Stopping over in Hong Kong for a half day? Here’s how you can make the most of your 12 hours in Hong Kong.

9am
Shops and malls in Hong Kong usually don’t open until 10am, so if you arrive in the morning, don’t rush, and start your day at ease.

Central is a good place to start, as it’s only a 24-minute ride away from the airport on the Airport Express. In Central you can go to Hong Kong Park to watch Tai Chi enthusiasts practicing their routines and get fabulous views of the towering office buildings in Admiralty and Central.

If you prefer sitting on a tour bus as a way to quickly get around to the major city spots in Hong Kong, we suggest the transit tour, which departs daily from the airport.

10am
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.

See our list of top coffee spots in Central for where to get a decent cuppa.

11am
After your breakfast, head to IFC shopping mall, located right above Hong Kong Station. The stores will be opening around this time. This plush mall houses more than 200 international brands.

Midday
There are plenty of options to choose from for lunch in Central. For exclusive Chinese dining, we suggest Man Wah and Island Tang. You can enjoy a great lunch buffet at Pier 7 and harbour views from the top of the Central ferry pier.

2pm
From the Central ferry pier, take the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui. The harbour crossing will only take you seven minutes, but you’ll get a fantastic view of Victoria Harbour, and it’s a perfect photo opp. If you want to spend more time on the harbour, there’s an afternoon harbour cruise, daily from 3pm.

3pm
Once you’re off the ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui, stroll along the promenade by the harbour. See Central from the other side of the harbour and look at hand imprints of Hong Kong film stars at the Avenue of Stars.

4pm
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea to take a break from sightseeing at the famous and prestigious Peninsula Hotel. Or for a quick coffee fix in Tsim Sha Tsui, try one of our recommendations.

6pm
Take the Star Ferry back to Central, and this time enjoy the sparkling view of Victoria Harbour at night. Then take the historical Peak Tram from Central for an enjoyable ride to The Peak. Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to take photos with wax celebrities, and the observation deck for a million-dollar view of the city from on high.

The Peak is also the best place to enjoy the Symphony of Lights at 8pm, daily. There are many restaurants you can choose at The Peak that come with great night views of the city, such as The Peak Lookout.

For more…
If it’s still too early to go back to the airport, head to Hong Kong’s best party district, Lan Kwai Fong (find out about some of Hong Kong’s best bars here).

Or if you feel like putting your feet up from all the sightseeing, relax at one of many foot massage places around town for a reasonable price.

Why not spend your stopover time in Hong Kong in total relaxation? Check out Hong Kong’s best spas to find out where, and how, you can indulge yourself.

If you get into Hong Kong at night and you’re wondering what you can do in the late hours, here’s what you can do in Hong Kong after midnight.

By Sayaka Morita 

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