The suggestions below would allow you in one day to have a good feel of what makes Hong Kong so special:
1. (1 1/2 hours) stroll around Central District near the HSBC building. One will see the architecture left over from the days of British rule. In front of the building facing Kowloon are two squares, one of which was built to commemorate people who died during the various wars. On the right opposite HSBC is the former Supreme Court building, now used by the Hong Kong legislature. On the side facing Queen's Road Central, walk across the road and go up Battery Path, you will find the St John's Cathedral - here, you may feel like you were somewhere in Britain and is a place where you can find peace in a busy city.
2. (2 hours) next, take the Peak Tram to go up Victoria Peak. To get there, cross Garden Road from St John's Cathedral to the Peak Tram terminal, and take the 8-minute ride to the peak. The tram climbs the route at a very steep angle, so you will enjoy a "slanted" view of Hong Kong.
Be prepared for long queues, though. If the queue is too long, consider taking a taxi, which costs about HK$60 one way (the peak tram costs about $30 one way per person).
At the peak, on a good day the air is clear and cool, and you will have an unforgettable view of the harbour and its eastern entrance (but in the spring and winter it can be foggy and windy). If you have some time, take a walk along Lugard Road for about 10 minutes, but start from the entrance on the right of the peak tram terminal building so that you can have a good view of the western end of the harbour.
The peak has many fine restaurants serving international and local food.
Visitors on a one-day trip will unlikely be able to have both day-time and night-time views of Hong Kong from the peak. Both day-time is striking, but the night view is even more so as one can see the millions of lights below illuminating the entire city, as well as the Symphony of Lights at 8:00 pm every night and sometimes firework displays.
The trip to the Peak is a must-do, and will make your short stay absolutely unforgettable.
3. (2 hours) if you want to feel the tempo of Hong Kong, make your way to Causeway Bay, the shopping and food paradise. To go there, get back to Central and take the MTR (subway) to Causeway Bay. Better still, take the tram on Des Voeux Road and make sure to go to the upper deck. You will be able to see what is happening on the streets below as the tram moves in a leisurely pace.
Once at Causeway Bay, you will never forget the wave of humanity around you. If you decide to buy anything, be sure to check the quality of what you buy and to try to bargain.
Afterwards, take the MTR from Causeway Bay to the station at Central. From there, find your way to the Star Ferry to cross over to Kowloon. Get onto the upper deck of the ferry so that you will have more comfortable seats and a better view of Kowloon ahead of and Hong Kong Island behind you. Try to take some pictures during the less than 10-minute ride.
4. (2 hours) once you land on Kowloon side, spend some time taking a stroll along the seafront and admire the view of Hong Kong Island. It will give you a different perspective of Hong Kong.
You are now in Tsim Sha Tsui. Near the ferry terminal are the historic Clock Tower, formerly part of the railway terminal which was relocated many years ago, the Space Museum, the Cultural Centre, the Meuseum of Art and the Avenue of Stars (i.e. movie stars). At least try to visit one of them. Afterwards, walk from the seafront to the world-renowned Peninsula Hotel, which has a long history in Hong Kong and still projects an atmosphere of the times gone by.
5. (3 hours) next visit the "bird street", the Flower Market and the Goldfish Market in Kowloon. To get there, take the MTR (subway) from Tsim Sha Tsui and get off at the Prince Edward station. You will find "bird street" on Yuen Po Street. Some distance away is Flower Market Road, and Goldfish Market is on Sai Yee Street.
"Bird street" is the place where bird lovers gather and where "bird-ware" such as crafted cages and live grasshoppers and other food for birds are sold. The Flower Market has over 100 shops spanning several streets where you will find an amazing display of brightly coloured flowers and potted plants, large and small. The Goldfish Market has stores which sell tropical fish and accessories.
6. For dinner, doule back to Tsim Sha Tsui where there are many fine restaurants and bars. Select the one you like and enjoy your evening there.
Log In