Hong Kong consists out of 236 islands, where I will talk about 3 islands with their sights. Between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, it is very easy to travel with the subway, but Lantau is a bit more difficult. Besides Lantau, the sights can be done on the same day as the subway is always close and quick. I will let you know the MTR (metro station) for each sight as well. Get an Octopus Card to get easy through the city (buying one is very simple) with all public transport.

Kowloon

Kowloon has more of an Asian vibe in comparison to Hong Kong Island. You really feel you are in Southeast Asia, and that is very interesting. It is my favourite part of Hong Kong, and I would recommend staying here. Kowloon is very big, with at least 2 million people living here in a relatively small area. 

Have a rest in Kowloon Park

Kowloon Park is an oasis of quietness in the middle of the busy Kowloon. It is such a difference with the surroundings, so absolutely a treasure. You can find a gorgeous fountain, a lot of green trees, and some areas with animals like flamingoes, turtles, and parrots. Head to this park when you want to escape the busy city.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Tsim Tsa Tsui is the best, but Jordan is also possible

Enjoy the view from the Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars is the most southern point of Kowloon, where you have a very impressive view over the skyline of Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world, and the water makes this view a very impressive sight. This is a sight you cannot miss in Hong Kong.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Tsim Tsa Tsui

Check out the clock tower

On the Avenue of Stars, there is an unusual-looking building named the Clock Tower. The building will not be the highlight of your trip, but it is a fun artefact in Kowloon. It is an old building in comparison to the new Hong Kong. It was built in 1913 and is 44 meters high. Since some years, it has been ringing the clock again every hour.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 5 minutes

Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Enjoy the view from Sky100

A view from Hong Kong Island is probably the best from Sky100, where you can see many parts of the city. You can also see some mountains and the harbour, but the best is of the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island. The Sky100 observation desk is in the highest building in Hong Kong on the 100th floor (which is not the highest) of the ICC. The ICC is the 13th highest building in the world.

Price: 178 HKD

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Kowloon Station

Free some birds at theYuen Po Street Bird & Flower Market

This is a great example of the Asian vibes in Kowloon. The flower market gives a lot of colour, which is a treasure to be in. The bird market is kind of rough. The cages are very small, and that is rough to see. Although it is interesting to walk around the cages, I felt pretty guilty. You can buy some birds (they are pretty cheap) and set them free. It is a good feeling, and the birds are free. Walking through these markets is a nice walk.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Prince Edward 

Be confused at the Wangjiao pet street

This is another example of different animal rights in Hong Kong in comparison to Western habits. This is the place to buy a pet, but the pets are not kept in nice environments. Especially the fish were often held in small plastic bags. Also, cats and dogs are kept in small cages (see picture above). Note that it can be different per shop.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 30 minutes

Nearest MTR: Mong Kok

Feel small during the Symphony of Lights

I am sorry for the terrible picture. Every night at 20.00/8pm there are a lot of lasers coming from the skyscrapers from Hong Kong Island towards the Avenue of Stars (see point in beginning). This is a very impressive happening, and you should be here at least once when in Hong Kong. Be on time, as it can get crowded. During cyclone season, it can be cancelled.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very High

How much time needed: 10 minutes

Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Have some food at the Temple Street Night Market

The Temple Street Night Market is one of the best things to see in the evening in Hongkong. The market is huge, and you can buy a lot of different products. However, my favourite thing to do on markets is grab some great street food, and that is fantastic here. You can find a table and get some food from different food stalls. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: An evening

Nearest MTR: Jordan

Feel religion in the Wong Tai Sin Temple 

The Wong Tai Sin Temple is the most authentic temple I visited in Hong Kong. The temple has different gorgeous buildings, and it has a very cool garden. The cool thing about the temple is that it is for Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, although I could not see the difference (sorry, I don't want to insult someone). You will see people pray, and please be respectful to them. This is a must-do in Hong Kong.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Wong Tai Sin 

Feel the serene atmosphere of Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden

The Chi Lin Nunnery is another authentic temple complex in Hong Kong. The complex is for Buddhism, and it is absolutely worth having a visit in Hong Kong. The highlight of the temple complex has big temples with big Buddhas inside with a fantastic atmosphere. The other highlight is the Nian Ling Garden (see picture above), right next to the nunnery, where you can have a lovely walk-through. The most notable artefact is the golden tempo in the middle. It is great in combination with the Wong Tai Sin Temple, as it is only one MTR stop away.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1.5 hour including the temple complex and the garden.

