Hong Kong is a vivid Asian metropolis with a wealth of culture, options and things to do. To make the most of your layover, you may want to prepare and do some inspiring reading and careful planning beforehand, getting an overview of what the city can offer. Check out transport options, opening hours, and price levels. In this way, you will not waste valuable time seeking information and solving practical issues once there!

See our suggested one-day itinerary below. It is packed but absolutely doable.

Head towards the Wan Chai district on Hong Kong Island. Stroll around the business and financial districts in Wan Chai and take a photo shoot of the futuristic and streamlined skyscrapers.

Central Government Complex of HKSAR | Photo: Travel In Culture

Jump on one of the numerous electric double-decker trams, or ‘Ding Dings’ – as referred to by the locals, on Hong Kong Island to get a DIY sightseeing tour. They run between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. The Tramways is a historical means of transport dating more than a hundred years back to British rule.

Both commuters and tourists eagerly use these eye-catching trams, which are convenient for exploring quaint neighbourhoods and areas of state-of-the-art residential buildings, as well as impressive, stylish skyscrapers. Still today, the Hong Kong Tramways has the world’s largest double-decker tram fleet. Update yourself on significant buildings in advance so that you will know which landmarks to notice.

Jump on a double-decker tram to make your own Hong Kong sightseeing tour | Photo: Travel In Culture

Visit one of the malls, for instance, the IFC mall, in connection with the One IFC (International Financial Centre). It is one of the iconic skyscrapers in the city and the second tallest building (415 m / 1,362 ft). The view is incredible from up there!

The world’s longest covered escalator system is convenient when it rains | Photo: Travel In Culture

From the level 1 exit of the IFC mall, you can catch the longest escalator in the world! The Central Mid-Levels Escalator System is an 800 m (2,600 ft) chain of covered escalators, travelators and elevated walkways dating back to 1993. It consists of a series of 20 reversible escalators, all covered, as they take the frequent rain here into consideration. Early morning, it runs downhill, and mid-morning, the entire escalator system is reversed so that it only runs uphill! A one-way ride takes about 20-25 minutes – but there are frequent exits!

Photo: Przemek Jaczewski / Pixabay

Victoria Harbour is next. A myriad of boats and ferries cross the waters between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. The iconic double-decker Star Ferry is a good option for a budget boat tour in spectacular Victoria Harbour. This third-generation Star Ferries takes you back to the 1920s when they were the prevailing means of transport in Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong Culture – One Day Itinerary | Photo: Kanghee Han / Pixabay

For lunch, pop into a dim sum restaurant. Dim sum is the typical eat here, a Chinese tapas-like classic, usually served for breakfast or lunch. You may even be lucky that your hotel serves them for breakfast! Dim sum are bite-sized small dishes that can be either steamed, served in bamboo steamer baskets, fried or baked. Typically, they are served with tea. It is a long-established tradition occasionally to gather and eat dim sum with family and friends. According to the well-travelled, nowhere else are the dim sum pieces as delicious as here!

The city features a number of fabulous museums. The Museum of History, The Museum of Art and The Heritage Discovery Centre are all excellent museums to get some local insight. Pick one to get another approach to the capital. For a thorough introduction to history and culture, the Hong Kong Museum of History will definitely not disappoint!

The Museum of History features Hong Kong culture from all eras | Photo: Travel In Culture

Continue in the northerly direction to the old, covered Jade Market at Jordan in Kowloon. Here you will find tons of stalls of jade items like rings, bracelets and other quirky accessories among a wealth of statues, pearls, agate, turquoise and malachite stones, as well as other knick-knacks. The extensive jade offer is linked to the still practised Chinese culture where jade amulets represent luck and wish for long life. You may try your bargaining skills to get a good buy! Jordan is in stark contrast to the modern city a traditional working-class district with affordable high-rise, monotonous-looking residential properties of similar individual units, local street markets, tiny ethnic shops and an authentic multi-cultural diversity.

Finally, if you are keen on shopping, prioritise Nathan Road, the famous, bustling shopping street which is the heartbeat of Kowloon. It is busy day and night. Shops, restaurants, and coffee shops line up side by side. A plethora of tourists, as well as insisting street vendors, contribute to the hectic vibe. Nathan Road was the very first road built in Kowloon when the Qing dynasty passed the land over to the United Kingdom in 1860. The 3.6 km (2.2 miles) thoroughfare in Kowloon was later named after the 13th governor, Mathew Nathan. In the post-WWII years, it was also known as the Golden Mile.

The thoroughfare Nathan Road is the vivid shopping street where you will find all kinds of electronics and fashion | Photo: Travel In Culture

You are back on Hong Kong Island. Stroll around the back streets and alleys with delicate food stalls and local restaurants serving savoury noodle soups, a tempting dinner option. Then, continue towards the Central Government Complex of HKSAR near the waterfront, where you can admire the massive governmental arch-like building and other impressive skyscrapers.

There hasn’t been time for Victoria Peak since waiting for the tram (the wait is sometimes considerable), and taking the time to go up most likely would have stolen too much time. Instead, choose the second best option: go to Tamar Park (next to the Central Government Complex) and the Central and Western District Promenade along the waterfront. Here, you can enjoy the most spectacular 360-degree panoramic view by night with the fascinating skyscrapers. You will have an awe-inspiring view of thousands of buildings lightening up the black night sky and the tiny twinkling ferries and boats crossing Victoria Harbour. You may alternatively go to the other side for the Symphony of Lights at the Avenue of Stars in Kowloon. It is a stunning view and the highlight of your visit!

At night some of the skyscrapers appear like rockets in an overwhelming light show | Photo: Travel In Culture

Travel Insurance / Visa
Have you considered what you will do in the (unlikely) event that something unforeseen happens? Do you need a travel insurance? Check here if you need a travel insurance for your trip – and check here if you need a visa – and apply for it!

Read more (vibe, see & do, accommodation, price level, transport, safety, climate, history) in the Facts About Hong Kong – Travel Guide.

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