• Home
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Yoga Journey
  • Work with Flo
  • Get in Touch
  • Disclaimer and Policies
No results
View all results
Yoga, Wine & Travel
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Popular Destinations
    • Hong Kong Travel Guides & Tips
    • Sri Lanka Travel Guides & Tips
    • India Travel Guides & Tips
    • Italy Travel Guides & Tips
    • Laos Travel Guides & Tips
    • Thailand Travel Guides & Tips
    • Turkey Travel Guides & Tips
    • Jordan Travel Guides & Tips
    • All Destinations
  • Yoga
  • Videos
Yoga, Wine & Travel
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Popular Destinations
    • Hong Kong Travel Guides & Tips
    • Sri Lanka Travel Guides & Tips
    • India Travel Guides & Tips
    • Italy Travel Guides & Tips
    • Laos Travel Guides & Tips
    • Thailand Travel Guides & Tips
    • Turkey Travel Guides & Tips
    • Jordan Travel Guides & Tips
    • All Destinations
  • Yoga
  • Videos
No results
View all results
Yoga, Wine & Travel
No results
View all results
Home Travel

An Insider’s Travel Guide to the Most Colourful Places in Hong Kong

Read on for the history and context of these seriously stunning and very "instagrammable" places around Hong Kong

by Flo
October 22, 2017 - Updated on January 22, 2021
in Travel
22
Hong Kong Choi Hung Estate
Hong Kong skyline at night with text overlay Basketball court in Hong Kong with text overlay Basketball court in Hong Kong with text overlay Row of colourful buildings in Hong Kong with text overlay

If you are a regular reader of Yoga, Wine & Travel and are following me on Instagram, then it’ll be no surprise to you that I’m all about big, bold, bright, beautiful colours. Hong Kong has been home for more than 3 decades and is a feast for the eyes (and stomach, of course) – almost every single corner is extremely photogenic! It is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, so it should come as no surprise that Hong Kong is home to a plethora of multicoloured places.

Hong Kong taxi and street art

The city has such rich and fascinating stories to tell, so these places are just only seriously stunning Instagram spots in Hong Kong, they also hold plenty of cultural, social and historical significance. The colours and designs showcase the diversity of Hong Kong’s rich melting pot of cultures, dynamic landscape, and ever-changing aesthetic. But first, a few quick travel tips for getting around Hong Kong:

The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. You’re likely to get a better exchange rate by withdrawing cash from an ATM or by visiting a currency exchange shop in-town rather than at the airport.

Hong Kong is not a tropical country as many people seem to believe. Summers are HOT and it can be bitterly cold during the winter months (December to February). The best time to visit Hong Kong is from March to early June, and September to November (but avoid the 1st week of October).

The main language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese, a local dialect. Many people speak English (or at least basic English), and almost all signs are bilingual.

Octopus Card in Hong Kong

One of the first things you have to do when you arrive in Hong Kong is get an Octopus card. It is a stored value card that works on all public transportation (but not in taxis). You can purchase your tourist Octopus card in advance here – pick it up from the airport when you arrive, and it comes with HK$50 already pre-loaded!

Public transportation is efficient, cheap and clean, and the network is very extensive. Most of these colourful places in Hong Kong are accessible by subway (the MTR). Taxis are cheap as well if you are in a hurry, with fares starting at just over US$3, but make sure you have enough cash as taxis do not accept the Octopus card or credit/debit cards.

The best way to get to and from the airport is via the Airport Express train. Tickets can be purchased at the station and the train stops in Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island – it takes just 24 minutes from end to end! Want 30% off your Airport Express ticket? Buy your ticket ahead of time online here! Once you’ve purchased your ticket online, you can use the QR code that they send you via e-mail to swipe through the special QR reader gates.

The Fleming urban hotel in Hong Kong large room

Most visitors opt to book hotels on Hong Kong Island or on Kowloon side. Look into hotels in Central, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan or Causeway Bay for maximum convenience and easy access to public transportation. I am a big fan of The Fleming, a stunning Hong Kong-inspired boutique hotel, as well as The Hari, a stylish design hotel in Wan Chai. You can check out some of my other top boutique hotel picks in Hong Kong, or click here to book other accommodation in Hong Kong.

Without further ado, here are some of the most rainbow-rific, colourful places to check out in Hong Kong!

