Happy Valley

Hong Kong Island

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

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
The price is RM598 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
RM598
RM676 total
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury 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! (1,011 reviews)
"The location and the hotel size was great. We booked a room with view of Victoria Harbour which was beautiful. However, I took off a star due to 2 reasons. 1. The Lounge was very average, and I wouldnt recommend to go 2. The hotel smelt slighly musty if the aircon wasnt on. The hotel has a lot of ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Harbour Grand Kowloon
Eaton HK

Eaton HK

4 out of 5
380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
The price is RM370 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
RM370
RM418 total
16 Oct - 17 Oct
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! (1,534 reviews)
"Super helpful front desk staff"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Eaton HK
The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong

The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong

4 out of 5
41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
The price is RM587 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
RM587
RM646 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,334 reviews)
"The third time I stay here for its convenient location, and I’m surprised that there’s a big improvement on the services overall. Among other things the staff is more helpful and friendly than what I experienced before."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM462 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
RM462
RM522 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (1,918 reviews)
"Sheung Wan is a good neighborhood to be based in for a visit to Hong Kong. There are plenty of lively restaurants within walking distance. Transportation is easy to downtown and the ferries. The breakfast buffet in the hotel is excellent and reasonably priced."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 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 RM652 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
RM652
RM737 total
16 Oct - 17 Oct
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! (1,646 reviews)
"Clean room, very friendly and helpful staff. Had buffetu"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Cordis, Hong Kong
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers

Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers

5 out of 5
20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
The price is RM898 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
RM898
RM1,015 total
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Ocean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"The room was not bad; clean.However, the breakfast was not good!: I don't recommend."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
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(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 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

4.5/5(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
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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 Chun Yeung Street Market and North Point Ferry Pier.

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 Madame Tussauds and Aberdeen Country Park, and jump on the metro at The Peak Station to get around the city.

The Peak


Happy Valley