Hong Kong is a massive city and a great hub for people travelling around world. There are numerous places in Hong Kong to visit and therefore I think one day in Hong Kong is not enough.
It is one of my favourite big cities in the world with the most impressive skyline and a perfect mix between Western culture and the Asian chaos. Kowloon is the part that is attached to China mainland and where you soak up the Asian chaotic lifestyle, where on Hong Kong Island life feels more structured and has a more Western feel. These two worlds blend perfectly into a city with many interests and lots of things to do. Having a stopover here is not bad at all and you should definitely dive into the places of interest in Hong Kong.
How to get from the airport to Hong Kong center
There is an express train that takes you into the city in about 20min and cost $11 USD one-way; pay for a return ticket to save some extra bucks. Included in this ticket is a free shuttle service that drops you in the district of your hotel, a very convenient service!
Related: Buying a Prepaid Sim Card in Hong Kong!
What to do in Hong Kong:
Hong Kong skyline lightshow
Gasp at the impressive Hong Kong Island skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Wander around on the boulevard on the banks of the Victoria Harbour from where you can enjoy the daily returning lightshow at 8pm. Come early, bring a drink and secure a good spot as it get really busy.
Best view in Hong Kong
Make your way up to the most famous viewpoint in Hong Kong: the Peak. This is a must visit in Hong Kong! From here you can admire the endless skyscrapers on the horizon from a different angle. Go in the late afternoon and stay around for a bit so you can enjoy the views during the day that reach all the way to the green hills in the distance, an amazing sunset, plus a galaxy of light in the night time. If you have only 1 day in Hong Kong this has to be include in your Hong Kong must see list.
Hiking in Hong Kong
Being surrounded by loads of skyscrapers hiking in Hong Kong is not the first thing that comes up in your mind. Though the tropical climate, the numerous islands and the hilly landscape makes Hong Kong a superb hiking destination. The best hikes in Hong Kong:
- Lamma Island hike: escape the concrete jungle. Take a boat to Shue Wan Perry Pier and enjoy a pleasant walk through traditional low-key villages, pass a lovely beach, up to mountain peaks and viewpoints, enjoy great ocean views and end up in a traditional fishing village.
- Dragon’s back trail: a challenging hike through lush green scenery to the top of the Dragon’s back hill. Reward yourself with great views of offshore islands on the top and head down towards the beach for a refreshing dip into the ocean.
- Lantau trail: one of the highest peaks of Hong Kong and therefore also one of the most challenging hikes. Great hiking trails and views over the hilly countryside and the ocean, but you have to be lucky with the weather. The adventurous traveller might want to go for the Lantau Peak sunrise hike. You have to stay overnight though in a hostel in Ngong Ping village.
Buddha Hong Kong
One of the top attractions in Hong Kong is the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. The 34m high bronze statue sits atop of a steep staircase on the top of a hill, a must see in Hong Kong. To get there is already a cool adventure, as you have to take the gondola that crosses high above the ocean. The entrance of the gondola is just outside the Tung Chung MTR station and a round trip ticket cost around $20 USD; worth the money.
Daytrip to Macau from Hongkong
Country hopping like a king: take a day trip to the nearby Macau and add another country to your list. Although Macau is a different country I would include it in a list of beautiful places in Hong Kong. I have been to Macau twice and both times stayed overnight. It is the Las Vegas of the East and great to go to for a cool night out. Roam around in the casino’s or try the worlds highest Bungee Jump from the Macau Tower. To get there take one of the many ferries from either Kowloon or Shun Tak Centre.
Free WiFi Hong Kong
Wanna enjoy free WiFi around Hong Kong? Select CSL as your provider, call *165# and get an activation code that makes you connect to numerous hotspots around the country for free. Only available for international phone numbers! However, the best way to stay connected is by buying a local sim card for Hong Kong.