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Do You Need a Visa for Hong Kong for a Layover?
The first thing on our minds was whether we’d need a visa for our short stay. Thankfully, we didn’t! As U.S. citizens, we’re among the lucky ones who don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong for up to 90 days. This same convenience applies to nationals from over 170 countries, including those from Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. UK travelers get a bit more time, with up to 180 days. If you’re planning to make the most of a layover in Hong Kong, just make sure to check your visa requirements ahead of time!
Making the Most of a 5-Hour Layover Adventure in Hong Kong
Once we had the visa question sorted, our next concern was whether 5 hours would be enough to leave the airport, explore Hong Kong, and make it back on time. What if we missed our flight? Even though 5 hours seemed like plenty of time, it’s surprisingly short when you’re eager to see sights, snap photos, take videos, and taste some local cuisine. Despite the uncertainties, we decided to go for it—Hong Kong, here we come!
Luggage Tips and Travel Insights for Hong Kong Layover
We landed in Hong Kong at 9 PM, and since we didn’t have to deal with our luggage for the connecting flight, we headed straight to immigration, eager to begin our quick adventure. If you do need to pick up your luggage between flights, no worries—Hong Kong Airport has a handy luggage storage service. It’s located in Terminal 2 on Level 3 and is open from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM. The rates are quite reasonable, with storage costing HK$14 per hour (around USD$1.80) or HK$165 per day (about USD$21).
For more info, check here.
From Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower
After getting through immigration, we were ready to go with our plan in mind and a list of sights we wanted to see. There were a few transportation options—taxi, subway, or bus—but we decided on a free shuttle that took us to the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel in about 40 minutes. From there, it was just a short 5-minute walk to our first stop, the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower.
Do I Need to Exchange Currency at the Airport in Hong Kong?
For our visit, we found that exchanging currency wasn’t necessary. Most places we went to accepted credit cards, making transactions smooth and hassle-free. However, it’s wise to carry a small amount of local currency for any cash-only situations or smaller vendors.
Harbor Lights and History at Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower
The Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower stands proudly at 44 meters tall, crowned with a 7-meter lightning rod. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a wooden door that opens to a staircase leading you to the top. The panoramic views around the tower are breathtaking, especially at night, as the harbor sparkles with lights, casting a magical glow. We lingered for a while, enjoying the serene evening and the peaceful atmosphere. Had we more time, hopping on the ferry to explore the other side of the harbor would’ve been next on our list.
Experiencing Hong Kong’s Bustling Streets
Walking through the streets of Hong Kong late at night was an unforgettable experience. Even close to midnight, the city buzzed with life, making it feel like daytime with crowds of people still out and about. We savored the lively street musicians’ performances and indulged in some ice cream, fully immersed in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
A Hot Chocolate Break Surrounded by Sunflowers
We made a quick stop at Pacific Coffee for a hot chocolate, and it turned out to be a delightful break. Surrounded by cheerful sunflowers, the setting was both relaxing and picturesque. For those of you who’ve been following our travels, you know how much sunflowers mean to us. If you’re curious about why, you can check out the details here.
Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Street Decorations
When we visited Hong Kong, it was just a few days before Chinese New Year, and the streets and malls were beautifully decorated. The vibrant colors and festive decorations created an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. Everywhere we looked, the city was buzzing with the excitement of the upcoming festivities, making our short visit even more memorable.
A Taste of Hong Kong’s Dim Sum
You can’t visit Hong Kong without sampling its famous dim sum, so we made sure to stop by an authentic restaurant. The atmosphere was incredibly genuine, with traditional Asian music playing softly in the background. We enjoyed a delightful dinner, featuring a variety of dim sum paired with soothing ginger tea. The flavors were absolutely delicious, and the experience was the perfect way to wrap up our brief night adventure in the city before heading back to the airport.
