24 Hours in Hong Kong
A funicular railway that’s been hauling visitors up a mountain since 1888, a harbour crossing that costs less than a coffee, and a night market that comes alive under red lanterns after dark, one proper day where East meets West.
Hong Kong packs an unusual amount into a single day, one of the most striking skyline views in Asia, a harbour crossing that’s properly part of the city’s identity, and a night market that’s kept its old-school character. Here’s how I’d spend 24 hours here.
Victoria Peak
Start early at Victoria Peak, the historic Peak Tram climbing to Hong Kong’s highest point since 1888, its Sky Terrace offering a properly sweeping view over the harbour and skyline. Book the Morning Ticket for a discount and considerably thinner crowds than the afternoon rush.
The Star Ferry and dim sum
Head down to cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, a properly iconic, cheap crossing between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon that’s been running since 1888. Follow it with a proper dim sum lunch, widely a Hong Kong institution, in either Central or Tsim Sha Tsui.
Getting there Star Ferry Pier, Central or Tsim Sha Tsui
Temple Street Night Market
End the day at Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon, a genuinely atmospheric street market that comes alive after dark, red lanterns, fortune tellers and dai pai dong food stalls filling the street. Bargaining is widely expected here, and getting properly lost among the stalls is half the experience.
Getting around
Hong Kong’s MTR is genuinely excellent, clean, efficient and covers nearly every major sight. Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry piers and Temple Street are all reachable by train, tram or a short walk between them.
If you only have time for one thing
Make it Victoria Peak. It’s the single most iconic sight in the city, and the Sky Terrace’s view is a proper introduction to Hong Kong’s scale before you’ve even reached the harbour.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
