Summary of Things to Do With 24 Hours in Hong Kong:
A Whistle Stop Tour of Hong Kong’s Best Sights
If time is at a premium, this one-day itinerary will take you around Hong Kong’s must-see sights. Before you get underway, make your way to an MTR station and buy an Octopus card. These handy cards allow you to swipe your way onto all of the city’s transport options. An HK$150 outlay will give you $100 credit, while the remaining $50 can be reclaimed when you turn the card in; the Octopus will give you more than enough ammunition to complete this one-day tour. A map is always useful, but, for the most part, major sights are well signposted, and Hong Kong has several strategically placed maps, even in rural areas.
One-Day Hong Kong Itinerary
- Morning: Peak Tower and Peak Tram
- Lunch: Cafe Deco at the Peak
- Afternoon: New Territories, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
- Dinner: Yung Kee, famous Cantonese restaurant
- Evening: See the Nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong
Morning: See the Whole City
The first stop on your one-day tour is The Peak. The best way to conquer Hong Kong’s most famous mountain is via the Peak Tram. Reach the tram by first taking the MTR to Central, and then follow the signposts up to Garden Road and the Peak Tram terminus.
Servicing the peak since 1888, the tram ascends at an impressive vertical angle. Despite this angle, the tram has recorded zero accidents since its inception, and the ride is almost as enjoyable as the view from The Peak itself. Once at the top, you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking vistas in the world, where cloud-piercing skyscrapers rise above the sprawling landscape below. It’s advisable to check the Hong Kong weather before climbing The Peak, as views are much diminished on cloudy days. At the summit is the newly renovated Peak Tower, which houses an Asian Madame Tussauds, featuring legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
To fully appreciate the view, consider dining at one of the restaurants or bars inside either The Peak Tower or Peak Galleria. A top choice is Café Deco in Peak Galleria, renowned for its delicious international cuisine served against a stunning backdrop.
Afternoon: Chinese Traditions
Once your mountainous adventures are complete, it’s time to escape the big city and venture into Hong Kong’s lush New Territories. To leave The Peak, take the number 15 bus from underneath the Peak Galleria to Admiralty MTR station. From there, transfer to the MTR heading to Tsim Sha Tsui, and switch to the regional KCR West Rail at Hung Hom, heading to Sha Tin. After a 30-minute journey, you will arrive at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, visible just a short walk from the station, which impresses with its 12,800 miniature Buddha statues and images.
Upon arrival, brace yourself for a 431-step climb to the temple; unfortunately, there’s no escalator. At the top, you will pass through the temple entrance, greeted by a number of imposing guardian statues. The heart of this complex is a striking red and gold pagoda, reaching nine stories in height, built in the 1960s and considered one of the finest ornamental temples in Hong Kong. The main temple houses an astonishing array of gold and black Buddha statues, each a foot tall and posed in various positions.
If your physical exertion has impacted your lunch plans, food options at the Monastery are limited to a few snack stalls offering vegetarian options. However, if you can wait until dinner, a delightful Chinese treat awaits you.
Evening: City Center for Food and Drinks
Chinatowns around the world were established by adventurous Cantonese people who brought their exquisite cuisine along, making Chinese takeout a global phenomenon. Hong Kong Dim Sum has become a celebrated culinary routine for many. The city is the birthplace of this delightful food, which tastes even better in its homeland. For a memorable dining experience, explore the vibrant streets of SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong, both just above Central MTR station.
In SoHo, the streets overflow with restaurants from all corners of the world, offering top-notch Cantonese cuisine. A solid recommendation is Yung Kee, located at 32-40 Wellington Road. This restaurant’s neon facade hides some of the finest Cantonese cooking in the world. Yung Kee excels in many Cantonese dishes, with their famous roast pork being a must-try.
As the night unfolds, you will find yourself drawn to the lively bars scattered throughout Lan Kwai Fong, conveniently located just around the corner from Yung Kee. Here, you’ll discover the vibrant nightlife of Hong Kong, as dedicated drinking spots intermingle with trendy bars and chic nightclubs, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts into the early hours.
