Beyond the Skyline: Discover a Different Side of Hong Kong as a Muslim Traveller

Before visiting Hong Kong, I always pictured it as a city filled with towering skyscrapers, busy streets, iconic Ding Ding trams, and ferries crossing the famous Victoria Harbour. It was the kind of city I had seen countless times in travel photos and movies.

But after spending a few days exploring Hong Kong, I realised there was so much more to discover beyond its famous skyline. From peaceful waterfront parks and colourful villages to cultural attractions and historical mosques, Hong Kong has a surprisingly different side that I didn't expect to find.

Also read: A Complete Guide to Getting Around Hong Kong for Muslim Travellers

What made the experience even better was how comfortable it was to explore the city as a Muslim traveller. Finding halal food, prayer facilities and Muslim-friendly accommodation was easier than I had imagined.

So, if you're planning a trip to Hong Kong and wondering what the city has to offer Muslim travellers, here are some of the experiences that made my journey extra memorable.

1. Admire Hong Kong's Sparkling Skyline from Victoria Peak

If there's one view you shouldn't miss in Hong Kong, it's the breathtaking city skyline from Victoria Peak, especially after sunset.

Watching the city light up from above is something quite special. From the observation areas, you can see rows of skyscrapers glowing against the night sky, with Victoria Harbour adding even more charm to the view.

There are several ways to get to The Peak, including public buses and the famous Peak Tram. During my visit, I decided to try the Peak Tram, one of Hong Kong's most iconic modes of public transport. It has been operating since 1888, making the ride an experience in itself.

The tram travels up the steep hillside, giving you a glimpse of Hong Kong's impressive buildings along the way. It's definitely one of those experiences you should add to your Hong Kong itinerary.

Halalzilla Tip: If you're boarding at the Lower Terminus, try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the tram for better views of the skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour as you head uphill.

2. Enjoy Halal Fine Dining at Angelini Restaurant

After spending the evening admiring Hong Kong's sparkling skyline, it was time to enjoy a proper dinner. And if you're worried about finding halal food in Hong Kong, there's no need to limit yourself to casual dining options.

One place worth considering is Angelini Restaurant at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, an Italian fine-dining restaurant located on the hotel's mezzanine level.

What makes this dining experience special is its beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour. Imagine enjoying an elegant dinner while taking in the harbour views. It's a lovely option if you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a memorable meal.

For Muslim diners, Angelini offers a dedicated halal menu alongside its regular menu. Halal ingredients are sourced from certified suppliers and prepared separately to help prevent cross-contamination.

So, if you're looking for a more special halal dining experience in Hong Kong, this restaurant is one to add to your list. Just remember to check the latest halal menu and make arrangements with the restaurant before your visit.

3. Stay at a Muslim-Friendly Hotel at InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong

Choosing the right hotel can make a big difference to your travel experience, especially when you're exploring a destination as a Muslim traveller.

During my stay in Hong Kong, I chose InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong by IHG, a hotel recognised by CrescentRating with a 5-Crescent rating for its Muslim-friendly services.

The hotel offers several facilities to make Muslim guests feel more comfortable during their stay. These include halal dining options, prayer mats, copies of the Quran and Qibla direction indicators in selected rooms or areas.

You can also find halal breakfast options at Café on M, while halal room service and special meal arrangements can be requested through the hotel.

Having these facilities available makes travelling much easier, especially when you want to spend more time exploring without constantly worrying about where to find suitable food or a place to pray.

4. Enjoy a Peaceful Morning Walk at Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Park

One thing I love about staying around Tsim Sha Tsui is how easy it is to enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the waterfront.

Just a short walk from the hotel, you can visit the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and enjoy a different view of Hong Kong before the city gets busy.

The morning atmosphere feels quite different from the crowded streets and shopping districts. You can take a leisurely walk, enjoy the fresh air and admire the harbour with Hong Kong Island's skyline in the background.

Along the promenade, you'll also come across the Avenue of Stars, where you can find handprints and statues celebrating some of Hong Kong's famous film personalities.

It's a simple activity, but sometimes these little moments make a trip even more memorable. If you enjoy photography, morning is also a lovely time to capture the harbour without as many crowds.

5. Meet Adorable Pandas and Penguins at Ocean Park Hong Kong

For my second day in Hong Kong, I decided to visit Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of the city's classic attractions. It's a great place to spend a full day, whether you're travelling with children, friends or simply looking for something fun beyond the usual sightseeing spots.

My favourite part? Getting to see the adorable giant pandas and penguins!

Make sure to stop by Panda House, where you can meet the giant pandas up close. During my visit, I was lucky enough to see the young pandas born in Hong Kong, as well as the adult pandas An An and Ke Ke. Watching them move around, eat and play was such a fun experience.

Another highlight was the penguin area. Seeing these little creatures swimming underwater and sliding across the ice was incredibly entertaining. I even had the chance to experience a penguin-feeding session, which made the visit even more memorable.

