Whether you have two, three, or four days in Hong Kong, we have a Hong Kong itinerary for the best things to do in this vibrant city.
Although Hong Kong is officially part of China, Hong Kong’s visa requirements are different, making it easier to travel to and enjoy all the sights and attractions Hong Kong has to offer.
We’ll show you where to visit and give you some tips for finding accommodation, as well as options for tours and packages if you’d prefer.
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Getting Into the City From The Airport
There are several ways to get into the city. The most affordable way is to use public transport, and the best way to do that is with an Octopus Card.
The basic cost for a card is $150 HKD with a $100 HKD credit and $50 HKD card deposit included in the price from ages 12 and up. Kids 3-11 pay $70 HKD with a $20 HKD credit, children under 3 are free. Deposits of $50 HKD and remaining funds are refundable upon return of the card.
You can use it on the MTR, buses, trams, mini-buses, and ferries. Some supermarkets, convenience stores, major chain stores, and some taxies will accept the card as an option for payment.
There are ‘fare saver machines’ around the city where you can tap your card and receive discounts on travel as a reward for walking.
While it’s possible to pay cash, you won’t receive change and given you’ll likely use the Octopus Card extensively during your stay, we would highly recommend it. You can pick one up at the airport after passing through customs.
From the airport, you can catch a bus to just about anywhere in town. We caught the 22 bus right into Tsim Sha Tsui for $10- 40 HKD and sat on the second level for some great views!
A faster and more expensive option is the Airport Express for $100 HKD to Central one way or $180 return – cheaper if you are going to Tsing Yi Station or Kowloon Station.
Catching a cab is much more expensive, and depending on where you need to go, there are different colored cabs. The taxi queues are located near the Airport Express, and a journey to Central will cost between $250-$350 HKD. If you have any problems, you can talk to the information desk after customs.
- Red taxis go to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and can also go to Disneyland and Tung Chung
- Green taxis can only go to the New Territories, but not Lantau Island
- Blue taxis can go to Lantau Island only
Hong Kong Itinerary
Two Days in Hong Kong
Day One
Get yourself ready for a big day one of our Hong Kong itinerary as we explore Hong Kong Island. First off is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Hong Kong, The Peak. You can catch the historic Peak Tram from Central.
The cost is currently $52 HKD return for adults and $23 HKD for children 3-11, or you can catch the NWFB Route 15 bus from Central (Exchange Square), which costs $9.80 HKD for adults or $4.90 HKD one way for children.
We took the bus and were delighted with great views on the way up, and it only took about half an hour.
The Peak’s main points of interest are the magnificent views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and the Kowloon Peninsula. There are nature walks you can enjoy, ranging from 5-10 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you walk. Check out The Peak website for the maps.
If you have kids, they might enjoy Madame Tussaud’s and the 3D Trick Eye Museum (free entrance to the latter) at The Peak Tower. You can access the viewing deck here too, however, the views are better from Lugard Rd (to the left of the tower) and it’s free.
Before leaving, you can go shopping or enjoy a pleasant dining experience with a view at one of Hong Kong’s biggest landmark attractions.
Back down the hill in Central take a walk along the waterfront, take in the views, and then ride on another one of Hong Kong’s major tourist attractions, The Observation Wheel, located just near the ferry piers.
Then explore Central a little more and hop on one of the double-decker trams, known locally as Ding Dings. Check out the interactive tram map here.
If it’s too hot after all of that, escape to the iconic IFC mall’s air-conditioning for a spot of shopping and some lunch.
Next on the Hong Kong itinerary are the residential developments known as the mid-levels – named after the fact they’re halfway up the mountain!
Ride the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world up towards the mid-levels passing through Soho, scanning your Octopus card for discounts at the scanning booths as you go.
Trendy Soho is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. A tip from our local friend says Wellington Street is best for noodles, dumplings, and ramen, and if you want some traditional Chinese street food, try Stanley Street, which is one street north of Wellington Street.
Day Two
Depending on where you’re staying you’ll want to ride the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and explore Tsim Sha Tsui.
