Want to make the most of a day in Hong Kong? Here’s a list of things to do with just 24 hours in the city.

8am
Take a walk through the nearest park to see how Hong Kong starts its day. Try Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, on Hong Kong Island, or Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui, if you’re on Kowloon side. Watch old people practice Tai Chi, and try some moves yourself.

9am
Walk into any Chinese-style canteen filled with locals and eat a typical Hong Kong breakfast. Try congee with Hong Kong-style milk tea or iced lemon tea. We recommend Lan Fong Yuen or Wai Kee.

10am
Wonder around the streets of Central after breakfast to explore the historical and cultural part of Hong Kong. Take the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator up to check out small cafes and shops in the area and go antique shopping on Hollywood Road. See our list of Hong Kong’s top coffee spots to help you decide where to take a rest.

Midday
From Central ferry pier take the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui. The harbor crossing will only take you seven minutes, but you’ll get a fantastic view of Victoria Harbour, and it’s a perfect photo opp.

1pm
Once you’re off the ferry, stroll along the promenade by the harbour. See Central from the other side of the harbour and look for the hand imprints of your Hong Kong’s film stars at the Avenue of Stars.

A lot of restaurants in the hotels alongside the promenade guarantee you fine dining with great harbor views. Pick one for a prime lunch spot. We like Shang Palace and Chesa.

3pm
Take advantage of great shopping opportunities that Tsim Sha Tsui offers. Boutiques, department stores and all sorts of retail shops are under one roof in Harbour City.

4pm
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea during a break from shopping at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel. It’s famous.

If afternoon tea is not your cup of, er, tea, the alternative you can enjoy drinks at one of the bars in newly opened tourist spot, Heritage 1881, just across the street from the Ocean Terminal. Try The Parlour.

6pm
Take the Star Ferry back to Hong Kong side, and this time enjoy the magnificent view of Victoria Harbour at night. IFC shopping mall is just a few steps away from the Central ferry pier for more shopping and fine dining experience with the harbour view. For a good, but pricey, place to eat try Isola Bar & Grill.

7pm
Take the historical Peak Tram from Central for enjoyable ride to The Peak. Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to take photos with wax celebrities and the observation deck for the magnificent million-dollar view from the top. The Peak is also the best place to enjoy the Symphony of Lights at 8pm, daily. There are restaurants up here, too, if you want to eat with a sparkling view of the city. Bubba Gump Shrimp is a good place for families.

9pm
From The Peak, head to party district Lan Kwai Fong (find out about some of Hong Kong's best bars here) for a glimpse of nightlife in Hong Kong.

But if you’re feeling like putting your feet up after a long day, try one of many foot massage places around Central to relax your feet for a reasonable price.

11pm
If you’re staying on Kowloon side and feeing like more shopping, test your bargaining skills at Mong Kok’s Ladies Market. Open till late every night, the market vendors sell just about everything, especially trashy tourist trinkets.

After Midnight
Wan Chai is nightlife spot with slightly seedier intentions than Lan Kwai Fong. The benefit here is that these bars are open till late. Just watch out for all the attention the males will get from the ladies of the night working in every second establishment. Go to Lockhart Road, one of the city's red light districts, which also has a few 'safe' bars, such as Uno Mas and Trafalgar.

Somewhat classier are the bars in nearby Star Street, where you’ll have a more hygiene-friendly, but pricier, evening.

If you feel like experiencing local dining culture and having late night food at the same time, try nearby dim sum restaurants that stay open all night. Here are some dim sum restaurants to try:

The Early Hours
Still up for more? You can hit some of Hong Kong’s best clubs, which party until daylight. We recommend you jump in a cab and head right back to Central, where you can check out Volar, Yumla, Drop, the Beijing Club, Play, and Bassment.

By Sayaka Morita 

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