Destinations

China

25 Sept 2025 · 9 min read

Hong Kong Stopover Guide

Planning a Hong Kong stopover? This guide covers what to do and see on a one-, two- or three-day stay in the Pearl of the Orient, from iconic markets and unforgettable food to flexible itineraries that make the most of your time. Whether you have a few hours or a couple of days, discover the best things to do, eat, and explore beyond the airport.

Ready to explore one of Asia’s most dynamic cities? This Hong Kong stopover guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in the city, whether you’re on a quick layover or planning a longer stay. Thanks to efficient transport, compact neighbourhoods, and an incredible food scene, even a short visit can feel like a mini holiday.

Consistently ranked among Asia's top airports by Skytrax, Hong Kong International Airport is well worth a few hours of your time on its own. Stop by the Sky Bridge at Terminal 1, where the observation deck offers a front-row view for anyone who loves watching planes come and go.

Naturally, if you have time, you should seize the opportunity to venture out of the airport and explore the city beyond. Located on Chek Lap Kok Island, the airport is well connected by the high-speed Hong Kong Airport Express, which also stops at Tsing Yi Island and West Kowloon. Getting to Hong Kong Station only takes a little under 30 minutes, making day trips completely possible without much hassle. With frequent departures throughout the day, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore during a layover.

Hong Kong lights up at night with the iconic double-decker tram moving along the streets

Hong Kong itinerary: One day

If you’re searching for things to do in Hong Kong with limited time, food is the perfect place to start. Hong Kong food is world-renowned—think world-class dim sum, traditional noodles with dumplings, buttery breakfasts, and dan tat (those infamously addictive egg tarts). Try yuen yueng, a quintessentially Hong Kong drink that’s a combination of coffee and milk tea, or a breakfast classic like macaroni soup with spam or ham.

If you only have one day in Hong Kong, focusing on food and a walkable neighbourhood is a great way to experience the city without feeling rushed.

If char siu bao (pork buns) is your desire, head to one of Hong Kong's most celebrated dim sum institutions: the Sham Shui Po location of the popular dim sum chain, Tim Ho Wan. If you’re looking for a leisurely culinary experience, grab a Chinese-style cuppa at a tea house like Luk Yu Teahouse, which also happens to serve (surprise) dim sum.

Assorted dim sum dishes on a table in Hong Kong, including dumplings, buns, and steamed rolls

Stretch your legs and wander around Wan Chai, which has a fascinating past as one of Hong Kong’s oldest settlements. While it is a bustling business hub today, heritage parts of Wan Chai include established arts and cultural institutions, historical landmarks, and Spring Gardens, which was known as a red-light district after the turn of the century.

Many Wan Chai buildings feature numbers in their names, possibly a remnant of the 'Big Number Brothels' that were once a notable part of the district’s history. Today, the neighbourhood is a fascinating mix of old and new. Check out its toy shops, notable houses, temples, shop houses, and open-air markets.

Must-try Hong Kong food during a stopover includes:

Dim sum favourites like siu mai and har gow
Char siu (barbecue pork) and roast meats
Egg waffles and street-side snacks
Egg tarts (dan tat) and milk tea

Hong Kong itinerary: Two days

Two days in Hong Kong means more time for eating, more time for shopping, and most importantly, being able to experience the city at night. Exploring Hong Kong markets is a must, and Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei is a great place to start for flea market treasures, especially if you’re looking for eclectic souvenirs or even having your fortune told. Today, the neighbourhood is a fascinating mix of old and new: toy shops, heritage shophouses, neighbourhood temples, and open-air markets sit alongside contemporary galleries and cafés.

Venturing about Tsim Sha Tsui is an excellent way to eat your way through Hong Kong’s mouthwatering dai pai dong (open-air food stalls), which serve up everything from skewered fish balls, squid, and siumai to egg waffles, famous oyster omelettes, as well as the irresistible lure of roasted chestnuts.

