A Week in Hong Kong- What to Do

 Victoria Peak Tram

You have to go to Victoria Peak at least once. There's a lot to see and do at the top and the Peak Tram is one of those classic Hong Kong activities. It is a fairly steep funicular; however, it's quick and the views at the top are spectacular. We went on a cloudy day and we didn't go at night but I strongly suggest that you do! Those amazing skyline photos you see of Hong Kong? They were shot at Victoria Peak!

  Hong Kong Disneyland

I described Hong Kong Disneyland as Disneyland with double the Asian people. No joke! All the signs are in Chinese and English and shows/tours are done in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. There are a lot of attractions here that you will not find in any other Disneyland. It's definitely an experience! Each time we've visited, there's something new. The Main Street portion looks just like every other Main Street in any Disneyland in the world. There are some cool food options (like the "American" pork chop burger) and awesome souvenir possibilities (they really love Stitch in Asia). Even the Disneyland portion of the MTR is cute! And yes, there are still Mickey ice cream bars. They also have these cute little ride photo ops so you can take a photo in a ride car without riding the actual ride! Kind of cool! My favorite part of the park is the Stitch Encounter which I've heard is similar to Turtle Talk with Crush. You get to interact with Stitch on a large video screen (and you can do it in English, Mandarin, or Cantonese depending on the time slot)!

  Macau

If you have time, take a day tour to Macau! We would have liked to stay overnight but we were pressed for time. We took the hydrofoil over but there are tons of cool options for getting to Macau (including sailboat or catamaran tours). We wandered the main drag (the part you see in photos) and stopped at the Wynn Macau and Venetian Macau (they look so much like their Vegas counterparts). 

  Ocean Park

I wanted to see pandas. I'd been to Ocean Park as a child but going as an adult was very different. There are Giant Pandas and the cute Red Pandas and you can get pretty close too! We only visited part of the park but I could have spent hours watching the pandas. There's even a cute little cafe by the panda enclosure with some fun Chinese entrees and snacks (including these adorable bean baos that were shaped like pandas). And of course, lots of panda souvenirs! Bonus- There is an MTR station right by the park (there wasn't before).

  Jumbo Floating Restaurant

I've seen this restaurant a number of times in real life and I'm sure you've seen Jumbo Kingdom on television or film! It's a huge floating restaurant in the middle of Aberdeen Harbour. The prices are pretty high but it's more of an experience than anything!

  IFC Building

Stop at the IFC Mall for great shopping and snack options!

  Madame Tussauds

We have a Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas but the Madame Tussauds at Victoria Peak is very different. It's much more of a cultural experience than a tourist trap like the others and you'll find figures of world leaders from past and present. There are some fun photo ops here and likely, you won't recognize half of the figures since there are a lot of Asian pop stars and actors. 

You will; however, find Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.

  Ladies Market

My favorite market in Hong Kong. Ladies Market has everything from keychains and phone cases to colorful wigs and luggage. This is where you go to haggle! Never buy at the first stall because likely, you'll find three more further down with even better prices. Do a little shopping around to base your price points! We usually leave half of a suitcase empty for all of our wonderful finds! 

  Sasa

This is THE place to get Asian beauty products. Every single time I found a Sasa, I went in. You can find unique cosmetics and skincare products from all over Asia here! I found the coolest lengthening mascara that's designed for Asian girls and at the Sasa outlet, I got travel eyelash curlers for under $1 a piece! 

  Aji Ichiban

Aji Ichiban is one of the coolest candy stores I've ever seen! It's a bulk candy store with goodies from all over! Get a bag and stock up for the flight home!