Nearest MTR: Diamond Hill

Eat in the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan has several locations throughout Hong Kong, not only in Kowloon. I went to the one in Kowloon. It is very cheap and very tasty, but it is a bit of a fast food restaurant with table service. Tim Ho Wan is Michelin-starred, the cheapest in the world. They focus on dim sum dishes, and their speciality is the BBQ baked pork buns. Go early or late, as it can get crowded, so there can be a line.

Price: Cheap food

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Kowloon Station (at the Kowloon restaurant, but there are more)

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is obviously the most famous island of Hong Kong. When you are there, you sometimes feel like you are in Europe or North America. The island has a lot of skyscrapers, more than any other place in the world. However, if you take a bus for 15 minutes, you can be in very quiet areas. The difference is indescribable.

Enjoy the beach at Repulse Bay

Only 20-30 minutes by bus from the busiest area of the city, you can get to a nice beach, Repulse Bay. I am not a beach guy, but this was a nice trip to relax for a bit. It was very quiet when I was here. There is a nice harbour, a small temple, some restaurants, and a surprising whole in one of the big buildings. This is not my highlight, but a nice place to be for a part of the day. Taking the bus can be a bit confusing, but just ask people there. Afterwards, you can go to Aberdeen.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very Low

How much time needed: 2-3 hours, including lunch, temple and beach.

Nearest MTR: No MTR here. Several bus lines go here.

Head to fishing village Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a big fishing village of around 80,000 inhabitants. Before, there was the biggest floating restaurant in the world (Jumb), but it is replaced. Now there are still a lot of floating houses and people living on their boats. You can take a boat ride through it. There are also fancy boats laying around. Another highlight is the fish market with nice colourful fish. You can enjoy a stroll in the village as well. Only buses can get here, and this is a perfect combination with Repulse Bay, which is 45 minutes away. 

Price: Free, except a boat tour

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 2-3 hours, including boat tour, stroll and fish market.

Nearest MTR: No MTR here. Several bus lines go here. Central Hong Kong is around 40 minutes away.

Have a hike and view from Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is probably the most famous sight in Hong Kong. You will go up the Peak Tram towards the top. The Peak Tram can have some lines, so try to be early. In the evening, it is the most crowded for the Symphony of Light. The tram is fun to do as well. At the top, you are short on eyes with so many skyscrapers (see picture above). The view will be on your mind for the rest of your life. You can see the biggest part of the whole city. After you enjoyed the view, head out of the building because you can have a nice easy hike here in the forest. During the hike, you will get some more amazing views of the skyline of Hong Kong (see picture below). The hike is around 45 minutes to an hour. You will be one of the only ones doing this hike, which makes it even nicer. You can also go by yourself without paying (or take a taxi), but you cannot visit the observation deck, but you can do the hike.

Price: Peak Tram prices vary in weekends/public holidays in comparison with weekdays. So expect between 80 and 110HKD for a round trip and this includes the observation deck.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: 2-3 hours, including hike, tram, observation deck.

Nearest MTR: Central for the Peak Tram, but you have to walk around 15 minutes.

Find the sights in Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park is my favourite park in the city. It is the most important on this island. There is a huge aviary with different bird species and some pond with turtles in it. From the green oasis, you can see gorgeous buildings like the Bank of China Tower. You can also find artefacts about the Olympics as well. My favourite thing to do was get behind a fountain, which was a cool thing to do. I really enjoyed this park, and it is great for a stroll. The western side of the park is close to the Peak Tram.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1.5 hours

Nearest MTR: Central or Admirality

Take the Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is one of the things you have to do. It is a ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. I would recommend taking it from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island as the skyline comes closer and closer. It is not the most convenient way to get to the other side as the MTR is way faster, but it is nice to do once. I really liked it. 

