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


Happy Valley Hotel Deals

Harbour Grand Kowloon

Harbour Grand Kowloon

5 out of 5
20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Hunghom, Kowloon
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! (1,000 reviews)
Very surprised & unforgettable
"Very convenient location for food and transportation as well. But Poor Experience for their Front Desk"

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

Harbour Grand Kowloon
Eaton HK

Eaton HK

4 out of 5
380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
The price is NT$2,640 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
NT$2,640
NT$2,984 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
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! (1,445 reviews)
"Excellent location. Just wish the pool does not close when it’s is remaining, and have longer hours. But overall, excellent hotel."

Reviewed on 2025/8/21

Eaton HK
The Cityview - Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

The Cityview - Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

4 out of 5
23 Waterloo Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,236 reviews)
Great location with clean rooms.
"Great location with easy access to the MTR station and many amenities are within walking distance."

Reviewed on 2025/8/22

The Cityview - Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
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! (264 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

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 NT$2,347 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$2,347
NT$2,652 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,841 reviews)
"Great views!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong

The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong

4 out of 5
41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,278 reviews)
Wonderful stay in Hong Kong
"Friendly and helpful staff; very comfortable stay with nice harbor view; great location with lots of restaurants nearby."

Reviewed on 2025/8/20

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 neighborhoods around Happy Valley

Hong Kong SAR which includes a city and night scenes

Wan Chai

4/5(487 area reviews)

Bustling with office towers, parks, and hotels, this commercial hub features street-stall shopping on Tai Yuen Street, cultural institutions, and performances at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Savor local cuisine at cha chaan tengs, dim sum spots, and pubs on Jaffe Road.

Wan Chai
Tin Hau Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Tin Hau

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Tin Hau. Spend some time visiting top spots like Victoria Park, and catch the metro at Lau Sin Street Tram Stop or Hong Kong Tin Hau Station to see more of the area.

Tin Hau
Causeway Bay which includes a city and street scenes

Causeway Bay

4/5(144 area reviews)

Major shopping and cultural hub, Causeway Bay boasts malls like Sogo and Times Square, alongside attractions such as Victoria Park and Hong Kong Central Library. Easily accessible via Island line, trams, and buses.

Causeway Bay
Default Image

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
Hong Kong SAR showing a city, night scenes and landscape views

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
Hong Kong SAR showing a city, landscape views and a sunset

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