1. Victoria Harbour at night

Hong Kong skyline at night

This one is a dead giveaway, but had to make it on the list! Victoria Harbour lights up after dark and is one of the most stunning skylines in the world. The harbour sits between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with boats dashing from side-to-side all through the day and night. There are a few ways to go about appreciating the stunning skyline:

  • Hop on a refurbished classic Chinese junk boat and go on a sunset cruise along Victoria Harbour (with wine!). I would recommend booking through either Aqua Luna or DukLing. Prices are comparable and you can book ahead online – click here to get 10-15% off your Aqua Luna evening harbour cruise or click here to read about the various Victoria Harbour cruise options. Remember, Hong Kong experiences different seasons so the sunset time will vary – it is closer to 7 PM in the summer months and closer to 5:30/6 PM in autumn and winter.
  • Get comfortable at Ozone Skybar, one of the highest rooftop bars in the world.
  • On a tight budget? No worries – hop on the iconic Star Ferry to cross over to Kowloon side and check out the Hong Kong Island skyline from the Kowloon waterfront.
View from Ozone Bar in Hong Kong

Victoria Harbour has a rich history and played a major role in turning Hong Kong into the city it is today. The harbour’s strategic location on the Far East trade routes and Asia-Pacific basin was instrumental in Hong Kong’s development into a major trading hub, and to this day it is still one of the busiest ports in the world.

Dukling Chinese Junk in Hong Kong

2. The Blue House Cluster in Wan Chai

Hong Kong Wan Chai Blue House

The cluster is made up of 3 brightly coloured buildings (blue, yellow and orange), all built between the 1920s and 50s, and are one of the few remaining examples of old-school tenement buildings in Hong Kong. In particular, the bold Blue House is listed as a “Grade I historic building“, which means that it is a building “…of outstanding merit, which every effort should be made to preserve if possible.” In a city like Hong Kong that is full of skyscrapers and constant urban development, the conservation of these heritage sites is increasingly critical.

Hong Kong Wan Chai Blue House House of Stories

The Blue House is also home to the Hong Kong House of Stories, which hosts exhibitions that introduce visitors to the community and showcase the history and architectural features of the Blue House Cluster. The mini museum aims to raise public awareness of the regional and cultural conservation by providing information of past Hong Kong society and culture.

Hong Kong Wan Chai Blue House House of Stories

Getting to the Blue House Cluster is easy – it is located along Stone Nullah Lane just off Queen’s Road East. You can’t miss it as it sits just behind a row of rainbow-colored buildings!

Blue House cluster in Hong Kong

This is just one of the many unique places to visit in the Wan Chai neighbourhood – head on over here to read my Wan Chai district guide for things to do, where to eat, drink and play.

3. Street art in Soho

Street art on Graham Street in Hong Kong

Over the past few years, street art has really taken off in Hong Kong and there are lots of beautiful pieces scattered around Soho, a neighborhood just above the CBD. The appearance of mainstream street art is a relatively new phenomena, with many local and international artists leaving their mark in the form of beautiful murals.

Street art in Hong Kong

Many of these pieces are hidden around little side streets, and you can easily spend an afternoon walking around and stumbling upon funky and colorful street art in Hong Kong. It’s no surprise that Soho is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong street art

Start at Graham Street and walk along Hollywood Road towards Sheung Wan, make sure you explore all the different nooks and crannies.

4. Street art in Wan Chai

Street art in Wan Chai Hong Kong

Earlier this year, artists from around the world descended upon the neighborhood of Wan Chai (my hood!) to add dozens of awesome new murals. If you are a die-hard street art fan then you have to check out some of the new paintings around this part of Hong Kong. In Wan Chai, start on Queen’s Road East and make your way towards Morrison Hill Swimming Pool.

Street art in Wan Chai Hong Kong

If you really want to delve into the street art culture in Hong Kong, follow HKwalls, a non-profit arts organization that hosts annual street art festivals in the city, or read my guide on where to go to see fantastic street art in Hong Kong.

5. Flower Market Road

Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong

As the name suggests, this little road in Prince Edward is lined with a dozen or so flower shops. You might not end up buying anything, but a stroll along Flower Market Road is guaranteed to boost your mood instantaneously.

