Happy Valley

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
The price is €148 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
€148
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"It is"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 €94 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€94
31 Aug - 1 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! (1,411 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable room in a convenient location."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 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 WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ocean Park and Times Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (223 reviews)
"Everything was nice and convenient!"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hopewell 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
Fully refundable
The price is €60 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€60
31 Aug - 1 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)
"Great transportation around and staff with wonderful service"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 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 €139 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€139
1 Sept - 2 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! (2,293 reviews)
"Staffs are nice and very friendly and helpful. Great location right beside major shopping mall and mongkok east train and bus terminals allow transfer to other subway line. There are also many stall on the street nearby offer different Chinese food and snack. Great moko shopping mall pretty much ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Royal Plaza Hotel
The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong

The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong

4 out of 5
41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Fully refundable
The price is €117 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€117
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,240 reviews)
"We can see the Victoria Harbor through the big windows, it’s gorgeous at evening"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Salisbury - YMCA of 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 Tai Yuen Street Toy Market. 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 elements 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 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

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