How to Spend 1 Day in Hong Kong

Glass and steel skylines, a busy harbor, historic trams, night markets, and a globally influenced dining scene make Hong Kong a feast for the senses. There’s much to do in Asia’s “world city,” but with an early start, you can see the top must-dos. Here’s how to get the best from Hong Kong in one day.

Morning: Kowloon Sightseeing

Start your day with a walk along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on the Hong Kong mainland to take in the views of Victoria Harbor or snap a photo with a celebrity statue on Avenue of Stars. After you have your bearings, duck in to one of the many area museums, such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art or the Hong Kong Science Museum. Alternatively, ride the hop-on hop-off bus (blue route) to see all the sights and explore Kowloon’s neighborhoods at your leisure.

Afternoon: Explore Hong Kong Island

Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor to Hong Kong Island. Check out the island’s top landmarks on a guided half-day tour. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of the Victoria Peak tram, do some bargain shopping at Stanley Market, visit the floating fishing community of Aberdeen, and observe Repulse Bay. For a different kind of fun, head to South of Hollywood (SoHo) to ride the Mid-Level Escalators—the longest network of outdoor covered escalators on the planet and a popular area for shopping and dining.

Night: Dinner Cruises and Night Markets

Hong Kong comes alive at night. Make the most of your evening by taking a sunset cruise on Victoria Harbor, followed by dinner at Victoria Peak or at Hong Kong’s famous floating seafood restaurant. After dinner, stake out a spot on either side of the harbor to watch as 40 buildings are illuminated in the nightly Symphony of Lights. Alternatively, take a nighttime walking tour through Kowloon to see the Temple Street Night Market and Chungking Mansion, or sample some Cantonese street food.