You probably don’t think of beaches when you think of things to do in Hong Kong, but there’s some very, very nice beaches in Hong Kong that are worth visiting.  The first and my favourite for kids, is Big Wave Bay, it’s about a 45 minute drive from Central, you can get there by bus and it’s probably about $300+ in a taxi.  It’s worth going here because there’s a little stream where you can catch crabs, fish and shrimp.  The beach itself is usually clean (a lot cleaner than Repulse Bay is) and you can walk out a long way before it gets deep.  Make sure you try and go during low tide.  More on Big Wave Bay Beach here.

The other awesome beach in Hong Kong to go to is Ham Tin Beach.  I’ve only been here during weekdays, and it’s always empty, usually a few hikers taking a dip or a few young lovers taking selfies.  It’s a bit of a hike to get there, I usually hike up Sharp Peak then end up here for a swim, but you can take a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion from Sai Kung Town, then it’s probably about 45 minutes walk on paths.  If it’s hot, you’ll need plenty of water.  You’ll pass Sai Wan Beach first, but that’s busier and not as nice.  This is definitely one of my favourite things to do in Hong Kong.

When I’m done with these beaches, I’ll head to the Islands.  Forget Lamma Island, it’s crowded and filthy dirty.  Cheng Chau isn’t much better. My favourite is Peng Chau, mainly because, you guessed it, there’s bugger all people there.  Take the ferry, when most people get off they’ll turn right into the town.  Turn left, and head to the beach listed on Toucan’s Hong Kong Map.  If you go there during low tide, there’s hundreds of crabs you can find.  You kids will be able to spend a few hours there.  Not much to eat here so bring a picnic and lot (2 litres of water) during the summer as it can get hot.

If you’re in Hong Kong for a week, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is take a trip to Tai O.  Tai O is a nice little fishing village on Lantau Island that’s a good day trip.  It’s laid back and if you go there early Saturday or Sunday, you’ll avoid most of the crowds (they’ll show up around noon).  For day trips, I can’t think of much more better things to do in Hong Kong.

Now for the non-beach and Island things to do in Hong Kong.  First up, yep, take a trip across the Star Ferry.  I don’t travel across to Kowloon much but when I do, and it’s not 35 degrees and 90% humidity, I’ll take the ferry. They go every few minutes so you never have to wait, there’s no crowds and it’s a nice way to see the harbour with great views of Central, Admiralty, Wanchai and HK Island side.  It’s only 5 minutes across and is dirt cheap.  Whatever side you are staying on, you have to go across to the other side on the Star Ferry at least once.

The Peak. Yep, always on every single list of things to do in Hong Kong I’ve seen.  Avoid peak hours at all costs and if it’s a local or Chinese mainland holiday, forget about even thinking about going up here, it’s a total shit show.  Best time to go is early morning when there’s the least amount of there.  I run/hike up here 3 times a week and have never seen more than a few dozen people up there.  I once stupidly drove up on a Sunday evening and it took an hour to get back down because there was so much traffic. Think thousands of screaming, pushing, spitting mainland tourists all trying to get the best spot for a selfie.  For some exercise, walk up, there’s loads of nice paths and it’s not that tough, loads of the local elderly walk up here from all parts of HK Island.

If you’re a Kiwi and are in Central, walk up the mid-levels escalators and head to Hooked Fish N Chips for the best Fish n Chips outside of New Zealand. Actually they could very well be the best fish n chips anywhere including New Zealand.  Have a chat to Matthew, the Kiwi owner/operator.  This is absolute heaven for a Kiwi likes Fish n Chips the right way (out of paper).

This is getting long, here’s my list of the top 18 Things to do in Hong Kong (I like golf numbers), in no particular order

