A one-day layover in Hong Kong

The fastest way to commute between the Hong Kong airport and the city center is to take the Airport Express train, which brings you to the Central Station in twenty-four minutes and costs about 115 HKD for a same-day return ticket. From there, follow the signs to the Star Ferry. National Geographic has declared a ride on this ferry as one of the top fifty experiences of a life time. While the ferry is commonly used by locals to commute between the Kowloon peninsula and the Hong Kong island, there is also a touristic circular route which takes you around the Victoria harbor and provides commentary, pointing out various landmarks. This is a good tour option if you are in a hurry because you can see most of Hong Kong’s skyline in a short time. The triangular-shaped Bank of China, the first elevated covered athletic stadium, HSBC, Hong Kong’s tallest building, International Commerce Center, the Space Museum and Hong Kong International Finance Center, among others, spring up in front of your eyes as you navigate through Victoria Harbor. Humid or rainy on the day of your visit? No problem at all – the ferry has an air-conditioned central area with large windows, which allows you to stay dry and still enjoy the view. If you fancy some wind in your hair and sunshine, head out to the stern. The entire ride is about an hour long and will cost you around 100 HKD, which you have the pay in cash at the ticket booth at Pier 7. There is an ATM available if you have no cash on you. The ferry departs roughly hourly between 11 AM and 8 PM.     

As you get off the Star Ferry, you can either purchase a Hop on-Hop off bus tour pass, or make use of public transportation. In the latter case, you will again need to pay in cash and no change will be returned. Head to bus number 15, which will take you to the famous Victoria Peak. Buses run very frequently there, approximately every fifteen minutes, so you do not have to concern yourself with waiting time. A more romantic way to reach the Peak is to take the tram, but if you are short on time, you may wish to avoid the lines by taking a bus for less than 10 HKD. In about forty minutes you will pass through the hustle and bustle of the overcrowded downtown area. Residential buildings here are so tall that their windows appear as mere portholes in a never-ending high-rise. Past the nerve-wrecking CBD, the area becomes greener and the bus starts to ascend a hilly terrain, reaching the final stop at Victoria Peak. There is a circular walking trail here, which takes you around the peak in about 75 minutes and features multiple spectacular views of the forest, sea, distant islands and the busy downtown area. While it can be quite hot and humid in the city, the Peak offers an invigorating respite with a handful of water springs with refreshingly cold drinking water. If you have time left, you can venture further uphill toward the Victoria Peak Garden, where you are likely to see wedding couples being photographed in a romantic setting. There is no entrance fee to the Peak area, but if you wish to splurge a bit, you can visit the Peak Tower, which rises almost four hundred meters tall and offers splendid views of Victoria Harbor.

Taking the same bus back downtown will bring you back to the Star Ferry Pier and you will probably be quite hungry by now. There are a handful of food options at this and neighboring piers, particularly street food. You can order your portion of fish and chips or enjoy some ice-cream while overlooking the harbor and the ferry traffic. If you have more time to spare, you can visit the nearby Maritime Museum, or explore the IFC mall before hopping back onto Airport Express. Be sure to make it back to the airport at least one-and-a-half hours before departure time in order not to miss your onward flight. Safe travels!