Happy Valley Travel Guide

Hong Kong Island

Photo provided by Hong Kong Tourism Board
Happy Valley
Happy Valley
Happy Valley
Photo by Brandy Lynn

This affluent residential area is also home to a famous Hong Kong racecourse.

Horse racing first arrived in Hong Kong in the 1840s, within just a few years of the British arriving in Hong Kong. In those days the sport was enjoyed only by the city’s elite. Today, horse racing is very much a part of mainstream life in Hong Kong, and a visit to Happy Valley is a fun, cheap and exciting way to soak up the local culture.Join the cheering crowds at the side of the track to experience the atmosphere and observe world-class racing. As you’re swept along with thousands of fans rushing to place their bets, you’ll find the atmosphere at Happy Valley is markedly different from the relatively sober settings of American or British racecourses.Most races are held at night and walls of well-lit skyscrapers form a dazzling backdrop to the racetrack. Trackside beer tents and food stalls, and live music in between races make for a real party atmosphere.Roughly 6 million bets are placed at each meet, and Happy Valley welcomes gambling pros and amateurs alike. Check the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s website to learn about the many different bets you can place.The racing season features several large events including the Hong Kong Derby, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup or the prestigious Hong Kong International Races at which you can experience the sport at its most glamorous and competitive.Racing season is between September and July. If you visit during the day when there’s no race being held, it’s possible to walk around inside the grounds for no charge, enjoy the view and see locals playing various sports.Happy Valley is located on northern Hong Kong Island. The closest MTR station to Happy Valley Racecourse is Causeway Bay. If you’re coming from the north side of Hong Kong Island, take the scenic route to the racecourse by hopping on any tram marked "Happy Valley." Trams are not the fastest mode of transportation, but they are the cheapest.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Happy Valley

Harbour Grand Kowloon

Harbour Grand Kowloon

5 out of 5
20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Hunghom, Kowloon
Stay at this spa hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was clean and staff were good. Comfortable and clean room, location was great close to transport,easy walking to shops and restaurants. It was right on the waterfront, view was lovely. We stayed for 8 nights, it was perfect. We also had stayed at this hotel before, so it was a repeat ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Harbour Grand Kowloon
Eaton HK

Eaton HK

4 out of 5
380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.494.267 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.494.267
Rp1.688.522 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,434 reviews)
"Internet access was good. Staff were very attentive. Gym was good. Highly recommend!!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Eaton HK
Hopewell Hotel

Hopewell Hotel

4.5 out of 5
15 Kennedy Road, Hong Kong
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hong Kong Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ocean Park and Times Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (247 reviews)
"This hotel appears to be just renovated. Everything looks very new. The location is perfect, a lot to explore around it. Only issue is need to change a couple lifts to get to where your room is, regardless walk in or drive in, but overall experience was excellent"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Hopewell Hotel
Royal Plaza Hotel

Royal Plaza Hotel

4.5 out of 5
193 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, Kowloon
The price is Rp1.712.181 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
Rp1.712.181
Rp1.934.764 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,309 reviews)
"Very good location"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Royal Plaza Hotel
ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan

3.5 out of 5
No. 28 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
The price is Rp1.017.513 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.017.513
Rp1.149.789 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Hong Kong Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,834 reviews)
"Very good and close to the train station!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
Cordis, Hong Kong

Cordis, Hong Kong

5 out of 5
555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
The price is Rp2.613.195 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp2.613.195
Rp2.952.911 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,537 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotel, Lovely Staff, Excellent Location, close to every amenity imaginable. Can't think of anywhere else I'd want to stay."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Cordis, Hong Kong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Happy Valley

Default Image

Wan Chai

4/5(171 area reviews)

Wan Chai is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Wan Chai Road and Queen's Road East. See more of Hong Kong Island by jumping on the metro at Fleming Road Tram Stop or Burrows Street Tram Stop.

Wan Chai
Tin Hau Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Tin Hau

Travellers choose Tin Hau for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Lau Sin Street Tram Stop or Hong Kong Tin Hau Station and check out top sights like Victoria Park.

Tin Hau
Default Image

Causeway Bay

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

Travellers love Causeway Bay for its popular shops, and you can see more of Hong Kong Island by jumping on the metro at Wing Hing Street Tram Stop or Lau Li Street Tram Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Victoria Park and Hong Kong Central Library.

Causeway Bay
Default Image

Fortress Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Fortress Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like North Point Ferry Pier and Victoria Park.

Fortress Hill
Default Image

Admiralty

The island views, captivating waterfront views and popular shops are notable features of Admiralty. Make a stop by Pacific Place or Hong Kong Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Cotton Tree Drive Tram Stop to get around town.

Admiralty
Default Image

The Peak

Well liked for its waterfront and architecture, The Peak is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Madame Tussauds and Aberdeen Country Park, and jump on the metro at The Peak Station to get around the city.

The Peak

Happy Valley Travel Guide