GAY HONG KONG
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in HONG KONG?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT HONG KONG
Hong Kong is one of the most gay-friendly destinations in Asia. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in 1991, the city does not have specific laws that protect LGBT+ rights, but the gay community is visible and respected. Hong Kong hosts events such as the Hong Kong Pride and has a lively gay bar and club scene, mainly in the Central and Wan Chai area. However, some laws regarding marriage and adoption do not yet recognize LGBT+ rights. In general, the city is welcoming, with an open and cosmopolitan urban culture.
WHAT TO SEE in HONG KONG?
10 THINGS TO SEE in HONG KONG
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak, also known as The Peak, is the highest point in Hong Kong, located on Hong Kong Island. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city skyline, the port and the surrounding islands. It is one of the main tourist attractions, easily accessible via the famous Peak Tram. The Peak is also home to restaurants, shops and a shopping mall, making it an ideal place for a scenic visit.
China Hong Kong City
China Hong Kong City is a commercial and residential complex located in Tsim Sha Tsui, in the heart of Hong Kong. It includes a large shopping centre, with numerous brand shops, restaurants and an international fair. Located near the port and train station, it is a reference point for tourists and locals. It also offers a great view of the skyline and Victoria Harbour.
Ngong Ping 360 and the Giant Buddha
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions, connecting Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village. During the 25-minute drive, it offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, the surrounding islands and the mountain. One of the most iconic stops is the Giant Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), a gigantic bronze statue 26 meters high, located near the Po Lin Monastery. The Buddha is a figure of peace and spirituality, a pilgrimage site for worshippers, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The monastery is open from 10:00 to 17:45.
Po Lin Monastery
The Po Lin Monastery, located on the island of Lantau, is one of the most important places of Buddhist worship in Hong Kong. Founded in 1906, it is famous for its imposing statue of the Giant Buddha. The monastery offers a quiet atmosphere, with gardens, temples and highlighting of spiritual practices. The monastery is also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a popular tourist attraction.
The Hong Kong Monster Building
The Hong Kong Monster Building is an iconic residential complex located in the Kowloon district. Known for its unique structure and overlapping facades, it looks like a gigantic urban maze of apartments and shops. This building has become famous for its appearance in numerous films and photos, thanks to its crowded and impressive architecture. It is an attraction for photography lovers and those looking for a unique visual experience in Hong Kong.
Tai O
Tai O is a charming fishing village located on the island of Lantau, in Hong Kong. Known for its floating houses, Tai O offers a quiet and traditional atmosphere, contrasting with the liveliness of the city. Visitors can explore local markets, enjoy fresh seafood and take boat trips to spot pink dolphins. The village is also rich in cultural history, with ancient temples and nature trails making Tai O an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Hong Kong experience.
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is a lively neighborhood located on the Kowloon peninsula in Hong Kong. Famous for its luxury shopping malls, elegant hotels and fine restaurants, it is also a starting point to explore the city. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, while attractions such as the History Museum and Kowloon Park add charm to the neighborhood.
Mong Kok
Mong Kok is a lively and crowded district of Kowloon, Hong Kong, known for its local markets and vibrant nightlife. Here you will find the famous street markets, such as the Ladies' Market and the Goldfish Market, ideal for shopping. Mong Kok is also known for its boutiques, local restaurants and skyscrapers that blend tradition and modernity, creating a unique experience.
Disneyland Hong Kong
Disneyland Hong Kong is the theme park located on the island of Lantau, and is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Opened in 2005, it offers a unique magic with attractions inspired by Disney classics such as Space Mountain and It’s a Small World, plus live shows and encounters with Disney characters. The park is divided into seven themes and also offers themed restaurants and shops. Disneyland Hong Kong is a must-see experience for families and Disney fans.
Lama Island
Lama Island (Lantau Island) is the largest island in Hong Kong, famous for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. It is known for the Giant Buddha of Ngong Ping 360, one of the tallest statues in the world, and for the Po Lin Monastery, an important place of Buddhist worship. The island also offers magnificent beaches and hiking trails such as the Lantau Trail. Its combination of mountainous landscapes, traditional fishing villages and modernity makes it an ideal destination for those seeking both tranquility and adventure.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Hong Kong Island Overview View - Google Maps
Day 2 - Lantau Island & HK Modern - Google Maps + Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
3 BEST EXCURSIONS from HONG KONG
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Macau
Guangzhou
Shenzhen
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
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WHERE TO SLEEP in HONG KONG?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in HONG KONG
WHERE TO EAT in HONG KONG?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in HONK KONG Quality / Price
€€€€ - Above & Beyond
€€€ - Ho Lee Fook
€€€ - Cruise Restaurant & Bar
€€ - Ser Wong Fung
€€ - Sip Song
€€ - Samsen
€€ - Man Wah
€ - One Dim Sum
€ - Spring Moon
GAY NIGHTLIFE in HONG KONG
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in HONG KONG
LinQ (Gay Bar)
Zoo Bar (Gay Bar)
Boo Bar (Gay Bar)
Backyard Bar (Gay Bar)
SingSing Bar (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about HONG KONG by World Mappers
One of the most common questions we get about Hong Kong is "How to reach VICTORIA PEAK ?". Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, famous for its panoramic view of Central, Kowloon and the surrounding islands. Located at 552 meters high, but with a panoramic area at 400 meters, it offers spectacular viewing points. Once an exclusive residence during the British rule, it houses some of the city’s most expensive properties. You can get to the Peak by bus, walk or, more commonly, with the traditional Peak Tram, a charming historic train that adds a touch of charm to the experience.
