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1-day Itinerary in Hong Kong
Explore the best things to do in Hong Kong in 1 day based on recommendations from local experts.
Day 1
- 1#3
View all PhotosfreeStreet Markets#3 in Hong Kong1.9 miles to city centerShopping, Free, Neighborhood/AreaTYPEHalf Day to Full DayTIME TO SPEND1.9 miles to city centerShopping, Free, Neighborhood/AreaTYPEHalf Day to Full DayTIME TO SPENDChances are you'll accidentally stumble upon one of these shopping frenzies on a tour of the city. But don't just stop at one. Hong Kong's street markets are diverse, catering to various clienteles with different merchandise. For instance, the Ladies' Market on Tung Choi Street in the Mong Kok neighborhood specializes in (you guessed it) women's clothing and accessories. Plus, each bazaar also has its own ambiance. The best example is the Temple Street Night Market – a traveler favorite. This nocturnal marketplace bursts with activity as vendors hawk clothing, electronics and local food, and culinary accessories from brightly lit stalls. There are even fortune tellers and opera singers. Another bazaar of note is the Stanley Market. Occupying an old fishing village on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, this marketplace boasts home decor, jewelry and colorful souvenirs. Recent travelers said not to shy away from bargaining, as many were surprised at how low vendors are willing to drop their prices when they feel like you're going to walk away.
Each market operates on different hours. Reaching most of them is usually quite easy as they tend to be close to subway stops. For more information, check out the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website.
10 minutes by car; 20 minutes by subway - 2#1
View all Photos#1 in Hong Kong0.4 miles to city centerRecreation, Sightseeing, ToursTYPELess than 1 hourTIME TO SPEND0.4 miles to city centerRecreation, Sightseeing, ToursTYPELess than 1 hourTIME TO SPENDThe Star Ferry is an absolute must when you come to Hong Kong. Think of it as the what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Transporting guests between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, this vessel provides the most scenic route through the city. Visitors will be smack dab in the center of the city's famous skyline, providing amazing photo opportunities, especially at night.
Recent travelers described the views as priceless, with many saying bearing witness to the city's many towering skyscrapers while floating along the calm waters of the Victoria Harbour took their breath away. Some recommended catching the ferry at 8 p.m. for the Symphony at Lights Show, which is considered to be the world's largest permanent light and sound show.
30 minutes by car - 3#2
View all Photos#2 in Hong Kong2.2 miles to city center2.2 miles to city centerSightseeing, ToursTYPE1 to 2 hoursTIME TO SPENDAlong with the Star Ferry, Victoria Peak, or simply "The Peak," is a must-visit attraction simply for its incredible views. Situated atop the highest point on Hong Kong Island, The Peak is as scenic as lookouts come. Visitors are not only treated to a sea of skyscrapers and the city's beautiful blue waterways, but during the day, can make out the green hills of the distant New Territories.
There are are multiple vantage points atop the mountain, including the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria, with the latter offering access to its observation deck free of charge. There is also the 2-mile-long Peak Circle Walk, which takes you along cliffside paths to the scenic Lugard Road lookout point. There are also dining and shopping options at the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria, as well as the Lions View Point Pavillion.
30 minutes by car - 4#4
View all Photos#4 in Hong Kong1.5 miles to city centerEntertainment and Nightlife, Recreation, SportsTYPE2 hours to Half DayTIME TO SPEND1.5 miles to city centerEntertainment and Nightlife, Recreation, SportsTYPE2 hours to Half DayTIME TO SPENDEvery Wednesday from September to July, thousands of Hong Kong residents flood the stands of the Happy Valley Racecourse. Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, making Happy Valley one of the few places where you are allowed to gamble in the city. And many of Hong Kong's citizens take full advantage. Even if you're not into betting, you should visit this local institution simply for the electric atmosphere, not to mention the surrounding city skyline, which sparkles once the sun goes down.
Much like the locals, recent travelers agreed the Happy Valley Racecourse is must-visit if you're in Hong Kong. Visitors reveled in the attraction's fun atmosphere, cheap admission and to most, surprisingly good food and drink options. Some travelers were quick to note that unlike other racetracks, specifically in the states, attire is very casual, so there's no need to pack any big hats or bow ties for your night at the track.
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