An unexpected stopover with a great experience factor: on our return flight from Japan, we spent a whole day in Hong Kong – and discovered the metropolis in all its diversity. From culinary highlights to breathtaking views, it had it all. In this guide, I share our itinerary, tips on getting around and the best spots for an unforgettable day in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong as a city – between tradition & modernity
Hong Kong is more than just a metropolis – it is a melting pot of cultures, eras and lifestyles. The city combines East Asian tradition with Western modernity, centuries-old temples with futuristic architecture, quiet parks with hectic markets. Hong Kong is ideal for travellers with little time, as many sights are close to each other and are connected by an excellent transport system.
Despite its density, Hong Kong never feels overwhelming. There are always small alleyways, quiet parks or peaceful cafés to take a break. At the same time, the city is a paradise for foodies, architecture lovers, shopping enthusiasts and culture vultures. If you take advantage of a layover like we did, you will get an intensive impression in just one day – and are guaranteed to want more.
Late arrival & comfortable airport hotel
After our evening flight from Tokyo Narita on Saturday we landed around 1:40 a.m. on Sunday at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). For our short stay, we looked for a hotel that was easy and convenient to reach so we could start the next day as relaxed as possible. We chose the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel – an excellent decision.
The hotel is just a few minutes from the terminal and offers a complimentary shuttle service that runs regularly. The rooms are modern, spacious, and absolutely quiet despite the close proximity to the runway. A real plus: the Marriott features a fitness center, spa, and a great breakfast buffet – perfect for anyone looking to recharge between long-haul flights.
On Sunday morning, after a light breakfast, we headed into the city. We took the shuttle to Tung Chung MTR Station, where we boarded the Tung Chung Line straight into the city center.
From Tung Chung to Central – an efficient start to the day
The journey on the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) from the edge of the airport to the city centre is fast, clean and efficient. We reached Hong Kong Station in the heart of Central within around 30 minutes. With contactless payments, local transport is uncomplicated, with no ticket counters or queues – ideal for a quick city trip.
Many things are within walking distance of the station: historic buildings, modern architecture, cafés, parks and shopping malls. On Sundays in particular, the streets are pleasantly quiet, which is the exception rather than the rule in Hong Kong. The morning train journey is a good way to get your bearings and gain your first impressions of this fascinating city. Our first destination: a traditional Chinese lunch that represents Hong Kong’s culinary identity – Peking duck.
Lunch at Spring Deer – Peking duck as a culinary highlight
For our lunch, we had chosen a true classic in advance: the Spring Deer Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. This long-standing establishment has been around for decades and is famous for its authentic northern Chinese cuisine—especially the legendary Peking Duck.
We arrived around 1:00 p.m., after strolling through the shopping streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. The duck was sensational: ultra-thin, crispy skin, juicy meat, fresh pancakes, cucumber strips, and aromatic hoisin sauce – an absolute dream.
The restaurant itself has a nostalgic charm: carpeted floors, large round tables, and a 1980s-style atmosphere. That’s exactly what makes it feel so authentic.
Reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant was busy even in the early afternoon. After the meal, we felt full but energized and ready for our next stop: a walk through one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful city parks.
Kowloon Park – a green oasis of calm in the metropolis
Just a few minutes’ walk from Spring Deer Restaurant is Kowloon Park – a real oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui. The 13-hectare park offers a wonderful opportunity to relax between high-rise buildings and shopping centres. Particularly striking: the contrast between the tropical gardens, flamingos, art installations and the towering buildings all around.
We spent about an hour there – walking along the well-tended paths, watching birds in the bird garden and sitting down on one of the many benches. Here, tourists mingle with locals, joggers with tai chi groups, and children with senior citizens. The park is not only beautifully designed, but also surprisingly quiet – ideal for processing the impressions of the city. Especially for travellers with little time, Kowloon Park offers a quick but deep insight into everyday life in Hong Kong.
After this short break, we made our way to the Star Ferry Pier to cross Victoria Harbour by ferry – a real highlight of any visit to Hong Kong.
Ride on the Star Ferry – iconic & nostalgic
An absolute must-do during a short stay in Hong Kong is a ride on the legendary Star Ferry. For over 100 years, it has connected Kowloon with Hong Kong Island, offering one of the best views of the skyline – and all that for under HKD 4. Payment is easy via contactless cards.
From the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, we took the ferry across to Central at around 5:00 p.m. The crossing takes only about 10 minutes, but the experience is priceless: the wind on your face, the gentle sway of the boat, and the view of the towering skyscrapers – all of it creates an almost nostalgic mood.
The ferries are simple but well-maintained, with seating available both indoors and outdoors.
We particularly recommend the trip in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the city shines in golden splendour. Even if modern means of transport were faster, the Star Ferry has an unrivalled charm and should not be missing from any bucket list. After arriving in Central, we headed towards the Peak Tram to get a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong.
The Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
After arriving by ferry in Central, it was just a short walk to the Peak Tram Station, where we took the famous Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak. This historic funicular railway carries visitors at a steep incline to over 500 meters above sea level and is an attraction in its own right.
At the top, we visited the Sky Terrace 428, the highest observation deck in Hong Kong. The sunset view would have been breathtaking: skyscrapers, ships in Victoria Harbour, and the interplay of light and shadow. Unfortunately, it was quite foggy during our visit, so the view was limited – but the ride was still absolutely worth it.
There’s also a small shopping mall with restaurants on the Peak, offering additional options to relax or grab a bite.
Return to the hotel & flight home to Zurich
After visiting Victoria Peak, we took the MTR back to Tung Chung Station and once again used the reliable shuttle service provided by the Marriott Hotel. We arrived around 9:30 p.m., packed our luggage, changed clothes, and relaxed for a short while in the lobby.
Our flight to Zurich was scheduled for 12:05 a.m. The drive to the airport terminal took less than 10 minutes. With plenty of impressions and great photos in our bags, we began our journey back to Switzerland, grateful for such an intense and culturally rich layover in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
