Hong Kong Landmarks: Star Ferry, Dim Sum & Escalator Day Trip

Summary

Hong Kong’s vibrant streets, Star Ferry crossing and dim sum lunch

You’ll glide up the world’s longest escalator, step quietly into incense-filled temples, cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, and share dim sum lunch with locals—all in one Hong Kong day trip with a friendly guide who knows every shortcut and snack stop. Expect surprises (and maybe an egg tart or two) along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already moving—up, actually—on the Mid-Levels Escalator before I realized how much of Hong Kong you can see just by gliding. Our guide, May, pointed out little noodle shops tucked under neon signs and told us about her favorite egg tarts (she swears by the ones in Sheung Wan). The escalator itself is weirdly hypnotic—people passing by with umbrellas even though the sky was clear. I tried to snap a photo but mostly got my own reflection in the glass. There’s this constant hum here, like everyone’s got somewhere to be but nobody minds stopping for a snack.

We ducked into Man Mo Temple next—smoky coils of incense hanging from the ceiling, sunlight slanting through dust motes. It’s quieter inside than I expected. May showed us how locals tap the incense sticks before placing them. I probably did it wrong but she just smiled. After that we wandered Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street), where old men play cards behind stalls piled high with jade trinkets and movie posters. The air smells like dried herbs and something sweet I couldn’t quite place.

The highlight for me was crossing Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry. You get this breeze off the water that cuts through all the city noise for a second—it’s kind of magic. On the other side at Tsim Sha Tsui, we tried egg tarts (May was right) and then sat down for dim sum lunch. I still think about those shrimp dumplings—so light they barely held together on my chopsticks. Someone at another table laughed when I tried to order in Cantonese; I probably butchered it but they appreciated the effort.

By the time we reached the Clock Tower, my feet were tired but my head was full—stories about old jails turned art spaces, movie stars’ handprints along Avenue of Stars, bits of history you’d never catch without someone local leading you around. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so connected to a city in just one day trip from central Hong Kong—but here we are.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hong Kong landmarks and markets

• Visit Mid-level Escalator with guide
• Tour former jail heritage site
• Explore So Ho bar district
• Visit creative design center
• See Man Mo Temple
• Shop at Upper Lascar Row market
• Explore Sheung Wan dried seafood market
• Visit old food market site
• Take Star Ferry to Victoria Harbour
• Enjoy Victoria Harbour observation deck
• Walk Avenue of Stars
• See former marine police station hotel
• Visit former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower

Top questions

How long does this Hong Kong day trip last?

The tour lasts 4 hours with dim sum lunch included or 6 hours if you continue to Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower.

Is dim sum lunch included in this tour?

Yes, a traditional dim sum lunch is included if you select that option when booking.

Are entry fees for attractions covered?

Yes, all attraction admissions are included in your booking.

Does this tour include Star Ferry tickets?

Yes, your Star Ferry ticket is included as part of the experience.

Is pickup available for this Hong Kong landmarks tour?

The tour includes easy meeting points; hotel pickup may be arranged upon special request.

Can infants join this Hong Kong day trip?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What are some highlights visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Central–Mid-Level Escalator, Man Mo Temple, Cat Street Market, Avenue of Stars, Clock Tower and more.

Is there time to explore local markets?

Yes—you’ll have time to wander through Sheung Wan dried seafood market and Upper Lascar Row antique market.

What’s included

Your day includes admission to all listed attractions such as Man Mo Temple and Central–Mid-Level Escalator, Star Ferry tickets across Victoria Harbour, tram fare if selected, snacks tasting (including egg tarts), drinks along the way, plus a classic dim sum lunch with your local licensed guide taking care of every detail—even special requests if you have them.