Jewish Heritage of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage is a fascinating aspect of the city’s multicultural history. Although the Jewish population in Hong Kong is relatively small, with only around 4,000 Jews living in the city, their impact on the city has been significant. Book this 5 or 6 hour tour with our specialist Jewish guide, and find out more.

Jewish traders were among the first foreign merchants to set up shop in Hong Kong, Macau, and Canton when China opened up to international trade in the mid-1800s. These traders played a crucial role in the development of Hong Kong’s economy and helped establish the city as a key trading hub in the region.

Today, visitors to Hong Kong can explore the city’s Jewish heritage through a variety of Jewish heritage sites and we have developed a customisable tour itinerary that showcases all of Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage.

Our suggested Jewish heritage tour itinerary includes visits to the Ohel Leah Synagogue in Midlevels, the Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley, and the Peninsula Hotel and Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, among other sites. These locations provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Hong Kong’s Jewish community.

The Ohel Leah Synagogue is one of the most important Jewish heritage sites in Hong Kong. It was built in 1902 and is named after Leah Sassoon, a prominent member of the Jewish community in Hong Kong. The synagogue is a beautiful building with a distinctive blue and white façade and an ornate interior.

The Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley is another important Jewish heritagesite in Hong Kong. It is the final resting place of many members of the city’s Jewish community, including the Sassoon family, who played a significant role in the development of Hong Kong’s economy. The cemetery is a peaceful and reflective place, and visitors can pay their respects to the departed and learn about the history of the Jewish community in Hong Kong.

The Peninsula Hotel and Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui are also significant Jewish heritage sites. The Peninsula Hotel was built in 1928 by members of the Kadoorie family, who were Jewish philanthropists and entrepreneurs. The hotel is a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture and has hosted many famous guests over the years. Nathan Road, which runs through the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, was named after Sir Matthew Nathan, a Jewish governor of Hong Kong in the early 1900s.

It is also worth noting that about half of Hong Kong’s Jewish population originates from overseas, including countries like the US, UK, France, Australia, South Africa, Israel, and Canada. This diversity adds to the richness of Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage and highlights the city’s role as a global hub for trade, culture, and innovation.

Through our customizable tours, visitors can explore the city’s Jewish heritage sites, learn about the history and culture of the Jewish community in Hong Kong, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s place in the world. If you are interested in exploring Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage, we invite you to book a tour with us and discover all that this vibrant and dynamic city has to offer.

 

Aberdeen Group Tour

Join us on an inspirational group tour of Aberdeen, exploring the cultural birthplace of Hong Kong and Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world. During the 3-hour tour, we will be on both foot and take a traditional wooden sampan fishing boat, and dive into the harbour’s history.

Your Aberdeen group tour will conclude the tour with a bowl of traditional boat noodles from a sampan, traditionally prepared by local fisherman.

Price: HKD$ 500

Transportation: Walking and Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbour

Meeting: Lei Tung MTR station, Exit A1

End Point: Aberdeen Bus Terminus, Aberdeen

Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm (3 hours)

Inclusions: Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 103K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a 30-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and a bowl of traditional boat noodles!

Exclusions: Public transportation

Highlights

  • Visit Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong. Learn about Aberdeen’s earliest role as a vital enclave for trade, incense manufacturing and fishing, a legacy that endures to the present day.
  • Visit the Road-side shrine in Aberdeen and the hundred-year-old temple, which have guarded the harbour for decades.
  • Learn how important the God and Goddess of the Sea are to fishermen in Hong Kong at the Tin Hau Temple in Aberdeen and Hung Shing Temple on Ap Lei Chau.
  • Continue the journey on a Sampan and take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.
  • Conclude the tour with a bowl of traditional boat noodles prepared on a sampan!*

*tasting might change due to availability

We also provide this tour virtually if you are unable to join in person. Check it out here.

