What to see and do in Hong Kong this summer
HONG KONG — Hong Kong is one of the most Pinoy-friendly destinations for first-time travelers. But once you're there, navigating its maze of train lines, winding streets and bilingual signs can still be overwhelming.
As the city celebrates the summer season, attractions and limited-time experiences abound, waiting to be discovered.
Confused about where to start? Here are some ideas for your itinerary as you journey through Asia’s World City.
Savor Hong Kong city views on Aqua Luna evening cruise
You've seen the traditional Hong Kong junk boat in various movies, TV shows, and perhaps on some posters; here's your chance to ride one.
The Aqua Luna evening cruise takes you on a 45-minute sightseeing tour where you can see the city buildings against the rolling waves below.
Guests can also order alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks while on board, so you can have refreshments as you savor the sights.
After you're done with the cruise, you can spend the time in a ferris wheel by the boardwalk, or take snaps of the scenic coasts of Victoria Harbour.
Hear drums beat at the Dragon Boat races
Every June, the walkways of the Tsim Tsa Tsui Promenade are filled with cheers as Hong Kong celebrates its annual International Dragon Boat Races. For 2026, the Philippines fielded two teams: the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Elite and the Alliance of Masters International.
While you're there, don't miss your chance on the second day of the event to catch various international teams sporting their fun and wacky costumes at the Fancy Dress Competition category.
Teams dress in various cultural and national motifs, such as Chinese opera and Egyptian history, as well as pop culture themes like the movie "Minions" and the show "Baywatch." This year, the Alliance of Masters International donned the Philippines’ national costumes, the barong Tagalog and the baro’t saya.
Afterwards, one can stroll along the many shops and booths, photo spots, interactive workshops and games, including a VR Dragon Boat rowing experience at the sidelines of the races.
Meet your favorite characters in Hong Kong Disneyland
From the start of the new millennium, Hong Kong Disneyland has cemented itself as the attraction for kids and kids at heart, featuring sights and rides of well-loved movie characters and scenes, old and new.
Kids can enjoy different rides with different thrills. Want a light ride? Youngsters and supervised toddlers can go on Toy Story's Slinky Dog Spin, while those wanting more exhilarating and hair-raising rides can happily shout their hearts out to Frozen's Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs.
Until August 31, the theme park will feature a Pixar Water Play Street Party, with characters from different titles such as Toy Story, Inside Out and Zootopia leading a street parade, complete with music, dances, and water fun—don't forget to bring your raincoats and umbrella though, or else you'll get soaked.
And to cap it off at the end of the day, select a spot, and look up to the skies as the park begins its Momentous Nighttime Spectacular, along with your favorite Disney songs, and a light projection show at the iconic castle.
Have your pasalubongs ready
You've seen the sights, you've walked the streets — forgot anything? If you're thinking of where to buy gifts and trinkets for your loved ones back home, the city will never lack ideas.
Central Market in Hong Kong features food and non-food stalls where you can get pastries, boxes of tea, or other novelty items such as mahjong tile merchandise, as well as magnets and keychains at affordable prices.
If you haven't found what you're looking for, just across Central Market is a branch of the popular Japanese discount store Don Quijote, or Donki, where you can buy Japanese snacks, household items and anik-aniks for the little ones at affordable prices. Come in empty-handed, leave with bags full and the Donki theme song stuck in your head.
If you can't squeeze pasalubong shopping into your itinerary, Hong Kong International Airport has plenty of stores where you can pick up the same treats and souvenirs while waiting for your flight home.
Editor’s note: This tour to was hosted by Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote tourism in the area. At no stage does the host organization have a say on the stories generated from the coverage, interviews conducted, publication date and story treatment. Content is produced solely by Philstar.com following editorial guidelines.
