The best things to do at Hong Kong Airport

The airport has 24-hour pay-in lounges that provide access to facilities such as private resting rooms, food and drink bars, showers, and internet workstations. The Plaza Premium Lounge is the perfect place for you to kick back before a long flight, as it is situated in various parts of the airport and offers seasonal made-to-order entrees, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert delicacies. You can enjoy a glass of cocktail or a refreshing summer mocktail for you and your little one before boarding. Additionally, several airline lounges are available in the airport, so if you’re flying in business or first-class cabins, check with your airline if you can use their facilities.  

Cathay Pacific’s The Deck lounge, located near Gate 6, can accommodate up to 180 guests and offers hot dim sum and noodles at the airline’s iconic noodle bar, as well as eight shower suites where you can freshen up with Aesop toiletries. Additionally, the airline's first class lounge, The Pier, at Gate 63 recently reopened. Stay here and enjoy the contemporary dining room and bar. Get some rest at the eight suites-retreat area with comfortable daybeds complete with reading light, mirror and blinds, and a heavy curtain for added privacy. You can also avail of neck, shoulder, and foot massages and eye revitalising massages. 

There's also an option to book some pampering at Oriental Massage, which offers services such as head, shoulder, or foot massages, as well as manicures and pedicures. Located near Gate 64 on Departures Level 6, the venue operates from 10am to 7pm. 

If you need quick showers, the airport also offers complimentary shower facilities with a hair dryer, shampoo and bath gel, and vending machines that allow you to get towels and other toiletries. 

Need to stay overnight but don’t want to miss your flight? Book a stay at the nearest hotels in HKIA.  

Hong Kong International Airport’s food court is your last chance to taste classic Cantonese dishes before leaving the city. Hong Kong International Airport’s food court is your last chance to taste classic Cantonese dishes before leaving the city. The airport branch of the iconic Cantonese eatery, Yung Kee Restaurant – open from 12pm to 10pm – is the place to go for some delicious charcoal-grilled roast goose.

You can also indulge in dim sum and barbecued meats at the airport venue of Michelin-starred Central restaurant Duddell's located on the level 7 food court of Terminal 1.

For some authentic wonton noodles, Chee Kei down at level 6, serves congee, fried rice, and bowls of wontons with a mouthful of noodles. Tsui Wah on the other hand, located on level 8 departures area, is where you can try the famous crispy bun with sweet condensed milk and Hong Kong-style milk tea and other signatures like beef brisket curry, pork cartilage with tossed instant noodles, and Swiss sauce chicken wings. 

If you're craving international cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from at Hong Kong International Airport.

For a quick bite, head to the level 7 food court and try Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go, where you can enjoy grab-and-go British dishes created exclusively for HKIA, such as all-day breakfast plates with eggs and bacon or burgers and fries. If you're looking for a full-service restaurant and bar, check out Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar on the Terminal 1 arrival level 5, where you can savour dishes like eggs benedict, cajun chicken, pancakes and eggs, as well as refreshing cocktails and mocktails.

For Japanese cuisine, find a seat at Sushi Taka, a sister brand of Michelin-starred restaurant Sushi Saito, and enjoy miso soup, sashimi, tempura donburi, bento boxes, and more. 

Do you have ample time to unwind and sip on some boozy libations? Head to Intervals, an all-new bar located on the Sky Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport. The venue provides a unique experience with artisanal drinks and food programs and a spectacular view of the airport. Their menu offers a series of cocktail flights comprised of miniature drinks (starting from $158) that will take 15 to 45 minutes to finish – perfect for a quick sip before your flight.  

If you're tired of people-watching while whiling away your layover time, head to one of the Journey of Discovery zones at the airport to enjoy therapeutic and Instagrammable multimedia showcases. At the Meeters & Greeters Hall, you can check out a large digital screen by the Crystal Elevator that displays striking digital art pieces capturing the multifaceted spirit of Hong Kong. These pieces include aerial views of the city, sights of the harbour, and a toy crane machine featuring cartoon characters by local illustrators Din Dong, Bigsoil, and Mandycat. 

On the north and south sides of the Arrivals Hall, you can visit the Waterfall Gardens, which feature interactive experiences. Visitors can touch and play with cascading waterfalls, step on stones in the creek, watch water lilies bloom, or relax by the pond with turtles and frogs swimming by their feet.

Be sure to check out HKIA Arts and Culture Festival 2023, which runs until December 31. Check out the festival's showcase of curated exhibitions and performances by local artists throughout the Hong Kong International Airport. For more info, visit the official festival website or inquire at the festival information desk located within the airport.

If you’re looking for an open space to get some air, head up to level 7 East Hall, Departures and step out to the Sky Garden, an open-air terrace with plant boxes and metallic silhouette art pieces like bauhinia, goldfish, birds, butterflies and leaves that livens up the place.

Do note that a lot of people come here for a quick cigarette break, so we don’t recommend bringing the little ones with you as the air may be filled with smoke.

Hong Kong International Airport has all the biggest high-end brand names under one roof to satisfy your big brand needs. There are tons of shops at Terminal 1 alone, so you literally get to have your pick of the best stores including brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Prada, and Versace. Shop everything from travel accessories, jewellery and watches, beauty and personal care products and fashion items. 

For travel essentials, you can check out Travelwell, Hong Kong International Airport's first autonomous convenience store. Located at the Sky Bridge entrance (near Gate 24), the unmanned store has a wide range of products available – including packaged food, drinks, souvenirs, and travel essentials – and uses IoT sensing technology to detect customers' movement routes and automates purchase processes. That means no checkouts, no queues, and no hassle. 

Bring a slice of Hong Kong with you on your travels by shopping for everything from edible souvenirs to Hong Kong-themed gifts. Kee Wah Bakery and Wing Wah Cake Shop are top choices for local delicacies and pastries, such as wife cakes and egg rolls. Additionally, visit Hong Kong Design Gallery and browse over 5,000 unique products created exclusively by local designers and creative talents. You can also take home items featuring Hong Kong's vibrant culture at homegrown lifestyle brand G.O.D., offering a range of Hong Kong-inspired products, from home furnishings to fashion items. 

Missed your chance to shop for some Hong Kong Disneyland knick-knacks? You can still bring the magic of Disneyland with you by visiting the Disneyland store located on Departures level 7. Purchase Hong Kong-exclusive Disneyland items featuring your favourite characters, including stuffed toys, bags, stationery, and more.

If you're travelling with your precious kiddos, Hong Kong International Airport provides engaging stations to keep them entertained. Buzz Zones, located at Terminal 1 near Gates 31, 41, and 62 on Departures level 6, feature interactive games and playground equipment where you and your little ones can have fun. Let them burn off some energy at the Wonder Eggshell play space in the East Hall on Departures level 6. The venue is available for ages 6 to 12 and presents an interactive giant eggshell structure where kiddos can climb, slide, and explore various curved net tunnels. Additionally, there are bird-themed digital games in the area. 

Occasionally, the airport showcases cultural exhibits, so make sure to check the official website to catch the next one when you fly.