How to make the most out of your layover in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a tourist-friendly destination that caters to all interests and every type of traveler. Its historical sites, ancient temples, and traditional markets like Temple Street Night Market will please every culture vulture and shopaholic, while foodies will delight in its culinary paradise, from street food stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants like Tim Ho Wan. For first-time visitors, Hong Kong Disneyland and Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, are the highlights of the trip.

Even with a short Hong Kong layover, you can immerse yourself in its bustling energy and fill every moment with lasting memories. It's compact and well-connected, so it’s easy to get around. You can also easily travel from the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on Lantau Island to the city center to stops like Kowloon Station and Hong Kong Station in around 30 minutes using the high-speed Airport Express, taxis, or buses.

With so many things to do in Hong Kong on a short layover, you’ll want to pack light for easy mobility. Use our luggage storage service to store your bags and only bring what you need for a quick adventure.

Things to keep in mind before leaving the Airport

Visa requirements in Hong Kong

You generally don’t need a visa to leave Hong Kong International Airport. You can even stay in the city as a visitor for a short period without a visa, depending on the passport you hold. So you should still check your visa requirements to enter Hong Kong.

Minimum layover times in Hong Kong

In-airport short layover

You might ask, “Is an hour layover enough in Hong Kong?” If you don’t plan to go outside Hong Kong airport, then yes. In fact, the minimum layover time of 45 minutes to an hour is enough to go through immigration and customs, though we'd recommend giving yourself extra time, especially when traveling during holidays and peak travel season. Hong Kong International Airport has well-marked signs in Chinese and English and is easy to navigate.

In-airport long layover

A long layover in Hong Kong of at least three hours will give you a smooth transit experience in Hong Kong Airport. This will allow you to comfortably navigate the airport, relax in a lounge, shower, and explore the airport amenities, such as restaurants and shops.

Out-of-airport layover

If you want to step out of HKIA during a layover, you should set aside at least 6.5 hours. This gives you ample time to commute from the airport, go on a Hong Kong layover tour, travel back, and check in for your flight.

What to do in Hong Kong during a layover

There are a lot of things to do in Hong Kong on a layover no matter what day or time of the year you visit. It’s a vibrant metropolis with an interesting mix of Eastern and Western cultures and offers a lovely contrast of modern and traditional. Here, you’ll find Hong Kong's skyline eye-catching with towering skyscrapers like the International Commerce Centre near colonial-era buildings. There’s also the premier shopping destination in Tsim Sha Tsui - Harbour City - just a stone’s throw from centuries-old temples like Kowloon Hindu Temple.

Even if you have a brief stopover, don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of this dynamic city. Drop off your bags in a left luggage storage facility and enjoy a more relaxed trip without heavy baggage.

Are you a first-time traveler or on a business trip and don't know what to do on a Hong Kong layover? Here’s our comprehensive Hong Kong layover guide to help you maximize your time.

Morning layover in Hong Kong

Get a round-trip ticket for the Airport Express train to Hong Kong Station, which is conveniently situated right in the heart of the Central District on Hong Kong Island. Its location puts you close to everything, from high-rise buildings like the Bank of China Tower, The Center, and Central Plaza, and famous attractions like the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and Man Mo Temple. You can also shop at Pacific Place or relax while admiring the trees, gardens, and colorful flowers around you at Hong Kong Park.

You’ll likely spend your entire morning in the Central with tons of places to see and discover. Before you head back to the airport, stop at Cotton Tree Café in Hong Kong Park or Sun Wah Café for an authentic cha chaan teng experience. Sun Wah Café is a local favorite known for its classic egg tarts, satay beef, and milk tea.

Afternoon layover in Hong Kong

If you have time until the afternoon, book a table at Man Wah for lunch. Many refer to it as Hong Kong’s most beautiful dining space and it’s easy to see why. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the 25th floor of the luxury Mandarin Oriental Hotel and has been treating guests to delightful Cantonese fare since 1968. They have a set lunch menu but be sure to try their delicious dim sum that’s only available for lunch.

After an exquisite lunch, take a Star Ferry and enjoy a scenic ride across Victoria Harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui. It’s one of the hotspots in Kowloon with numerous attractions, shops, restaurants, bars, and malls. Visit the Avenue of Stars, a star-studded walkway that honors Hong Kong’s film industry. It’s a great place to take photos, relax, and marvel at the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.

While in the area, stop at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts or anyone who wants to learn more about the region’s rich cultural heritage through Chinese art, including sculptures, calligraphy, ancient artifacts, and paintings. Large items are not allowed inside the museum, so if you’re carrying a bag or anything that may cause inconvenience to others, store them in a Bounce luggage storage facility before checking out the exhibitions.

Evening layover in Hong Kong

A longer layover in Hong Kong means more opportunities to indulge in its culinary delights and experience its modern side. Prepare for an evening of adventure by leaving your non-essential items in a safe storage space.

The city’s night view is known to the world, and there are a few spots where you’ll be mesmerized by its dazzling lights and colors. Take a tram to the top of Victoria Peak and get a stunning panorama of the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island. If you’re in Kowloon, hike its 600-meter Kowloon Peak for a spectacular view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Before you end your evening, eat at Harbourside Grill, a waterfront restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui with views of the ferries on Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. It’s a place for meat lovers with superior cuts from Argentinian sirloins to Japanese Wagyu steaks.

Overnight layover in Hong Kong

Too tired after a long flight? Rest and refresh yourself in one of the nearby airport hotels like Regal Airport Hotel or Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, which is just five minutes from the airport.

If you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time, you probably don’t want to spend your entire layover in your accommodation. Don’t worry if you arrive late at night because you’re never too late for the city’s nighttime activities. Go to Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong's party district and leading entertainment destination. With countless bars, restaurants, clubs, and other hidden gems, it’s an obligatory stop for those seeking a lively city atmosphere.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Hong Kong

Whether it's a short layover or a longer stop, it's important to know what to expect so you can prepare well. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind before you visit Hong Kong.

• Languages spoken: Most people in Hong Kong speak Chinese (predominantly Cantonese) and English.
• Currency: Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
• Safety: Hong Kong is relatively safe, and you'll feel confident visiting the city and enjoying all its offerings even as a solo traveler. But always be mindful of your surroundings, respect local laws, and use your best judgment, as you would in any new place.
• General expected costs: It depends on your preferences, activities, and length of your layover in Hong Kong. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around HK$100-200 per person and a roundtrip ticket on the Airport Express can cost around HK$150. For a budget hotel, prepare to spend around HK$500 per night.
• Best time to go: Hong Kong is a year-round destination, with tons of offerings and attractions to enjoy regardless of the season. Around September to late December is a great time for sightseeing and tourist crowds are smaller. It’s also when the Moon Festival takes place, which features lantern displays, dragon dances, eating mooncakes, and more.

There are a lot of fun things to do on a layover in Hong Kong, so the last thing you'd want is to have heavy suitcases to drag around while exploring. With your stuff securely stowed with Bounce, you can enjoy whatever activity in Hong Kong without bags weighing you down.