A Hong Kong stopover promises the ultimate blissful assault to the senses. From the moment you step off the MTR into the heady, sticky air at Central, it begins. The busy streets buzzing with crowds, the opulent ultra-luxury hotels, the shiny shopping malls, the overcrowded markets and cosy tea houses; the energy in Hong Kong is palpable and the possibilities for visitors, endless. We tell you what to see, where to shop, stay and how to work off all that delicious food while you are on the island.
Hong Kong offers such a wonderful mix of a culture rich concrete jungle and wonderful coastal beauty. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Planning the Perfect Hong Kong Stopover
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How to get to Hong Kong Central
- The Airport Express from Hong Kong Airport stands out as one of the easiest ways to get to and from an airport, anywhere in the world. It’s fast, clean and convenient and you can even check in for your flight (including your baggage) before you head back to the airport for departure (giving you a little extra time at the shopping centre for some last-minute carry-on buys). Adult tickets are about HK$110 (one-way).
- A taxi (grab a red one from outside the arrivals hall) from the airport will set you back about HKD370 ($AUD60). We have caught taxis to and from the airport and the Airport Express is still our preference.
- Make sure you grab an Octopus Card at an MTR station to use during your stay, regardless of how you arrive. The card isn’t just a transport ticket, you can also use it to purchase items in vending machines, convenient stores and the like, which will save you carrying a lot of cash, particularly if you are just in town for a short stay.
The Big Buddha or Tian Tan is an iconic religious and tourist site on Lantau Island.
What to See and Do in Hong Kong
The Big Buddha
The iconic Big Buddha is on Lantau Island. Formally named Tian Tan Buddha, the statue took 12 years to complete and sits high on the mountain at Ngong Ping. Take the MTR to Tung Chung and then jump in the Ngong Ping Cable Car which will give you great views over the valley. There are 268 steps to the statue, so make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes and try to get to the site early to beat the crowds.
Disneyland
If you’re in town with the kids, Disneyland is bound to be a hit. Be mindful of the weather thought; Hong Kong can be very humid so make sure you and the family stay hydrated. Also, located on Lantau Island, take the MTR, connecting through Sunny Bay Station to the Disneyland Resort Line. Avoid the lines at the park by pre-purchasing tickets at Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at the MTR Hong Kong Station.
Check Out the Local Music Scene
The live music scene in Hong Kong is thriving. It’s a great way to hang out with the locals and listen to emerging artists. The gigs themselves are often held in a mix of trendy, hipster or dive-bar locations too, which is a unique way to experience the city. For punk, hard-core and metal lovers, check out Unite Asia’s gig guide for Hong Kong. Focal Fair is a venue in Causeway Bay showcasing Indie acts, Orange Peel Music Lounge is a great venue to catch some original music, as does The Wanch; a fun, relaxed cosy bar where local musicians like to jam. Foxglove is the spot for some sophisticated cocktails and smooth jazz. A lot of the 5 star hotels offer lounge sets in their lobby bars too. Simply ask the concierge who and when they are playing.
Hire a Junk Boat
If you’re travelling with a group of family or friends, hiring a junk boat is a lovely way to spend the day and see new parts of Hong Kong from the water. Boats range from traditional Chinese junk boats to yachts worthy of a hip hop music video, with something to suit most budgets and tastes. Book your boat and pick a catering or drinks package and then sit back, cruise, swim and enjoy the sights.
Book tickets on the Aqua Luna sunset cruise for a lovely, romantic way of seeing the city from Victoria Harbour.
Experience Victoria Harbour on a Ferry
The Star Ferry is a super popular tourist attraction and a must-do for a stay in Hong Kong. The ferries were traditionally used to take passengers from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. Now, the replica boats take you on an hour-long tour pushing off from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier and passing Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan Chai. Sit out on the deck for the best view. Pre-purchase tickets online or buy them with cash at wharf. The Aqua Luna ferry sunset cruise is a lovely date night experience. A traditional Chinese junk boat will take you around the harbour for 45 minutes. Watch the city skyline illuminate from the water with a cocktail in hand. Buy tickets online.
Shop ‘Til You Drop in Shenzhen
If you have a little more time and you are serious about shopping, taking a day trip to Shenzhen in mainland China will be an adventure. Shenzhen is full of even better bargains than you’ll find in Hong Kong, which is the reason Hong Kong locals head over on the weekends to shop too. You may need to plan this prior to leaving home though as you need a visa for entry and don’t forget your passport when you head over too. Some nationalities can buy Shenzhen visas on arrival (US and UK citizens cannot) but better to be prepared before you board the plane at home. From Hong Kong, book a shuttle (which could cut your border processing time) or simply take the MTR towards Lo Wu Station where you will walk to the immigration line.
Luohu Commerical City is the obvious first stop as it is just inside the border and has an endless number of stores. Of course, there is much more to see in Shenzhen than the shops, but you’ll have to plan your day efficiently to cover more than the malls.
A day trip to Macau is a great addition to your Hong Kong itinerary.
Take a Day Trip to Macau
With Macau so close to Hong Kong it’s a shame not to take a day trip over if your Hong Kong stopover schedule permits. Simply catch the ferry across from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. Tickets start at HKD132, each way. For those looking for an even more memorable experience, why not head over in a helicopter? It’s not the cheapest commute (about HKD 4300 each way), but it will certainly be A Bond-worthy way to arrive at the casino capital. Don’t forget to carry your passport and check your country’s visa requirements before you start your journey.
Once you’re in Macau, walk over to the old town to learn a little about the history of Macau and see the Guia Fortress and St Paul’s Cathedral before you hit any of the casino floors. Adrenalin junkies should allow time to head to the Macau tower and take on the world’s highest bungy jump.
Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise. Pictured here: our incredible lunch at Caprice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Where to Eat in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a foodie’s dream town. From traditional tea houses to Michelin star fine dining and where to find the most photogenic dumplings, read our Local’s Foodie Guide to Hong Kong.
The stunning view from the pool at the Four Seasons Hotel. Our pick for 5 star luxury in Hong Kong. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Four Seasons Hong Kong | Check Prices & Availability
Four Seasons is just a few minutes walk from the International Financial Centre, where the MTR Airport Express drops you off. The stunning 5 star hotel flanks the famous Victoria Harbour so you can take in the view from the comfort of your room or peruse the Kowloon skyline while cooling off in the rooftop pool. Make sure you splurge and book in to one of the restaurants during your stay. The food is incredible.
Butterfly on Wellington | Check Prices & Availability
Butterfly on Wellington is a nice, clean and modern 4 star boutique hotel close to SoHo, Landmark, IFC, Central MTR and ten minutes to the Airport Express Hong Kong Station.
Pack light for a trip to Hong Kong, whether you are after electronics, high fashion or one-off pieces from emerging designers.