If you’re looking for the perfect Hong Kong travel itinerary that covers all the must-see things in the city, from a local, you’ve come to the right place.

Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It’s a perfect blend of East and West, modernity and culture, concrete jungle and real jungle! And honestly, it can be so much fun discovering and exploring Hong Kong for the first time! As you plan your trip and itinerary to the city, I want to give you some of my suggestions and tips as a local. And it doesn’t matter if you need to plan a Hong Kong itinerary for 4 days, 5 days, or more, this blog has you covered.

Also, we constantly update this post with the latest developments, news and suggestions.

Welcome to Hong Kong

More than just Skyscrapers

Unfortunately, visitors often associate Hong Kong with its skyscrapers, shopping, and bright lights. But there is so much that lies beyond the dense city. So, allow me to share with you what I think is a comprehensive itinerary for anyone visiting Hong Kong. An itinerary that covers the city, its wilderness, culture, and beyond. And if you must, even Macau.

We’ve been living in Hong Kong for over 6 years, and in this time we’ve loved exploring every nook and corner of the city. From its Central financial district to its far-flung villages and remote islands. There is just so much to see and do in Hong Kong! But hopefully, this itinerary summarizes what we recommend to those who visit the city.

Our goal is to have you explore Hong Kong with local tips, budget-friendly suggestions, and money-saving hacks.

The Logistics

Hong Kong consists of 4 main parts –

1. Hong Kong Island,
2. Kowloon,
3. New Territories, and
4. Outlying Islands.

It’s worth noting that Hong Kong International Airport is on an island called Lantau (bottom-left corner on this map). And the main city is confined to the north of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Different parts of Hong Kong

Airport To The City

Once you arrive in Hong Kong, I recommend taking the Airport Express to the city. It’s fast, convenient, and efficient. And I suggest that you buy tickets online like I personally do. You can save up almost 30% on Airport Express tickets if you buy them online as opposed to at the airport. That’s a money-saving tip right there for you!

Of course, you can also take a taxi. Taxis are relatively cheap and ubiquitous in Hong Kong. Taxis are very convenient but make economic sense if there are 3 of you travelling together. And if you’re a group of 3 (or less), you can also hire a private car to pick you up at the airport!

Golden sunset over the Hong Kong skyline

Hotels – Where To Stay In Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a relatively small city that’s really well-connected. However, as a tourist, I would recommend that you find a hotel that is either on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon and is close to the MTR. Here are a few options for hotels in Hong Kong.

Hotel Recommendations on Hong Kong Island

Hotel Recommendations in Kowloon

Local Sim Card

When it comes to mobile networks, Hong Kong is really well-connected. And in this day and age, you definitely need mobile data for maps, navigation, and just uploading your stories on Instagram! You can pick up a SIM card easily at the airport upon arrival. But oftentimes they run out of stock. So, it’s better to reserve a SIM card. Also, if you reserve your SIM card beforehand, you can save 22%!

Local Travel

Hong Kong probably has one of the most efficient and cheapest public transport systems in the world. And if you want to take advantage of this transport system, you should get yourself an Octopus card.

Octopus Card

The Octopus card works in the MTR, buses, mini-buses, trams, and even some shops and restaurants. Just tap the card, and the fare gets deducted. It’s super convenient and you don’t need to buy a ticket every time you board a bus or train.

You can purchase a normal Octopus Card at any MTR station Information Centre, or a tourist version at the Hong Kong Airport that comes preloaded with HK$ 50 (more practical for visitors). The card can be topped up at any MTR station, or convenience store such 7-Eleven or Circle K. And before you leave Hong Kong, you can choose to return the normal Octopus card to the information kiosk at any MTR station to get cash for any balance left on the card, and the deposit. Last I checked, you lose only HK$ 9 when you return the Octopus card. The tourist version of the Octopus card can’t be returned but serves as a souvenir of your trip to Hong Kong.

