Kong include Codenames, Catan, Risk and Monopoly.
Popular board game cafes are Capstone Boardgame, at Golden Swan Commercial Building in Causeway Bay, Wheat and Wood, Painkiller and Jolly Thinkers.
18- Eat At A Floating Restaurant
Floating restaurants have played a part in Hong Kong since after World War II.
The Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant is a palace on the water in Aberdeen Harbour.
It has appeared in many movies, such as Jackie Chan’s The Protector, Internal Affairs II and Contagion.
The food is authentic Chinese and completes the cultural experience of this landmark Hong Kong establishment.
The Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant is at Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen.
19- Belt Out Your Favorite Songs In Karaoke Booths
Karaoke in Hong Kong is usually in a private room, where you belt out songs with friends on a fun night out.
Some places to enjoy karaoke are MusicBox and Red Mr in Tsim Sha Tsui and Neway’s at Emperor Group Centre, 3-4/F, 288 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
20- Go For A Moonlight Beach Walk
Lei Yue Mun beach in Hong Kong at night time.
You may be surprised to discover there are over 100 beaches in Hong Kong and its islands.
Take a romantic stroll under the moonlight or light up a bonfire with friends on a hot summer night and enjoy the stunning sights and sounds of the city behind you.
The longest beach is Hong Kong is Lantau Island’s Cheung Sha Beach. Ham Tin Wan, Kwun Yam Wan, Clear Water Bay, and Shek O Beach are other beaches to visit.
During the day, you can enjoy surfing, kayaking and camping.
21- Ride The Observation Wheel
Riding the Ferris wheel is one of the exciting things to do in hong kong at night.
The Honk Kong Observation Wheel is a 60m high experience that offers incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Located in Central Harbourfront and at roughly HK$20 (USD 2.5) for 15 minutes, it’s a cheap and enjoyable experience to enjoy the city.
The view at night of the glistening lights of the harbour and city is stunning.
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is at 33 Man Kwong St, Central, Hong Kong.
22- Win Big at the Race Track
One of the things to do in Hong Kong at night is to go to the races at Happy Valley Racecourse.
Horse racing is a legacy of Hong Kong’s time as a British Colony and has become a significant part of the country’s tradition.
If you enjoy some gambling or are a horse racing enthusiast, then be sure to check out this vibey track.
You’ll join a hive of activity among up to 55,000 other fans of the track.
Dress casually as racing is common in Hong Kong and most people don’t bother dressing up.
The Happy Valley has horse races every Wednesday.
Happy Valley is at Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
23- Cycle from Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk
As Hong Kong is a safe city, you might want to try a night cycle from Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk on the nine-kilometre route.
Rent a bike from the town centre of Tai Po or at the waterfront park, cycle the 1.5-hour journey and return your bike the next day as most bike rental places in Tai Po close by 8 pm.
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