The best arts and culture in Hong Kong – explore the city’s creative soul
The best spots to see and experience Hong Kong art and culture, from world-class museums to local street art.
Hong Kong’s art and culture scene offers one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city beyond its skyline.
As Hong Kong locals, we’ve gathered the best museums, galleries, cultural spaces and creative experiences across the city in this one essential guide (and we threw in some iconic cultural eats as well). Whether you’re planning a day of museum hopping or exploring hidden cultural spots, this is your go-to guide to explore Hong Kong’s heritage, creative energy, local history, and evolving identity.
Join Jamie as she explores all of our top recommended spots for the best art and culture in Hong Kong.
M+: Asia’s Home of Contemporary Visual Culture
The West Kowloon Cultural District is Hong Kong’s ultimate creative playground, a massive space blending world-class museums and performance spaces with sprawling green lawns and breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour.
The unmissable star of the show here is M+. As Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, M+ is packed with everything from 20th-century art to design and moving images. We highly recommend checking out the Hong Kong: Here and Beyond exhibition, which uses local stories and everyday icons to give you an authentic look at the city’s artistic spirit.
Tips for visiting
Head to M+ midweek to skip the crowds, book your M+ tickets here online, and save time for a rooftop picnic to soak up the skyline views before catching a film at the M+ Cinema.
Location: M+
Address: West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon, Hong Kong
For transport to M+, we recommend taking the MTR to Kowloon Station (Exit C1 or D1), which is a breezy 10-minute walk via the Artist Square Bridge. For door-to-door service, a taxi or Uber can drop you directly at the museum’s main entrance on Museum Drive. And if you are travelling from Hong Kong Island, you're in luck! Hop on the WestK Ferry from Central Pier 9 for a scenic 8-minute trip across the harbour.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is Hong Kong’s ultimate creative playground.
PMQ: Paint Pouring and Crafty Shops
Get your creative fix in the heart of the city by heading to PMQ for a hands-on paint pouring workshop. Located in the former Police Married Quarters, this iconic Hong Kong heritage site has been transformed into a hub for local designers and art studios. One of the popular activities here is fluid art, where you can create your own "bearbrick" or canvas masterpiece by layering acrylic paints to create unique, marbled patterns.
It’s a fantastic Hong Kong art activity for both beginners and seasoned creatives, as the process is more about having fun than being a perfect artist. Art studios like 513 Paint Shop provide all the necessary materials, so you can just turn up and start pouring. After you’ve finished your creation, take some time to explore the design shops within the building or grab a coffee at one of the nearby SoHo cafes.
Location: 513 Paint Shop
Address: S513, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tai Kwun: History Meets Art in Central Hong Kong
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Hong Kong, Tai Kwun is a must-visit. This massive heritage and arts hub was once the city’s Central Police Station and Victoria Prison, but today it’s one of the most popular Hong Kong tourist attractions for history buffs and art lovers alike. You can wander through the restored barracks to uncover colonial policing tales, step into historic courtrooms, or head deep into the original 1914 prison cells in B Hall for an authentic glimpse into the city's judicial past.
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend downloading the free Tai Kwun audio tour app, a great way to learn the stories of the site as you wander.
Tai Kwun is also one of our favourite spots for a night out, with plenty of options for a drink or a proper sit-down meal at one of the many restaurants. Magistracy Dining Room offers a dramatic British dinner inside a grand colonial courtroom, while Madame Fù serves refined Cantonese dishes in beautiful designer spaces. If you’re just after drinks, you can’t go wrong with Dragonfly, a stunning bar inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, or head to The Dispensary for a bird’s eye view of the architecture and bustling Parade Ground below.
Location: Tai Kwun
Address: 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
The real draw is the way the space blends nostalgic heritage with modern creative energy.
Ho Lee Fook: Modern Cantonese Dining in SoHo
For a taste of the best modern Chinese food in Hong Kong, Ho Lee Fook in SoHo is a must-visit. This popular Central Hong Kong restaurant swaps traditional vibes for a funky, underground feel, making it a top spot to soak up local art and culture while you eat. You'll know you've arrived when you spot the wall of gold "lucky cats" at the entrance, which leads into a boldly designed dining space.
Ho Lee Fook’s menu puts a creative spin on Cantonese cuisine, featuring local favourites like the 'Prawn Toast x Okonomiyaki', a clever mash-up that has become a signature dish. Another standout is the 'Smoked Crispy Skin Three Yellow Chicken', which is incredibly flavourful and a great example of their modern take on classic roasts. To wrap up, don't miss the iconic fortune cookies for a sweet and playful finish.
While you’re dining, look out for the striking photography by Cang Xin from his series Identity Exchange, which explores themes of human identity, allowing you to enjoy some world-class art while you taste the local culture.
