Happy Valley

Hong Kong
Happy Valley
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

Rosedale Hotel Hong Kong
Rosedale Hotel Hong Kong
4 out of 5
8 Shelter Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Fully refundable
The price is S$81 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$81
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hong Kong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the spacious rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2024

Rosedale Hotel Hong Kong
Harbour Grand Kowloon
Harbour Grand Kowloon
5 out of 5
20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Hunghom, Kowloon
The price is S$162 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$162
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Closed to water and scenery is beautiful"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Harbour Grand Kowloon
Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
4.5 out of 5
387-397, Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$166 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$166
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
"A very good hotel in the centre of everything in Hong Kong."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,2024

Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
Cordis, Hong Kong
Cordis, Hong Kong
5 out of 5
555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
The price is S$172 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$172
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,080 reviews)
"Great clean room. Easy to get to from the station. Staff at the hotel were very friendly. We will definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Cordis, Hong Kong
Eaton HK
Eaton HK
4 out of 5
380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
The price is S$123 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$123
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Staff were quick and helpful. Very fun place. The food hall was amazing! Rooms are clean and quiet hallway. Loved the amenities, such gorgeous scents. Very happy to be in the middle of the area and have a quiet spot to relax in."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Eaton HK
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 S$121 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$121
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Hong Kong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,025 reviews)
"I got free drinks and top floor room with VIP access. It gives good relaxing feeling after long flight."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
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 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 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 Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter.

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 Central Government Office or Pacific Place 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 Aberdeen Country Park, and jump on the metro at The Peak Station to get around the city.

The Peak

Happy Valley