Best Tours in Hong Kong: Ranked and Reviewed

The Private Tour of Hong Kong for First Timers is a full-day guided itinerary that covers major landmarks like Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry, priced around HKD 2,300 (€258.83). It combines historical commentary with relaxed pacing and ample photo stops, making it ideal for those new to the city.

Starting early around 9:00 AM, the tour begins at Central district, where the guide shares background on Hong Kong’s colonial past and development. A tram ride up to Victoria Peak on Peak Road features panoramic views of the city’s skyline and Victoria Harbour. Expect to spend about 90 minutes here, enough time to visit the Sky Terrace (open 8:00 AM to midnight; ticket HKD 52) and stroll the nearby Lions Pavilion.

The afternoon includes a scenic Star Ferry ride from Central Pier 7 to Tsim Sha Tsui (fare HKD 3.7 one way). The ferry glides across Victoria Harbour, allowing you to hear the water lapping against the hull while catching views of skyscrapers on both sides. The tour finishes with a walk through Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade along Salisbury Road, where you can see the Avenue of Stars and hear street musicians playing Cantonese melodies.

For photography tips during the tour, pairing it with a Hong Kong Photography Masterclass can enhance your ability to capture the city’s contrasts.

The Hong Kong Photography Masterclass has a 3-hour private session priced at about HKD 1,310 (€147.35), focusing on composition, lighting, and street photography across markets, parks, and waterfronts guided by a local professional.

This masterclass usually starts mid-morning in the Kowloon area, near Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street. You will learn how to frame shots of dynamic street scenes, balancing natural and artificial light. The instructor demonstrates techniques for capturing candid moments and architectural details, such as colorful neon signs and the cluttered shop fronts typical of Nathan Road.

Walking roughly 4 to 5 kilometers, the tour moves towards Kowloon Park, where calmer scenes contrast with the market’s energy. The park’s flower beds and bird lake offer opportunities for nature shots and macro photography. The guide explains how to adjust camera settings for different environments and provides feedback on your shots throughout.

For those interested in further photographic practice, see our detailed guide on photography tours.

The Private Colonial Cemeteries Tour, priced around HKD 1,300 (€146.62), visits historic cemeteries in Happy Valley and Pok Fu Lam, providing insight into Hong Kong’s colonial era through epitaphs and monument architecture.

This 3-hour walking tour starts at the Happy Valley Racecourse, moving towards the nearby cemeteries along Wong Nai Chung Road. The guide points out headstones dating back to the 19th century, engraved in English, Chinese, and other languages, reflecting the diversity of early settlers and expatriates.

The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, with the scent of incense and aged stone surrounding you. The tour explains the cultural significance of burial customs, the layout of Christian and Chinese sections, and stories behind notable figures like Sir Robert Hotung, whose elaborate mausoleum sits amid shaded trees.

From there, a short 10-minute taxi ride takes you to the Pok Fu Lam Road cemetery, less visited but rich in historical relevance. The guide highlights how these resting places mirror the social and political shifts in Hong Kong’s growth.

Learn more about Hong Kong’s colonial history in our historical walking routes guide adapted for Hong Kong.

The 6-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour costs approximately HKD 3,000 (€340.12) and has a condensed itinerary covering key sights like Victoria Peak and Central, tailored to travelers with limited time between flights.

This tour begins right at Hong Kong International Airport, with a private guide and driver picking you up after immigration. It efficiently fits in a tram ride to Victoria Peak, a quick stroll through Central’s financial district, and a brief visit to Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.

Travelers can expect about 3 hours on foot and vehicle transport time accounting for the rest. The guide adapts the route based on your preferences and flight schedule, maximizing sightseeing while ensuring timely return.

For more options on brief visits, see our recommendations in Hong Kong layover tours.

The Tram & Treats Private Culinary Tour, priced near HKD 1,900 (€216.69), combines a tram ride along Hong Kong Island with stops at dim sum parlors, noodle shops, and street food vendors mainly around Causeway Bay and Wan Chai.

The tour begins around 11:00 AM at Causeway Bay Tram Terminus on Russell Street. Over two hours, a guide leads you through tasting dishes such as steamed shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork siu mai, and beef brisket noodles. You’ll hear stories about the origins of these foods and their significance in local culture.

The tram’s wooden seats creak as it climbs uphill, offering glimpses of neon signs and the aroma of roasting meats wafting from nearby shops. The journey includes a stop at a traditional bakery on Hennessy Road for egg tarts that are warm and flaky.

More on dim sum and local food culture can be found at our dim sum guide.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, located at The Peak and costing about HKD 280 (€35.93), features wax figures of celebrities and historical personalities with interactive exhibits and panoramic views from the same building.

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the museum occupies several floors on Peak Tower along 128 Peak Road. Visitors encounter wax figures of local stars like Bruce Lee alongside international names such as Marilyn Monroe. The scent of fresh wax and spotlights create an immersive environment.

The venue includes themed zones like the Hong Kong Film Industry and Music Legends. After touring the figures, visitors can step outside onto the Sky Terrace for unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.

See details on The Peak in our article about Victoria Peak.

The Eat Bike Love Private Bike Tour costs around HKD 1,820 (€208.02) and covers approximately 20 kilometers through the New Territories, combining moderate cycling with stops at local eateries serving traditional dishes.

Starting near Tai Po Market MTR station, this 4-hour tour weaves through quieter villages and farmland, contrasting with the city’s high-rises. Cyclists encounter winding country roads, occasional hills, and scenic river views. The guide pauses at food stalls offering snacks like fish balls and rice rolls.

The smells of grilled meats and fresh herbs fill the air, while the sounds of birds and rustling leaves replace urban noise. Riders should be comfortable handling varying terrain and bring water for hydration.

For more on the New Territories’ landscape and culture, see Best Day Trips from Hong Kong.

Priced at about HKD 4,800 (€533), the Lantau Island Private Tour with transport and an English-speaking guide covers key sites like the Tian Tan Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village, lasting around 8 hours.

The tour starts near Tung Chung MTR station and includes a 25-minute cable car ride (Ngong Ping 360, HKD 235 round trip) to Ngong Ping Village. Visitors see the 34-meter bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue, hear the ringing of temple bells, and smell incense smoke drifting through Po Lin Monastery.

Later, the guide drives to Tai O Fishing Village, where wooden stilt houses line narrow waterways. The salty sea air mixes with the aroma of dried seafood at market stalls. Here, visitors can taste local snacks like shrimp paste and rice cakes.

For additional details, visit the official Hong Kong Tourism Board page on Lantau Island.

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