- How and When to Climb The Peak? Better Day or Evening? As long as you can avoid the queues, the right way to climb Victoria Peak is on the charming and historic Peak Tram. It’s a funicular. Many recommend visiting The Peak in the late afternoon to see the city lit up, but my advice is to do it early in the morning. The Peak Tram is a very popular attraction and long queues are common, especially between the afternoon and sunset, with waiting times that can reach up to two hours on weekends. To avoid wasting time, buy your ticket before 9 am when the line is short. Also, the lines to get off are even longer, so buy only the one way ticket. For the return, take the bus, which offers a panoramic view and a different road. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays when the mountain is crowded.
- If It’s Cloudy or Foggy Don’t Go: Visit The Peak only when the weather is clear and clear, to fully enjoy the view and take beautiful photos. Many tourists also go in bad weather, but if there are low clouds, the view will be limited. In some cases, the best views are from the Peak Tram, as the summit is often covered with fog. During my visit in August, the summit was invisible for days, a common event. Take a light jacket with you, as at 400 meters the temperature is cooler and there is often wind.
- How to get the ticket? I recommend you to buy the one-way ticket for the Peak Tram, although the return ticket is cheaper. If you’re going up by another means of transport or on foot, you can buy a ticket for the descent directly at the top station, The Peak Tower. There is also a Peak Tram Sky Pass that includes entry to Sky Terrace 428, but I don’t recommend it as there are other scenic spots for free. The Peak Tram is operating from 7:00 to midnight and the ticket price is about 4,51€ A/R for adults and 2,03€ for children and elderly. The Peak Tower is open from 11:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and from 8:00 on weekends.
- What to do on the top? Once you get to the top of Victoria Peak, you will not find a rural atmosphere but a very built area with shopping malls and restaurants. The most iconic spot is The Peak Tower, a modern 7-storey shopping centre that houses shops, bars and restaurants. On the top floor is Sky Terrace 428, a viewing platform with 360° views of Hong Kong, open from 10:00 to 23:00 (opens earlier on weekends and holidays). Admission to the Sky Terrace is for a fee, but you can buy your ticket directly at the Tower’s Customer Service if you haven’t done so in advance. However, other terraces of the Peak Tower offer great views without paying for the Sky Terrace.
- How to get off The Peak? The ideal way to get off The Peak is by the 15-storey double decker bus. The view is spectacular, so go upstairs and settle in the front. This bus connects the Peak with the Star Ferry Pier to Central, with the terminus at Pier 5. You can use it to return to the Star Ferry pier if you need to reach Kowloon, or get off at Pedder Street to get to the Central metro station.
A boat trip to Victoria Bay is a must-see experience in Hong Kong. Offering a unique view of the city skyline, there are several companies that organize tours at varying times. The Star Ferry is the cheapest option, with a two-hour tour that costs 150 HKD (€17.8) at night and 85 HKD (€10.1) during the day, departing from Tsim Sha Tsui. If you prefer a more luxurious experience, some companies also offer buffet dinners, with prices starting at 300 HKD (€35.6).
The Avenue of Stars is a walk located in the Kowloon area, in Tsim Sha Tsui, which replicates the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here you will find stars dedicated to celebrities, including a statue of Bruce Lee. Every evening, at 8 o'clock, the famous "Symphony of Lights" is held, a light and sound show involving the most iconic buildings in Hong Kong. The lights in the buildings change in sync with the music, creating a spectacular setting. It is one of the largest light shows in the world and one of the main tourist attractions of the city.
