Hong Kong is On! 7 Coolest New Things to do in 2023

Hong Kong is on! Did you hear that Hong Kong's finally open to tourists?

There are plenty of cool and exciting attractions in Hong Kong that have opened since COVID. Wondering where to go and what to do in Hong Kong?

Here's a guide to the best new things to do in Hong Kong in 2023:

M+ is Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture which was officially opened in November 2021. M+ separates itself from the usual art gallery by redefining contemporary art by opening the artist square space to the public for participation and social connection, defining contemporary art from a new angle.

M+'s curated content range from traditional visual arts to visual culture, including popular culture, internet culture, and tech, making one of the coolest things to do in Hong Kong. Exhibits not to be missed include ‘Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now’ and Beeple: HUMAN ONE.

With Hong Kong visual culture at the heart of the M+ Collections, architectural sketches and models, graphic designs, industrial goods, album covers, posters, video games, and other items are displayed alongside artworks to emphasise the city's uniqueness.

There is also a variety of interactive experiences through its extensive collection of moving image works and specially designed spaces which make M+ very Instagrammable.

Hong Kong's iconic theme park Ocean Park just got even funner with a completely new water park - Water World!

Water World only opened in September 2021 but already has 27 indoor and outdoor attractions spread across five zones! There's no better spot for thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush than the thrilling 'Torrential River!', 'Cyclone Spin' or 'Tropical Twist'.

On 'Rainbow Rush,' grab a mat and be shot into a pitch-black, twisting tube before emerging onto a massive drop right to the finish line. Adventurers can also board a rubber raft at 'Vortex!' and embark on a scream-filled journey through an enclosed flume filled with twists and turns. So if you're an adenaline junkie, make sure to add Water World to your things to do in Hong Kong list.

Wanna dive into a treasure chest of Chinese culture?

Hong Kong Palace Museum is the place to go.

This is another recently opened cultural landmark in Hong Kong located at the western tip of the West Kowloon Cultural District. Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates 5000 of cultural history from the Qing Dynasty onwards.

This museum opened in July 2022 and showcases 900 objects, including paintings, calligraphy, rare books, ceramics, jade, jewelry, textiles and clothing, with 166 of these classified as national treasures by the Chinese government that have only been displayed to public for the first time in history at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Although rugby is usually not considered one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong, things are shaking up this year! The Hong Kong Sevens will return in full force in 2023! The event will bring together 28 teams in both Men's and Women's Sevens tournaments, with over 70 world-class matches held at the Hong Kong Stadium from March 31 to April 2.

From 13 January to 10 April 2023 Lee Tung Avenue will be decked out with 688 traditional Chinese red lanterns, gold and red sequins and adorable rabbit sculptures celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. Don't miss the light installation of a family of 5 rabbits at the Central Piazza which symbolises ‘Ng Fook Lam Moon’, five blessings entering one’s home.

One of newest things to do in Hong Kong is its first-ever Pop Culture Festival hosted in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. From 29 March to 18 November 2023, the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival will revisitsmasterpieces from Hong Kong's golden era of pop culture in the 1980s and 1990s. Through a variety of experiences, including pop concerts, performances, thematic exhibitions, film screenings, and outdoor and outreach activities, the festival injects new elements into Hong Kong's iconic works.

Especially for foodies, this culinary festival is not to be missed. This iconic food festival draws on Hong Kong's iconic flavours and mesmerising harbour views to serve up a variety of special dining experiences, exclusive cocktails, and wine and food pairings. As part of the festival, a series of themed culinary events were held throughout the city for everyone to enjoy wine and dine out all day. The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will return in November 2023.