One Perfect Day in Hong Kong: A Stopover Itinerary

• Please place the ticket in the sensor to enter the gate directly
• Please present your ticket to enjoy the free shuttle bus service
• If you choose a one-way ticket, it must be used on the designated day
• If you choose a round-trip ticket, the first journey must be on the designated day.
• Passengers using the in-town check-in service must use the same ticket
• The in-town check-in service availability is subject to airlines, and usually, the desk closes 90 minutes before departure time
• There is no entry gate at the Airport Express Station; please go in directly.
• The first train from the airport departs at 5:54 AM and the last at 12:48 AM. The first train from the city departs at 5:50 AM and the last at 12:48 AM.
• All Airport Express stations feature customer-friendly facilities, including check-in counters for major airlines at MTR Kowloon and Hong Kong Station, regular Airport Express shuttle bus services, and friendly porters to assist you with your baggage at the Airport.

If you need to store your luggage for the day, we recommend using Bounce, which has several locations around Hong Kong.

If you prefer to take a taxi from the Airport

Taxis are available and travel time to Kowloon can take 30 – 40 minutes and to Hong Kong Island 40 – 50 minutes.

There are different coloured taxis for areas in Hong Kong:

• Red – Urban (for Hong Kong Island & Kowloon)

• Green – New Territories

• Blue – Lantau Island only

There will be charges for tolls and luggage that will be added to your fare.

Bus Travel From The Airport

The buses are air-conditioned with luggage storage.

Bus A21 is for Kowloon and can take around 60 minutes.

Bus A11 for Hong Kong Island and takes around 70 minutes.

They run every 15 – 20 minutes.

Private Car Transfers from Hong Kong Airport

Click here for details on private car transfers to and from Hong Kong Airport.

Accommodation in Hong Kong

If you stay in Hong Kong for a night or two, you can stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.

Book your Hong Kong Island Hotels here

Book your Kowloon Hotels here

If you prefer to stay close to the Airport, we recommend the Silveri Hong Kong Hotel. They offer airport transfers.

1 Perfect Day in Hong Kong Itinerary

There are so many ways to spend a day in Hong Kong. We started walking from the Park Lane Hotel on Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, and headed towards Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, a distance of 4.4 km.

Our accommodation was at the Park Lane Hotel. At the time of our stay, it belonged to the Pullman group of hotels, which is part of the Accor Group. Park Lane is part of the Marriott Hotel Group’s Autograph Collection today. I have not written a review as the move to the Marriott group was only a few months away from our stay there.

We decided to walk instead of taking the tram to experience the local markets, shops, and architecture of Hong Kong along the way.

After about 3 km of walking, we entered one of our favourite hotels – the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Connaught Road for morning tea.

There’s something truly special about wandering through the Mandarin Oriental. The polished marble, soft lighting, and incredible artwork and sculptures ooze 5-star luxury. For impeccable service and delicious cakes and pastries, you should add a visit to the coffee shop to your Hong Kong to-do list.

Around the Mandarin Oriental, you can visit the Cenotaph, which was unveiled in 1923 to commemorate the dead of World War I. The years 1939 to 1945 were added later to honour the victims of World War II. The Cenotaph is located in Statue Square, Chater Road. You can also find the statue of Sir Thomas Jackson. He was the Chief Manager of the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank from 1876 to 1902.

Just steps from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, you will see the neo-classical landmark of the Court of Final Appeal in the Old Supreme Court Building.  The building was completed in 1912, and one of its highlights is the statue of Themis, the Greek goddess of Justice.  The Court of Final Appeal is the highest judicial authority in Hong Kong.

A local gave us a good tip to visit Tai Kwun on our way to Man Mo Temple. Tai Kwun is a blend of old and new—it was the former Central Police Compound and Jail in Central Hong Kong. Tai Kwun is now home to art galleries, police and legal historical exhibitions, cafes and restaurants. Allow around an hour to visit and longer if you are dining at one of the restaurants.

Leaving Tai Kwun, we walked Hollywood Road. On our last visit, we found it full of antique shops. This time, we saw restaurants, cafes, bars, antique shops, and art galleries. Some colourful murals and lively side streets make this area of Hong Kong a must-visit!

At last, we arrived at our destination—Man Mo Temple. This temple is dedicated to the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo). As you step inside this peaceful sanctuary, the air is thick with the scent of burning incense coils — a calming contrast to the energetic chaos of Hong Kong just outside.

By now, you would have worked up an appetite.Hollywood Road is full of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can relax and let your feet rest.

If you are using Uber to return to your hotel or airport, a good pick-up point is outside the Man Mo Temple.

Hong Kong Hop on Hop off Bus

If walking is not your preferred mode of visiting Hong Kong consider the Hop on Hop off Bus.

• Discover the best of Hong Kong with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour
• Discover iconic sights including Victoria Peak, Stanley Market & Man Mo Temple
• Take a trip across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry with every ticket
• Upgrade for add-on: Peak Tram Sky Pass, Hong Kong Water Taxi or Sampan Houseboat
• Enjoy expert digital audio commentary in 9 languages

Evening in Hong Kong

If you love a cocktail or two with a good sunset, head to the Ozone Bar, 480m high on level 118 of the Ritz-Carlton – the highest bar in Hong Kong. The best way to get there from Hong Kong Island is by taxi.

Address: International Commerce Centre (ICC), 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

For more things to do in Hong Kong:

Conclusion:

A stopover in Hong Kong might be brief, but it doesn’t have to be boring. With just one day, you can experience a taste of the city’s dynamic energy, from its towering skyscrapers to its hidden alleyway gems, world-class food, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re squeezing in a scenic tram ride, a steaming basket of dumplings, or a cocktail with a view, this city makes every moment count. Until next time, Hong Kong!

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