Big Bus Tour

Another great way to explore Hong Kong is on the Big Bus Tour. The open-top double-decker bus tour offers multiple routes and unlimited hop-on/hop-off. To learn more about the Big Bus Tour and its routes, and to buy discounted tickets for it click here. Book online and you can save up to 12%.

Best Time To Visit Hong Kong?

Unlike many of the Southeast Asian countries, Hong Kong has seasons. The summers are long, hot and humid, and winters can get really cold. In fact, January 2016 had the coldest day in 59 years when the temperature dropped to 3.1° Celsius.

Right above Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

So, here are the best and worst months to visit Hong Kong in my experience:

• September to February: Perfect weather, cool, and dry. Can get cold in January. However, the winds blow south, so it can get hazy.
• April to July: Hot and humid. But winds blow north, which means that you can expect clear, blue skies and gorgeous views.
• March and August: Avoid. March weather is usually gloomy, and August is typhoon season (lots of rain).

The Ultimate Hong Kong Itinerary

Alright, now that we’ve got the basic logistics out of the way, let’s get down to exploring Hong Kong.

Day 1

Let’s spend the first day discovering the city.

Head To Victoria Peak

Hong Kong probably has the most iconic skyline in the world. With 355 skyscrapers in the city, it has the highest number of skyscrapers in the world!  There’s no reason for you to not admire this skyline on your first day! And Victoria Peak has some of the best views of Hong Kong. On a clear day, you can see miles into Kowloon from the Peak.

The view from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

There are many ways to get to Victoria Peak, but the most popular way (for first-timers) is the Peak Tram. The tram (renovated in 2023) offers a unique and exciting way for passengers to experience the beauty of Hong Kong. The Peak Tram starts from Garden Road in Admiralty and takes you straight up to the Peak.

The lines at the Peak Tram terminus can at times be an hour long! Fortunately, you can save time and buy a fast-track ticket to the tram and literally save an hour!

When you reach the Peak, there are numerous vantage points near the Peak Tower. There’s also a paid area right on top of the Peak Tower from where you can get incredible 360-degree views of Hong Kong. If you book the tram fast-track ticket combo online, you can opt for access to the rooftop of the Peak Tower (Sky Pass). I would highly recommend it!

The Peak Tram

My favourite spot on the peak is a 10-minute walk from Peak Tower on Lugard Road (click here to open it in Google Maps). You won’t find as many tourists here, and personally, I think this spot offers some of the best views of the Hong Kong Skyline.

View of the HK skyline of Lugard Road, Hong Kong

And if you’re looking for something off the beaten path (pun intended) near the Peak, take a detour to the Pinewood Battery, once Hong Kong’s highest coastal defence battery from WW2. The battery now lies in ruins.

Go on a Food Tour

One of the best ways to discover Hong Kong is through your palate. Known for its wonton noodles, BBQ meats, and a range of local delicacies, Hong Kong is best experienced through its food!

After your visit to Victoria Peak come down to Central, which is a very short taxi ride from the Peak or the Peak Tram Station. From Central, I would recommend the Central & Sheung Wan Foodie Tour that sets off at 1:45 PM or 2:15 PM from Monday through Saturday. The food tour takes you through some of the best, and award-winning restaurants in Hong Kong. From roasted meats, dim sums, bakeries, and wonton noodles, you’ll experience it all!

Walk About Central & Sheung Wan

After the food tour, take some time to discover Central and Sheung Wan. Wander aimlessly amidst Hong Kong’s financial hub, or discover hidden gems.

For instance, did you know that you can go up from the Central MTR to Mid-Levels (up the hill)? The Mid-Level escalator system forms the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. Or you could walk down to Man Mo Temple, a declared monument and one of the city’s oldest temples.

After paying your respect at the temple, head to Cat Street, also known as Antiques Street. Here you will find Chinese trinkets, propaganda posters, antique curios, and art galleries. This is a great place to buy your souvenir or memento from Hong Kong.