Don’t miss the Choi Hung Estate, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic residential complexes known for its vibrant colours and distinctive architecture. Built in the 1960s, it is located in the Kowloon district and is famous for its multi-storey buildings painted with shades of pink, yellow, green and blue, which make it a very photographed and instagrammable place. The complex has more than 10,000 inhabitants and is known for its basketball court located on the top floor, which offers a panoramic view of the city. The name "Choi Hung" means "rainbow" in Cantonese, a reference to the bright colors of buildings. This place represents one of the many public housing projects in Hong Kong, but it has also become a symbol of vitality and community.
"SECRET HONG KONG"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Hong Kong
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Hong Kong" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Hong Kong (and Surroundings):
Escalators Central-Mid-Levels - have you ever seen the longest stairs in the world? About 800 metres long, they are an open-air escalator system that connects the Central business district to the residential Mid-Levels neighbourhood on a hill. The route covers more than 135 meters of elevation and offers a panoramic view over Hong Kong. Escalators are a popular means of public transport for residents and workers, as they make it easier to access the city’s higher districts without facing steep climbs.
Flower Arch Walkway - is a tunnel of magical flowers that bloom every spring in a public residential complex hidden among crowded buildings. This secret garden is wrapped in bougainvillea, creating a ceiling of pink leaves and white flowers that form an enchanting tunnel. Walking here is like entering a quiet oasis, away from the city bustle. The tunnel only blooms between March and April and is part of a plan to add green spaces to housing developments, offering relaxation, reducing heat and improving the urban environment.
Jumbo Floating Restaurant - one of the largest floating restaurants in the world, located in Aberdeen Harbour in Hong Kong. Built in 1976, the restaurant, which resembles an ancient Chinese imperial palace, extends over four floors and can accommodate more than 2,300 people. Offering a variety of cuisines, from seafood to fine dining, it is also a tourist attraction with wine gardens and tea houses. The restaurant’s exterior is a modern recreation of a Chinese palace, decorated with neon lights and bright colors. Designed by Dr. Stanley Ho, known as "the king of gambling," the Jumbo Kingdom has become an icon in Hong Kong, blending tradition and modern spectacle.
The Whampoa - is an iconic shopping mall located in Kowloon, famous for its unique architecture reminiscent of a cruise ship. As well as being a place for shopping, it offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, creating a lively and modern atmosphere. Its distinctive structure makes it a popular place for photo shoots and a must-see stop in Hong Kong.
Juen Juen Gung - is a Taoist temple located in the Wong Tai Sin district of Hong Kong. Known for its traditional architecture, it is dedicated to the Taoist deity Zhong Kui, who is said to protect from evil influences. The temple is famous for the practice of divination with sticks and offers a fascinating spiritual and historical atmosphere.
INSTAGRAMMABLE HONG KONG
Instagrammable Places to see in Hong Kong
Don’t miss the best instagrammable places in Hong Kong, here are our favorites:
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINTS in HONG KONG
Enjoy the city from one of its fantastic Best Photo Spots. Our favorites are:
Victoria Peak (our absolute favorite!)
Lion Rock (it’s breathtaking!)
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROOFTOP BARS in HONG KONG
Enjoy the city from one of its wonderful Panoramic Bars. Our favorites are:
The MOST BEAUTIFUL STREET ART of HONG KONG
Could we not talk about Street Art in Hong Kong? Of course not! In this city you can find some fantastic masterpieces. Here are the main areas to discover and explore:
"Hong Kong Graffiti" - SoHo
This series of murals in SoHo captures the essence of urban life in Hong Kong. The bright colours and abstract shapes reflect the fusion of tradition and modernity. The murals have become a reference point for street art enthusiasts, creating a fascinating contrast with the surrounding architecture.
"Giant Lion Head" - Central
Located in the heart of Central, the mural depicting a giant lion’s head is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic. With bold colors and intricate details, the work symbolizes the strength and resilience of the city, referring to Chinese culture and the dynamism of the metropolis.
"Kowloon Walled City" - Kowloon
Inspired by the ancient Kowloon Walled City, this mural is a reflection on the history of the city. With a vivid reproduction of the area, the work explores its roots, recreating the appearance of one of the most densely populated and complex areas, now demolished. It is a tribute to a part of Hong Kong that no longer exists.
"Neon Sign" - Sham Shui Po
A mural that pays homage to the iconic neon signs of Hong Kong, famous all over the world. The city’s vibrant neon lights are recreated on the wall, with a mix of fluorescent colours capturing the dynamic and hectic atmosphere of Hong Kong’s streets, creating a sense of nostalgia for the past.
"Cultural Fusion" - Wong Chuk Hang
This mural explores the fusion of cultures in Hong Kong. With elements of traditional Chinese art mixed with modern influences, the work reflects the cultural and social dynamism of the city. The fluid lines and vibrant colours symbolise the constant change and adaptation of Hong Kong as a crossroads of different cultures.
What to see near Hong Kong?
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