Flowers at Prince Edward Flower Market in Hong Kong

Flowers are an important part of Chinese culture, and almost every flower has a different meaning behind it (never give a Chinese or Taiwanese person white flowers, unless you’re attending a funeral! They signify death and mourning).

Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong

If you are visiting Hong Kong around Chinese New Year (typically around January/February), then you have to visit the flower market as it is packed to the brim with auspicious flowers and plants for good luck.

Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong

Needless to say, it is extremely photogenic and one of the best locations for photography lovers in Hong Kong.

6. Mini Flower Market in Wan Chai

Gresson Street flower market Hong Kong

Can’t make it over to the Flower Market Road in Kowloon? Then head to this (much) smaller market on Gresson Street in Wan Chai district. There are only 3-4 shops selling potted orchids, succulents and other flowers, but what I love about this little nook is the multi-coloured stalls!

Gresson Street flower market Hong Kong

I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to visit this, but it is centrally located and a great place to stop if you’re in the area.

7. The Rainbow Stairs in Sheung Wan

Rainbow stairs in Hong Kong

Another landmark made popular by Instagram, this set of rainbow-coloured stairs is located in Sheung Wan on the corner of Mercer Street and Jervois Street. When you visit in person, you’ll notice the words “#prideinrainbow” at the bottom of the steps, and this is because it is thought that the steps were painted in support of LGBT rights in Hong Kong by an anonymous LGBT graffiti group. Though Hong Kong is an extremely international and diverse city, same-sex marriage is not yet legal.

Note: Unfortunately it appears that the stairs have since lost their vibrant colours! I will keep you posted if it is re-painted.

8. Choi Hung Estate

Drone photo of Choi Hung Estate Hong Kong

Would it even be a “Colourful Hong Kong” list if it didn’t include Choi Hung Estate? Choi Hung literally means “rainbow” in Cantonese (the local language in Hong Kong), and as soon as you arrive at the subway station you’re greeted by multi-coloured subway walls! Once you arrive at Choi Hung stop, take the C4 exit and turn left after the underground tunnel. Look for staircase number 4 and take the stairs up to the top of the car park where the basketball courts are located.

People playing basketball at Choi Hung Estate in Hong Kong

It is a very popular Instagram spot in Hong Kong and you’ll find many people doing their thang here for the ‘gram, so it’s best to come here on a weekday when kids are in school. While its colourful exterior makes it an amazing photography location, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that many, many people call this place their home. Don’t obstruct residents from using the basketball courts, don’t be loud and obnoxious, don’t leave trash laying around! Click here for even more things to avoid doing in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Choi Hung Estate MTR sign

What you also need to know is that Choi Hung Estate is one of the oldest housing estates in Hong Kong and is home to more than 18,000 people (according to the Hong Kong Housing Authority). The wealth gap in Hong Kong is one of the highest in the world, with the richest household now earning about 44 times what the poorest family makes according to a government report; additionally, Hong Kong is constantly named as one of the most expensive places in the world to live in.

Beyond its multicoloured facade, the density of the Choi Hung Estate gives you a glimpse into the living conditions of millions of people in Hong Kong.

9. Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street Night Market in Hong Kong

Temple Street Night Market is the most famous night market in Hong Kong and has been a local fixture since the early 1920s. Named after a temple located along the main drag, vendors gathered there to serve people who visited the temple and became a major social meeting point.

Nearly 100 years later, the night market is still a bustling hub of activity with fortunetellers and tarot card readers, street hawkers and vendors selling everything from clothing and electronics to paintings and souvenirs. Though it is an extremely lively area and very photogenic, I do have to leave you with a word of warning: come here to experience the electric atmosphere but don’t bother buying anything as there are a lot of junk and cheap products for sale. Read more on what not to do in Hong Kong here.

10. ArtLane in Sai Ying Pun

Street art at ArtLane in Sai Ying Pun Hong Kong 3

Street art in Hong Kong is slowly becoming more mainstream and transforming unused spaces into blank canvases for vibrant artistic expression.

Street art at ArtLane in Sai Ying Pun Hong Kong

The latest neighbourhood to embrace street art is in Sai Ying Pun and backed by a major real estate developer in Hong Kong: ArtLane is a small pocket of mainly narrow pedestrian streets lined by colourful graffiti. Get there by hopping onto the MTR and taking the B3 exit.

