Travel

Hong Kong in 48 Hours: Temples, Markets & the Symphony of Lights – Was It Worth It?

Our 48-hour stopover in Hong Kong included ancient temples, buzzing markets, panoramic views from Victoria Peak – and the famous Symphony of Lights. Here’s what we loved… and what fell flat.

Kevin Morgan

02 Jul 2025 — 2 min read

Hong Kong skyline at dusk

🇭🇰 A Stopover to Remember – or to Forget?

Our New Zealand adventure had an exciting intermission: a two-night stopover in Hong Kong. It sounded perfect – just enough time to explore this iconic city’s best-known sights. But did it live up to the hype? And was the Symphony of Lights really worth staying up for?

Here’s what we did, what surprised us, and some honest reflections from a family that values immersive and accessible travel.

🏨 Arrival & First Impressions

After our long-haul flight from London (see Part 1 here), we landed into Hong Kong International Airport and transferred to our hotel in the Central district. The city instantly hit us with a wall of humidity, glowing neon, and a buzz that never seemed to fade.

We checked in, dropped our bags, and got out exploring straight away.

🛕 Man Mo Temple: A Peaceful Respite

One of our first stops was Man Mo Temple, a beautifully preserved tribute to literature and war gods. Thick incense spirals hovered in the air like smoke halos. For Lauren, navigating the steps with her walker (an R82 Crocodile Size 3) was manageable thanks to supportive staff and relatively accessible paths inside.

“This was a real highlight – serene, photogenic, and atmospheric.”

— Nic

Definitely worth it.

🛍️ Markets, Street Life & Unexpected Moments

Next, we wandered through local markets – packed with street food, souvenirs, gadgets, and the occasional surprise. This part felt raw and real: locals bargaining, smells of roasted chestnuts, and the low hum of thousands of conversations.

We filmed a lot of this for the vlog. You’ll see Nic in the heart of it, loving the interaction (and secretly eyeing up the dumplings).

🌆 Victoria Peak – Cloudy, But Still Majestic

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip to Victoria Peak. We took the iconic tram ride – a steep, creaky journey that lifts you above the skyline.

It's a stunning view from the top - hope for a clear day!

Tip: try visiting earlier in the day to dodge the haze.

🎆 Symphony of Lights – Worth Staying Up For?

We had high hopes. The Symphony of Lights is billed as a multimedia show lighting up the harbour skyline each night at 8PM.

Honestly? It didn’t quite hit the mark.

The lights were subtle, and unless you were right on the waterfront with a good view and sound, it felt… underwhelming. Great for a backdrop to a night walk, but don’t expect Disney-level production.

“It didn’t live up to the hype – but the skyline itself is beautiful at night.”

— Kevin

Verdict: See it if you’re nearby. Don’t make it your main event.

♿ Accessible Travel Notes

Hong Kong is a mix when it comes to accessibility:

🚊 The MTR is excellent – flat, fast, and reliable.
🚶 Footpaths can be narrow or uneven.
🛕 Man Mo Temple was mostly accessible, though a few steps were unavoidable.
🌆 The Peak Tram was accommodating but can get crowded.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong was an intense, intriguing, and sometimes challenging stopover. It gave us history, culture, food, and a city that never stopped moving.

Some parts – like the Man Mo Temple and bustling street markets – were unforgettable. Others, like the Symphony of Lights, didn’t quite shine. But overall, it was a meaningful experience and a great start to our bigger journey to New Zealand.