1. Big Wave Bay Beach – best beach for kids and families with the least amount of people.  Bit far but worth the effort.
2. Ham Tin Beach – You need to hike in, not really a hike, it’s just a walk down and up a path, which can take 45-60 minutes depending on how fast you go
3. Tai O – Really nice little fishing village on Lantau Island, bit of an effort to get here but totally worth it if you want a change from the city
4. Peng Chau Island – the quietest of the islands and hence why I like this the best.  About 30 minutes in the ferry. Have the beach to yourself. Not great for swimming but excellent to take kids crab hunting
5. Dragons Back Hike – With or without kids, this isn’t much more than a walk up some stairs so leave your compression gear and hiking poles at home, it’s a walk in the park suitable for 4yrs and up.  This is one of the things to do in Hong Kong you really should do to see Hong Kong is more than just a concrete jungle
6. Walk up the Peak – Loads of tracks up and around the Peak, you don’t have to be too fit and choose a route that’s shaded for the best experience
7. Hike Up Sharp Peak – Nowhere near the highest peak in Hong Kong but in my opinion, one of the best views overlooking the South China Sea and beautiful beaches of Sai Kung that not many people know about
8. Hike Up Lion Rock – Easy hike less than hour if you’re fit with some awesome views of the city. Don’t get too cute with the selfies or you could end up falling off like a few people have done
9. Golf at Kau Sai Chau Jockey Club Public Golf Course – Bring loads of golf balls and a “don’t care about my score” attitude.  Not the best golf course in the world but some outstanding views make this a great golf experience, albeit a whole day affair
10. High Island Reservoir East Dam – Go weekdays when there’s not so many people.  Some interesting rock formations and nice views looking back to Sai Kung.
11. Film Camera Shopping in TST – Some of the best film camera collections anywhere.  If you like film cameras or want to get started, TST and Mongkok is the place to start.  More info in our Photography section
12. Sneaker Street – store after store of Adidas Boosts, Nike Flyknits and everything you can imagine.  Some limited editions but they sell out ultra quick so you’ve got to be lucky.  Dor Hypebeasts, this has gotta be near the top of your list of things to do in Hong Kong
13. TST Promenade – Despite the people, especially during sunset, it’s a nice walk along the TST promenade with views back towards HK Island and the HK Skyline
14. Street Photography in Sham Shui Po – Street photography doesn’t get much better than this, afternoon and into the early evening is the best time to go, always something happening and something to photograph
15. Causeway Bay – Pretty full on but good shopping and plenty to see, especially at night. If you want a piece of Hong Kong, this is the place to go
16. Mongkok at Night – Pretty quiet in the mornings but by later afternoon, early evening it’s all go.  Worth having a look with the markets, street food and people watching
17. Shopping at Harbour City – Fancy upscale mall with one floor devoted completely to kids.  Loads to eat, if you want to shop and are staying on Kowloon side, Harbour City is the place to go
18. Aberdeen to Ap Lei Chau Ferry – Probably not worth going to if you’re staying in Kowloon, but if you’re on the Island side I reckon it’s worth a trip.  The ferry ride is only a few minutes but it’s relaxing and you can see a quieter side of Hong Kong

And here’s a list of things to do in Hong Kong that are on every list, not my favourites, but worth going if you’re coming to Hong Kong. Again, in no particular order

1. Nan Lian Garden/Chi Ling Nunnery – very nice and tranquil, not really near anything else but if you’ve never been to Asia you’ll enjoy this. Not much for kids to do
2. Ocean Park – Used to be one of our favourite places but we’ve been so many times the novelty has worn off a bit.  Now connected to the MTR, much easier to get to and worth going over and having a look if you have kids
3. The Peak Tram and walk around the Peak – If you’re too lazy to walk up, take the tram up and just have a leisurely stroll around the paths
4. Hong Kong Wetland Park – Not many birds but the mudskippers are alright and plenty of space for kids to run around
5. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens – right in Central, not the best selection of animals but a good break from the city, in the city and easy to get to
6. Hong Kong Park – near the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and connected to Pacific Place.  A nice way to spend a few hours with fish and frogs in the ponds. Bring mosquito repellant as they’re always out in full force
7. Hong Kong Science Museum – Dirt cheap and a good way to spend the morning entertaining kids before you do your thing in the afternoon.
8. Soho – Not what it used to be but if you’re in Central worth checking out. Some nice bars and restaurants and the odd fashion boutique and some street art
9. Mid Levels Escalators – the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, go up after 10a.m when the up direction is open then walk down though soho
10. Repulse Bay – Lovely when there’s no rubbish in the sea and you can avoid the busloads of tourists that are not going there everyday
11. PMQ – Nice little hipster area selling and promoting local brands and products.  Go here in the weekend, probably better for ladies though.
12. Lost Hong Kong – Escape Rooms seem to be popping up everywhere around the word.  Check out this one in Causeway Bay or Mongkok.
13. Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage & Arts – This should actually be somewhere near the top of the list of things to do in Hong Kong whether you’re into arts or not.  A definite must visit if you’re anywhere near central

Send us any questions or comments you have about Things to Do in Hong Kong via email or ask us on twitter.