Happy Valley

Hong Kong Island

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

Happy Valley is the home of Hong Kong horse-racing, a pastime that swiftly gained popularity in the mid-19th Century, shortly after the British arrived.

What was once a preserve of the elite upper classes has now become a part of mainstream culture, and a visit to Happy Valley is a fun way to witness one of the city’s favourite sports first-hand.

There’s a contagious atmosphere at Happy Valley. It’s far more boisterous and atmospheric than its British and American counterparts. The horse-racing here sees thousands of fans scrambling to place bets and cheer on the world-class riders. Around a massive 6 million bets are placed at each meeting! If you fancy a flutter, but aren’t sure how it all works, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s website gives details about the different types of bet that can be placed.

The majority of the races are held after the sun goes down, giving the racetrack an unrivalled backdrop of skyscrapers blazing against the night sky. There are beer tents and food stalls, and often live music and entertainment between the races, making an evening at Happy Valley feel like one big non-stop party.

Whether you’re an experienced gambler or not, Happy Valley is great fun and everyone is welcome. There are a number of important events during the racing season, including the prestigious Hong Kong International Races, the Hong Kong Derby or the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

It’s interesting to visit the racecourse during the day, when you can take a stroll around the grounds and see locals play sports in the green space. The season runs from September to July.

Happy Valley is on northern Hong Kong Island and close to the Causeway Bay MTR station. Alternatively, you can take a cheaper (and more scenic) route to the course on the trams that come from the north side of the island.


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! (1,003 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 S$140 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
S$140
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! (1,419 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 S$89 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
S$89
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! (1,821 reviews)
"Good and convenient."

Reviewed on 31 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$129 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
S$129
31 Aug - 1 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! (2,300 reviews)
"Excellent royal plaza hotel"

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
The price is S$145 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
S$145
1 Sept - 2 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 which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

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