7 Best Hong Kong Parks For First-Time Visitors
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So, you’ve done the museums, tackled the markets, and probably walked more in a day than you do in a week back home. Your feet are hinting (loudly) that it’s time for a pause.
While Hong Kong might be known for its neon and high-rises, it’s also one of the greenest cities in Asia if you know where to look.
Some of my favourite spots in the city aren’t museums or lookout points, they’re parks. Peaceful corners where you can sit with a cold drink and listen to the birds (yes, really).
I have personally visited all seven parks in this guide. For most first-time visitors, I would prioritise Nan Lian Garden, Hong Kong Park and West Kowloon Art Park. The others are worth adding when you are already sightseeing nearby or have a particular interest in history, local life or photography.
My quick picks
- Best overall: Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery
- Best in Central: Hong Kong Park
- Best for sunset views: West Kowloon Art Park
- Best for history: Kowloon Walled City Park
- Best in Tsim Sha Tsui: Kowloon Park
Below, I explain which parks are worth a special journey, how long to allow and what you can combine with each one.
✨Easy paid activities to add to your Hong Kong itinerary
These bookable experiences also work well for first-time visitors:
- Big Buddha Day Trip Guided — an easy way to visit one of Hong Kong’s most iconic sights.
- My Favourite HK Food tour — a perfect way to try some famous Hong Kong snacks like pineapple buns and dumplings.
- Peak Tram — an iconic way to reach Victoria Peak and enjoy some of Hong Kong’s best skyline views.
- Dark Side of Hong Kong Tour — a fascinating walking tour that explores Hong Kong’s hidden side, including subdivided flats
- Disneyland or Ocean Park — excellent options to keep the kids entertained.
- Big Bus Hong Kong — useful for an easy city overview, with a stop close to Star Ferry pier.
Which Hong Kong Park Should You Visit?

| Park | Best for | Location | Time needed | Worth a special trip? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nan Lian Garden | Traditional Chinese scenery | Diamond Hill | 1.5–2 hours | Yes |
| Hong Kong Park | Easy city-centre escape | Admiralty | 45–90 mins | When in Central |
| West Kowloon Art Park | Sunset and harbour views | West Kowloon | 1–2 hours | Yes |
| Kowloon Walled City Park | History and Chinese gardens | Kowloon City | 1–1.5 hours | For history lovers |
| Kowloon Park | Convenient rest stop | Tsim Sha Tsui | 30–60 mins | No |
| Victoria Park | Local life and morning exercise | Causeway Bay | 30–45 mins | No |
| Zoological & Botanical Gardens | Plants and historic setting | Central | 45–60 mins | When nearby |
For most first-time visitors, I would prioritise Nan Lian Garden, Hong Kong Park and West Kowloon Art Park.
1. Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden sit side-by-side and feel like a peaceful escape from the surrounding high-rise city.
With Tang Dynasty-style architecture, lotus ponds, landscaped gardens and the striking golden Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, this is one of the most beautiful places on the list.
This was my first visit, and I couldn’t believe I had missed these spectacular places during all my previous trips to Hong Kong.
My verdict: Put both on your itinerary. They are worth making a special trip to Diamond Hill for, particularly if you enjoy traditional Chinese architecture, gardens or photography.
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Chi Lin Nunnery: Admire the wooden temple structures built without nails and the serene lotus ponds.
📍 Nan Lian Garden: Wander through manicured pathways featuring a golden pavilion and water features.
📍 Light Lunch: Grab a vegetarian meal at the onsite restaurant in the Nan Lian Garden.
📍 Gift Shops: Both the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden have gift shops that are worth browsing for souvenirs and gifts.
First-timer Tips
Allow around 90 minutes to two hours to visit both sites without rushing.
Weekdays are generally quieter. There are plenty of beautiful places to photograph, but avoid pointing your camera directly at the deities inside the nunnery buildings.
Hong Kong summers are extremely hot and humid, so bring water and an umbrella for shade. Visiting earlier in the day will also make the outdoor sections more comfortable.
📍How to Get There: MTR to Diamond Hill Station (Exit C2). Follow the signs; it’s about a 5-minute walk.
Opening Hours
Chi Lin Nunnery: Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Nan Lian Garden: Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2. Hong Kong Park
19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong

Hong Kong park is one of my favourite ways to take a break from the frenetic pace of downtown Central Hong Kong.
This park is a calm spot right in the middle of the city.
There’s a big aviary, a glass greenhouse, well-kept gardens, and a few of the nicest fountains in Hong Kong. A good place to sit, rest, and take a break from the noise.
Stop for high tea at the Pondside Restaurant and Café, I highly recommend this. I had high tea here the last time I was in Hong Kong and it was blimmin’ delicious.
My verdict: Hong Kong Park is well worth including while sightseeing in Central or Admiralty, but I wouldn’t make a separate cross-city journey just for the park.
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Edward Youde Aviary: Follow the raised walkway through a tropical landscape containing more than 530 birds from over 60 species. It feels like a small rainforest hidden among the surrounding skyscrapers.
📍 Vantage Points: Photograph the gardens, fountains and greenery with Central’s high-rises in the background.
📍 Serene Lake: Watch turtles sunbathe or koi swim.
📍 Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware: Visit this small museum inside one of Hong Kong’s historic colonial buildings.
First-timer Tips
Allow around 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on whether you visit the aviary, conservatory and museum.
The park is especially easy to combine with a day exploring Central, the Peak Tram or nearby Admiralty.
There are shaded benches throughout the park, although some paths and attractions involve slopes and steps.
📍How to Get There: Take the MTR to Admiralty Station (Exit C1). Follow the signs and it’s about a 5-minute walk.
Opening Hours
Hong Kong Park: Daily, 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Edward Youde Aviary: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm; closed Tuesdays except public holidays

Hong Kong Foodie Tour (Sham Shui Po)
⭐ Best for authentic local food experiences
⭐ Licensed English-speaking guide
⭐ Great for first-time visitors
⭐ Includes multiple tastings over 3 hours
3. West Kowloon Art Park
West Kowloon Cultural District, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong

West Kowloon Art Park is a quiet stretch of greenery beside Victoria Harbour. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk when you want a break from the crowds.
In the early evening, the harbour views are hard to beat. You’ll see locals walking their dogs, children learning to ride bikes and plenty of people sitting on the grass watching the ferries go by.
This is my favourite park in Hong Kong by far. There are usually far fewer people than along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, and the views stretch across the harbour entrance as well as towards Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline.
A sunset stroll here is, hands down, one of my favourite things to do in Hong Kong.
While you’re here, it’s worth visiting M+, one of Hong Kong’s best art museums. It’s right beside the park and easy to combine with your walk.
My verdict: Make time for West Kowloon Art Park if you enjoy harbour views, sunsets or relaxed waterfront walks. Go in the late afternoon and stay until the city lights come on.
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Waterfront promenade: Walk beside Victoria Harbour as the skyline begins to light up.
📍 Open lawns: Sit on the grass, relax and enjoy the uninterrupted harbour views.
📍 Arts and performances: Look out for public artworks, temporary installations and occasional live performances.
📍 Food and drink: Stop at one of the park’s cafés or waterfront restaurants, or bring your own drink and enjoy the sunset from the lawn.
📍 M+: Visit Hong Kong’s major museum of visual culture before heading outside for an evening walk.
First-timer Tips
Allow around one to two hours for the park, or longer if you are also visiting M+.
Late afternoon is the best time to visit.
Bring a flask of tea, grab a bite to eat at a food truck, and enjoy the sunset. It’s a lovely way to wind down after a busy day sightseeing.
You are allowed to sit on the grass.
📍How to Get There: MTR to Kowloon Station (Exit C1). The walk to the Art Park takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on which part of the park you are visiting.
Opening Hours
West Kowloon Art Park: Daily, 6:00 am–11:00 pm
Cafés and restaurants: Hours vary by establishment
M+: Tuesday–Thursday, weekends and public holidays, 10:00 am–6:00 pm; Friday, 10:00 am–10:00 pm; closed Monday.
4. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
1 Albany Road, Central, Hong Kong

