If you’ve made the journey from the UK to Australia or Asia, you’ll know it’s long. Like, really long.

From multiple flights to the dreaded jet lag, 24 hours-plus of plane food and a small child kicking your seat for a day in the air, it’s no surprise long-haul travellers are on the lookout for ways to make the journey to the far side of the world more enjoyable.

Whether you’re on your way to beach bliss in Bali and Koh Samui or heading Down Under to Australia and New Zealand, adding a Hong Kong stopover to your travel itinerary will make your epic journey even more thrilling.

The city is a brilliant metropolis mixing East and West. From its heritage and local culture to cuisine and impressive architecture, it’s the perfect spot for a stopover to rest and recharge with direct flights taking less than 13 hours from London.

Here are the best ways to experience the city, while making your journey unforgettable. 

A world-class airport and Express transport

It makes sense to start with Hong Kong’s airport, which is where you’ll first experience this amazing city after you touch down.

There’s a reason Hong Kong International Airport is consistently voted one of the world’s best: its Airport Express whisks you into the heart of the city in just 24 minutes, while convenient luggage storage means you can get the most out of even the shortest of layovers without lugging around a suitcase. 

Check into top-tier hotels

The city’s hotels provide a range of rooms for all budgets, from historic charm to modern luxury, all of which cater to travellers on a stopover.

There are several iconic hotels to choose from, such as The Peninsula (pictured), the Four Seasons – boasting views of Victoria Harbour – and Mandarin Oriental. If you’re after something a little more boutique, try The Upper House, or Rosewood Hong Kong for some local luxury.

While these are central and perfect for a quick visit, there are also great hotels closer to the airport so you need not worry about missing your flight. Novotel Citygate is a hassle-free option, with a complimentary shuttle bus for guests to the airport taking the pain out of organising a cab.

Plus, you’re still only a short trip to the city centre on the subway, or a bus ride from the quaint Tai O fishing village. The best of both worlds, we say!

The mesmerising skyline

We’re sure you’ve seen images of Hong Kong’s expansive, glittering architecture, but that’s nothing compared to seeing it in real life.

A ride on the Peak Tram takes you to Victoria Peak where you can witness amazing vistas of city skyscrapers juxtaposed with the mountains and sea, showcasing the city’s panorama.

Back down off the peak, you can cruise across Victoria Harbour and see the city from the water, or make a reservation at one of the skyscraper’s bars or restaurants where you can sit back (or sip back) and take in the city’s lights from on high.

Don’t forget to set your alarm for 8pm when the daily Symphony of Lights transforms the harbour into an amazing display of laser beams and synchronised lights. Truly, dinner and a show.

The food scene

Speaking of dinner, if you’re a foodie, this city offers up many a dishy delight, with a blend of traditional Cantonese flavours and international influences. While in town, wrap your tastebuds around local dumplings and noodles, teamed with egg tarts and pineapple buns with butter.

Even on a whistlestop tour of the city, you can manage to fit in a range of culinary wonders, such as dim sum at the historic Lin Heung Tea House in Central before slurping down some wonton noodles at Mak’s Noodles.

Don’t forget to take in the amazing street food offerings on the streets of Mong Kok, where you can snap up egg waffles and curry fish balls while on the go. Time is of the essence, and we don’t want you to miss a magic moment.

Come nighttime, the Temple Street Night Market is calling, offering up food for every taste. Here we have everything from open-air restaurants serving seafood, or local cha chaan tengs like Australia Dairy Company keeping travellers fuelled with Hong Kong-style milk tea and toast.

A shopper’s dream

It’s worth leaving a little (or a lot) of free space in your suitcase to stock up the holiday wardrobe with some stopover shopping thanks to Hong Kong’s tax-free status.

If you’re a fan of designer threads, explore Central mall and Kowloon Peninsula’s Tsim Sha Tsui, the latter being home to Canton Road, known for its array of luxury brands. Many of the malls are an air-conditioned welcome for travellers keen to escape the humid heat, where you can shop ’til your heart’s content without breaking a sweat.

Perhaps you’re after something a little more unique to remember your time in the city? In that case, head to PMQ in Central, where you’ll find a multi-level retail space featuring a mix of local fashion labels, pop-ups, and unique boutiques for quirkier keepsakes and gifts for loved ones back home.

A spot for nature-lovers

Off the man-made track, Hong Kong provides an accessible escape for those who want to be at one with nature.

Look no further than the Dragon’s Back hiking trail, which was crowned Asia’s best urban hike – which can be completed in just a few hours (great for those on a flying visit!) – providing dreamy coastal views.

If you’d rather stay central, Hong Kong Park is an oasis nestled among the skyscrapers of the city, even complete with a tea house, aviary and artificial lake that brings the nature downtown. 

For those with a little more time, in 30 minutes you can be on the golden sands of Repulse Bay, paddling in the cool water, or catching some waves at the aptly-named Big Wave Bay. 

There’s nothing like some salt water to bring the holiday vibes.

Year-round cultural highlights

The city never sleeps, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you’re touching down there will always be something special to experience.

Chinese New Year is particularly amazing, as the city is transformed into a tapestry of red lanterns, flower markets and fireworks to celebrate, while art takes over in March with Art Basel.

Riffing on the earlier culinary heart of the city, autumn then brings the Wine & Dine Festival, while March also sees Hong Kong Rugby Sevens come to the city for sport lovers to enjoy.

