Hong Kong Layover: Things To Do In 6 Hours With Kids

Steps When Leaving The Airport

For a layover, instead of going to your next gate like a normal transfer, go directly through immigration and exit through Arrivals Hall.

Here are the steps:

     1.Pass through immigration with your passport and visa (if needed).

     2. Store your luggage, if any.

Double-check whether your luggage is checked through to your next destination or needs to be picked up between your connecting flights.

If you don’t want to take your luggage with you, you can store it at the airport. A short-term baggage storage facility is located on Level 3 of Terminal 2 and is open every day between 5:30am and 1:30am. The storage rates are HK$12/hour or HK$140/day.

Click on the airport website for more info.

     3. Get your boarding pass ready or on hand for your connecting flight if you are traveling with two different airlines.

     4. Exchange some cash.

You can easily find a currency exchange service inside the Arrivals Hall at the airport. Credit cards can be used in most places, such as shopping malls and restaurants.

     5. Leave the airport and explore Hong Kong!

How To Get To The City?

The quickest way to get to the city is via train called the Hong Kong Airport Express. Trains can take you to and from the city in about 45 minutes. You can purchase tickets upon exiting Arrivals Hall and at a Customer Service booth.

Same day return tickets are priced as follows: HK$115 for Adults (ages 12 and up), HK$57.5 for Children (ages 3 - 11).

Other modes of transport include taxis and buses.

Where To Go: Central, Hong Kong Island

Central is located on Hong Kong Island - it is packed with a lot of restaurants, shops and play areas for kids. Here are some suggestions of where to go.

• How To Get There:
  • Via Airport Express and get off at Hong Kong station.
  • Travel time to and from the airport: about 45 minutes.
  • Hong Kong Station is connected to Central MTR Station and as well as the International Finance Centre (IFC) and the IFC Shopping Mall.
  • Exits To Take Note Of: The easiest way to get to restaurants and most parts of Central is through Central Station Exit D. Follow the signs within the station.

What To Do + Sights To See: Central, Hong Kong Island

     1. Central Harbourfront & Star Ferry Piers

Take a walk around Central Harbourfront and get a glimpse of the iconic Victoria Harbour. You can head over from Hong Kong Station via IFC Shopping Mall, head over to the footbridge and it's just right up ahead!

Option: If your layover is more than 6 hours long, we suggest taking the Star Ferry from Central Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui Pier and back to experience the beauty of Victoria Harbour and the city!

Central Harbourfront, 9 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong

      2. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum

If your kids love boats and want a bit of a historical experience this is the place for you! It is a non-profit funded by the international shipping community and the government. Kids can learn about the development of boats, trade and more! There are permanent, interactive displays and special exhibitions. The Museum is located at the Star Ferry Piers.

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier 8, 11 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/

      3. AIA Vitality Park

Located right at Central Harbourfront, check out the following:

• AIA Observation Wheel

You can sit in their large gondolas and take a quick spin with stunning views! Tickets are priced at HK$20 (Adults) and HK$10 (children 3-  11 years old, Seniors and Visitors with disabilities). Babies and toddlers below 3 are free!

• Ride on the carousel

Kids can also spot a fun carousel right behind the observation wheel where they can have a bit of light carnival fun. Tickets are at a fixed price of HK$30.

• Eat!

If you are hungry, they have a few food stalls and treats such as Color Chacha where you can spoil yourselves with some local Hong Kong favorites such as the famous egg waffle.

Hong Kong Observation Wheel & AIA Vitality Park, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, https://hkow.hk/

      4. Tai Kwun (Hong Kong’s Centre For Heritage And Arts)

Looking for something educational with the family? Head over to Tai Kwun for a beautiful cultural experience. It is packed with cafés, restaurants, shops and stimulating galleries. Did you know that this used to be a prison?

Special Note: The walk from the station to Tai Kwun will take roughly 15 minutes. If you are coming from IFC take the footbridge that leads directly to the Mid-Levels Escalators (the longest set of escalators in the world!) and it will take you directly to Tai Kwun.

Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.taikwun.hk/en/

     5. PMQ

PMQ is the historic site of the old Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, as well as a school! It is now transformed into a venue for creative industries in Hong Kong. There are a lot of amazing boutiques that support local businesses, pop-ups, galleries and restaurants.

PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong, https://www.pmq.org.hk/

Special Note: The walk from the station to PMQ will take roughly 15 minutes. If you are coming from IFC take the footbridge that leads directly to the Mid-Levels Escalators, make your way to Staunton Street and from there you can turn right and it will directly lead you to PMQ. There are a lot of different ways to get there, click on the website link and it'll show you options.

     6. Hop On The Mid-Levels Escalators

This is a must for anybody visiting Hong Kong. It is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It will also connect you to various parts around Central and places to visit and eat. It is an amazing spot where you can also get a view of the busy streets of Central. It starts from the Central Market and will make its way up to the Mid-Levels.

      7. Get A Foot Massage

There are a lot of spas in Hong Kong that offer spas with sessions that are 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or an hour long. Check out the following foot reflexology places located in Central!

