Top Attractions in Hong Kong for First-Time Visitors

 

A Complete Guide for Travellers from Pakistan

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations, a place where glittering skyscrapers, lush green hills, theme parks, shopping streets and halal-friendly dining all sit side by side. Whether you want family fun, shopping, nature or culture, Hong Kong delivers it in style.

If you are travelling from Pakistan, planning the right itinerary and managing visas, flights and hotels can feel overwhelming. This guide highlights the top attractions in Hong Kong, practical tips, and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can make your trip smooth from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and beyond.

1. Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram

No Hong Kong trip is complete without seeing the city from Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. From here, you get postcard views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon skyline and surrounding mountains.

What to do at The Peak?

• Visit Sky Terrace 428, one of Hong Kong’s highest viewing platforms
• Walk the Peak Circle Walk for quieter viewpoints and photo spots
• Explore Peak Galleria for cafes, desserts and souvenir shops

How to get there?

• Take the historic Peak Tram from Central
• Or ride bus No. 15 from Central Bus Terminal for a scenic journey up the hill
• Travel tip: Go about 1-2 hours before sunset. You will see both daylight and night views as the skyline lights up.

2. Victoria Harbour & Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Victoria Harbour is the heart of Hong Kong, a natural harbour framed by skyscrapers and mountains. At night, the illuminated skyline is one of the most famous in the world.

Must-do experiences:

• Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars for panoramic harbour views
• Watch the free “A Symphony of Lights” multimedia show (nightly) from the waterfront
• Visit Clock Tower, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Cultural Centre nearby

Travel tip: Bring a light jacket in winter evenings and arrive early for a good viewing spot.

3. Star Ferry - Classic Hong Kong Experience

The green-and-white Star Ferry has been carrying passengers across Victoria Harbour for more than a century and is still one of the cheapest and most scenic rides in Hong Kong.

• Routes run mainly between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
• The trip takes just 8-10 minutes, but the views are unforgettable
• Sit on the upper deck for the best photos

Travel tip: Try one crossing in the day and one at night. The experience feels completely different.

4. Hong Kong Disneyland - Perfect for Families

For families and Disney fans, Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island is a full day of magic with rides, shows and parades.

Recent additions include:

• The transformed Castle of Magical Dreams at the centre of the park
• The immersive World of Frozen land, inspired by Disney’s “Frozen”
• Marvel-themed attractions and updated shows around the park

Why it is great for Pakistani travellers

• Many halal and vegetarian dining options within the resort area or nearby Tung Chung
• Clear English signboards and friendly staff
• Easy to reach via MTR and dedicated shuttle buses

Travel tip: Book tickets in advance, especially in school holidays and on weekends, to avoid long queues.

5. Ngong Ping 360, Tian Tan Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery

On Lantau Island, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car takes you on a 25-minute scenic ride from Tung Chung up to Ngong Ping Village. It is listed as one of the world’s top cable car experiences.

At the top you can visit:

• Tian Tan Big Buddha (Giant Buddha) - one of the largest seated bronze Buddha statues in the world
• Po Lin Monastery - an active Buddhist monastery with beautiful halls and incense
• Ngong Ping Village - shops, cultural shows and eateries

Travel tip:

• Go early in the morning for clearer views and shorter queues
• You can choose a standard cabin or a Crystal Cabin with glass floors for more dramatic views

Malik Express can bundle Ngong Ping 360 tickets and Hong Kong city tours together with your flights and hotels, which often works out cheaper than buying everything separately.

6. Temple Street Night Market & Mong Kok Street Life

For a taste of local life, markets and street food, head to Kowloon’s evening markets.

Temple Street Night Market

One of Hong Kong’s most famous night markets, with stalls selling clothes, gadgets, souvenirs, street snacks, and fortune-tellers performing under bright lights.

Mong Kok Markets

• This area is packed with themed markets, including:
• Ladies’ Market for fashion, bags and accessories
• Sneaker Street for shoes and sportswear
• Goldfish Market and Flower Market showcasing everyday Hong Kong life

Travel tips:

• Bargain politely; small discounts are usually possible
• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
• Street food is popular; choose busy stalls with high turnover for fresher food

7. West Kowloon Cultural District, M+ Museum & Palace Museum

The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of Hong Kong’s newest and most impressive areas, combining art, culture and harbour front parks.