Price: Maximum of 4.20HKD as it is a bit confusing, so it can be less. You can use the Octopus Card.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: Around 15 minutes

Nearest MTR: On Kowloon it is Tsim She Tsui and at the Hong Kong Island side are a couple of options. Wan Chai is probably the most convenient.

Visit Golden Bauhinia Square

Golden Bauhinia Square will probably not be on your number one list to do in Hong Kong, but the golden flower is gorgeous. The statue was given by the Chinese government as Great Britain gave Hong Kong back to China as an independent country. At 8 am there is a ceremony with flags, but I did not see this.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: Around 15 minutes

Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

Watch people play sports at Victoria Park

Victoria Park is not a classic park as many other parks are. Although you can walk and relax a bit, the park mostly consists of several spots where you can see people playing. It is a fun park as it is an oasis in the crazy crowds around it, but I prefer Hong Kong Park and Kowloon Park.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: Around 30 minutes

Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

See people everywhere at Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is one of the busiest neighbourhoods of Hong Kong. It is mostly an area for fancy shopping with big brands and huge shopping malls. It is fun to see, but this is not my highlight of the city. I like to watch people, but I don't like shopping. Victoria Park is close and my highlight of the area.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

Enjoy a free view in Central Plaza

Central Plaza is one of the most iconic buildings of the skyline of Hong Kong with its golden windows. You can get into the building, which mostly consists of companies. You can get in for free and head up to the 46th floor by an elevator. Here you have a birds-eye view and a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island. Stay respectful, as people are working here. This is a great hidden gem in Hong Kong.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 30 minutes

Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

Have a ride in a tram

On Hong Kong Island, there are a lot of trams with 2 levels. You can use it as a part of transportation, but I just went in a quiet one, where I could sit in front so I have a great view. Having a view in this busy part of town is a treasure. This is a fun thing to do but will not be the highlight of your trip. 

Price: 3HKD, but you can pay with the Octopus Card

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 30 minutes

Nearest MTR: Many on Hong Kong Island

Have a lovely time at Lin Heung Tea House

This was one of my highlights of Hong Kong. It is a bit difficult to find, but it is all worth it. When you enter the restaurant and there is a spot, you will probably be placed with other people on the same table. When you are seated, you just have to enjoy the surroundings. You will get some great tea in a traditional way, which is nice, but when it comes to food, it will be fantastic. Every once in a while (I think around every 5-10 minutes), a waiter will come out of the kitchen with different plates with food. You have to be quick, as everyone grabs some of it, and that is your food. At the end, the waiters count your plates and will be making your bill. It is chaotic but great, and don't worry, there is enough food. The first time I waited longer, and there were still some bites, which tasted great.

Price: Cheap, but depends on your order.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1 hour

Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan, or otherwise Central

Feel relaxed at the Man Mo Temple

The Man Mo Temple is a very authentic temple in the middle of Hong Kong. When I was there, it was getting renovated unfortunately, but it was still a unique place. It is very serene, and the incense makes this a very real temple. It is such a different place in comparison to the places around the small temple. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

Experience the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators

The Central-Mid-Levels Escalators are the longest outside escalators in the world. It goes on for 800 meters with an elevation of 135 meters. Especially in the morning, it is used as transportation, but for me, it was a nice thing to do. You really pass people living, small eating opportunities, and shops. This is a real fun thing to do in Hong Kong.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

Nearest MTR: Central or Sheung Wan to get to the bottom.

Gamble at the Happy Valley Racecourse

I do not agree with people on horses, but this was absolutely fun to visit. There are several runs in an hour, and you can gamble on them. I did not understand any of it, but I won once and lost the rest. It is a real fun experience with nice beers, entertainment, and chaos. This is a must-do. In Kowloon, you also have the Sha Tin Racecourse. Check on beforehand when and on which course there are races, as it can be different.

Price: 10HKD, but beers are expensive. The gambling can be with a small amount of money.

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 2-3 hours

Nearest MTR: Bus or tram is more convenient.

