Happy Valley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Mingle with the punters at this famous racecourse for one of Hong Kong’s favourite sporting pastimes.

The history of horse racing in Hong Kong dates back to the mid-19th century, shortly after the British arrived, bringing with them their love of the sport of kings. Although in the early days it was only accessible to the rich and powerful, over the decades it became less exclusive and was enthusiastically adopted by the local population.Happy Valley during the racing season (September to July) is a great place to spend some time in the lively company of thousands of cheering punters, in complete contrast to the more serious atmosphere of American or British racecourses. Here there are no high fashion dress codes or corporate hospitality, and the focus is very much on having fun. Most of the races are held at night, with the bright lights creating a dramatic setting and trackside beer tents and food stalls adding to the excitement. In between races, the party continues with live music and entertainment to enhance the betting frenzy. The levels of betting range from quick flutters to some serious professional gambling. The Hong Kong Jockey Club website contains some helpful information on the different kinds of bets and how to place them, so check before your visit if in doubt.Several prestigious events are held throughout the season, such as the Hong Kong Derby, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong International Races, where the competition is more intense and the cosmopolitan crowd is glamorous and well-heeled. But at a regular meeting, you can enjoy a fun night out with the local crowd at a fraction of the price. You can also take a free walk around the grounds during the day to enjoy the views.Happy Valley is on northern Hong Kong Island and the closest MTR station is Causeway Bay. If you’re not in a hurry and want to save your pennies for the tote, take the scenic route by tram instead.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Happy Valley Hotel Deals

Harbour Grand Kowloon

Harbour Grand Kowloon

5 out of 5
20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Hunghom, Kowloon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$207 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$207
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 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
The price is AU$160 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$160
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,428 reviews)
"Nice location"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Eaton HK
Hopewell Hotel

Hopewell Hotel

4.5 out of 5
15 Kennedy Road, Hong Kong
The price is AU$212 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
AU$212
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hong Kong Island. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ocean Park and Times Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (234 reviews)
"Ideal base to explore Hong Kong. 5 star accommodation and facilities. Staff extremelly helpful and friendly. Awesome dining within and in area around the hotel. Easy access to MTR makes anywhere in Hong Kong only a short trip away."

Reviewed on 5 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 AU$158 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$158
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,305 reviews)
"Loved that this hotel was connected to MOKO mall. Rooms were a good size with huge bathrooms. Walls were thick as we didn’t hear anything from any neighbors. Cleaning staff were extremely attentive."

Reviewed on 4 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 AU$109 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$109
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Hong Kong Island. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,823 reviews)
"Good and convenient."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 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 AU$249 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$249
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,526 reviews)
"Cordis is my favorite place to stay every time I come to Hong Kong! It’s convenient to every where we go and the MRT is underground of Langham Mall. The Staffs at Cordis are great!"

Reviewed on 5 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

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Wan Chai

4/5(127 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 showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

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
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Causeway Bay

4/5(48 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
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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
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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
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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 Peak Tower and Madame Tussauds, and jump on the metro at The Peak Station to get around the city.

The Peak

Happy Valley Travel Guide

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