Beyond the animal attractions, Ocean Park is also known for its beautiful coastal views. The cable car connects the Waterfront area with the Summit, offering lovely views of Hong Kong's Southern District as you travel between the two sections of the park.

Muslim-Friendly Facilities at Ocean Park Hong Kong

One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how Ocean Park caters to Muslim visitors. You don't have to worry about missing your prayers or bringing all your meals from outside, as the park provides dedicated prayer facilities and halal food options.

Prayer Rooms

Ocean Park Hong Kong has two prayer rooms for Muslim visitors, making it easier to find a quiet space to pray while exploring the park.

• Thrill Mountain: Located near The Flash attraction, next to the First Aid station.

• Main Entrance area: Another prayer room is available near the lower entrance area of the park.

Ocean Park has also received a Gold rating from CrescentRating for its Muslim-friendly facilities.

Halal Food at The Bayview Restaurant

Feeling hungry after walking around the park? Head to The Bayview Restaurant, located at the Summit area of Ocean Park.

The restaurant is 100% halal-certified by The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. It serves a selection of Southeast Asian and international dishes, including vegetarian options and even panda-themed food.

I ordered the salmon steak with pasta, and it turned out to be a satisfying meal after spending hours exploring the park.

Another nice thing about dining here is the panoramic sea view. You can enjoy your meal while looking out towards the ocean, making it a lovely spot to take a break before continuing your adventure.

6. Explore Hong Kong's History and Creative Side at Old Town Central

After a fun-filled morning at Ocean Park, we headed back to the city centre to explore Old Town Central, one of Hong Kong's most interesting neighbourhoods.

This area is where the city's colonial history meets modern creativity. As you walk around, you'll find heritage buildings, art spaces, independent shops, local cafés and plenty of interesting corners to photograph.

Here are three places worth checking out:

Tai Kwun

Once home to the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, Tai Kwun has been transformed into a heritage and arts centre. Today, you can explore its historic buildings, art galleries, exhibitions and cultural spaces while learning more about Hong Kong's past.

Central Market

Another interesting stop is Central Market, a historic market that has been given a new life as a modern public space. Inside, you'll find local shops, lifestyle stores, food outlets and spaces for cultural events. It's a nice place to browse for souvenirs or simply take a break from walking around the city.

Central–Mid-Levels Escalator

Don't forget to experience the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator, one of Hong Kong's most unique ways to get around. This covered outdoor escalator system connects Central with the residential neighbourhoods of Mid-Levels.

Along the way, you'll pass cafés, shops, street art and little corners that show a different side of Hong Kong.

Visit Hong Kong's Oldest Mosque, Jamia Mosque

While exploring Old Town Central, Muslim travellers can also make a stop at Jamia Mosque, also known as Jami'a Mosque or Shelley Street Mosque.

Built around 1849, it is recognised as the first and oldest mosque in Hong Kong. The mosque was originally established to serve the Muslim community, including people from the Indian subcontinent, British military personnel, sailors and police officers.

Its location makes it a convenient place to visit while exploring Central. You can take a break from sightseeing, spend some quiet time and perform your prayers before continuing your journey.

It's also a reminder that Hong Kong has a long and interesting Muslim history that many visitors might not know about.

7. Enjoy a Halal Dinner Cruise on Victoria Harbour with Bauhinia Cruise

If you want to experience Hong Kong from a different perspective, how about enjoying dinner while cruising along Victoria Harbour?

For one of our evenings, we joined Harbour Cruise – Bauhinia, which offers a dinner cruise with halal-certified dining. The cruise has held halal certification since 2013, making it an interesting option for Muslim travellers who want to enjoy a buffet dinner while taking in the city's famous waterfront views.

The cruise departs from North Point (East) Passenger Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island. Depending on the sailing schedule, the journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

During the cruise, you can enjoy your meal while passing some of Hong Kong's most recognisable landmarks and skyscrapers. It's a relaxing way to see the city without having to walk around.

But the highlight of the evening comes at around 8pm.

As the announcement was made, we headed up to the open-air deck to watch A Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's famous nightly light and music show across Victoria Harbour.

The surrounding skyscrapers come alive with colourful lights, LED displays and laser effects, creating a spectacular view against the night sky.

Watching the show from the middle of the harbour was definitely one of the most memorable moments of my Hong Kong trip.

8. Try Authentic Halal Cantonese Dim Sum at the Islamic Centre Canteen

On our third day in Hong Kong, we decided to explore another side of the city's Muslim community through its food.

Our destination was Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong's important Muslim community centres.

But there's another reason why this place is popular among Muslim travellers: its Islamic Centre Canteen, located on the fifth floor of the building.

The canteen is well known for serving halal Cantonese dim sum and Chinese dishes. You can enjoy familiar dim sum favourites prepared using halal ingredients, with pork replaced by alternatives such as chicken, beef or lamb.

