How To Spend 24 Hours In Hong Kong

Home to over seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world, a melting pot of influences from East and West. Here’s our guide on some of the essential things to see and do on a whistle-stop tour of the city.

The complex history of Hong Kong has shaped its modern status as a diverse and forward-thinking metropolis. Finance, technology and entertainment are prominent industries evident everywhere you go here, with a non-stop energy helping to keep you going if you only have a short amount of time available on your stopover.

It can be hard to orientate yourself around the vast skyline of skyscrapers and apartment blocks, so one tip is to take a minute at the start of the day and find a cha chaan teng. These small, affordable tea houses are popular in Hong Kong and have an eclectic selection of dishes and small plates. They operate on a fast-service, fast-turnover policy and are a good way to get you moving.

Next, head over to Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok where you will find some of the best markets Hong Kong is famous for. The southern end is known as Ladies Street, and at the opposite end you can find pet supplies – this part of the market has become known locally as Goldfish Street.

After all that hustle and bustle in the markets, stroll over to the Kwun Yum Temple, one the finest shrines to visit in Hong Kong. It has a storied past and stands today as an architectural reminder of a period in the history of the territory that is slowly fading away. If you want to get a sense of Hong Kong away from the headlines, this is the place to explore.

As the day comes to an end, you should explore more of the bars and restaurants on offer in Downtown and Soho. One of the best things about Hong Kong is that it genuinely lives up to its billing as a 24-hour city, so you can do everything again at night! There are evening markets, restaurants that never close and a breathtaking skyline that lights up long after the sun goes down.