How to Make the Most of a 24-Hour Layover in Hong Kong

When I started looking up flights for my Japan and South Korea trip in March 2025, I quickly realised that I could save a whopping $600 if I transited through Hong Kong on my return trip to Nairobi. Having never been to Hong Kong, rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, being that it was a longer travel route, I decided to take the opportunity to visit an exciting new city during what would be an extended layover in Hong Kong.

First, I had to apply for a visa because while Hong Kong offers Nationals of about 170 countries and territories visa-free access for a period of time, Nigerians are not one of those fortunate to have this opportunity. Therefore, I had to apply beforehand and spend eight weeks waiting for this visa to be approved.

How to Get a Hong Kong Visa

Since it was an e-visa, it was not the most painful experience, but I will admit that as my travel dates grew closer, I began to worry a bit. Luckily, the visa did come through at the last moment, and I was off to a wonderful holiday. I have written an extensive post about the application process in this article. If you have any questions, do leave them in the comment section, and I will get back to you.

Getting to Hong Kong from South Korea

After I wrapped up my time in South Korea, I hopped on a 4-hour flight from Seoul to Hong Kong. Immigration was such a breeze that I don’t even remember any details from the meeting. That’s a good thing as a Nigerian, because my immigration entries are often memorable for not-so-pleasant reasons.

After clearing immigration, I went to a ticket machine that was very easy to find and bought a ticket for the Airport Express train. If you want to avoid long lines when arriving on a busy flight, you can also purchase the ticket online through the Klook website.

I rode the Airport Express train straight to the city centre and made my way to the hotel to begin my stay. I know this article is about spending a 24-hour layover in Hong Kong, but I actually spent 3 days there.

However, after such a big trip already, I decided to spend two of those days super casually and really got to explore on one day – hence the title. This itinerary is perfect whether you’re on a planned layover in Hong Kong or simply have limited time in this vibrant city.

Where I Stayed During My Layover in Hong Kong

For my three-night stay in the city, I chose Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty in the Admiralty area on Hong Kong Island. I found it to be an ideal base, with plenty of restaurants, easy metro, bus and tram access, and proximity to the attractions I wanted to visit.

When planning a layover in Hong Kong, location matters. That said, the city is extremely well-connected, so as long as you stay close to an MTR station, getting around is easy. Admiralty offers excellent connectivity via the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), Hong Kong’s highly efficient metro system. This made it simple to move around the city during my 24-hour exploration.

How to Spend a 24-Hour Layover in Hong Kong

After experiencing Hong Kong’s incredible blend of East meets West, towering skyscrapers alongside traditional temples, and some of the best food I’ve ever tasted, I’ve crafted the perfect itinerary for those with just 24 hours. Whether you have a planned layover in Hong Kong or are making a quick stopover, this guide will help you see some of the best parts of the city.

Morning: Fuel Up and Head to The Peak

Breakfast at the Hotel (6:00 AM – 6:45 AM)

Start your layover in Hong Kong with a hearty breakfast. Most hotels offer excellent breakfast options, and you’ll need the energy for the day ahead. I recommend eating early so you can beat the crowds at the major attractions.

Hong Kong Park (6:45 AM – 7:30 AM)

From your hotel in the Admiralty area, make your way to The Peak station, with a stopover to admire Hong Kong Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. This beautifully landscaped park features fountains, ponds, and the Edward Youde Aviary, which houses over 600 birds. It’s a serene way to ease into your layover in Hong Kong and provides a stark contrast to the urban jungle that surrounds it.

The park is conveniently located on the route to The Peak, making it a perfect first stop. I spent about an hour here, enjoying the morning tranquillity before the city fully awakens. The best part? It’s completely free!

The Peak (7:45 AM – 09:45 AM)

No layover in Hong Kong is complete without visiting Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The views from up here are gorgeous, offering panoramic vistas of the city’s iconic skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands.

You can reach The Peak via the historic Peak Tram, which has been operating since 1888. The journey itself is an experience, as the funicular railway climbs at a steep angle, making buildings appear to lean at impossible angles. If you’re on a tight schedule during your layover in Hong Kong, I recommend purchasing your Peak Tram tickets online in advance to skip the queues.