I was genuinely impressed by how delicious the food was. The dishes still had those familiar Cantonese flavours, proving that you don't have to miss out on authentic local cuisine when travelling as a Muslim.

If you're looking for halal dim sum in Hong Kong, this is definitely one of the places worth adding to your food itinerary.

It's also a lovely opportunity to experience the local Muslim community while enjoying one of Hong Kong's most popular food traditions.

9. Escape the Busy City at Ma Wan 1868, Hong Kong's Colourful Village

After spending most of our time exploring Hong Kong's busy streets, we decided to slow things down and escape to Ma Wan 1868, a charming destination that feels worlds away from the city centre.

Located on Ma Wan Island, between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi, Ma Wan 1868 is a cultural and tourism destination that officially opened in March 2025. It brings together local heritage, art, creativity and natural scenery in one peaceful neighbourhood.

One of the first things you'll notice is the colourful village houses, often called the Rainbow Houses. These old village buildings have been renovated and painted in bright colours, with murals and street art adding even more character to the area.

Some visitors even compare the colourful streets to Cinque Terre or Notting Hill, and it's easy to see why. Almost every corner looks like a lovely backdrop for photos.

But Ma Wan isn't just about its colourful houses. The island is also known for its quieter atmosphere and cleaner air compared with the busy city centre. Private cars and motorcycles are generally restricted, helping the island maintain a more peaceful environment.

We spent the afternoon wandering around the village, exploring its little streets and enjoying the coastal scenery. As the sun started to set, the view became even more beautiful.

With the colourful houses, nearby beach and the impressive Tsing Ma Bridge in the background, Ma Wan is a lovely place to enjoy a slower side of Hong Kong.

If you're looking for a relaxing escape from the city's busy atmosphere, I would definitely recommend adding this place to your itinerary.

10. Discover Hong Kong's Past at the Hong Kong Museum of History

Hong Kong isn't just about shopping, skyline views and Instagram-worthy attractions. If you have some extra time, it's worth exploring the city's history to understand how it became the fascinating destination it is today.

We visited the Hong Kong Museum of History, a museum dedicated to showcasing the region's history, culture and development, from prehistoric times to the modern era.

Inside, you can explore exhibitions featuring historical objects, cultural displays and stories about how Hong Kong has changed over the years.

What made the visit even more fun for me was discovering an activity called stamp hunting. You can collect stamps featuring different Hong Kong-inspired illustrations as you explore the museum.

It's a simple activity, but it adds a playful touch to the experience, especially if you're travelling with children or enjoy collecting little travel souvenirs.

So, if you're interested in learning more about Hong Kong beyond its famous attractions, this museum is worth a visit.

11. Bring Home Halal Souvenirs from Cookies Quartet

Before heading home, there's one more stop I wanted to make: Cookies Quartet, a Hong Kong bakery known for its palmier biscuits and beautifully packaged treats.

If you're looking for halal souvenirs from Hong Kong, this is a place worth checking out. Its halal-certified products come with halal logos on their packaging, making it easier for Muslim travellers to identify suitable snacks to bring home.

The brand's flagship store is located at Golden Glory Mansion, 16 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

But what makes this store even more interesting is its unique concept. It is known as the world's first palmier biscuits museum, where visitors can learn about the history, ingredients and making of these classic pastries.

You'll also find creative displays inspired by famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa, Van Gogh's paintings and Girl with a Pearl Earring, recreated using biscuit-themed elements.

It's a fun place to browse, pick up some treats and find something different to bring back for family and friends.

Just remember to check the halal logo on individual products before purchasing, as certification may apply to specific items rather than every product in the store.

Is Hong Kong Muslim-Friendly? Here's What I Learned from My Trip

Before this trip, I honestly thought exploring Hong Kong as a Muslim traveller might require a lot of extra planning, especially when it came to finding halal food and prayer facilities.

But after spending a few days exploring the city, I realised that Hong Kong has much more to offer Muslim visitors than I initially expected.

From halal fine dining at Angelini Restaurant and a comfortable stay at InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong to halal dim sum at the Islamic Centre Canteen, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city's food scene.

You can also find prayer facilities at attractions such as Ocean Park, visit historic mosques like Jamia Mosque, and even enjoy a halal-certified dinner cruise along Victoria Harbour.

And beyond the well-known skyline, Hong Kong has so many other experiences waiting to be discovered, from the colourful village of Ma Wan 1868 to its peaceful waterfront parks and fascinating cultural attractions.

Also read: 8 Muslim-Friendly Hotels in Hong Kong, a Great Choice for Muslim Travelers

So, if you've been putting off a trip to Hong Kong because you're unsure about its Muslim-friendly facilities, I hope my experience gives you a little more confidence to explore.

Hong Kong isn't just a city of skyscrapers and busy streets. It has a quieter, more colourful and surprisingly welcoming side that deserves to be discovered, too.