Crispy fried spring rolls served fresh at a lively dai pai dong stall

During the day, make a stop at Man Mo Temple with its iconic curled incense coils, before continuing on to more markets like the Cat Street Antiques Market. Worth knowing: Cat Street (officially named Upper Lascar Row) is more for kitsch lovers who want a good Chairman Mao souvenir, and less for a legitimate antique hunter. Visit the Mong Kok Ladies’ Market, which is a busy hotspot for knockoff goods and other novelty trinkets. A stone’s throw away is the Goldfish Market and the Flower Market.

For a more relaxed pace, consider breaking up market visits with a harbourfront walk. A ride on the iconic Star Ferry offers classic skyline views and is one of the simplest yet most memorable things to do in Hong Kong.

Other Hong Kong markets to explore include:

Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok for souvenirs and fashion bargains
Goldfish Market for a uniquely local experience
Flower Market for colourful blooms and photo opportunities

Explore historic buildings and shops in Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Hong Kong itinerary: Three days

If you’re in the mood for something different, take a ferry to Lamma Island (originally called Pok Liu), where you can experience life in traditional Chinese fishing villages, get to see the island’s vibrant creative community, and partake in some of Hong Kong’s finest, freshest seafood. While green sea turtles inhabit protected areas of Hong Kong waters, particularly at Sham Wan on Lamma Island, sightings are rare, but the island’s natural environment remains a highlight in itself.

Lamma offers plenty of hiking opportunities that cater to both leisurely strollers and avid rock-scramblers—there are no cars or buses on the island, so be prepared to walk or bike.

Riding the Peak Tram offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline

Venturing up to Victoria Peak (colloquially known as just The Peak) provides a lovely respite from the city—the Peak Tram is the best way to get to the top without breaking a sweat, all while providing excellent views of the harbour and endless photo spots. Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views as the city transitions from day to night.

It's home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wild boar, porcupines, and a plethora of butterflies and birds; its other residents include some of Hong Kong’s wealthiest celebrities and tycoons.

Have lunch at the historic Peak Lookout restaurant and enjoy the garden and its bucolic green views. Originally, the site of the restaurant was a rest stop for sedan chairs travelling up and down the hill, which later became a café, and then a full-fledged dining destination. Of course, this is still Hong Kong, so more shopping and dining options can be found nearby at The Peak Galleria and The Peak Tower, home to Sky Terrace 428, one of the highest viewing platforms in Hong Kong.

Before heading back to the airport, allow extra time for your return journey to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure.

Explore Hong Kong’s natural side:

Explore Lamma Island’s scenic walking trails and quiet fishing villages.
Spot coastal birds and marine life along the island’s shoreline.
Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for city and harbour views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to explore? Here are answers to some of the most common questions travellers have before their Hong Kong stopover.

1. How long do you need for a Hong Kong stopover?

Even a one-day stopover in Hong Kong is enough to enjoy great food and explore a local neighbourhood. With two to three days, you can experience markets, cultural landmarks, and nearby islands at a more relaxed pace.

2. Is it easy to leave the airport during a Hong Kong layover?

Yes, Hong Kong International Airport is well connected to the city by the Airport Express train, making it simple and efficient to travel into the centre, even on a shorter stop. There are also luggage storage services available at the airport, making it easy to explore without carrying all your belongings.

3. What is the best way to get around Hong Kong?

Hong Kong's MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the fastest and most convenient way to navigate the city, including the Airport Express link from HKIA to the centre. Many areas are also very walkable. An Octopus card lets you tap on and off most forms of transport seamlessly, and the iconic Star Ferry adds a scenic harbour crossing that doubles as one of the trip's highlights.

4. Is Hong Kong suitable for older travellers on a short stay?

Yes, Hong Kong is well suited to travellers of all ages, with efficient transport, excellent amenities, and plenty of options to explore at your own pace.

5. Do you need a visa for a Hong Kong stopover?

Many nationalities can enter Hong Kong visa-free for short stays, but it’s important to check current entry requirements before travelling. Visit our Visa and Passport Information page for more details.

Ready to explore Hong Kong? Our Imperial Jade of Asia – Fly, Stay, Cruise tour begins in the city, giving you some free time to soak in the sights before embarking on your Norwegian Jade cruise. The journey concludes in Singapore, where you’ll have the option to experience Asia’s exciting ‘Little Red Dot’.