Exploring Hong Kong Airport: What To Experience And Enjoy

must do in hong kong airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been voted the World's Best Airport by Smart Travel Asia and the Best Airport in China by Business Traveller China Awards. It offers a wide range of amenities and entertainment, including an array of international cuisines. HKIA has two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving as the hub for many airlines and Terminal 2 primarily catering to budget airlines. The airport features a SkyPlaza, a business and entertainment complex, and provides access to free Wi-Fi. HKIA also offers pay-in lounges with private resting rooms, food and drink bars, showers, and internet workstations. For travellers with a longer layover, the airport is conveniently connected to downtown Hong Kong by a 24-minute train ride on the MTR Airport Express, allowing for further exploration and sightseeing.

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Enjoy local and international cuisine, from Cantonese dishes to Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food To Go

Hong Kong International Airport offers a wide variety of local and international cuisine to satisfy your hunger before your next flight.

If you're craving some local Cantonese dishes, the airport's food court offers a range of classic dishes, including delicious charcoal-grilled roast goose at the iconic Yung Kee Restaurant, which is open from 12 pm to 10 pm. You can also indulge in dim sum and barbecued meats at Duddell's, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Terminal 1 food court on level 7.

For those seeking international options, Hong Kong International Airport has something for everyone. If you're short on time, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go offers a grab-and-go format with a range of British-style comfort foods. Located in Terminal 1, it serves dishes such as the full English breakfast box, short-rib burger, and chicken meatball pasta, all made with ingredients imported from the UK. The concept was inspired by Ramsay's Plane Food restaurant at London Heathrow, offering a premium menu tailored to travellers' needs throughout the day.

If you prefer a full-service dining experience, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar on the Terminal 1 arrival level 5 offers dishes like eggs benedict, cajun chicken, pancakes, and refreshing cocktails and mocktails. Sushi Taka, a sister brand of the Michelin-starred Sushi Saito, serves Japanese cuisine, including miso soup, sashimi, tempura donburi, and bento boxes.

With such a diverse range of culinary options, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds at Hong Kong International Airport.

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Relax in an airport lounge, with food, drinks, showers, workstations, and resting rooms

If you're looking to relax and unwind during a layover at Hong Kong International Airport, the airport's 24-hour pay-in lounges offer the perfect escape. These lounges are equipped with a range of amenities to enhance your comfort and convenience.

For a truly rejuvenating experience, the Shower and Massage (Refreshhh by Aerotel) lounge awaits. Here, you can freshen up with a shower, blow-dry your hair, and relax in the resting area. If you're an eligible American Express card member, The Centurion Lounge provides a luxurious retreat with premium amenities, food, and beverages inspired by Hong Kong's local culture.

The Kyra Lounge, the newest addition to the airport, spans an impressive 744 square meters and can accommodate over 150 guests. This lounge offers spacious seating, state-of-the-art workstations, a soundproof booth, and dining and drinking amenities, ensuring you have everything you need during your stay.

For a quick bite before your flight, head to the Level 7 food court. Here, you'll find a variety of international options, including Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go, where you can grab exclusive British dishes like all-day breakfast plates or burgers and fries. If you prefer a full-service dining experience, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar on Terminal 1's arrival level 5 offers a delightful menu, including dishes like eggs benedict, cajun chicken, pancakes, and refreshing cocktails and mocktails.

If you're looking to explore beyond the airport, Hong Kong's iconic skyline awaits. With a layover of around 5 hours or more, you can take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station and then enjoy a Star Ferry ride at Victoria Harbour. From there, you can walk along the Avenue of Stars and, if you're visiting in the evening, catch the renowned light show, "A Symphony of Lights." With even more time to spare, you can venture to Victoria Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor.

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Explore Hong Kong's downtown areas, including Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak

If you have a long layover or some time to spare before your flight, you can explore downtown Hong Kong, including Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak. The Airport Express can take you to Hong Kong Station, and from there, you can take a Star Ferry ride at Victoria Harbour to admire the city's grandeur. Walking along the Avenue of Stars will also give you a glimpse of the iconic Hong Kong skyline. In the evening, you can catch "A Symphony of Lights", a renowned light and sound show put on by the buildings on either side of the harbour.

Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, is a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong. With an elevation of 552 meters, it is the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island and offers panoramic views of the city. The Peak Circle Walk is a popular hiking trail that takes about an hour and a half to complete, offering a chance to experience Hong Kong's nature and wildlife. The Peak Galleria shop is another classic tourist destination, with the rooftop providing a less crowded spot to capture photos of the skyscrapers and Victoria Bay.

The tram ride to Victoria Peak is a popular but expensive option, with long queues and a short journey time. Instead, you can take bus number 15 or 17, which offers scenic views, especially after dark. At the top, you can visit the Sky Terrace 428, a 360-degree viewing platform that provides unparalleled views of the Hong Kong skyline. The Peak Lookout Restaurant, housed in an older building, offers a unique dining experience.

