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
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)
"I appreciated the early check-in and being given a lovely room with Harbour views. The staff was excellent. Queenie, the receptionist was wonderful and so was the house cleaning staff. The location was very convenient with a lovely walk along the promenade to some of the main attractions. The pool ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Harbour Grand Kowloon
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 RM313 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
RM313
RM354 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,797 reviews)
"Good location, very clean everything was operating"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
Royal Plaza Hotel
Royal Plaza Hotel
4.5 out of 5
193 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, Kowloon
The price is RM467 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
RM467
RM528 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (2,274 reviews)
"Truly enjoyed our five day stay at the Royal Plaza. Rare service gems in hospitality made our moments memorable. Greetings at curbside matched the super friendly bag attendants. Check-in by Catherine was gracious and impeccable. Manager Terry went above and beyond to bring us an unforgettable moment ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Royal Plaza Hotel
New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel
New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel
5 out of 5
72 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
The price is RM680 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM680
RM768 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff provided good service, but the carpet in the room was very old, dusty, and there were very few amenities in the bathroom. Drinking water had to be refilled by yourself from the water cooler next to the elevator, which is not appropriate for a five-star hotel."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel
Disney's Hollywood Hotel
Disney's Hollywood Hotel
4 out of 5
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau
The price is RM1,012 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
RM1,012
RM1,144 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Lantau. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The property was extremely clean, rooms spacious, bed comfortable. Over all a very pleasant stay. Transport to HK Disneyland is 5mins away with shuttle bus that leaves every 10-15mins and takes you the train station."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Disney's Hollywood Hotel
Cordis, Hong Kong
Cordis, Hong Kong
5 out of 5
555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
The price is RM585 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
RM585
RM661 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,493 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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(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
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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 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 Madame Tussauds and Peak Tower, and jump on the metro at The Peak Station to get around the city.

The Peak

Happy Valley