Hong Kong: Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Bus 3 Routes & Ferry

Summary

Open-top bus rides between temples markets & city lights

You’ll feel Hong Kong’s pulse from an open-top seat as you glide past temples and neon-lit markets, hopping off for egg tarts or quiet moments on the Star Ferry. With three flexible routes and local audio commentary, every stop feels like its own little adventure.

What’s the experience like?

“You can smell the incense before you see the temple,” our driver Mr. Chan said as we rattled past Hollywood Road, and he was right — it drifted in through the open top deck just before Man Mo Temple came into view. I’d never been on a hop-on hop-off tour in Asia before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this Hong Kong sightseeing bus, but honestly, it felt like a moving balcony over the city. The wind up there smells like roasted chestnuts one minute and traffic exhaust the next. I tried to catch photos of neon signs but mostly ended up with blurry streaks — which is probably more honest anyway.

The audio guide piped up in nine languages (I stuck with English, but Li next to me switched to Mandarin for a bit and laughed when she heard how they translated “Mid-Levels Escalator”). We hopped off at Stanley Market because my friend swore by the egg tarts there — warm, flaky, gone in two bites. There’s something about sitting on a plastic stool with locals while watching red taxis squeeze through impossibly tight corners that makes you feel less like a tourist for a second. The bus routes crisscrossed all over: Kowloon for street food at Temple Street Night Market (noisy, bright, kind of chaotic), then back toward Central where skyscrapers reflect each other until you lose track of which way is up.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the ferry ride as much as I did — Star Ferry is included with the ticket if you want it. The water’s choppier than it looks from shore and everyone gets quiet for a moment watching the skyline blink on at dusk. Our last stop was Aberdeen Harbour; fishing boats bobbing under high-rises made me wonder how anyone ever gets used to this place. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear gulls back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hong Kong Island highlights

• Start at Central Star Ferry Pier 7
• Ride to Mid-Levels Escalator
• Visit Man Mo Temple
• Stop at Tai Kwun
• See The Pawn (from May 12, 2025)
• Explore Causeway Bay Sogo
• Pass Park Lane Hotel
• Ride to Peak Tram

Day 2 — Discover Stanley and southern coast

• Start at Central Star Ferry Pier 7
• Ride to Peak Tram
• Stop at Wan Chai Waterfront
• Visit Stanley
• Explore Repulse Bay
• Stop at Ocean Park
• Visit Aberdeen

Day 3 — Tour Kowloon and night markets

• Visit Statue of Bruce Lee on Avenue of Stars
• Explore Temple Street
• See Wholesale Fruit Market
• Stop at Langham Place
• Visit Hong Kong Palace Museum
• Stop at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station

Top questions

How many routes are included in the Hong Kong hop-on hop-off bus tour?

There are three routes: Hong Kong Island Tour (Red Route), Stanley Tour (Green Route), and Kowloon Route (Blue Route).

Is hotel pickup included in this sightseeing bus tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you'll need to reach Central Star Ferry Pier 7 or another designated stop yourself.

Are tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours?

You can choose between a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket for the Hong Kong hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.

Does the ticket include entry to attractions like Man Mo Temple or Ocean Park?

No, entry fees to individual attractions are not included; only transportation via bus and ferry is covered.

Is there free WiFi on board the buses?

Yes, free WiFi is available on all sightseeing buses during your tour.

Are children under 3 years old charged for this tour?

No, children under 3 travel free with each paying adult (one per adult).

Is this Hong Kong sightseeing bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible for passengers who need it.

What languages are available on the audio commentary?

The audio guide offers commentary in nine different languages including English and Mandarin.

What’s included

Your day includes an open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours across three routes—Hong Kong Island, Stanley and Kowloon—plus free onboard WiFi, a Star Ferry ticket between Kowloon and Central, and optional Peak Tram Special Combo or Sampan Houseboat ride with certain tickets. Audio commentary is available in nine languages so you can follow along wherever you decide to jump off next.