Itinerary Assitance

Question

I am arriving on a cruise ship at 7am into Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. We leave the following day at 8pm. It is my first time visiting Hong Kong and don’t know the layout of the sites I wish to visit. I have referred to the top questions on this forum and made a list of the following that I would be interested in seeing :-

Victoria Harbour

The Peak Tram

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Ding Dings Tour

Avenue of stars

Central- mid level escalator

Symphony of light which I believe shows once each day at 8pm so recommendations about the best place to view this to fit in with my other items to see.

Temple St

Will I have enough time to see all this ?

I would appreciate it if someone can put these sites into some semblance of order so that these sites can be best seen and any top tips about the mode of transport to reach them would also be appreciated. I’m fit so I don’t mind walking.

If it isn’t feasible to visit all of these locations I would value your views on which to hive off or if there is something I have missed off which is a must, again I’d be thankful if this can be passed on.

Answer

With your cruise arrival at 7am and departure the next day at 8pm, you essentially have around 36 hours in Hong Kong. This is enough to see most of your listed attractions if you plan efficiently and focus on proximity and transport options.

Here’s a suggested itinerary and tips for seeing your desired sites:

Morning (Arrival Day): Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Tsim Sha Tsui: After disembarking, take a taxi or shuttle to Tsim Sha Tsui. Walking is possible but may take 45-60 minutes. Once in Tsim Sha Tsui:
- Visit Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for views of Victoria Harbour.
- Walk along Avenue of Stars for harbour-side sculptures and skyline views.
Late morning to early afternoon: Explore Kowloon side markets and Temple Street if you enjoy street shopping. Temple Street is more lively in the evening but can be visited for a quick glimpse.
Afternoon: Take the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central for a short scenic ride across Victoria Harbour. This is fast and gives excellent views.
Central Area:
- Walk along the Central-Mid Level Escalators. This will give you a good feel of the Central district and its cafes.
- Optionally, explore the surrounding streets and SoHo area if you have time.
Late afternoon to evening:
- Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for sunset views over the city. Allow 1.5–2 hours including tram wait and time at the top.
- Return to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui by tram or taxi.
- Catch the Symphony of Lights show at 8pm from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or the Avenue of Stars for the best view.
Evening: If still energetic, explore Temple Street Night Market after the light show, which is lively from around 8:30–10pm.

Transportation tips:

Taxi: Convenient for short transfers, especially with luggage.
Star Ferry: Quick and scenic from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central.
Octopus Card: Useful for MTR, buses, and trams; reduces waiting and cash handling.
Walking: Many attractions are walkable once in Central or Tsim Sha Tsui.

Considerations:

Temple Street is more vibrant at night, so if you prefer a quieter daytime visit, you could skip it and return in the evening.
If you feel rushed, you might skip SoHo and focus on the Peak, Promenade, and Ferry for iconic experiences.

In summary, yes, you can see most of your listed attractions within the 36-hour window, especially if you prioritize Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, and carefully schedule your Peak Tram visit for sunset and the Symphony of Lights show.