To be honest, I’m a bit on the fence about recommending this one.
The gardens themselves are beautiful, historic and free to visit, but some of the older wire animal enclosures feel cramped and dated. Those orangutans always look so sad.
That said, this is Hong Kong’s oldest park. It was completed and fully opened to the public in 1871 and remains an interesting green space in the middle of Central.
I also find urban zoos fascinating because they reveal how attitudes towards keeping animals have changed. The gardens take part in conservation and breeding work, but whether you feel comfortable visiting the animal sections will be a personal decision.
Zoos like this might soon become a thing of the past, so visiting can also feel like a glimpse into a changing era.
My verdict: Visit for the historic gardens, fountain terrace and plant collections. I would combine it with other Central attractions rather than making a special journey solely for the zoo.
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Free admission: There is no entrance fee for the gardens or animal areas.
📍 Botanical collections: Explore the tropical and subtropical plants, greenhouse, herb garden and seasonal flowers.
📍 Historic features: Follow the heritage trail past the fountain terrace, former bandstand, memorial arch and original entrance pillars.
📍 Elevated setting: Enjoy glimpses of Central’s surrounding buildings from the gardens’ hillside location.
First-timer Tips
Allow around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on whether you visit both the eastern and western sections.
The gardens are divided by Albany Road, with the botanical features, fountain and aviaries mainly in the eastern section and most of the mammals in the western section.
The paths are steep in places, so this is easiest to visit while already exploring Central rather than at the end of an exhausting sightseeing day.
You can combine it with Hong Kong Park, although be prepared for an uphill walk between Central’s attractions.
There is a water station near the Ape enclosure where you can refill your water bottle.
Be sure to get an ice-cream from the vendor. The Drumstick brand ice-cream is a Hong Kong institution. 🍧
📍How to Get There: Take the MTR to Central Station and use Exit D2, or Admiralty Station and use Exit B. From either station, expect an uphill walk. A taxi is the easier option if you have mobility concerns or are visiting in very hot weather.
Fountain Terrace Garden: Daily, 5:00 am–10:00 pm
Mammal section and most other areas: Daily, 6:00 am–7:00 pm
Greenhouse and Education and Exhibition Centre: Daily, 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Admission: Free
5. Kowloon Walled City Park
Carpenter Road Park and Tung Tsing Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong

This park is a unique blend of history and serenity. Once the site of the infamous Kowloon Walled City—a dense, chaotic block of illegal high-rises and hidden alleyways—it’s now a peaceful Chinese garden, with stone archways, lotus ponds, and plaques that tell the story of what used to stand here.
Although it’s not as centrally located as the other parks, it’s worth the trip if you have an interest in the Walled City. It’s a nice park with lovely gardens that are great for a wander. Bonus: there are no crowds and plenty of photo opportunities.
My verdict: Make the trip if you are interested in Hong Kong history. The gardens are attractive, but the park’s real appeal is understanding what once stood here.
If you’re looking for more information about the Kowloon Walled City, this is a great little explainer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YuNvIfM-YA
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Old South Gate: See the preserved foundations of the original South Gate and the stone plaques discovered during the demolition of the Walled City. The remains are now protected as a declared monument.
📍 Yamen building: Visit the restored former administrative building, which now contains displays about the Walled City and its residents.
📍 A City of a Thousand Faces: See a bronze model and exhibition explaining what daily life was like inside the densely packed settlement.
📍 Chinese-style gardens: Wander through traditional pavilions, ponds, rock formations and landscaped courtyards inspired by classical Jiangnan garden design.
📍 Historical trail: Follow the displays through the site’s history, from its origins as a Qing military outpost to the demolition of the modern Walled City and creation of the park.
First-timer Tips
Allow around one hour to 90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reading the historical displays.
Like most places in Hong Kong, this park is safe and easy to navigate alone.
📍 How to Get There: Take the MTR to Sung Wong Toi Station and use Exit B3, then walk for around 10 minutes. You can also travel to Lok Fu Station. Although you can walk, the park can be tricky to find, so I recommend catching a taxi from the MTR station instead. Ask for “Kowloon Walled City Park,” and the driver will know exactly where to go.
Opening hours
Kowloon Walled City Park: Daily, 6:30 am–11:00 pm
Yamen exhibition rooms: Daily, 10:00 am–6:00 pm; closed Wednesdays
6. Victoria Park
1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

