What can you do on rainy days in Hong Kong – sightseeing, shopping, relaxing and run

Top Sightseeing Ideas you can do on Rainy Days in Hong Kong

Nobody likes to cope with the bad weather and rainy days while travelling. However, occasionally you have to encounter unexpected bad weather in Hong Kong, especially during certain months. Don’t let the rain ruin you exploration of this beautiful city. Below is a list with some sightseeing ideas to do on rainy days.

So, don’t worry. You don’t need to necessarily limit yourself to Hong Kong indoor attractions to have a perfect day. Grab your raincoat or umbrella. There are still plenty of sightseeing things you can do when the bad weather strikes. Let’s break it down what can you do if bad weather comes to Hong Kong.

Visit Disneyland or Ocean Park on a rainy day

Maybe you wonder if it is a good idea to visit Disneyland and Ocean Park on a rainy day. Frankly speaking, if there is no typhoon or super heavy rain the theme parks will not shut down or stop their attractions. Yes, occasionally some outdoor rides might be closed due to the bad weather. However, there are plenty of indoor attractions you can do inside the parks.

Especially Ocean Park, has plenty to offer. There is the aquarium and jellyfish enclosure just to mention a few. In fact, most of the animal attractions (e.g. pandas, koalas, walrus, penguins and seals) are indoor attractions and covered.

The same applies to Disneyland. E.g. the popular Ant-Man and The Wasp Nano Battle, Ironman Experience, Star Wars Command Post, Hyperspace Mountain, Mystic Mountain, Winnie the Pooh or Mickey’s PhilharMagic are all indoor attractions.

The advantage of visiting one of the theme parks on a rainy day is that it will be less crowded. In case you don’t mind to get a little bit wet, there is another advantage. You basically have no waiting time for most of the outdoor rides (some you get wet anyhow). And once the sun comes out again, you are already in the park and beat the crowds for the most popular rides.

Read more about Hong Kong Disneyland
sightseeing highlights, how to get there, discount tickets

Read more about Ocean Park Hong Kong
sightseeing highlights, how to get there, discount tickets

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Enjoy some traditional Dim Sum on rainy days in Hong Kong

If it is raining cats and dogs, then do it like the locals. Head to the nearest Dim Sum restaurant. Enjoy some tea and treat yourself with some delicious shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns and spring rolls. Soak in the atmosphere. Write some postcards to friends and family. Update your Instagram and Facebook page or plan the next steps of your sightseeing. It’s just a question of time when the rain stops.

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Experience traditional Cantonese Opera

Rainy days are usually good for going to the movies or enjoy some entertainment (e.g. theatre, musicals, concerts or opera). Luckily, Hong Kong offers you the best from West and East. You can enjoy e.g. the latest blockbuster movies, hottest musical and theatre performances as well as operas. So, why not enjoy some traditional Chinese Opera performances?

If you are interested in beautiful costumes, traditional art and culture, then this is a great option. Enjoy music, drama, twisting plots and Chinese legends paired with spectacular performances. Don’t worry, you don’t need to understand Chinese or Cantonese to enjoy the show.

Interested? Then head over to the Xiqu Centre, Yau Ma Tei Theatre or Sunbeam Theatre. And btw, the Cantonese Opera is not only fun to visit on a rainy day.

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Enjoy Afternoon High-Tea at the Peninsula Hotel

Looking for a place to experience Hong Kong’s rich colonial past and history? Then don’t miss to visit the oldest hotel: The Peninsula Hotel.

The famous hotel offers one of the best afternoon high-tea experiences in Hong Kong. Governors, royals, celebrities and the who is who of the high society has dined here. Why not savour some of the finest sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and desserts?

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Reward yourself and go shopping when the bad weather strikes

Looking for some unique souvenirs to bring home? Nothing beats going shopping on a rainy day. Don’t forget Hong Kong is considered as the ultimate shopping heaven. The city has plenty of options with covered walkways and interconnected malls. Above all, you don’t even need to set a foot outside.

If you are looking for a one-stop solution, visit Harbour City shopping mall, the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong. Over 700 shops and stores offer everything from international brands to high-end luxury. You literally can spend days inside and get lost.

In case you don’t mind to get wet, head to one of the many street markets. When it’s raining, it’s the best time to get some real bargains. Not many people love to visit the street markets on a rainy day. Traffic and sales are slow. Hence, sellers are more eager to give in and close the deals. You might be the only one that day.

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Make a wish at a Temple

Visiting one of the many temples are a great option when it rains. There are not many places where you can combine culture, tradition, history and fun. Burn some incense. Visit a fortune teller. Or learn more about the different gods, deities, religions and tradition.