Lantau

The last island I will talk about is best covered in one day. It is in no way similar to the other two islands, as it is quiet and more nature is present. There are almost no MTR stations. Lantau is the biggest island, but it is the perfect day trip from the crowded islands. A fun thing about the island for me are the cows walking around.

Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car

The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is often the starting and ending point of the trip towards Lantau. You can get a round trip. There can be a line, but it is worth it. There are two types of cable cars, one with a window on the floor (Crystal), which is more expensive and a normal one. You will be with multiple people in the cable car. The views are absolutely great, and you can already see the big Buddha (see below) during the trip.

Price: The cheapest Adult round trip is 270HKD and the Crystal is 350HKD

Tourist occurrence: Very High

How much time needed: 25 minutes per one way

Nearest MTR: Tung Chung. The cable car will depart from here as well.

Be amazed by the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha

The Po lIn Monastery (see picture below) and the Tian Tan Buddha (see picture above) are often the most important reasons to visit Lantau Island. They belong to each other and are fantastic to visit. The temple complex is very impressive from inside and outside. The stairs towards the Buddha are rough in high temperature, but it is absolutely worth doing as the view is great and being close to the Buddha as well. This is a must-do in Lantau, but in the whole of Hong Kong.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very High

How much time needed: 1-2 hours

Nearest MTR: No MTR, but it is close to the end of the Ngong Ping cable car.

Have a stroll at the Wisdom Path

Another highlight on Lantau, but way fewer people. Take a small path from the Po Lin Monastery and walk for around 15 minutes. You will find 38 poles with several signs on them. It is a nice sight, but not the highlight of Hong Kong. I really enjoyed the quietness in comparison to different areas on Lantau.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

Nearest MTR: No MTR, but it is close to the end of the Ngong Ping cable car, although you have to walk a bit. 

See the old fishing village Tai-O

Tai O was my favourite sight on Lantau Island, as the village is very cool. The houses are built on poles, and that scenery is fantastic. You can walk through small alleys, have some food, and enjoy the scenery. The highlight was a boat tour, which goes through the village, and then you hit the open water to find pink dolphins. This boat ride is only 20 minutes, and I did not find dolphins, but it was very cool. I heard that nowadays there are almost no dolphins left in the area. The best chances to find them are still in the morning, so head to Tai O first before visiting Po Lin Monastery and the other sights there. 

Price: Free, but a boat tour is 25-40HKD

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 2 hours

Nearest MTR: No MTR. You have to take a bus from the end of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.

Other

There are way more islands, but unfortunately I did not visit them. Here are a day trip and about food.

Have a day trip to Macau

Macau is a former Portuguese colony (as Hong Kong is a British colony) and now famous for gambling. Even more money goes through the casinos of Macau than in Las Vegas. There are big hotels to gamble and have various sights. Hotels are similar as in Vegas, as you have the Wynn, MGM, The Venetian, and The Parisien. There are more cool things to do and see. All the sights you have to do:

• Visit all the themed hotels
• Have a gamble in one of the many casinos
• Have a stroll at the Senado Square and its nice buildings 
• Enjoy the view from Macau Tower

• Admire the St. Paul's Cathedral (see picture above)
• Enjoy a Pastel de Nata
• Visit Casino Lisboa

There are more sights, but I have not seen them, so I cannot confirm if they are good.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: 1 full day

Nearest MTR: No MTR. You have to take a ferry for around an hour from Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon 

Enjoy the fantastic food

Hong Kong has many influences from all over the world, and as it stands in Southeast Asia, the flavours are fantastic. The street food is so tasty, and the restaurants are perfect. Food can be cheap, but also expensive; this city has it all in its cuisine. It is impossible not to eat good in Hong Kong.

Things I have not seen, but could be cool

• Lamma Island (car-free island)
• Dragon's back hike - nice hike with views and monkeys (Hong Kong Island)
• Walk the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Kowloon)
• Lion Rock Head - Hike with views and monkeys (Kowloon)
• Stanley - Cute village (Hong Kong Island)
• Disneyland Hong Kong (Lantau) or Ocean Park (Hong Kong Island)

Final thoughts