What to do in Hong Kong in 1 day

Due to our planned holidays in the Philippines over New Year 2018/19, we had a very short stop over (about 9 hours) in Hong Kong. For long flights I prefer a stopover, at best about in the middle, to stretch my legs a bit. But 9 hours were too long for us to just sit in the airport and wait for the connecting flight to Cebu. So at home I checked the internet to find out if Swiss citizens are allowed to leave the airport for a day trip and if it makes sense at all.

I can only say yes, definitely! Minus the return trip to Central Hong Kong and the fact that we had to be back at the airport 1.5 hours before departure, there were still 6 hours at our disposal. It was absolutely no problem to leave the airport and we were also granted re-entry without any questions. We didn’t need a visa for this day either. Also the time window was long enough to give us an insight, even if small, and it was completely stress-free.

The really practical connection of an express train, which goes from the airport directly to the city and back, was of advantage for this project.

What I really wanted to see and experience in this short time and what fortunately worked out (listed in the order that was most efficient) was the following:

1. Where to get a good bagel in Hong Kong

I know bagels have nothing to do with Hong Kong. 😉 But I was just in the mood for  them and I wasn’t disappointed in any way. Every bagel was freshly prepared on order. Good quality food and a nice little café, which is located at the foot of the market.

2.  To stroll through the market and also the older and the newer part of Hong Kong

After I`ve already seen what is offered on Thai and Balinese markets, this was no surprise. Nevertheless, it takes some getting used to what is offered there (especially the animals they eat).

3. To take the (Swiss) funicular up and down the steep path to the hill Victoria Peak

The view there was overwhelming, despite not exactly great weather!

4. To eat our first Dim Sum (and that even in Hong Kong!)

Unfortunately the restaurant I had picked out had slightly inappropriate opening hours for us at noon. So we looked for an alternative on the way, which was close to where we were when we got hungry. It was not an unusual restaurant, but the various Dim Sum were very tasty and that was the main thing.

My conclusion on Hong Kong

Despite the cloudy and fresh weather we could experience an interesting day. I recommend (if the current situation allows it) to insert an intermediate stop if you fly over Hong Kong. An additional day (if the weather is better) to see a little bit more would certainly have been good, but I personally wouldn’t plan a longer stay than two days.

Info and Tips:

• During our stay we could leave our luggage at the baggage storage of the airport (at level 5 of terminal 1). Per piece of luggage and hour 12 Hong Kong Dollar (ca.1,4 Euro. March 2020).
• For various information here the website of Hong Kong.
• Check the current situation in Hong Kong before you decide to go there.
• The express train from the airport to the city takes about 30 minutes each way.
• R&R Bagel, 28 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong Island. Freshly prepared, very tasty bagels and good coffee on order on site.
• Ding Dim 1968, 59 Wyndham Street, Central. Simple restaurant, good Dim Sum.
• Here`s a list of some Dim Sum restaurants that look cool (but I haven’t been able to try them myself yet).
• Actually I picked the restaurant Mott32 for us. Maybe some other time. I would appreciate feedback if any of you have been there.
• I didn`t really like the old part of town, but it was interesting to see.