Private Food Tour

Hong Kong’s food culture is vibrant and varied, but sometimes the choice of what’s on offer can be a little overwhelming. Hong Kong Greeters can help you navigate the highlights of Cantonese cuisine, which form the cornerstone of dishes available at restaurants, homes and street-side cheap-eat vendors. Visiting Hong Kong and enjoying some of the foodie delights with a knowledgeable guide will enable you to sample foods that you cannot find anywhere else.

A food tour with Hong Kong Greeters will give you the opportunity to sample the varied cuisines available, including noodles, egg waffles, snake soup, dim sum and much, much more! We know that street food can sometimes be a little daunting, so a food tour gives you the opportunity to try foods and visit restaurants and cafes that have been tested out by the Hong Kong Greeters team.

Eating Cantonese food with one of our expert guides will help you not only try new dishes, but also understand more about how important food is to Hong Kong’s culture. There are few places in the world with such a vibrant dining scene, and a tour with Hong Kong Greeters gives you the opportunity to eat like a local, discover hidden away foodie locations and understand more about the history of the food scene in the city.

We look forward to eating with you!

Sham Shui Po Food Tour

One of our favourite things to do is to discover a neighbourhood through its food! You can delve into the vibrant and busy district of Sham Shui Po, which is famous for being packed with businesses selling everything from electronics to fabrics, from toys to fashion and much more besides. Let our guides show you the highlights of both the shopping opportunities and the food, including cheung fan (rice noodle rolls), fresh coconut juice and even Michelin starred dim sum. And for those who really want to try something adventurous, let us take you to a snake soup cafe – it is surprisingly delicious! Some of the other highlights are a visit to the local wet market and Mei Ho House Public Housing Museum.

Mong Kok Food Tour

Alternatively, we can incorporate a shopping trip to the busy markets of Mong Kok such as the flower, bird and goldfish streets, whilst sampling a delicious pineapple bun, or take a pause to devour some dim sum washed down with milk tea. Other unmissable highlights include the famous Cantonese egg tarts, fishballs, egg waffles, which are available from street-side vendors, and if you are feeling brave, you can even dig into some stinky tofu – it has the name for a reason!

Causeway Bay & Wan Chai Food Tour

The area of Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island, is rapidly changing. New apartment blocks are appearing rapidly, and the area is gentrifying. Although traditional businesses are being pushed out by new international restaurants and cafes, it is still a fascinating area to explore both for shopping, culture and food. Our guides will take you to discover the ubiquitous street food –  fish balls and egg waffles, plus wonton noodles, roasted meats and century egg. And even though not strictly Cantonese, a visit to Hong Kong would not be complete without sampling Xiao Long Bao (traditional steam buns originating in Shanghai). There are some other intriguing highlights thrown into this tour which includes such as the fantastic Noon Day Gun and the Canal Street Flyover villain-hitting ceremony.

Vegetarian Food Tour

Hong Kong is firmly on the world travellers’ map as a foodie destination, with every imaginable cuisine available in the city that never sleeps. To keep up with the demand from health-conscious tourists and residents of the city who are looking for vegetarian and vegan food options while they explore the city, we have created a private vegetarian food tour, several lesser-known historical and foodie destinations.

Night Tour of Hong Kong

Want to wake up in the city that never sleeps? You’ve come to the right place! In our humble opinion, Hong Kong really comes alive after 6pm – and with this fully customisable night tour, we’ll show you exactly what makes this city quite so special after-hours.