The following three temples are the most popular ones and a good choice even if it rains:

The Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden become even more mystic and romantic when it rains. The high-rising surrounding skyscrapers disappear and the rain adds to the zen-like atmosphere. How about experience the authentic tea ceremony in the traditional tea house to get away from the rain? You also may try the vegetarian lunch in Nan Lian Garden.

In case you would like to know more about your future, head to the Wong Tai Sin Temple. There are plenty of fortune tellers. Since they have less customers on a rainy day you might have a chance to chat more with them about your future.

The Po Lin Monastery hides in the lush mountains of Lantau Island. There is plenty to explore and discover. On a rainy day the Tian Tan Buddha (aka Big or Giant Buddha) usually hides among the clouds. However, there is nothing more amazing when suddenly the clouds open up for a few seconds and the Tian Tan Buddha suddenly appears.

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Fun at Madame Tussauds on rainy days

Usually, I don’t recommend visiting Victoria Peak on a rainy day. However, sometimes it happens that it starts raining while you travel to it. If this happens, then either you can spend some time in the Peak Tower or the Peak Galleria. There are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can do some shopping or grab a bite.

In case you are not interested in shopping, then there is another option: The Madame Tussauds. This famous wax museum is a great and fun way to get away from the rain. Stroll through the different exhibits and before you know the rain is gone. Check out how to avoid crowds and get discounts for the Madame Tussauds

But the best part is yet to come. If the sun comes out again, you have an amazing view and visibility from The Peak. The dust and air pollution are literally washed away.

Read more about How to get to Victoria Peak
What to expect, fast lane ticket and discounts

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Visit a Museum – great option for rainy days

Museums are always a good option on a rainy day. The city has a vast array of museums covering all kind of interests. The best part is that many are free or only charge a small entrance fee.

The most popular ones are the Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Especially the Science Museum is a great option if you travel with kids since they offer lots of hands-on experiences.

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Discover local artists and designers at PMQ

The former Police Married Quarters (PMQ) has been transformed into a creative arts hub. Here you can find local artists and designers showcasing their craftsmanship and latest products. Besides shops and restaurants, there are special events and fairs throughout the year.

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Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Art

The Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Art can conveniently be reached by the Mid-Levels Escalators (aka the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator). Visiting the former Central Police Station is a great way to spend a rainy day. Here you can enjoy a wide variety and mixture of heritage, contemporary art, performing arts, exhibitions and dining options.

And if this is not enough, there is a thriving art scene. In recent years, the city saw an amazing growth of art galleries, exhibition and events. No matter if you like contemporary art, photography or looking for upcoming local artists. Visiting one of the many art galleries is also a great option on a bright and sunny day.

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Rainy days are best for spa, sports and fun

Rain days are great for a day at the spa or gym. So, why not pamper yourself? Nothing beats a day at the spa. Throughout the city you can find great spas, no matter if you are looking for a foot or full body massage. Make sure to read our related content on where to find the best spas in Hong Kong.

You are looking for a more active alternatives? Then head to the next indoor swimming pool. Your hotel doesn’t have a pool? Then check out where the best swimming pools in Hong Kong are.

Looking for a more fun and unique way to cope with a rainy day? The ELEMENTS, Festival Walk and Megabox shopping mall have an ice-skating rink.

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Themed cafés and restaurants

Hong Kong has a vast variety of trendy, themed cafés and restaurants. Some are just pop-up stores and are only there for a limited time while others stay for longer. So, no matter if you like cartoons e.g. such as Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, Hello Kitty, Gudetama, Kumamon, Line Friends (& BT21) or the trendy bunnies, cats or dogs cafés, there is something for everyone.

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Insider tips when it’s raining

Be prepared that the weather in Hong Kong changes quickly. Even if it is raining right now, it is not unusual to experience a wonderful blue sky 30 minutes later.

Dress accordingly and prepare a rain jacket and umbrella. In case you don’t have an umbrella and it rains unexpectedly when you are sightseeing, head to the next 7-Eleven or Circle K convenience store. They are prepared and sell umbrellas which also make a nice souvenir to take home.

Postpone your trip to the beach, outlying islands, hiking activities and The Peak if you encounter heavy rain and severe weather conditions. You might encounter strong gusty winds, rough sea and/or landslides.

If it really rains cats and dogs, it is more difficult to get a cab. In case you plan to take the subway or other public transportation, prepare that it will be more crowded.

You know the saying: when it pours, it pours. So, make sure to wear suitable shoes. Streets can be flooded, floors and walkways can be slippery.

Hong Kong’s typhoon season is usually from June to September. Aside from strong rain and heavy winds, prepare for delays in travel. It is not unusual that flights are delayed or even canceled.

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Final thoughts on rainy days Hong Kong

Although, you can’t avoid rainy days, you still can make the most of the day. Above all, rainy days in Hong Kong are not unusual. So, the best way to cope with it is to prepare and dress accordingly. Let me know, what your experiences are on a rainy day in Hong Kong.