12 Hours in Hong Kong: How I Turned a Layover Into an Adventure

When life hands you a 12-hour layover… You make it a mini adventure. That’s exactly what we did in Hong Kong, and let me tell you, it was so worth it!

Travelling from London Heathrow to Auckland, this provided a great break in the journey.

The moment we cleared immigration, we hit the ground running. No time to waste in a city that never seems to slow down. The train from the airport is quick and simple; tickets can be bought at the desk, and it takes around 30 minutes. There is also left luggage at the airport to leave your carry-on bags.

First Stop: The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428

We made a beeline for one of Hong Kong’s most iconic experiences, the Peak Tram. The ride itself is a charmingly steep climb through the city, and when you reach the Sky Terrace 428, the views are next-level. Until that moment, I’d only ever seen photos of Hong Kong’s skyline… standing there in person was unreal.

Pastry Priorities at Bakehouse

Next, we grabbed breakfast (or, honestly, a reward) at Bakehouse. Their sourdough egg tart absolutely lives up to the hype. Flaky, buttery perfection. Worth every crumb.

Exploring the Mid-Levels Escalators

Fueled and ready, we wandered through the Mid-Levels Escalator system, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator. It’s such a fun (and efficient) way to explore local neighbourhoods, part urban adventure, part sightseeing shortcut.

Cobblestone Charm on Stone Slab Street

From there, we took a quick detour down Stone Slab Street (Pottinger Street). With its uneven cobblestones and market energy, it feels like stepping back into “old Hong Kong.” A small but atmospheric stop that adds so much character to your day.

Crossing Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry

No trip to Hong Kong, even a short one, is complete without a Star Ferry ride. It’s such a simple journey, but the view of Victoria Harbour from the water is pure magic. The skyline, the breeze, the hum of the city, this is Hong Kong at its most timeless.

A Quick Reset: Foot Massage

After hours of walking (and climbing and tram-riding), we treated ourselves to a quick foot massage. It’s practically a cultural experience in itself and exactly what was needed to recharge before the evening flight.

Drinks with a View at Ozone

To wrap up the day, we headed to Ozone, the world’s highest bar, perched atop the Ritz-Carlton. Watching the city shimmer below while sipping a cocktail felt like the perfect way to toast our whirlwind Hong Kong adventure.

💡 Layover Tip

If you’ve got a long layover in Hong Kong, don’t waste it. The city is tailor-made for exploring, with easy transport, compact attractions, and endless energy. You can truly experience so much in just a day.

We left feeling completely in awe that we’d squeezed all of that into 12 hours. Next time, we’ll definitely stay longer, there’s still so much left to see and taste!