If it happens that you have Hong Kong Layover, Instead of staying at the airport waiting for your next flight. Grab that opportunity to discover the vibrant lively city.
Hong Kong is a place full of so many things to see and do. Whether you’re there for a couple of days or for a short layover. No problem you will never get bored in the city. Imagined your self-being surrounded by skyscrapers, food market, luxurious shops, five-star hotels, locals and tourist rushing everywhere.
Hong Kong is one of my favorite places to have a long layover. For how many times I have been in Hong Kong. I’ve seen so many sights already but still, I’m not tired of it. Not only for the love of Egg Waffle, Dim sum and shopping center but the feeling when I am in the lively city. It happened to me several times already that I need to trade the airport´s entertainment and leave the four walls to explore the city even for a short period of time. Thanks to the good railway and transportation, my Hong Kong layover is a hassle free and it takes 45 minutes transfer only from the airport to the city.
How to make the most of your Hong Kong Layover
1.Secure your next flight
Don’t leave the airport without checking you next flight status. Make sure to check in for your next flight, this will give you enough time to leave the city 3 hours before your flight.
2. Find Luggage storage
If you’re traveling with an extra full and heavy suitcase you may leave your bag at the luggage storage in the airport. It so convenient and easy for you to travel around without carrying your bag around the city. Check luggage storage rate here
Otherwise, you can bring it with you and check in at the place where you going to stay for a night or day.
3. Book accommodations
If you’re going to catch your next flight in the next day you, You may check-in at the hotel or Hostel for a night. Staying at the center is the best option so it will be easy to look for the transportations. Every time I have a Hong Kong Layover, I stayed at the hostels around Kowloon or Tsim Sha Tsu area since its the cheapest way and I just need a short time to rest.
4.Look for Airport Express and Head to the City
The best and cheapest way to transfer from the airport. From here you will choose the stop you want to get out at and buy your ticket. Be aware that Hong Kong is not a cheap place so if you plan to take a taxi don’t be blown out if you pay ten times then your usual taxi fare at home.
Things to see and do/ Hong Kong layover Itinerary
You may get overwhelmed by all the list of activities you’ve heard and see.But if you only have less than 24 hours Hong Kong layover, it’s better to stay near the center around Kowloon since it gives you all the access of what to see in the city
1.Roam around busy Kowloon street
Best thing to do when you arrive in a new place is to get to know in the area. Head your way to the busy street in Kowloon, experience how the locals doing their business, see a mass of Chinese signs and billboards. Easy but entertaining to do when you’re in Hong Kong.
2. Stop and Grab local street food
It’s a must try to do in Hong Kong, the best way to experience the culture is to taste the local and authentic food.Ohh one of the so many things, why I love Hong Kong layover, is to eat egg waffle, Dim sum tea and much more. Which ever time you start your day in Hong Kong, Street food is open and you can find it everywhere in the street.
Read related article: FOOD BUCKET LIST: 21 MUST TRY FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD
3. Take a break at Kowloon Park
Take a break from the busy street and head your way to Kowloon Park. It’s a great place to relax, power up for your next adventure, or take a walk after your meal. This park will connect you to nature when you visit here, Feels like you are not in the modern concrete world of Hong Kong.
4. Head your way to Victoria Peak
30 minutes is enough and Don’t waste more of your time in Kowloon Park, Head your way to Victoria Peak. Though it’s outside Kowloon area but still near in the center, The unmissable view across the city’s iconic skyline.Amaze yourself in the mesmerizing 1,800 feet above sea level views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Victoria Park.
5. Walk around Victoria Harbour
Wait for there’s more if you think Victoria Peak is enough to see the beauty of Hong Kong. You’re wrong, Head your way down to the center and start your walk at Tsim Sha Tsui. Victoria Harbor is one of the best attraction to see in Hong Kong. Walk and roam around Victoria Harbour and you will see plenty of attraction sights in the area. From iconic building, Big banks of China, Clock Tower, Avenue of the stars and so much more.
6. Don’t miss Symphony of Light
After how many hours of walking, roaming around its time to find a perfect spot, grab a seat and rest your feet. The most awaited time of the day! The famous Symphony of Lights Show will start at 20.00 in the evening, it’s the largest permanent sound and light show in the world and one of the best places to see the skyline come to life at night.
7. Find the perfect restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui
I am sure at this moment you are hungry already. It’s time to splurge yourself with the most delicious Hong Kong cuisine. There are so many restaurants you can choose near Tsim Sha Tsui, you may check TripAdvisor for the best restaurant in the area.