• Ten Feet Tall, 20/F & 21/F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2971, www.tenfeettall.com.hk
• The Right Spot, 5/F, 20 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6998 7768,  www.therightspot-wellness.com
• Gao's Foot Massages, 13/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Lankwaifong, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2810 9219,  www.facebook.com/Gaos-Foot-Massage-Co
• Soho Relax, 1B, 49 Elgin Street, Mid Levels, Hong Kong, +852 2399 0870,  www.facebook.com/Soho-Relax
• Iyara Day Spa,  1-5F, 52 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, +852 2526 6918, www.iyaradayspa.com
• elu. Spa, 7/F, Oriental Crystal Commercial Building, 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2668 1381,  booking@eluspa.com, www.eluspa.com

     8. Man Mo Temple

Located next to Hong Kong's busiest corporate district is a historic temple dedicated to The God of Literature (Man) and The God of War (Mo). Visitors are allowed to enter the temple, purchase incense and make a wish to the Gods of the temple!

Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2540 0350, http://www.tungwah.org.hk/en/heritage/historical-architecture/man-mo-temple/

     9. Street Art

Street art can be spotted all around the city and you can see the majority of it all over Central district. So get your cameras and smartphones all charged up and ready to point and shoot!

Where To Shop: Central, Hong Kong Island

     1. IFC Shopping Mall

IFC is a few steps away from Hong Kong Station. When you get off the Airport Express train you can immediately head upstairs via Exit F or Exit E1 from the station. You can visit the large Apple Store, see a movie, do a bit of shopping or grab a bite to eat! There are baby-changing facilities as well.

IFC Shopping Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, https://ifc.com.hk/en/mall/

     2. Central Market

Located just down the road from the IFC Shopping Mall and a quick walk from Central Station. This historically was the first wet market in the city and is now a revitalized shopping space. There are restaurants, shops, and stalls where you can buy from local business owners and treat yourself to some local delicacies.

Central Market, 93 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong,  https://www.centralmarket.hk/en

       3. Goods Of Desire (GOD)

A lifestyle store where you can get Hong Kong souvenirs, quirky gifts to give to your friends and more! There are 2 locations that can be found in different parts of Central.

• Goods Of Desire, 48 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2805 1876, https://god.com.hk/
• Goods Of Desire, 6 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2890 5555

     4. Lascar Row

Lascar Row is a hidden shopping gem filled with interesting antique finds! It offers an eclectic collection of Chinese calligraphy, art, and anything vintage you can find. You can also check out its neighborhood cafés for a quick caffeine fix!

How to get there: 5-minute quick walk from Sheung Wan station Exit A2. Or if you are around PMQ it is also a quick 5-minute walk via Hollywood Road.

Lascar Row, Upper Lascar Row, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

     5. Hollywood Road

It is one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong that stretches from Central to Sheung Wan. Walking along here you get to not only spot a lot of cafés, bars, and restaurants but stores where you can shop for art, antiques, vintage items, and more!

How to get there: start from Central Station exit D1 or D2

Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Where To Eat: Central, Hong Kong Island

     1. Oolaa

A quick 5 minute walk from Central Station Exit D2, you can order pizzas, wraps, salads and there's also delicious healthy smoothies available and a kids menu.

Oolaa, G/F, 28 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.oolaagroup.com/

     2. Madame Fu

Located at Tai Kwun (take the long escalator up to Mid-Levels) where you can indulge in delicious Chinese dishes and tea sets. A perfect picturesque experience for the whole family and a beautiful location to take lots of photos for the 'Gram.

Madame Fu, 3/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.madamefu.com.hk/

     3. Tim Ho Wan

Indulge in local favorites and grab a quick dim sum fix at Tim Ho Wan, famed to be the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! Located right in Hong Kong Station so you don't have to go too far!

Tim Ho Wan, Shop 12A & 12B, Level 1 MTR Hong Kong Station, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.timhowan.com.hk/

     4. Maxim's Palace City Hall

With an excellent view of Victoria Harbour, offering some of the best Cantonese cuisine and dim sum in town, which come in carts, like the olden days!

Maxim's Palace, Hong Kong City Hall, 2/F Low Block, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2521 1303, https://www.maximschinese.com.hk/

     5. Yum Cha

For delicious authentic dim sum with a contemporary and quirky twist, give this place a go! The kids will love the piggy buns and hot custard buns.

Yum Cha, 2/F, Nan Fung Place173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2751 1666, https://www.yumchahk.com/

     6. Peking Garden

For over 40 years, Peking Garden has served some of the best, authentic Chinese cuisine and has been recognized as one of Hong Kong's best restaurants.

Peking Garden, Landmark Alexandra House, B1, 7-15 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, +852 2526 6456, https://www.pekinggarden.com.hk/en

     7. Man Mo Dim Sum

A contemporary dim sum and wine bar, this place perfectly mixes French flavors with its dishes. We highly recommend its truffle dumplings!

Man Mo Dim Sum, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

     8. BaseHall

Hong Kong's first premium food hall that has everything you are looking for. Perfect for those looking for a quick bite to eat and are on the go! Basehall 2 also serves a variety of Asian cuisines!

BaseHall, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Pl, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.basehall.hk/

     9. Lei Garden

Indulge in Cantonese cuisine and famous dishes such as its signature crispy roasted pork.

Lei Garden, Shop 3008 - 11, IFC Mall, 1 Harbour View St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2295 0238, https://leigarden.hk/