When you think of Hong Kong, great shopping or dim sum come to mind – but fabulous swimming pools? It turns out that Hong Kong is a swimming destination of superlatives, from the world’s highest pool at a luxury hotel to a natural infinity pond on a mountaintop.

Hong Kong’s public swimming pools are generally well-maintained, with a range of facilities. They’re also surprisingly affordable, considering that the city is built on a series of islands and is a densely-populated metropolis. Most LCSD (Local Council of the Social Services District) swimming pools are free, while some require a fee on entry. Using an Octupus card is useful for reducing the fee at certain pools.

If you want to swim laps, it’s best to go during the week when the crowds are at a minimum. Weekends at public swimming pools can be busy and it can be difficult to find a lane to swim in. For this reason, it’s worth bringing your own towel and goggles in case you have to rent them at the pool.

Some hotels offer their guests the use of a rooftop pool as part of a spa package. However, they can be extremely expensive if you’re not staying at the hotel. The Kerry Hotel Hong Kong, for example, has a stunning pool that overlooks Victoria Harbour in Hung Hom. There are barely any barriers to block your view, and the pool is designed with luxurious turquoise Balinese stone. You can get a staycation package at the hotel on Klook.

In addition to hotels, you can swim in a number of residential complexes, including the newly-built Kennedy Town Swimming Complex. Its design, inspired by a shell, is intended to respond to its unique triangular position and offers spectacular views over Victoria Harbour.

Other residential complexes have smaller outdoor swimming pools that may be too short for laps but provide a great place for kids to splash around and burn off energy. These pools are usually a feature of newer, larger developments that have several residential towers. Smaller single-tower developments typically have a much smaller outdoor pool, but it’s still fun to meet other residents at the pool!

If you’re looking for a place to swim in a more natural setting, there are some excellent parks with pools and water parks. In particular, Kam Sheung Road Park is a popular spot for locals to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. You can also take a refreshing dip in the natural spring-fed Kam Sheung River, which flows right through the center of the park. This is a lovely place to visit on a hot day.