If you are looking into where to stay in Hong Kong, check out hotels in Central, Soho, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay to make the most of your time in the city. Here are my top boutique hotel recommendations in Hong Kong, or you can also click here to see what other accommodation is available in the city!

You might also find these Hong Kong guides helpful:

  • Traveling to Hong Kong for the first time? Here are 11 things you should know about Hong Kong before your trip!
  • Looking for some off-the-beaten-path things to do in Hong Kong? Read my latest article on unique things to do in Hong Kong
  • Here are some important dos and don’ts in Hong Kong to know before your trip
  • Have more time in the city? Venture beyond the main areas and head out on one of these Hong Kong day trips
  • Foodies will love the culinary scene in Hong Kong. Here are some of my favorite Hong Kong restaurants
  • Still not sure where to stay in Hong Kong? These are some tried-and-tested boutique hotels in the city that you’ll love
  • Looking for even more insider tips for Hong Kong? Click here for more Hong Kong travel tips and destination guides

I’m constantly on the look out for more colourful places in Hong Kong, so be sure to subscribe to the e-mail newsletter below for more insider tips and guides! Have you visited any of these Instagram-famous places in Hong Kong? Tell me all about your trip in the comments section.

Pin this for later!

This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using these links, I only recommend products or services that I have personally used & hotels I have visited and loved.

Share this article!

  • Share
  • Pin
  • Tweet
  • Email
Tags: AsiaHong Kongtravel guidetravel inspiration

Enjoyed reading this article? Subscribe to the mailing list!

* Unsubscribe at any time. Your e-mail address will only ever be used to send the occasional Yoga, Wine & Travel newsletter.

Previous Post

Visiting Orphaned Baby Elephants at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

Next Post

15 Breathtaking Flower Fields Around the World That You Have to Frolic In

Related Posts

The King Room at The Hari in Hong Kong
Hotel Reviews

7 Tried-and-Tested Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Hong Kong

January 10, 2021 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Tai Long Wan Sai Kung drone photo
Travel

Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung: A Guide to Hong Kong’s Secret Beaches

October 13, 2020 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Drone shot of Hiriketiya Bay in Sri Lanka
Travel

An Insider’s Guide to Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka

August 31, 2020 - Updated on December 17, 2020
Hong Kong taxi and street art
Travel

Where to Go for the Best Street Art in Hong Kong

August 6, 2020 - Updated on September 2, 2020
Next Post
Sunflower fields in Andalucia

15 Breathtaking Flower Fields Around the World That You Have to Frolic In

Spoons Cafe Siem Reap

7 Socially Responsible Restaurants & Cafés to Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Mysore Palace India

India Travel Guide: What You Need to Know to Plan a Yoga Trip to Mysore

Comments 22

  1. Dominic says:
    3 years ago

    Hong Kong is such a fun and vibrant city. I’ve seen some of these before but completely missed the others. Love the Choi Hung Estate!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Hope you get to revisit the city soon!

      Reply
  2. Lena says:
    3 years ago

    Ohh I love the rainbow stairs! What a beautiful & vibrant city to explore 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      It’s a seriously cool city – thanks for checking this out, Lena!

      Reply
  3. Flavio @ Adventurous Travels says:
    3 years ago

    Some people consider colorful places to be a bit tacky and lacking a good taste – but my opinion is that they do bring life and originality to otherwise boring and neglected, gray concrete buildings. I love the blue building and the rainbow streets! Looks so cool! I saw one place that was post-communist (Tirana) and an artist painted all those gloomy concrete apartment blocks in variety of colors and designs – it is different and gives a unique touch to the city.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      The blue building is full of history and charm – I hope you get to see it n person one day!

      Reply
  4. Michael says:
    3 years ago

    Wow! First of all the pictures are extremely nice. I really like them. Also this post inspired me a lot because I plan to visit Hong Kong in the future. As a photographer I am always happy for some recommendations.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Hope you get to photograph these places (and more) – Hong Kong is extremely photogenic, I think you’d love it!

      Reply
  5. Absolute Wanderlust says:
    3 years ago

    Such a colourful post Flo! I love the row of rainbow coloured buildings, behind the Blue House Cluster and the Choi Hung Estate! Such Insta worthy locations hehe 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Thanks so much for checking this out, Priti!

