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To Do List for a Layover in Hong Kong

If you ever stopped in Hong Kong and had to wait for more than 6 hours for your next flight, you should be able to get the most of it and fall in love with this incredible place in a second. Follow the list below and get ready to explore Hong Kong for a few hours like a local!



Things to Buy in Hong Kong


  • Hong Kong Dollars - a lifesaver for Cash Only's places

You never know if the shops accept card or not; so carrying some cash with you is somehow important. The currency in Hong Kong is Hong Kong Dollar (HKD$). There are some places also accept Chinese Yuan (RMB¥) with a very bad exchange rate. It's better to have some Hong Kong dollars ready in hand to make your trip smoother.


  • Octopus Card - the most convenient contactless smart card for everything

This handy contactless Octopus Card can take you everywhere around Hong Kong! So just make sure you top up and you will be good to go! Use it for all public transports from buses and trams to underground and ferries. You can even use it at convenience stores, supermarkets and many more places that you can't even imagine!


  • Souvenirs - a memory of your time in Hong Kong

You probably won't have time to buy anything in a few hours, but I suppose you would get back to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight departure time. Get something such as magnet, keychain or collectable postcard in the airport. There's quite a few high-quality souvenirs shop like Discover Hong Kong or Disney Official Store in the departure hall after security check. But I would say, the best souvenir for yourself is the photos you took during your trip, right?


Ways to Travel in Hong Kong


  • Airport Express - the quickest way to get you to town from the airport

Airport Express takes you to city centre in no time! This is probably the best way for you to get to town especially when you are in a hurry. With the massive connection of MTR, buses, minibuses, trams, ferries and other public transports, you can go wherever you want without any limitation!


  • The Star Ferry - the cheapest way to view the Victoria Harbour over the sea

A few years ago, a tourist asked us how to get to Victoria Harbour, and we told her that she could either swim or take the Star Ferry otherwise she would never be able to get there. Well, of course we knew what she actually meant. But this is really hard to say. The location would be different since it depends if you want to see the harbour from Kowloon side or from the opposite Hong Kong Island. Therefore, it is advised that you should take the ferry to Central or Wan Chai from Tsim Sha Tsui, where you would be able to see the skyline of both side at the same time.


  • The Ding Ding Tram - the slowest way to explore Hong Kong Island

You will only be able to see trams in Hong Kong Island. They have a very cute nickname 'Ding Ding' because of their signature warning sound. You know one is approaching when you hear the sound of 'ding ding' from a distance. This cheap, drive-in-a-slow-speed and somehow romantic tram experience takes you on a very local journey that you will never forget. Be sure to check it out if you have spare time!


Places to Go in Hong Kong


  • Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfont - for the best skyline of Hong Kong Island

Nothing else in Hong Kong beats the skyline of Hong Kong Island! Sometimes you will be able to see a beautiful sunset with one of the best views of Hong Kong. The best places for the best view from Tsim Sha Tsui are Ocean Terminal Deck, Harbour City shopping centre, Star Ferry Pier and Avenue of stars. Let's get your camera ready for it!


  • Clock Tower - one of the busiest district in Tsim Sha Tsui

Basically you would never missed this stop if you explored Tsim Sha Tsui. This clock tower (Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower) might look less interesting to you but this area is definitely one of the busiest district in Hong Kong. You will be able to find not only the clock tower, but also the signature Hong Kong styled ice-cream truck Mobile Softee, the newly reopened Hong Kong Museum of Art, and also the Hong Kong Space Museum next door.


Food to Eat in Hong Kong


  • Dim Sum - the signature dish of Cantonese food

You can't leave Hong Kong without a proper dim sum meal. It's a shame that you can't try everything in a food paradise for a bit of time for a layover. So put dim sum as your very first priority! Siu mai, steamed shrimp dumpling (see above picture), char siu bao (barbecue pork bun), cheung fun (rice roll) and spring roll that are five top dim sums that you should try! Michelin starred Tim Ho Wan, Social Place or Dragon Noodles Academy are some good dim sum restaurants that you might consider giving it a go if you are in Central.


  • Sweet Soup - not that kind of soup you would ever known of

It's always a dessert time after a big meal, right? If you couldn't find an egg tart or bubble waffle in a street at night, why not trying something in a dessert restaurant instead? Cong Sao Star Dessert and Kai Kai Dessert are both best-known for their traditional sweet soups. Mango sago pomelo pudding is something that we always go for, or alternatively we'd choose tofu pudding if we were in a different mood.


Let us know if you had a short-yet-great time in Hong Kong?

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