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Bucket list experience:

Exterior of the museum with a tree in the foreground and visitors around the building
Last updated: 06 May, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lee Cobaj

Hong Kong’s most prolific museum has one of the world’s largest permanent displays of Chinese fine art and antiquities, as well as local contemporary art, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

A wide variety of visiting exhibitions maintains the museum’s international outlook, whilst an interesting collection of historical paintings and prints shows the visual change of Hong Kong from the 18th century.

The Historical Pictures Gallery is one of the highlights, with Chinese watercolours, oil paintings and pencil drawings depicting the region in and around Hong Kong from the late 18th century through to the late 19th century. Ideal for a rainy day, or if the outdoor humidity starts to overwhelm.

Price from: £1
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is next the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. Alternatively, it’s just a short walk from the Star Ferry. English tours are available for free, or you can rent an audio guide.

When to do it

Open all year round, every day except Thursdays. There is free admission to the museum on Wednesdays.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China[0.2 miles]

Hong Kong’s oldest and grandest hotel offers palatial surrounds, superlative service and some of the most enviable harbour views in the city.

Official star rating:

Hotel Icon

Hong Kong, China[1.1 miles]

A youthful design hotel with regal harbour views, a refreshing lack of attitude and a fantastic, harbour-facing rooftop pool.

Official star rating:

Eaton Hotel

Hong Kong, China[1.6 miles]

Fashionable, socially aware four-star hotel near Temple Street Night Market, with plenty of facilities and a buzzing bar.

Official star rating:

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China[1.7 miles]

One of the tallest hotels in the world, oozing opulence and luxury. This is the place to come for jaw-dropping views at every turn – and some of the city’s best cooking.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Hong Kong

China

One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Aqua Luna

Hong Kong, China[0.2 miles]

This cinematic junk boat, complete with stiff fan sails, is the most stylish way to cruise Hong Kong’s mesmerising harbour.

Best for ages: 12+ | £23 | 45+ mins

Chinese Opera

Hong Kong, China[1.1 miles]

Head to the landmark Xiqu Theatre to experience this uniquely Chinese performing art – either a full four-hour extravaganza or a shortened 90-minute version with dim sum.

Best for ages: 18+ | £25 | 1 or 4 hours

Symphony of Lights

Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]

A nightly light and sound show extravaganza, choreographed to classical music, that ripples along the Hong Kong and Kowloon waterfront every night at 8pm.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 10 minutes

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Overview >

Boat tours of Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]

Cruise across Hong Kong’s famous harbour, ringed by skyscrapers, for a stunning perspective on the city. Opt for the iconic Star Ferry, a traditional red-sail junk or a luxury dinner cruise.

Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 1+ hours

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Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Interior of the temple, filled with lanterns, incense spirals, and bamboo beams
Experience

Man Mo Temple

Hong Kong, China[2.5 miles]

Hong Kong’s oldest temple is also its most atmospheric, with lavish interiors hung strung about with gigantic coils of beehive incense. A unique glimpse of the traditional side of the city.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Row of souvenir shops with red lanterns
Experience

Antique and souvenir shopping on Cat Street

Hong Kong, China[2.5 miles]

Formally known as Upper Lascar Road, Cat Street is the place to buy genuine antiques, as well as pretty souvenirs and artsy trinkets.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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