      Reply
  6. Pete says:
    3 years ago

    Gorgeous photographs! Hong Kong is a fabulous city. There’s something for everyone, and there’s always colour and excitement.

    I’ve selected your post to kick off my “Channels” feature, where I supply a low-res image, a paragraph of text, and a few words explaining my choice, as well as a link to your post: http://athousandflights.com/hong-kong-colour/

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Thank you so much, Pete! I appreciate you taking the time to read and feature this.

      Reply
      • Pete says:
        3 years ago

        Thanks for your amazing work. I’m trying to build up a library of links to the best travel posts around. Those that really stand out. This one really made me go wow!

  7. Hang Around The World says:
    3 years ago

    We have a friend who have always invited us to visit Hong Kong and now thank to your post we know why. With your photos you inspired us and we’d love to try your same experience especially the tour around the Street art in Soho!!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      There are so many amazing places to see in Hong Kong. It’s an incredible mix of city and nature.

      Reply
  8. Lena from fouronaworldtrip says:
    3 years ago

    I actually never thought about traveling to Hongkong but since a week or two I am coming again and again across posts about this city and now I am REALLY in the mood to go there 🙂 Maybe we can add it to our world trip 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      You definitely should visit! There are ton of kid-friendly things to do in the city, and plenty of beaches and hiking trails as well.

      Reply
  9. Samantha Sparrow says:
    3 years ago

    Wow I’d never realised that Hong Kong was so colourful – I love the first picture of the high rise, it looks like a playing board, so symmetrical and with all those colours. I’d love to visit Hong Kong one day, as I only hear good things – and especially so I can see the Choi Hung Estate for myself!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      If you love good food, nature and amazing views then you’ll absolutely love exploring Hong Kong!

      Reply
  10. Chiera says:
    3 years ago

    I love this! I would never have thought Hong Kong looked like this! Shows what I know! Your pictures are stunning btw. As always 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out, Chiera! Many people don’t know this but Hong Kong is mostly made up of mountains, beaches and country parks!

      Reply
  11. Katherine says:
    3 years ago

    I was reading through this post, trying to pick my favourite spot, but it was a bit impossible to be honest. They’re all so colourful and lovely, I’d visit every single one of them! Pinning this for a future trip 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello!

Hi! My name is Flo. I'm a wanderlusting yogi who won’t say no to a good white sangria. I believe that travel and yoga are important avenues to experience new stories, lifestyles, culture and views - join me on Yoga, Wine & Travel as I share destination & travel guides, tips and hacks as well as stories from my Yoga journey! Read more about me and Yoga, Wine & Travel here.

Latest Articles

The King Room at The Hari in Hong Kong

7 Tried-and-Tested Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Hong Kong

January 10, 2021 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Tai Long Wan Sai Kung drone photo

Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung: A Guide to Hong Kong’s Secret Beaches

October 13, 2020 - Updated on January 11, 2021
Drone shot of Hiriketiya Bay in Sri Lanka

An Insider’s Guide to Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka

August 31, 2020 - Updated on December 17, 2020

Yoga, Wine & Travel

In search of travel and yoga inspiration? Yoga, Wine & Travel is your resource for practical travel tips, detailed destination guides, insightful Yoga advice and honest reviews for independent travelers who love luxury, boutique and beyond-the-ordinary travel experiences. Let me help you spend less time on planning your trip and more time on experiencing the journey!

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER AND NEVER MISS AN ARTICLE

Explore more

Destination Guides

Everything Yoga

Travel Tips

Hotel Reviews

Travel Videos

About

About Flo

Yoga Journey

Work With Me

Get in Touch

Home

© 2021 Yoga, Wine & Travel. Disclaimer and Website Policies.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

No results
View all results
  • Home
  • Travel
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel Tips
  • Popular Destinations
    • Hong Kong Travel Guides & Tips
    • Italy Travel Guides & Tips
    • India Travel Guides & Tips
    • Sri Lanka Travel Guides & Tips
    • Laos Travel Guides & Tips
    • Thailand Travel Guides & Tips
    • Turkey Travel Guides & Tips
    • Jordan Travel Guides & Tips
  • Yoga
    • All Yoga Articles
    • Yoga Studios Around the World
  • About
    • About Me
    • Yoga Journey
  • Work with Flo
  • Get in Touch

© 2021 Yoga, Wine & Travel. Disclaimer and Website Policies.