To make the most of your time in downtown Hong Kong, it is recommended to have over five hours to venture outside the airport. Check your visa situation before leaving the airport, as some nationalities may require a visa to enter Hong Kong. Additionally, ensure you have some cash for public transportation and storage facilities if needed.

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Visit the Aviation Discovery Centre, with interactive exhibits and aviation facts

If you're an aviation enthusiast, the Aviation Discovery Centre (ADC) at Hong Kong International Airport is a must-visit. Located in Terminal 2, the ADC offers a fascinating insight into the history of aviation development in Hong Kong. The exhibit is small, but packed with interesting information and interactive displays that are sure to engage both young and old visitors.

Through the ADC, you can also gain access to the SkyDeck, an open-air platform offering a breathtaking view of both airport runways. Here, you can watch mega jets come and go and even see the iconic 747 plane up close. The SkyDeck is a particularly exciting experience for children, who can witness the grandeur of aviation firsthand. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some memorable photos!

While the Aviation Discovery Centre itself is free to enter, there is a small fee to access the SkyDeck. Typically, this fee is around HK$15 per visitor, though some reviewers have mentioned a cheaper fee of HK$2. The SkyDeck is open on weekdays from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 10 pm.

If you're looking for more things to do at Hong Kong International Airport, the airport also boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from classic Cantonese cuisine to international fare. You can also indulge in some retail therapy or take advantage of the airport's pay-in lounges, which offer amenities like private resting rooms, showers, and internet workstations.

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Shop for souvenirs, from traditional tea to exotic chocolates

Hong Kong International Airport offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from international brands to local souvenirs. If you're looking for gifts to bring back home, here are some ideas for unique and memorable souvenirs, from traditional tea to exotic chocolates:

Traditional Tea

Chinese tea is a popular and time-honoured souvenir choice in Hong Kong. The city offers an array of tea varieties, including green tea, black tea, oolong, white tea, and pu'er tea (fermented tea). These teas can be purchased individually or as part of a dainty Chinese tea set, perfect for those who appreciate the ritual of tea drinking.

Exotic Chocolates

For those with a sweet tooth, Hong Kong offers a selection of exotic chocolates that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. Local grocery stores and snack shops sell Ding Ding candies, a childhood favourite for many. These hard maltose candies come in various flavours, including ginger, chocolate, and mint. The name "Ding Ding" comes from the noise made by street hawkers when breaking the candy into smaller pieces.

If you're looking for something more luxurious, Peninsula Chocolates is a popular choice for travellers seeking to indulge.

Other Edible Souvenirs

Hong Kong is known for its diverse and delicious food offerings, and the airport reflects this culinary prowess. The iconic 'Flying Roast Goose' is a must-try, with its crispy skin and succulent meat. It is often served with homemade sour plum sauce and X.O. sauce, crafted from premium ingredients.

For those who want to explore unique flavours, Hong Kong also offers snacks like spicy and seaweed-flavoured Chinese cotton candies, as well as imported treats from Japan and Korea.

In addition to these edible delights, Hong Kong International Airport also features stylish apparel, cutting-edge electronic products, and special cooking ingredients that can be wonderful souvenirs to bring a taste of Hong Kong back home.

Frequently asked questions

Hong Kong International Airport is a foodie's paradise. For a taste of traditional Cantonese cuisine, head to the airport branch of Yung Kee Restaurant in the Terminal 1 food court. You can also try the Michelin-starred dim sum and barbecued meats at Duddell's in the Terminal 1 food court. For international options, there's Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go in the Level 7 food court, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar on the Terminal 1 arrival level, and Sushi Taka for Japanese cuisine.

Hong Kong Airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and surf the internet. You can also go on an art hunt to find the eight pieces of optical illusion art hidden around the departure levels of Terminal 1. The Aviation Discovery Centre, a small museum in Terminal 2’s SkyMall, is also free to visit and offers interactive exhibits on the history of HKIA and aviation.

Hong Kong Airport has an IMAX theatre, which is the country's largest display screen. You can catch the latest blockbuster in 2D or 3D. The airport also has a golf simulator, i-Sports, an arcade with the latest interactive and simulation games, and an Aviation Discovery Centre where you can learn about aerodynamics.

Yes, Hong Kong Airport has several lounges that are open to all travellers, regardless of airline or flight class. You can gain entry by pre-booking online, using a lounge membership program, or paying at the door. Lounges like the Kyra Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge offer amenities such as food and drinks, showers, workstations, and relaxation areas.

Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover, but check your visa requirements before exiting. The airport is quite far from the city, so if you have less than 5 hours, it's not recommended. With a longer layover, you can take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, enjoy a Star Ferry ride at Victoria Harbour, and walk along the Avenue of Stars. If you're visiting in the evening, catch the Symphony of Lights, a renowned light and laser show.

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