Before you know it, you’re on the next leg of your holiday, feeling refreshed, inspired and energised by all Hong Kong has to offer!

Visit discoverhongkong.com to find out more.

When we say ‘Hong Kong’, you may immediately picture a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers and hustle. While that may be true, there is a magical side to the city’s culture that goes far beyond its cloud-touching architecture.

Nestled in the middle of where East meets West, where the ancient world melds with the modern, the city has a thriving cultural zest you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

From its sacred temples to cutting-edge buildings, not to mention the mouth-watering food, it remains a must-visit destination for travellers seeking rich and fulfilling experiences. Plus, if you’re flying from London, you can be there in a little over 12 hours!

Here are our top reasons to visit…

The world on its doorstep

Hong Kong is set to host a range of must-see events in the coming months that make this the perfect time to book a trip.

Later this month the Hong Kong Sevens (literally) kicks off. One of the most popular sporting events in Asia, the event will be held from March  28 to the 30 at the Kai Tak Sports Park – the old airport – this year.

At the same time, Hong Kong Island will play host to Art Basel, uniting premier galleries from Asia and beyond. And don’t forget the Hong Kong Derby, taking place on March 23!

Its sacred temples

The city is home to temples that provide serene escapes for travellers looking for a quiet moment of reflection away from the busy streets. Make sure Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most atmospheric sanctuaries, dedicated to the gods of literature and war, is on your list, as well as Wong Tai Sin Temple. The latter is known for its fortune-telling practices, if you wanted a little glimpse into what may be ahead.

A ride on the Ngong Ping cable car on Lantau Island will also take you to experience the Tian Tan ‘Big’ Buddha, who sits atop a mountain, looking across the South China Sea. 

Mesmerising architecture

If you glance up you’ll notice a skyline that is testament to Hong Kong’s position as a global business hub. The International Commerce Centre and the Bank of China Tower are just two of the awe-inspiring buildings that show off the city’s innovative design.

Make sure you also carve out some time to take in the Symphony of Lights, which happens each night, using lasers and lights to illuminate the towering skyscrapers.

Perfect for art fans

When you’re in the city, don’t sleep on the area of West Kowloon, where its cultural district showcases the best of the city’s art scene.

M+ is a vast contemporary visual culture museum with enough galleries to get lost in for days. It also boasts a growing collection of the city’s neon signs – as Hong Kong’s iconic landscape is replaced by LED – as it celebrates their cultural significance.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Palace Museum has ancient Chinese treasures on display and the Xiqu Centre treats travellers to spellbinding performances of Chinese opera while they’re in town.

In the Hong Kong Museum of Art you’ll find17,000 pieces that tell the story of the city’s history. 

From ancient Chinese ceramics to cutting-edge local art, the collection is known for boasting paintings by 18th and 19th-century Western and Chinese artists that capture the first meetings of East and West from their own perspectives. 

A heritage reimagined

Recognising, but reimagining, its colonial heritage, Tai Kwun, in Central district, has been transformed into a must-see hub. 

Once a Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victorian Prison, the cluster of buildings buzzes with new energy, as exhibitions fill former cells and offices and performances are held in its historic courtyards. 

A destination for night-lovers, cocktail bars and restaurants have made their home here. Check out Dragonfly, a glamorous Art Nouveau-inspired bar and Hong Kong’s first speakeasy, which creates a brilliantly atmospheric drinking experience for tourists and locals alike.

Culture around every corner

All you need to do is walk around the streets of Sham Shui Po to witness just how creativity flows through the buzzing district. Tai Nan Street sees former factories now packed with artists’ studios and workshops showcasing crafts like ceramics and leathermaking, while the HK Urban Canvas project has turned the traditional neighbourhood into an open-air gallery filled with vibrant murals on shop shutters and the side of buildings.

You won’t go hungry as you take in the sights, either, with market stalls selling street food as you mingle with locals grabbing a bite.

Over in Tsuen Wan, The Mills has been transformed from a former cotton mill to a museum and arts space celebrating Hong Kong’s textile manufacturing history. Contemporary artists are hosted here, while the rooftop garden is perfect for photos and the trendy cafes below provide a spot to rest and relax while you take a load off.

And make sure you wander around neighbourhoods like Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui to discover why Hong Kong has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most atmospheric cities after dark.

Don’t forget the island

If you hop on the ferry to Lantau Island you’ll discover Tai O, which feels a world away from the busy streets of the city.

This centuries-old fishing village – known as the ‘Venice of Hong Kong’ – is a maze of traditional stilt houses rising from the water, which is an impressive spectacle for any tourist to experience. 

Make sure you hang around until twilight, where the wild water buffalo that’ve made this area their home wander down to the beach to sleep as the sun sets. It’s a sight to behold!

A city transformed after dark

From entertainment to bars, the city’s pulse shifts gear as the sun sets.

Music fans can enjoy Cantonese opera performances of centuries-old stories retold for a modern audience at the Xiqu Centre theatre, while the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is a haven for food lovers keen to soak up the local culture and enjoy everything from traditional Chinese crafts to delectable street food.

If you head across Victoria Harbour, the streets of Central and Sheung Wan are home to a cluster of contemporary art galleries that often coordinate their opening nights, creating a vibrant scene for bar and exhibition hopping.

Fun fact: Hong Kong is home to nine of Asia’s 50 best bars, with Bar Leone in Central being named number one in the region. Cheers to that!

Visit discoverhongkong.com to find out more.