Things To Do in Hong Kong & Hong Kong Airport Layover Ideas

One of the most interesting things to do in Hong Kong is to take a ferry between the islands. While there are several operators, the Star Ferry Star Ferry is the classic way to get between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Hong Kong Island is dominated by steep, hilly terrain, which boasts unusual methods of transport up and down the slopes. The Mid-levels Escalator runs downhill from 06:00 to 10:00 and uphill from 10:30 to 24:00. Apart from transporting commuters, it is also a tourist attraction with restaurants, bars, and shops lining its route.

Get a stunning view of Hong Kong Island on Victoria Peak atop the giant, wok-shaped Peak Tower! Peak Tower serves not only as an observation platform, it also doubles as a shopping mall offering shops, fine dining and museums. The Peak Tram runs from Central to the bottom of the Peak Tower. Although views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour can be stunning, be prepared for the view to be spoilt by air pollution.

Fierce competition, no sales tax and some wealthy consumers all add up to make Hong Kong an excellent destination for shopping. One of the more renowned shopping malls is the IFC Mall, is located near the Star Ferry and Outlying Islands Ferry Piers in Central. It has many luxury brand shops, an expensive cinema and superb views across the harbour from the rooftop. Can be reached directly from the HKG Hong Kong International Airport via the Airport Express and the Tung Chung line.

Illustrated in hundreds of Cantonese films, Temple Street is regarded as a must-see by most tourists. Sold items include cheap clothes for both sexes, toys, knockoff and fake labels, plus street food vendors, a handful of fortune tellers and a few Chinese opera singers.

Spend the afternoon visiting the Hong Kong Museum of History which is a 10 minute walk from Jordan MTR station down Austin Road. Give yourself around 2-3 hours to enjoy the 'Hong Kong Story' exhibition. Closed Tuesdays.

Dialogue in the Dark, a museum in Kowloon, features an experiential exhibition in complete darkness where you use your non-visual senses with the help of a visually impaired guide. In the 75 minute tour, you will visit five different, authentic settings, each with its own unique texture, sound, smell and even taste. Be prepared to have your senses heightened as your explore these foreign yet familiar places without the help of your eyes.

You are never far from the sea in Hong Kong and going to a good beach is only a bus-ride away. Here are two popular ones:

• Repulse Bay is a large urban beach on the south side of Hong Kong island. It has recently had money spent on its facilities and will appeal to those who have young children.
• Middle Bay is popular with gay people and is a 20 minute walk from the crowds at Repulse Bay. Middle Bay has lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, shark nets and a decent cafe serving drinks and snacks.