Hong Kong is home to one of the world’s most iconic skylines – and trust us, it only gets better after darkness falls! Our exhilarating night tour delivers a thrilling mix of mesmerising sights and incredible experiences on both sides of the harbour, with highlights including:

  • A chance to soak up the city’s glittering skyline on the Star Ferry
  • Watch the spectacular Symphony Of Lights show
  • A visit to buzzing Ladies’ Market, with bargain opportunities galore
  • Curse your enemies in Causeway Bay or have your fortune told in Temple Street
  • Have a flutter on a horse race at Happy Valley Racecourse (Wednesday only)
  • Enjoy a tipple at an exclusive rooftop bar or eat at a delicious novelty cafe
  • Absorb the atmosphere whilst travelling along the longest outdoor escalator
  • Relax with a cosy foot massage
  • Feast on freshly-made local eats at an outdoor cooked food market

As your go-to friend in Hong Kong, our qualified guides aka “Greeters” are passionate about Hong Kong and its culture, and are delighted to share their knowledge with our guests. Please note that all food and drink, alongside additional costs like foot massages or admission to Happy Valley Racecourse, are at the visitors’ own expense.

If you thought New York was the city that never sleeps, you ain’t seen nothing yet! This fully customisable private tour offers guests the chance to explore Hong Kong by night; get ready for a veritable feast for the senses, where you can immerse yourself in some of the city’s most iconic sights and mesmerising experiences – essentially, the best kind of night on the town, done in quintessential Hong Kong style.

Whilst your exact itinerary is up to you, top of our must-do list is seeing Hong Kong’s unforgettable skyline after darkness falls, where the city’s dizzying array of towering skyscrapers and neon lights are set to dazzle. We’ll take a night trip on the classic Star Ferry so you can soak up this glittering view from the water, before catching the spectacular Symphony Of Lights show once we’ve crossed the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade… and make sure you have your cameras ready, as this is one magical cityscape shot you won’t want to miss!

This tour is totally tailor-made to your preferences, so simply let us know how you’d best like to spend your evening. Whether it’s haggling for bargains at Mong Kok’s lively Ladies’ Market, having a flutter on a horse race at Happy Valley Racecourse or visiting the fortune tellers to see what the universe has in-store for you (and even putting a curse on your enemies!), we can make it happen.

We’ll ensure you’re fuelled up for the night’s fun with feasting galore – whether it’s savouring street food aplenty as we enjoy a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood, chilling out with late-night snacks like French toast, pineapple buns and milk tea at a local cha chaan teng café, or settling down to a raucous meal of freshly-made Cantonese delicacies at an outdoor cooked food market.

And what better way to finish the night than by putting your feet up (literally!) with a relaxing foot massage, or enjoying a tipple or two at an exclusive rooftop bar to drink in more of those sensational views?

Whatever you decide, we’re certain that this is one evening adventure you’ll never forget – so buckle up, because it’s going to be a brilliant night!

Customisable Tour

We understand you may have your own preferences and sights you’d like to experience in Hong Kong.

Our customisable tours allow us to tailor a Hong Kong tour to suit you and your groups specific needs and wishes.

Please get in touch to discuss your customisable tour!

Lantau Island Full Day Tour

Lantau Island is known as Hong Kong’s green lung, and you can imagine stepping back in time 50 years when you visit. Most of this stunning island is untouched and can only be accessed by public transport. I will navigate you seamlessly through the highlights in this 8 hour private tour. Highlights include, a private car transfer from your accommodation to the cable-car, skip the line access at the cable-car (I am a licensed guide and so you will avoid the long lines), the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery and Tai O fishing village.

I will help you to understand the meanings of the stories that make this place so special, and how the teachings weave their way into Chinese culture and society on this experience. We will arrive by cable-car via skip-the-line access and enjoy the stunning and dramatic landscapes of Lantau on the 24-minute panoramic ride. Once we arrive to the top of the mountain, we will continue by foot to explore all corners of this uniquely different part of Hong Kong. Many times travellers visit this area as a first introduction to Buddhism, let me open it up for you! There are many things to see, but not that easy understand, such as Buddha’s story, a visit to the memory palace connected to the Big Buddha statue, and the word “emptiness” in relation to the faith – perhaps the most misunderstood word in Buddhism. I can also show you a hidden place where you will be able to “speak” directly to the Buddha. These are the things that you will not learn from a guide book.

