Hong Kong stopover guide: Best things to do, see and eat

Returning to Hong Kong is like reconnecting with an old friend

After a busy month in Europe and the UK, arriving in Hong Kong for a three-night stopover felt like reconnecting with an old friend.

I have visited the city regularly for more than 20 years and now count several locals among my friends.

Every visit feels comfortably familiar yet still exciting, with new restaurants, galleries and precincts receiving a makeover.

Home to almost eight million people crammed into a 1,111 square kilometre area, Hong Kong is one of the world's most densely populated cities.

There’s no urban sprawl – towering skyscrapers dominate the skyline.

A high-density city relies on an efficient transport network and Hong Kong’s public transport system is efficient, reliable and thankfully affordable. 

The city is divided into Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, with the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) providing the easiest way to get around.

Double-decker buses, historic trams, ferries and taxis complete a network that makes exploring relatively easy.

I usually stay on Hong Kong Island.

After collecting my luggage, I board the Airport Express and, just 24 minutes later, arrive at Central Station. From there it's a short taxi ride to an apartment on Bridges Street.

Hong Kong Peak Tram takes passengers up to Victoria Peak for stunning views of the skyline.

Short layovers: What not to miss

A first stop should be Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island.

Rising 552m above sea level, it delivers sweeping views across Victoria Harbour and one of the world's most impressive skylines.

Ride the historic Peak Tram, Asia's first cable funicular railway dating back to 1888, take a taxi or hike if time permits.

Whether viewed in daylight or after dark from Sky Terrace 428, Hong Kong's highest viewing platform, the panorama never disappoints.

Back at street level, follow the scent of incense to Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.

Built between 1847 and 1862, the temple honours the gods of literature and war and remains an active place of worship.

Beneath its green-tiled roof, giant incense coils hang high above worshippers offering fruit and lighting incense. The peaceful interior is in contrast with the city's frenetic pace outside its temple doors.

A short walk away is Cat Street, officially Upper Lascar Row – a thoroughfare road between the Central and Western Districts of Hong Kong Island.

The feline moniker was bestowed in the 1920s when it was notorious for the selling of second-hand goods and antiques.

Today it's lined with shops selling vintage treasures, jade, Chinese artwork and quirky souvenirs.

The surrounding ladder streets, with their steep stone staircases, are best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.

Continue towards Soho onto Aberdeen Street to find PMQ (Police Married Quarters), a creative hub for local designers.

One of Hong Kong's successful heritage revitalisation projects, the former police dormitory has been transformed into design studios, artisan workshops, independent boutiques, and cafes.

Whenever I visit Hong Kong, I always return to PMQ in search of locally designed homewares, jewellery or fashion that can't be found anywhere else.

Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon, but crossing is easy.

While the MTR travels beneath the harbour, I prefer taking the iconic Star Ferry. For just a few Hong Kong dollars, boarding the rickety old wooden vessel provides one of the world's great ferry rides, and unbeatable harbour views.

Once in Kowloon, stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to the Avenue of Stars.

This 400m promenade celebrates Hong Kong's film industry with statues, handprints and displays honouring stars including Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

It's also a great vantage point for photographing Hong Kong Island's glittering neon skyline.

Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District.

If you have more time in Hong Kong

While two or three nights provides a teasing taste, five nights allows time to discover Hong Kong beyond the headline attractions – lingering in galleries, exploring local neighbourhoods, enjoying Cantonese cuisine and even squeezing in a relaxing foot massage, or two.

One of Hong Kong's newer cultural highlights is the West Kowloon Cultural District, a vibrant waterfront precinct overlooking Victoria Harbour.

Its centrepiece is M+, Asia's first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Housing 33 galleries across expansive exhibition spaces, the museum showcases contemporary art, architecture, and design collections from Hong Kong, Asia and around the world.

After sunset, the museum's enormous LED façade (65m tall and 115m wide) transforms into a digital canvas showcasing moving images visible across the harbour.

Next door, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures and ancient artifacts, some on loan from Beijing's Palace Museum. Rotating exhibitions across its nine galleries ensure each visit offers something different.

After exploring the museums, wander through West Kowloon Art Park, where food trucks and lawns provide the perfect place to relax while sampling local street food with views across the harbour.

