Travel Itinerary: 24 Hours in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular gateway to Asia. Many travelers use it as a stop over on their way to other destinations, some only have a short time to explore while visiting on business, and others may actually have a flight layover in Hong Kong on their way elsewhere. But even with only 24 hours in Hong Kong, you can get a feel for this awesome city and see some of the most popular sights.

Here is our recommended sample itinerary for 24 hours in Hong Kong! Use this as a guideline as you plan your visit to Hong Kong and modify it as you wish. We hope it helps!

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Morning

Tai Chi in the Parks

If you have never seen it before (and you can manage the early morning), then get up and out of your hotel early and head to one of the many parks around town. At this early hour, you will see many elderly (but some younger) Chinese people doing their morning exercises in the Park, including Tai Chi.

During my first visit, I traveled solo to Hong Kong and every morning I loved to get up early and watch the people do Tai Chi. It was a great walk in the park to wake up and start the day!

Po Street Bird Garden, Flower Market Street, Gold Fish Market & Mong Kok Walk

Next, finish waking up with the sounds of the birds at the Po Street Bird Garden. Every morning local bird enthusiasts bring their birds here (in beautiful wooden cages) and hang them up so that the birds can “socialize” with each other. Of course, this also gives the owners to socialize too. After the Po Street Bird Garden, it is a short walk around the corner to check out the beautiful shops around the Flower Market streets. Then follow the signs south toward the Gold Fish Market. I’m always surprised just how many different varieties of fish there are! The rest of the morning can be spent exploring these local streets in Mong Kok, and be sure to stop off for some breakfast. Perhaps indulging in the local specialty of Dim Sum.

Afternoon

Hong Kong History Museum

If you are up for it, I highly recommend making a stop at the Hong Kong History Museum. This isn’t just a boring ol’ museum — it’s impressive! Walking fast, it would take an hour. But if you want to enjoy the museum and look at some of the signs, allot 2 hours. The price is modest, but if you go on Wednesdays it is FREE!

Avenue of the Stars (Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade)

After the museum, just head south to the famous Avenue of the Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Allow yourself some time to explore the famous “Stars” on this walk-of-fame, as well as famous statues (such as Bruce Lee) and signs that talk about the once thriving Hong Kong film industry.

Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island

Continue walking on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, and enjoy the beautiful skyline across Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island! Afterwards, make your way to the Tsim Sha Tsui piers and hop on the historic Star Ferry for a harbour crossing to the Pier in the Central District.

Bus to Stanley – South Side of Hong Kong Island

At the pier, head to the Hong Kong Central Bus terminus (near exit D) and hop on bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 to Stanley. This beautiful bus ride will take you to the south side of Hong Kong Island, a whole different world. Here you will see beautiful bays and beaches, and eventually end up at this relaxed town on the water.

Explore the Stanley market (great deals, and less pushy), then stroll the promenade along the water. Have lunch in a café and enjoy the laid back vibe of the area.

Night

Central & Mid Levels

Back at Central, take a peek at some of the luxury shops while heading toward the mid-levels escalator. Save your legs and take this “escalator highway” up the mountain. At this time of day, many day-workers at the major companies around Central will be getting off work and heading out for the night. So this area is full of high quality (yet expensive) international restaurants and bars.

Man Mo Temple & Sheung Wan District

Exit the mid-levels escalator at Hollywood road. Take a stroll down this popular street, full of antique shops. Eventually, you will come to the famous Man Mo Temple. One of the oldest in the area, it was once the heart of this traditional Chinese neighborhood (Sheung Wan). After a look inside, continue walking straight down the hill in front of the temple. You will pass more small markets and shops, before getting back to the main street.

Night Markets, Restaurants & Bars

Depending on where you are staying in Hong Kong and your energy level, you have some options for your night in Hong Kong: Stay in the mid-levels bar area (lively, very international…but expensive); head down to Des Voeux Rd and take the tram (cable car) toward Wan Chai and Causeway Bay for nightly entertainment, shopping, and more restaurants); or head back over to Kowloon and explore the Ladies Market in Mong Kok, the Temple Street Market or Jade Market near Jordan and return to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at night to enjoy the lights of Hong Kong at night & the free show over Victoria Harbor.

Accommodations in Hong Kong We Recommend:

YesInn (Fortress Hill and Causeway Bay) – more of a hostel

Hong Kong hostel

Amigo Inn – budget hotel

Homy Inn – boutique / budget hotel

Hotel MK – nicer business hotel

** Read our full reviews of all these hotels here

Top Recommended Activities / Day Tours in Hong Kong

Cruise of Victoria Harbor on a Chinese Junk Boat!

A visit to the “Big Buddha” on or a full day tour of Lantau Island.

We highly recommend the Hong Kong Big Bus Tour – especially if you have only a few days to see the sights.

Travel Itinerary: 24 Hours in Hong Kong