Victoria Park might not be worth a special trip on its own, but it’s a fantastic spot to recharge if you’re already in Causeway Bay and need a breather.
The park is buzzing with activity, especially in the mornings when you’ll see groups practicing Tai Chi.
There’s also a flat running loop that’s perfect for a morning jog, great if you’re staying nearby and want to keep up with your routine.
Case in point, I was staying in Causeway Bay a few years back and would get up early every morning for a jog around Victoria Park with the locals. It turned out to be the highlight of my trip.
Victoria Park also holds historical and cultural significance. Over the years, it’s been the site of various protests and vigils. It also transforms into a lively hub for festivals like the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival.
My verdict: Visit when you are already in Causeway Bay, particularly in the early morning. It is more interesting for its local atmosphere and everyday activity than for formal gardens or major sights.
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Statue of Queen Victoria: A nod to Hong Kong’s colonial past, this historic statue is an iconic feature of the park.
📍 Model Boat Pool: A charming feature where enthusiasts sail miniature boats, perfect for some unique photography.
📍 Sunday Filipino Community Gatherings: On Sundays, the park becomes a vibrant hub for Hong Kong’s Filipino community, offering a glimpse into their culture and camaraderie.
📍 Seasonal Events: Victoria Park hosts major events throughout the year, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays and the Chinese New Year Flower Market.
First-timer Tips
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes for a walk through the park, or longer if you stop for a rest or visit during an event.
Visit early in the morning to soak in the peaceful vibes and maybe join a Tai Chi class (no judgement if you just watch!).
Great for photography, especially if you love capturing locals in their element.
There is a nearby Wellcome shop (grocery store) over the road from the main entrance on Great George Street. So grab some snacks and a drink and take a load off your feet.
📍How to Get There: Take the MTR to Causeway Bay Station and use Exit E, then walk along Great George Street towards the park. Tin Hau Station Exit A2 is another convenient option, particularly for the eastern end of the park.
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours (facilities have specific hours, generally 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM)
7. Kowloon Park
22 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Kowloon Park is a rare stretch of green right in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui.
You’ll find quiet walking paths, flamingos by the pond, art installations, and even a sculpture walk. It’s a mix of peaceful corners and lively local scenes (aka Kung Fu on Sundays). Great for people-watching, or just sitting with a snack and letting the day slow down.
It is a convenient place to rest between sightseeing, shopping and exploring the waterfront.
My verdict: Kowloon Park is well worth including when you are staying Tsim Sha Tsui or exploring the area, but I would not make a separate journey solely to visit it.
HIGHLIGHTS
📍 Flamingo Pond: Yes, there are real flamingos here. Watch these elegant birds wade in their serene habitat.
📍 Chinese Garden: A peaceful retreat within the park, complete with koi ponds, bridges, and traditional pavilions. It’s perfect for quiet reflection or some Instagram-worthy shots.
📍 Sculpture Walk: Wander through the park and discover a series of striking sculptures. It’s like an outdoor art gallery, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a touch of creativity to your stroll.
📍 Kung Fu Corner: On Sundays, catch martial arts and lion dance performances. A fun cultural experience that’s free to watch.
First-timer Tips
The map at the entrance highlights all the attractions. Make sure to grab a photo of it or download a guide online before your visit.
Great for experiencing local life and seeing them play chess, doing Tai Chi or playing musical instruments.
Bring comfy shoes and explore the park at a leisurely pace. The mix of sculptures, gardens, and open spaces make it a joy to wander around.
Kowloon Park works particularly well as a breather stop during a day exploring Tsim Sha Tsui. I include it in my Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood guide for exactly that reason.
📍How to Get There: By MTR: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit A1) and walk about 5 minutes to the park entrance. By Foot: If you’re exploring Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Park is within easy walking distance from major attractions like Harbour City or the Hong Kong Museum of History.
Opening Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – Midnight
So what’s next?
If you’re drawn to the greener side of Hong Kong, there’s more where that came from.
From short city walks to full-day treks with coastline views, Hong Kong’s hiking scene is worth a look, even if you’re just easing into it. Start with my guide for first-time visitors, then browse the trail list to find one that fits your style. And if you’re planning to go solo, don’t skip the safety tips. They’re based on real experience, not just theory.
👉 Next up:
- What First-Time Visitors Need to Know About Hiking in Hong Kong
- 19 Can’t-Miss Hiking Trails (From Easy to Epic)
- Hiking Alone in Hong Kong: 13 Safety Tips
Pack water. Bring sunscreen. You’re good to go.
Other easy first-timer activities
These are some of the most popular sightseeing activities for a first-time visit to Hong Kong:
- Victoria Peak for Hong Kong’s most famous skyline view
- Stanley for a relaxed seaside outing
- The Star Ferry for a quick harbour experience
- A Hong Kong public tram ride for inexpensive sightseeing
- A museum visit for a rainy or very hot day
🥾 Want to add a hike without messing up your day?
My free itineraries show you how to mix trails with temples, dim sum, or skyline views without the guesswork.
👉 Check Out the Itineraries

