Once at the top, you can visit the Peak Tower and Sky Terrace 428 for the best views. I spent about two hours here, taking in the views, snapping photos, and walking along the trail path while watching the clouds drift over the harbour below. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Macau!

PS: The light at The Peak is best at sunrise and sunset. For sunrise, you can hike or take a taxi to The Peak Mall, then walk the Lugard Loop and take photos from Lugard Road, as the Peak Tram and Sky Terrace open later in the day. Sunset is also a great option for capturing beautiful shots, but keep in mind that it can get especially busy then.

Midday: Colourful Moments

Choi Hung Estate and Ngau Chi Wan Market (9:45 AM – 10:45 AM)

After descending from The Peak, take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin station to visit the famous Choi Hung Estate. This public housing complex has become one of Hong Kong’s most photographed locations, thanks to its vibrant rainbow-colored facade and rooftop basketball court.

The name “Choi Hung” literally means “rainbow” in Cantonese, and you’ll understand why when you see the building’s bright exterior. Be aware that the estate is a real residential area, so be respectful of the residents while you’re taking your photos.

After this stop, I tried to visit another interesting estate but could not find it. Instead, I stumbled upon Ngau Chi Wan Market, a traditional and lively local market in Kowloon. It turned out to be a pleasant detour, offering a glimpse into everyday local life with its fresh produce, seafood, and cooked food stalls. You may include this in your itinerary too.

Afternoon: Gardens, Shopping, and Parks

Nan Lian Garden (10:45 AM – 1:30 PM)

Just a short ride away from Choi Hung Estate lies one of Hong Kong’s hidden gems – Nan Lian Garden. This meticulously designed classical Chinese garden is a Tang Dynasty-style retreat that feels worlds away from the bustling city. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter!

The garden features wooden structures, perfectly manicured trees, koi ponds, waterfalls, and rocks arranged with incredible precision according to specific rules of Chinese landscape architecture. I found the peaceful atmosphere here to be one of the highlights of my entire layover in Hong Kong. The contrast between this serene space and the modern high-rises visible in the background perfectly encapsulates Hong Kong’s unique character.

Adjacent to the garden is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a large Buddhist temple complex worth exploring if you have extra time during your layover in Hong Kong.

Shopping at the Mall (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)

The next stop is the Plaza Hollywood mall for some casual shopping. Even if shopping isn’t your priority, malls in the city often have excellent food courts where you can grab a quick snack or late lunch. I recommend trying some dim sum or Hong Kong-style milk tea to refuel for the evening ahead.

Then it’s time for rest. I suggest doing as I did – returning to your hotel for lunch and an afternoon nap.

Kowloon Park (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

Once refreshed, head towards Victoria Harbour, stopping first at Kowloon Park, another urban oasis that provides a peaceful respite during your layover in Hong Kong. This park features sculptures, a flamingo pond, an aviary, and beautiful landscaping.

Evening: Harbour Views and Light Show

Victoria Harbour (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

Then, as evening approaches, make your way to the Victoria Harbour waterfront. This natural harbour separating Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is the heart and soul of the city, and watching the skyline light up as dusk falls is magical. You can also take a ferry ride here for unobstructed views of the city’s skyline, arguably the most iconic experience you can have during a layover in Hong Kong.

Avenue of the Stars (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Just along the waterfront from Victoria Harbour is the Avenue of the Stars, Hong Kong’s tribute to its film industry. Similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, this promenade features handprints and plaques honouring Hong Kong cinema legends, including a statue of Bruce Lee.

But the real star here is the view. At 8:00 PM every night, the “Symphony of Lights” takes place – a synchronised light and sound show involving more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour. This multimedia spectacle has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest permanent light and sound show.

Watching the Symphony of Lights was the perfect way to end my 24-hour layover in Hong Kong. The show lasts about 13 minutes and transforms the already impressive skyline into a dazzling display of lights, lasers, and LED effects, all choreographed to music.

Other Great Things to Do During a Layover in Hong Kong

While my 24-hour itinerary covers the absolute highlights, Hong Kong has so much more to offer. If you’re planning a future layover in Hong Kong or have different interests, here are some other incredible experiences worth considering:

Temple Street Night Market – This bustling night market in Kowloon comes alive after 6 PM with street food vendors, fortune tellers, and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to electronics. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.

Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery – Located on Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha is one of the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddhas. You can reach it via the scenic Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which offers stunning views over the South China Sea.

Ride the Star Ferry – This historic ferry service has been crossing Victoria Harbour since 1888. The 10-minute ride between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central costs just a few Hong Kong dollars and offers fantastic views of the skyline from the water.

Explore Traditional Markets – Visit the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok for bargain shopping, or the more upscale PMQ (Police Married Quarters) for locally designed goods and handicrafts.

Hike the Dragon’s Back Trail – If you prefer nature over urban exploration, this scenic coastal trail offers spectacular views and is consistently rated as one of the best urban hikes in Asia. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Try a Cha Chaan Teng – These Hong Kong-style cafes serve fusion comfort food and are beloved by locals. Don’t miss the pineapple buns, French toast, or baked pork chop rice.

Man Mo Temple – One of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, dedicated to the gods of literature and war, offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese religious practices right in the heart of the modern city.

Hong Kong Disneyland – If you’re a Disney fan, this theme park is surprisingly accessible from the airport (just 15 minutes away!). It’s smaller than other Disney parks, which actually makes it perfect for a half-day visit during a layover. The park features unique attractions you won’t find elsewhere, including Mystic Manor and the world’s first Marvel-themed area.

I’m already planning my next layover in Hong Kong to explore some of these experiences I missed the first time around!

Practical Tips for Your Layover in Hong Kong

Getting Around: Hong Kong’s MTR is one of the most efficient metro systems in the world. For a 24-hour layover in Hong Kong, I recommend getting an Octopus Card, a rechargeable contactless smart card that works on all public transportation and even in many shops and restaurants. It saves time and eliminates the need to buy individual tickets for each journey.

Luggage Storage: If you’re on a layover in Hong Kong and coming straight from the airport, you don’t want to drag your luggage around all day. The airport has excellent luggage storage facilities, or you can use one of the many luggage storage services located throughout the city, particularly near major MTR stations.

Food Recommendations: While my itinerary doesn’t include a dedicated food tour, you should absolutely try Hong Kong’s incredible culinary offerings during your layover. Some must-tries include:

• Dim sum (small bite-sized portions served in steamer baskets)
• Hong Kong-style milk tea (a strong, sweet black tea with evaporated or condensed milk)
• Egg tarts (Portuguese-style custard tarts)
• Wonton noodles
• Roasted meats (especially char siu – barbecue pork)

Many of these can be found in the food courts of the malls mentioned in this itinerary, or from street food vendors if you’re feeling adventurous.

Best Time to Visit: Hong Kong’s weather can be quite humid, especially in summer. I visited in April, which offered pleasant temperatures perfect for a full day of exploration. If you’re planning a layover in Hong Kong, try to avoid the typhoon season (May to November) if possible, though the city rarely shuts down completely even during these weather events.

Is a 24-Hour Layover in Hong Kong Worth It?

Absolutely! Hong Kong is one of the few cities where a short layover actually makes sense. The airport is well connected to the city centre, public transport is fast and easy to navigate, and many major attractions are close to each other. This makes it possible to see and do a surprising amount in just one day.

Even with just 24 hours, you can experience what makes Hong Kong truly special, from its stunning skyline and efficient infrastructure to its fascinating blend of old and new and incredible food scene. A layover here does not feel like an interruption to your journey. It feels like a bonus destination. If you are from a country that does not require a long visa wait, taking advantage of a Hong Kong layover is an easy decision and one you will not regret.

The Sum Up…

If you find yourself with a layover in Hong Kong, whether planned or happenstance, don’t spend it sitting in the airport. This vibrant city has too much to offer, and as I discovered, even a brief visit can leave you with memories that last a lifetime. The city is incredibly tourist-friendly, English is widely spoken, and the infrastructure is so efficient that you can pack an incredible amount of experiences into just 24 hours.

My layover in Hong Kong exceeded all my expectations, and I look forward to revisiting and staying longer.

Have you experienced a layover in Hong Kong? What were your favourite moments? Let me know in the comments below!