Hong Kong – Where city lights meet mountain heights

A city that welcomes you in

Hong Kong is a unique blend of serene nature and vibrant city life, with skyscrapers rising in the middle of majestic mountains. Thanks to its balance of bustle and peace, all kinds of travellers can find their place in the city – especially if you’re looking for movement and activities.

“From the very first moments in Hong Kong, I felt at home. I knew right away that this was a pleasant place filled with lovely people – the city truly radiates a welcoming energy,” Pinja describes.

Hong Kong offers a truly international environment, paired with extensive public transportation options, making it a city that’s both fun and effortless to explore, no matter where you’re coming from or what you’re looking for. And, if you’re down to try uniquely Hong Kong transport options to get around, the double-decker “Ding Ding” tram is a must-try.

When it comes to the best time to visit the city, Pinja recommends the final months of the year. Summers in Hong Kong are typically hot and humid, while in spring –especially in March and April – humidity rises, and visibility can dip due to fog and mist. For clear skies and comfortable temperatures, October to December is the ideal window to make the most of everything the city has to offer.

Hiking above the hustle

As the home to the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, Hong Kong’s skyline is an iconic part of the city. Whether you’re walking the bustling streets or enjoying the view from one of the many rooftop terraces, skyscrapers dominate the scene wherever you look. However, while the city’s energy is always present, Hong Kong truly knows how to offer harmony in the hustle. One of the best ways to experience this balance – and to enjoy those same stunning city views in peace – is through hiking. Pinja, an enthusiastic hiker, has explored many of Hong Kong’s best trails and knows routes for every level, from relaxed walks to more challenging climbs.

“Hiking trails are one of Hong Kong’s standout features,” Pinja explains. “There’s something for everyone, from short hikes that take just a few hours to full-day adventures and even multiple-day treks, so you can pick whatever suits your vibe. Just make sure to bring plenty of water, some snacks, and comfortable clothes – especially good walking shoes – and you’ll be all set.”

Paths for all the paces

For a first-time visitor to the city, Pinja recommends Victoria Peak – or simply “The Peak” – the highest hill on Hong Kong Island. “This place is a must for incredible views, especially for sunsets and for taking in the city’s night skyline. What’s best, you can get there in whatever way suits you: by hiking, tram, or taxi,” Pinja explains.

One great way to experience The Peak is by going up and coming down via different routes. Since the hill is quite steep, Pinja recommends hiking to the top, and after the sun sets, riding the tram back down to avoid any risks in the dark. It’s also good to remember that The Peak isn’t just about that one stunning sunset view – it also offers several other hiking trails to explore, each with its own level of difficulty and unique perspective. 

Another great destination for pleasant hiking trails suitable for beginners is Lamma Island. The island features routes that are gentle and family-friendly, perfect for travellers who want to enjoy scenic nature views more peacefully. Beyond its beautiful landscapes, Lamma – accessible by ferry – also offers beach vibes, along with numerous restaurants and cafés by the sea, making it an ideal spot for a day trip in Hong Kong.

If you're looking for longer and more demanding trails, there are plenty to choose from. However, it’s good to know that even longer trails are divided into multiple sections of varying lengths. This allows you to start your adventure wherever you like, or even complete only one of the many connecting sections.

The Hong Kong Trail is a nearly 50-kilometre-long route divided into eight sections. It's one of the most popular trails in the area – and for a good reason. The trail winds through some of the city's central attractions and offers stunning views throughout. For those seeking a more intense adventure, the MacLehose Trail extends up to 100 kilometres. This challenging trek can take up to a week to complete and covers some of Hong Kong’s highest peaks and most breathtaking landscapes. However, you can also opt to hike just a few sections – such as the first two – for a rewarding six-hour walk that includes both peaks and beaches. History enthusiasts might enjoy a hike to Jardine’s Lookout, where, in addition to sweeping views, you can discover abandoned wartime stoves and tunnels.

Last but not least, Pinja shares a tip from a local: the Dragon’s Back Trail. It’s an easily accessible, very popular route that takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete and is suitable even for beginner hikers. “As the striking name suggests, this trail is quite impressive and rewards you with amazing scenery. And the best part? It ends at Big Wave Bay Beach, where you can cool off in the waves after the hike,” Pinja says. These are just a few suggestions, but there are hundreds of options to choose the perfect ones for you.

Foodie’s paradise

Besides being a haven for hikers, Hong Kong is also a dream destination for food lovers, from main courses to desserts. As a vibrant international city, you’ll find flavours from around the world around every corner.

Pinja highlights matcha tea as an absolute must-try. “Whenever I visit, matcha is a must,” she laughs. For fellow matcha enthusiasts, she recommends Matchali, a café serving everything from smoothie bowls to brunch – all with a delightful matcha twist. If you’re looking for vegan options, LN Coffee offers a full menu from breakfast to main courses, and it’s especially known for its delicious cakes. Though a bit further from the city center, it’s definitely worth the walk.

When it comes to main dishes, Pinja says you can find amazing dim sum spots everywhere, even when you’re not actively searching for one. No single recommendation is needed because they’re all fantastic – just keep in mind that the most affordable ones might get quite busy. At best, a great dim sum place delights all your senses, and can turn into a full cultural experience. And if you happen to be craving ramen, Pinja names Takeroku Ramen, praising their rich broth simmered for hours.

Adventures you won’t find anywhere else

Hong Kong is a city of layers, both in terms of views and activities. Adventures are waiting along the shoreline by the sea, in the mountains all around, but also between the two. An iconic residential area nestled between Victoria Peak and the centre of the city, called Mid-levels, is known for the world’s longest outdoor escalator system, climbing up the mountains between houses. Here, commuting by escalator is part of daily life, and definitely worth seeing as a visitor as well.

Then there’s Happy Valley, a neighbourhood with a name as intriguing as its history and activities. Once a cemetery, the name is euphemism for cemeteries, but also descriptive of the unique activity the area is known for – horse racing. It is home to the famous Happy Valley Racecourse, where racing becomes a full-blown spectacle. “Wednesdays are especially lively, as there's a bigger event – a show consisting of the races, spiced up with a full half-time show,” Pinja describes.

Hong Kong is geographically divided into distinct areas: the outlying islands and the regions connected to mainland China. Possibly the most scenic way to experience both is by taking the iconic Star Ferry – a favourite among both locals and tourists. With two routes to choose from, the ferry offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. Much like many of Hong Kong’s attractions, the Star Ferry is steeped in history, dating back to the 1920s. And, similar to the beloved Ding Ding tram, it has two floors, making the ride just a bit more fun.

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without seeing the majestic Tian Tan Buddha – also known as the Big Buddha – perched high on a mountain on Lantau Island. As Lantau is also home to Hong Kong’s international airport, you might even catch a glimpse of the statue from your plane window. The site is easily accessible by metro, though reaching the statue itself requires a climb of 268 steps. For those who prefer a more leisurely ascent, a cable car ride is also available. True to the spirit of Hong Kong, Lantau Island, as well, offers something for everyone – from serene beaches and plane-spotting spots to extensive shopping possibilities and breathtaking hiking trails.

Finnair flies to Hong Kong daily.