8. Experience Temple Street Night Market
If you still have energy, take this as one last stretch to see Hong Kong’s largest and best night market.You will find a handful of goods such as original and fake clothing, bags, watches, selfie sticks, fridge magnet, and sunglasses. You can also find your way to the local street food market.
29 comments
Wow! you sure did pack a lot of stuff into this trip; wonder how long the lay overs are for… 😉
Well documented with good pics too!
yeah I started my day 10 in the morning and went back to the airport 5 am in the next morning so possible to do it just need to wear light shoes for walking convenience.
I love your article! It’s so nice to read! I went to China in September and was already in love but I can’t wait to travel to Hong Kong one day!
Thank you Leni
Interested to know where you were flying to/from to have a layover in HKG. I recently had a 5 hour layover, not enough to leave and explore the city. Next time I think I’ll try for a longer layover to go exploring thank you for sharing
Super super super , I have been many times for business trips but you made it possible for everyone to enjoy a short stay , kudo
Would love to visit Hong Kong ! Looks like a beautiful city
Hong Kong looks like a beautiful place to get lost in. Hopefully as my boyfriend becomes more successful in photography, we can visit there and get some great shots.
Wow Hong Kong looks amazing!
Great suggestions on what to do, hopefully it will be a longer layover since there are so many excellent suggestions on your post
DUDE! FELLOW TRAVEL BLOGGER! I love this post girl! I wrote so much down in my journal. I cannot wait to go to Hong Kong to check these places out! Info about transportation will be super helpful. Keep it up girly! xoxo Lo’
Thank you Logan!
Fantastic post. If I had a layover in Hong Kong I would need about 4 weeks to do all the stuff I want and not a few hours. 😀 My last visit was 2 weeks and that wasn’t enough. It is one of those places where you need time, so if I had 5 hours there, I probably hit up Tai O village or see the Big Buddha as it is near the airport. But if its for a day, then downtown needs to be hit on because of the FOOOOOD! 😀
Seriously! Hong Kong is an epicentre of layover in Asia I guess.. Great combination of info!
There are so many wonderful things to do in Hong Kong! The Symphony of Lights show would be my pick of the one thing you shouldn’t miss.
Hong Kong looks like such a great place to visit! Your photo of that view is absolutely incredible too! You shared some great suggestions, thank you!
What a great article! We will be in Hong Kong later this year for a week so seeing some of the things in this article has helped give us an idea of what to do! I love the architecture of Victoria harbour! Such a beautiful place! I feel like seeing the Symphony of Light is a must when in Hong Kong. I have tried a few different street foods in my time and I must say it is some of the best food I have had. SO trying it here wont be an issue!
It looks like such a gorgeous and vibrant city. Food is one of the best reasons to travel that I can think of, and I would love to sample some of the street food there.
Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities around the World. I also had a layover here last Summer, on my way back from Indonesia. I wish I would have read your post before that trip.
I’d love to visit Hong Kong, thanks for the tips especially the area to stay. It can be hard finding a good area to stay in such a big city. The food looks so scrumptious!
While I’ve been to HK a few times (for work) I haven’t had a chance to do may of the things on this list 🙁 but the one layover I did have I made the ultimate travel fail and took my small carryon luggage around Central with me… terrible idea in every regard! I can’t wait to go back and finally make it up to the peak and the night market!
Hongkong is on my wishlist. Lovely post
How much tour time will all these take? I once had a layover of 6 hours but didn’t venture out. I am the possibilities I have missed. 🙁
The street food is first in my list.
i actually have 22 hours layover
I need to get better about using my layovers. I had a couple of 12-hour layovers in a few destinations, but just sat in the airport wasting the day… I won’t make that mistake again!
I have been to Hong Kong few time but Ihave missed so many places from your list 🙂
Next year I will be traveling to Australia and we will have 48 hrs layover in Hong Kong so I will definitely make sure to remember what you recommend to see 🙂
Best,
Kasia
Hong Kong is such an amazing place. I need to go back for egg waffle and dim sum. I didn’t get a chance to see Symphony of Light – I will make sure I catch that next time!
Such a good layover guide, it’s good to make the most of every stop!! I would totally grab some of that street food and then go see the flamingos! How cool.
Hong Kong for sure is a vibrant colorful city. The harbor, night market, street food and symphony of the light show at night all have equally attracted me. How many hours do we need to see all these?