Highlights include:

• M+ Museum - a major museum for visual culture, contemporary art and design
• Hong Kong Palace Museum - exhibits precious works from Beijing’s Palace Museum (Forbidden City) in rotating galleries
• Art Park - landscaped waterfront area perfect for walking, cycling and relaxing

Travel tip: If you enjoy museums, plan at least half a day here. Buy tickets online in advance for popular special exhibitions.

8. Ocean Park or City Nature Walks

If you have extra days, consider:

• A marine-themed park with rollercoasters, cable cars, aquariums and animal exhibits. It is especially fun for children and teenagers and offers excellent views back towards Hong Kong Island.

• Easy Nature Options
• Dragon’s Back hike for coastal views
• Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon for peaceful classical Chinese landscaping

 

How Many Days Do You Need in Hong Kong?

For first-time visitors from Pakistan:

• 3 Days: See the main highlights: Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Victoria Harbour, Ngong Ping 360 or Disneyland, one market night
• 5 Days: Add West Kowloon museums, Ocean Park or extra shopping and nature walks
• 7 Days: Explore more neighbourhoods, day trips and food experiences at a relaxed pace

Malik Express can design custom Hong Kong itineraries depending on your travel dates, budget, and whether you are travelling as a couple, family or group.

Practical Travel Tips for Visitors from Pakistan

1. Visa and Entry Requirements

Pakistani passport holders must obtain a Hong Kong visit visa or e-visa before travelling. Requirements change over time, but they typically include:

• Valid passport (usually 6+ months validity)
• Completed visa application
• Photographs, bank statements and travel itinerary
• Sometimes an invitation letter or hotel booking

Always check the latest details on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website or consult a professional visa service.

How Malik Express helps:

• Guidance on visa requirements and document preparation
• Assistance with form filling and submission through correct channels
• Advice on realistic processing time so you can plan flights and hotels safely

2. Flights from Pakistan to Hong Kong

There are regular connections from major Pakistani cities to Hong Kong via Middle Eastern and Asian hubs, operated by airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific (via partners) and Etihad Airways.

Why book with Malik Express instead of directly online?

• Access to special fares and promotions not always visible on public sites
• Help choosing the best connection time and airline for your budget
• Option to combine flights with hotel deals, tours and travel insurance

3. Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

• October to early December: Generally the most pleasant weather, clear skies, mild temperatures
• March to May: Also comfortable, though more humidity and occasional showers
• June to September: Hot, humid and sometimes affected by typhoons; attractions are still open but you must plan for rain and heat

Malik Express can suggest dates based on fare trends and weather, so you get better value and comfort.

4. Money, Transport and Connectivity

• The local currency is Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Buy an Octopus card for easy payment on MTR, buses, ferries and even many shops
• Public transport is safe, frequent and well-signposted in English
• Local SIM cards and eSIMs with data are easily available at the airport and city convenience stores

5. Food, Halal Options and Culture

Hong Kong offers everything from street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. You will find:

• Halal-certified restaurants, especially around Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Central
• Many seafood, vegetarian and South Asian restaurants catering to Muslim travellers

Respect local customs by:

• Standing on the right side of escalators if people are in a rush
• Speaking softly in temples and religious sites
• Carrying a light jacket or shawl for air-conditioned malls and trains

 

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help You

With more than 35 years of experience, Malik Express Travel & Tours in Islamabad specialises in international trips from Pakistan, including Hong Kong.

When you plan your Hong Kong holiday with Malik Express, you can get:

• Complete trip planning;  flights, hotels, transfers and tours
• Hong Kong visa guidance tailored for Pakistani travellers
• Custom Hong Kong plus other Asian destinations packages (e.g., Hong Kong with Bangkok, Singapore or Malaysia)
• Travel insurance for medical cover, delays and lost luggage
• Ongoing support before departure and while you are travelling

 

Ready to Explore Hong Kong?

From Victoria Peak and Star Ferry to Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 and West Kowloon’s museums, Hong Kong offers a powerful mix of modern city life and cultural heritage. With the right planning and a reliable partner like Malik Express Travel & Tours; your Hong Kong journey can be comfortable, organised and unforgettable.

When you are ready, share your preferred dates, budget and departure city, and Malik Express can turn this guide into a tailored Hong Kong package just for you.