Awesome One Day in Hong Kong From Cruise Port Itinerary

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable one-day adventure in Hong Kong from the cruise port? Then I’ve got you covered!

Hong Kong is an awesome city, with a lot of culture and fun things to do. But it can be hard to know what to do when you only have one shore day on your cruise.

Having been to Hong Kong many times, I’ve crafted a unique itinerary to help you avoid the crowds and discover the city’s best-kept secrets.

This guide will lead you from the cruise port to must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and local experiences in just a day.

Let’s get to it!

One Day in Hong Kong Itinerary: Overview

The Hong Kong Cruise Port

Hong Kong has two cruise terminals: Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak.

Both are in the Kowloon district, but Ocean Terminal is closer to popular hotels and activities like the Star Ferry.

Kai Tak, built on the old airport site, is further from tourist spots, so you’ll need a taxi or shuttle to get around.

The Ocean Terminal is part of Harbour City, a big shopping area that includes Ocean Center. If you’re at Ocean Terminal, take a walk along the Kowloon waterfront and check out the busy Star Ferry pier.

Kai Tak is less convenient but still interesting. It has some old airport features, like the control tower. If you arrive early, you can enjoy great views from the rooftop garden before your cruise.

Make sure to research where your cruise ship is headed so you can plan your day accurately.

The easiest way to explore Hong Kong in a day is by Uber or with a private driver.

Best Shore Excursions in Hong Kong

If you feel like following my itinerary for a day in Hong Kong is too stressful, why not opt for a guided shore excursion instead?

I have selected a couple of great options that will take you to the most scenic spots in Hong Kong, and ensure that you are back in time for the departure.

⭐ Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour

⭐ Half-Day Private Custom Tour of Hong Kong

1. Victoria Peak

Start your day with Hong Kong’s most famous attraction: Victoria Peak.

It has the world’s steepest funicular railway that takes you up to Sky Terrace 428.

From the peak, you’ll have the most amazing views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the mountains of the New Territories.

The Sky Terrace 428 offers a 360-degree view, and I definitely recommend checking that out first thing in the morning.

Besides the views, you can shop, enjoy some unique food at the restaurants, and explore other attractions at Victoria Peak.

You can buy Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 tickets at the gate or book them ahead on Klook.

My tip: You can also get a Fast Track pass to skip the lines or grab combo tickets for other attractions like Madame Tussauds and the Art of Chocolate Museum

2. Lunch at Renaissance Harbour View Hotel (Optional)

On our day in Hong Kong, we added a decadent lunch to our itinerary that came highly recommended to us. And it was well worth it.

The Café Renaissance is serving an impressive lunch buffet every day – with local dishes as well as international fare.

You can sample ramen, seafood, delicious desserts, sushi, and a lot of other dishes there. It is definitely not cheap, but a great way to spoil yourself and take a break from a busy day exploring Hong Kong.

3. Causeway Bay

If you love shopping, Causeway Bay is the place to be. And it will be the next stop on our Hong Kong itinerary.

Causeway Bay is a lively, upscale neighborhood full of shopping malls, stores, and restaurants. It reminded me a bit of Times Square in New York.

You’ll find everything here, from luxury brands to cool local boutiques. Some things are a lot cheaper than in the States, which makes it a fun shopping experience.

Times Square and Hysan Place are two big shopping centers with tons of international and local stores.

4. Big Bus Tour

Exploring Hong Kong can be a bit chaotic – so I added a fun Big Bus Tour to the itinerary.

I love these Hop-on, hop-off tours in cities where you can’t easily walk to all the attractions. They are a pretty convenient way to get around.

The entire tour will take you to over twenty stops where double-decker buses ply, allowing travelers to get on and off as often as they like for the duration of their pass.

Some of the most popular attractions include Peak Tram, Ladies’ Market, Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong, and Repulse Bay.

Usually, tickets are valid for 24 hours, but you can upgrade to a boat ride across Victoria Harbour.

Alternative: Street-Food Tour

If you are not interested in hopping around Hong Kong by bus, then a Street Food Tour of the city might be more fun.

A street food tour in Hong Kong is awesome because you get to dive into the city’s local flavors with a knowledgeable guide. Believe me – it can be hard to know what to eat there without any explanations.

You can sample a little bit of everything – from dim sum to egg waffles.

It’s a fun way to explore the busy markets and enjoy the atmosphere, all while munching on some seriously tasty bites.

5. Sky100 Observation Deck

We’ll end our shore day in Hong Kong at the Sky100 Observation Deck.

We’ll head to the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon. There, you’ll find Sky100, a 360° indoor observation deck on the 100th floor.

CNN has even listed this spot as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Hong Kong, so it’s worth the trip for sure.

From Sky100, you can enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the city below. It’s a fantastic place to photograph both the city and the nature around it.

The views are unobstructed, so you can get great shots, especially when the city lights up at night.

Tip: You can buy tickets at the gate or book them in advance on Klook or other ticketing websites to make your visit smoother.

Can I Go to Disney Land From the Cruise Port?

Yes, you can definitely decide to visit Disneyland Hong Kong from the cruise port. Especially if you’re a Disney fan or traveling with kids it is a great idea.

The park is smaller than others but still offers a fun experience with unique attractions and shows. Personally, I am not a huge Disney fan so I did not include it in my itinerary.

To get there, you can take a taxi directly, which takes about 30 minutes.

Alternatively, take the MTR: walk to the Tsim Sha Tsui station, take the Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King, transfer to the Tung Chung Line, and finally, hop on the Disneyland Resort Line. The MTR ride takes about an hour.