Kowloon is located on the peninsula north of Hong Kong Island and is known as one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
Tsim Sha Tsui is where most of the budget hotels (Hong Kong Island tends to have the more upmarket hotels) are located and is home to a mix of malls, street markets and packed streets.
Walk down Nathan Road towards the waterfront and enjoy the Avenue of Stars (under renovation at the time of writing) and watch the Junk Boats sail back and forth with the beautiful Hong Kong Island in the background.
If you are here at night you can enjoy the Symphony of Lights – great for young kids.
Something not to miss when you visit Hong Kong is eating Dim Sum, and some of the best Dim Sum can be found in the Tsim Sha Tsui area.
Checking TripAdvisor or Google reviews is the best way to find good local restaurants. We tried using Openrice (a local alternative) but found the others to be better.
To find out more about Hong Kong and its past head over to the Museum of History.
The permanent exhibition ‘The Hong Kong Story’ is free, and a small admission fee of $10 HKD for adults and $5 HKD for children and concession holders applies for the other exhibitions they have on offer. Check out their website here for updates.
Don’t forget to visit the markets located in Mong Kok, north of Tsim Sha Tsui. Not just a tourist spot, it is a fascinating and lively experience, particularly the performers lining the street of the Ladies’ Market.
To get there from Tsim Sha Tsui, catch one of the double-decker busses running along Nathan Road, and try to sit up the front on top for the best views.
The 17, 9, or 2 bus should get you there, or close. Some of the more unique markets in the area are the Ladies Market, Goldfish Market, Flower Market, and the Bird Market.
Three Days in Hong Kong
Day 3
Where else is there to go in Hong Kong? Why not explore some of Hong Kong’s other islands and take a day trip to the famous Lantau Island! Lantau Island is one of the larger islands in Hong Kong and home to the international airport. It is also one of the best places to visit with kids, as it’s home to Disneyland and Ocean Park.
There are many different options and day trips for visiting Disneyland depending on your budget and how you like to travel. You can book straight through their website. Prices start from $619 HKD for a general admission ticket for 12 and above, or $458 HKD for 3 to 11 year olds.
If you want a little more out of your holiday, or you’d like it all-inclusive, there are many Disneyland packages available through TripAdvisor that include transport to Disneyland, and some that include a separate day trip to Macau!
Ocean Park is my kind of place, I love animals and I love scary rides, however, there are definitely rides for all ages. Tickets on their website start at $480 HKD for 12 and above and $240 HKD from 3-11 years old. If you prefer all-inclusive tours and packages TripAdvisor is your friend. Check out their latest deals here.
While on Lantau Island make time for one of the more traditional tourist attractions, the Big Buddha. The Big Buddha is 34 meters high and you’ll need to climb 268 steps to the top. It faces north towards the Chinese people and the Buddha image took 12 years to complete. Located opposite the Po Lin Monastery, it cost $60 Million HKD to complete.
Four Days in Hong Kong
Day 4
There are still plenty of sightseeing opportunities in this great city. While not something most people would picture when thinking of Hong Kong, beaches are something that the Hong Kong people treasure and there are some nice ones to choose from!
We went to a beach on Cheung Chau Island when we were there for the bun festival, and it was the perfect way to cool off on a scorching hot day!
Our local friend recommended Recluse Bay on the south side of Hong Kong Island as a favorite getaway for the locals.
Festivals! Hong Kong has a busy calendar of festivals, and if you are lucky enough to be in town for a festival, make it a priority to join in the fun.
As I said before I love animals, and I really love birds, so we headed to Hong Kong Park where they have lots of birds to see in their aviary for free!
The park is a great place to chill out in this busy city so it’s worth the trip. The Botanical Gardens are a short walk away and a great way to wind down after following our busy Hong Kong itinerary.
To finish off your Hong Kong trip, go to one last tourist destination, Macau. A special administrative region of China just like Hong Kong, it’s an easy day trip from away.
It’s known for its gambling and is often called the Las Vegas of Asia.
Apart from the casinos, there is beautiful colonial architecture to enjoy, food to taste, and several great beaches at which to cool off.