Hong Kong after dark

As evening falls, Hong Kong comes alive.

Lan Kwai Fong, Soho and Wan Chai offer everything from rooftop bars and craft beer pubs to stylish cocktail lounges and late-night restaurants.

During my stay on Bridges Street, I was 50m from Bar Leone, voted the World's Best Bar in 2025.

Every evening I walked past a queue stretching along the footpath, thanks to the bar's no-reservation policy. (If there is a queue, locals tend to join it!)

Fortunately, a local friend knew the owner and, like celebrities, we were ushered straight inside.

The atmosphere was casual rather than pretentious, with wait staff keen to take your order from a menu offering Italian-inspired classic cocktails with a Bar Leone twist. 

Hong Kong shopping beyond luxury brands

Hong Kong has long been synonymous with shopping, but venture beyond the stores selling luxury brands to find one of Hong Kong’s street markets guaranteed to provide a rich cultural experience. 

The Ladies' Market remains a lively destination for affordable fashion, accessories and souvenirs, where bargaining is all part of the experience.

Temple Street Night Market comes alive after sunset with food stalls, fortune tellers, herbalists and performers like wannabe Cantonese opera singers.

At Yau Ma Tei Jade Market, stalls overflow with jewellery, ornaments and carved trinkets. While bargaining is expected, buyers should remember that not every piece is genuine jade.

Interestingly, Hong Kong's shopping scene has evolved considerably in recent years.

Electronics, cameras and cosmetics are no longer the bargains they once were, so I now spend less time in department stores and more time browsing independent designers at places like PMQ, where locally made artisan products make for more memorable purchases.

Hong Kong may be just a stopover, but when you take the time to wander through its older neighbourhoods, linger over a bowl of wonton noodles, find a walking trail, empty beach, or sleepy fishing village on Lantau Island, or simply watch the ferries cross Victoria Harbour, you’ll end up falling for the city.

Linger for longer and you'll discover that Hong Kong is a destination worthy of far more than a layover.

Lanterns for sale on a Hong Kong street make a colourful scene.

Know before you go

• Autumn (October to early December) is arguably the best time to visit, with low humidity, little rainfall and temperatures between 19°C and 28°C. Winter is cool and dry, while spring brings pleasant temperatures before the hot, humid summer arrives with frequent monsoonal rain.
• Purchase an Octopus Card—or download the app into your digital wallet—for seamless travel on trains, buses, ferries and trams. It can also be used in supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Not all taxis accept credit cards, carrying cash is still advisable. Many taxi drivers speak limited English, so having your destination written in Chinese or using Google Translate can save confusion.
• Tipping isn't generally expected, as many restaurants include a 10 per cent service charge. However, small tips are appreciated by hotel porters, housekeeping staff and spa therapists.

Hong Kong: Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong?

For Australian passport holders, you can generally visit Hong Kong visa-free for short tourist visits. The permitted stay period and entry requirements can change, so you should verify the latest requirements with the Hong Kong Immigration Department or Smartraveller before travel.

You'll typically need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.

Is Hong Kong safe for tourists?

Yes. Hong Kong is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and the city has an efficient public transport system, good infrastructure, and a strong police presence.

Is Hong Kong expensive to visit?

Yes, Hong Kong can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Hotels are usually the biggest expense. Rooms tend to be smaller than Australians expect, especially in popular areas such as Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. However, food can be surprisingly affordable, public transport is excellent and relatively cheap, and many top attractions are free or inexpensive.

Do people speak English?

English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, especially in:

• Hotels
• Tourist attractions
• Airports
• Major shopping centres
• Restaurants that cater to tourists
• Public transport systems.

Is Hong Kong family-friendly?

Hong Kong is very family-friendly and is a popular destination for families with children. It combines theme parks, outdoor activities, beaches, museums, and efficient public transport, making it easy to get around with kids.

Final word on Hong Kong

It's easy to see why Hong Kong continues to captivate visitors.

One moment you're riding a historic tram, the next you're exploring cutting-edge galleries, sampling Cantonese favourites or watching ferries glide across Victoria Harbour beneath a forest of skyscrapers.

If Hong Kong is on your travel wish list, visit RACQ Travel for expert advice, exclusive member benefits and assistance planning a seamless journey to one of Asia's most exciting destinations.