ptwhite

I have a short layover in Hong Kong in early October and can only spend one morning seeing the sights. If you have been there, what would you recommend for a person who only has about 5 hours to visit.
Thanks!
Paul

Tangata

Five hours is not very long, particularly if that is the time between flights and not the "three-time" that you have. I would suggest taking the train to Central, by a one-day return ticket. Walk from the train station to the Peak Tram and take it to the top. If time permits, and you are adventurous enough, instead of taking the train back to Central you could catch a bus. If you elect to do this, go on the top deck and if possible take the seat at the front.

That may leave you with a little time to walk around Central before you will have to catch a train back to the airport.

tomandaudrey

Going to the top of Victoria Peak is a must if you have time (but you may have to wait a long time for the tram.) Riding the double-decker tram through the central district is fun and is a great way to see the people, shops, etc. Also, I highly recommend the "Luk Yu Tea House" for dim sum.

DonTopaz

While the Peak is nice enough and has a great view on a clear day, it won't give you much of a flavor of Hong Kong.

If it were me, I'd get a good walking map (free, from the HK Tourist Authority at the airport) and take the airport train to Kowloon. I'd take the free shuttle bus to a hotel near the promenade(the Shangri-La, IC, or Sheraton) and enjoy the incredible harbor view from the promenade. I'd stroll around Nathan Road and its incredible beehive of activity, stopping for a rest in Kowloon Park (behind the mosque) if my feet got tired, eventually heading to the Star Ferry terminal.

I'd take the Star Ferry to Central, then hop on a tram to Western for HK$2. Between the Star Ferry and the tram, you'll have experienced two of the most amazing, and inexpensive, city transports in the world.

I'd hop off the tram in Western, then find my way over to Hollywood Road, walking back to the Central area and the train to the airport.

Pretty decent way to spend 3 or 5 hours, if you ask me.

jason888

rizzuto's recommendation is GREAT!

The Peak just gives you a bird's eye view of HK, but should be secondary.

Also do not stop to shop or you will find yourself sucked into the vortex of the entire raison d'etre for this port city: business and trade.

Don't try to buy that camera, diamond bracelet, whatever - leave that for another trip.

Enjoy Hong Kong!