Location: Ho Lee Fook
Address: 3–5 Elgin Street, Soho, Hong Kong
Sai Kung Wall Art: Hong Kong Street Art Tour
Often called the "back garden of Hong Kong", Sai Kung is famous for its seafood and beaches, but it has also become a top spot for Hong Kong street art lovers. The HKwalls festival has taken over the town, leaving behind over 20 vibrant murals that have completely transformed its narrow alleys and shopfronts into a massive outdoor gallery.
One of our absolute favourites is Samantha Cheung’s (aka Wood n Ink) piece titled Season, which beautifully captures the four seasons through personal touches like her dogs, Nemo and Dori, and a dreamy winter castle. You also can't miss the Chilli Beef mural by Devil, a bold and energetic piece featuring a cow and tropical leaves that perfectly reflects the spicy menu of the restaurant it lives on. The full list of wall art locations can be found here.
After you've finished your street art tour, make tracks to the town centre to recharge at one of the many breezy Sai Kung cafés. Get your caffeine fix at Little Cove Espresso, or grab a relaxed Mediterranean lunch on the square at The Conservatory. If you have some extra time, hop on a ferry to Sharp Island to explore the rock formations, clear waters and panoramic views of the Sai Kung coastline.
Location: Sai Kung Town
Address: Various locations across Sai Kung Town
Often called the 'back garden of Hong Kong', Sai Kung is famous for its seafood and beaches.
Central Market: Exploring a Bauhaus Heritage Landmark
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Central Hong Kong, the revitalised Central Market is a top Hong Kong heritage site to add to your bucket list. This landmark is a stunning example of Bauhaus architecture, featuring the clean lines and functional design that defined the 1930s. A major highlight for visitors is the building’s original grand staircase, along with 13 historic market stalls that have been carefully preserved to showcase the building's rich past.
Beyond the architecture, the market serves as a vibrant community hub in Central Hong Kong, often hosting art exhibitions and cultural workshops in its open-air piazza.
While you can find plenty of local Hong Kong street food throughout the building, the real draw is the way the space blends nostalgic heritage with modern creative energy. It’s a great addition to any Hong Kong itinerary for anyone interested in heritage conservation or unique urban history.
Location: Central Market
Address: 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Amazing Neon: Traditional Hong Kong Neon Sign Workshops
If you want a creative break from the usual sightseeing, join a neon sign workshop at Amazing Neon for one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong. Tucked away in Kowloon, this studio is run by artisans dedicated to keeping the traditional craft of Hong Kong neon signs alive. You’ll learn how to bend and shape your own glowing masterpiece using modern LED neon, with the option to choose from custom patterns like quirky local slang or iconic symbols.
These neon light workshops are beginner-friendly and provide all the supplies you need, making it a solid choice for an afternoon of Hong Kong art and culture. Once you're finished, you'll have a one-of-a-kind Hong Kong souvenir to take home.
Location: Amazing Neon
Address: Room 13, 18/F, Laurels Industrial Centre, 32 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
HEA Ice Cream: Hong Kong Style Vegan Ice Cream
While Sham Shui Po is famous for its bustling street markets and textile history, it’s quickly become the heart of Hong Kong’s grassroots art scene, where old-school workshops sit right next to new creative studios. This makes Sham Shui Po a great stop if you're looking for Hong Kong's crafty side and want to pick up some unique gifts made by local designers.
While you're there, make sure to stop by HEA Ice Cream for some of the best vegan ice cream in Hong Kong. The two must-try signatures are Hea D, Last Long, a refreshing Mango Sago scoop, and Red Bean Icy, which captures the nostalgia of a classic local cafe drink. For the perfect Instagram shot, you can even add a mini popsicle on top.
It’s easily one of our favourite Sham Shui Po dessert spots and a great example of how the city’s food scene is evolving with a modern, plant-based twist.
Location: HEA Ice Cream
Address: Shop No. 5, Nam Fung Mansion, No. 10F, Boundary Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
So there it is, our extensive guide to the best arts and culture in Hong Kong! Can't get enough of Hong Kong? Dive into our "Must-Eats in Hong Kong Guide" for the tastiest bites in the city.
CREDITS
Production Company: ANYDOKO Studios
Director & Writer: Vikash Autar
Producer: Janet Ho
Cinematographers: Zell Cheung and Mathew Lee
Editor: Mart Sarmiento
Colourist: Chung Chow
Hosted by: Jamie Ha
Story Writer: Catherine Ou Yang & Vikash Autar
Watch More Hong Kong Guides
Vikash Autar
Subscribe to ANYDOKO on YouTube
Comments