This is an in-depth look at Tai O village. This is a must-see for anyone interested in visiting the real Hong Kong. This relaxing village is one of the best preserved places on Lantau Island, indeed the whole of Hong Kong, largely owing to the efforts of the local community… and a place to just really slow down. Situated at the end of the Pearl River Delta, where it meets the South China Sea, its history and culture are intrinsically linked to its geographical location. We will take a small boat ride to view the stilted houses for a close up look at how people live in this small enclave. There is a chance to view the Hong Kong- Macau – Zhuhai bridge from the open estuary and maybe a pink dolphin or two. Then we will visit the Tai O Heritage hotel, a former colonial police station which was converted in 2013. This has a story all on its own. Finally, we will wander through the market streets, say hello to the villagers who live there, and see all the home-made produce (much of which is linked to the preservation of fish).

Read more on this unique corner of Hong Kong on our blog – Tian Tan Buddha

Peak to Piers Tour

HSBC Lions private tourExperience an authentic Hong Kong tour with one of it’s top-rated private guide
companies. Immerse yourself in the real essence of Hong Kong, away from the tourist traps. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a companion, our tailored tours ensure you discover the city’s untold stories. Delve into the island’s rich history, master public transportation, savour local cuisine, and navigate a bustling metropolis teeming with 7.2 million inhabitants. From must-see attractions to hidden neighborhood treasures, we’ll unveil the best of this magnificent city, allowing you to truly embrace its charm. If you prefer, we can venture off the beaten path, exploring the lesser-known streets that define Hong Kong’s pulse. Choose how long you wish or have time for, and let us create an unforgettable journey just for you.

See our full table of prices and availability calendar here.

Experience the vibrant allure of Hong Kong with our active itinerary. Enjoy “skip-the-line” access to Victoria Peak, and bring along kids below 16 years for free. Our adventure begins with a classic Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, setting the stage for exploration of local neighborhoods and the unveiling of their hidden gems. Prepare to be enthralled as we share the untold stories behind Hong Kong’s famous skyscrapers and heritage buildings. Ascend to the Peak via the iconic Peak tram, operational since 1888, and bypass the queues with us. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and historical significance of the Peak district and Hong Kong. Traverse the city on the charming “ding-ding” tram, immersing yourself in the lively street markets that embody the local spirit. Indulge in a culinary delight at one of the best local dim sum restaurants, savoring the iconic Cantonese cuisine that is a must-try in Hong Kong. Conclude the journey with a ride on the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, and uncover the secrets of the Man Mo Temple, the majestic Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon or the stunning Chi Lin Nunnery.

Peak to piers authentic Hong Kong

Immerse in the essence of real Hong Kong on our walking tour. Discover the city’s sights, smells, and tastes while delving into its history and culture. Indulge in incredible street food experiences, from pineapple buns to egg tarts and dim sum to char siu. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Hong Kong!

Embark on our private walking tour of Hong Kong and embrace its efficient public transport system. Experience the MTR, buses, and ferries that seamlessly connect the city. Witness Hong Kong up close and personal, gaining a true understanding of its offerings. Our family-friendly tours cater to all ages, providing strollers for young children and tailoring the itinerary to your preferences. Explore the city with ease and comfort on this unforgettable journey.

Victoria Peak tour

Join us for a customised walking tour with Hong Kong Greeters and uncover the best of both worlds. While we embrace beloved tourist spots like Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry, we’re also dedicated to revealing the hidden side that eludes typical tourists. With your new local friend, explore breathtaking skyline views, wander through fascinating historical lanes, indulge in street food delights, immerse in vibrant markets, admire scenic water views, and delve into cultural treasures at enchanting temples. Experience the authentic essence of Hong Kong like never before on this unforgettable journey.

Transportation
Public transport

Meeting point options
Hotel, airport, cruise port

Inclusions
Private guiding service, exclusive access

Exclusions
Public transportation, food and drink

Hosted in (languages)
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Chinese

Best for / tour type
Best for couples, best for families, best for business travellers, best for cultural experience