Antiques Street, Hong Kong

Be Dazzled By The Symphony of Lights

After having seen the skyline from Victoria Peak in the morning, hop across Victoria Harbour to get a different perspective of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyscrapers. Head to the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui for the famous sound & light show dubbed ‘The Symphony of Lights’.

The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong

If you’re on Hong Kong Island, you can either take the MTR or the Star Ferry. I would definitely recommend the Star Ferry from Central. It’s one of Hong Kong’s oldest modes of transport that still charges almost next-to-nothing to ferry you across the harbour.

The Symphony of Lights is staged every night at 8 PM. Prepare to be dazzled by lasers, lights, and LED screens as Hong Kong’s skyline dances to music. Try to get to the waterfront early to get a front-row view as it fills up fast.

Symphony of Lights on the Aqua Luna

However, if you’re not a fan of large crowds, you can upgrade your Symphony of Lights experience by watching it from the Aqua Luna. The Aqua Luna is the iconic red boat that you see sailing around Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong’s iconic Aqua Luna in the middle of Victoria Harbour

From this traditional Chinese junk boat, you get to see the show from the middle of the harbour. This gives you a much better view of lights and lasers on both sides. And of course, it’s a much classier way to enjoy the Symphony of Lights.

Dinner at Hutong

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui and within walking distance from the waterfront, Hutong is one of the best Chinese restaurants in town. Along with the food, the views from the restaurant too are breathtaking!

Although the restaurant is relatively pricey, between HK$ 400 – 800 per person, it’s absolutely worth it. After all the money-saving tips that I’ve given you, I think you can afford to spend a few extra dollars.

Remember to make a booking beforehand.

And if you still haven’t gotten enough of the skyline, head down to Sky100, Hong Kong’s highest observatory deck. Once again, tickets are cheaper if you book online.

Day 2

On the second day, why not explore a few gardens, parks, or even theme parks? And then wrap it up with a visit to Hong Kong’s famous night market.

Go To Ocean Park or Disneyland

Hong Kong is home to two incredible theme parks – Ocean Park and Disneyland.

Personally, I love Ocean Park! Situated on top of a hill, surrounded by sea on all sides, and great rides – what’s not to love?! Ocean Park is plenty big and has enough attractions to keep kids and adults entertained for a long time.

You can save up to 15% on admission tickets, and fast-track queues for attractions if you book your Ocean Park passes online.

Hong Kong is also home to Disneyland, which is obviously more popular with younger kids, especially girls. Disneyland is obviously much larger than Ocean Park and also offers plenty of excitement and entertainment for a day!

And as usual, you can save up to 13% if you book your Disneyland tickets online.

If man-made artificial theme parks aren’t really your thing, Hong Kong also has plenty of natural parks and gardens.

Chi Lin Nunnery or Ten Thousand Buddhas

One of my favourite attractions in the city is Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. Located in the heart of Diamond Hill, this beautiful garden and nunnery offer a stunning contrast between urban and traditional landscapes. It’s so surreal that a nunnery can transport you into a world of zen just by stepping into its walls, even if it’s in a busy urban district.

You can learn all about the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, including how to get there, in this blog post.

Another option is to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. This monastery is located in Sha Tin (New Territories of Hong Kong) and features 12,000 Buddha statues in different postures and expressions. Getting to the monastery also requires a short hike up the hill. But on a clear day, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Sha Tin from the monastery.

All the details about the Ten Thousand Buddhas, including how to get there, can be found in this post.

Both Chi Lin Nunnery and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery have Buddhist cafes that serve delicious vegetarian food.

Then Head To The Kowloon Walled City Park

After spending your morning at either a nunnery or monastery, head down to Kowloon Walled City Park. This park is built on the site of the former Kowloon Walled City – what was once a densely populated housing complex that became a haven of crime and debauchery. Some of the original artefacts from the Walled City can still be seen in the park.

All the information you need on the Kowloon Walled City Park, including how to get there, can be found in this post.

And as a side note, if you’re not a fan of vegetarian food, you can grab lunch at Islam Food near The Walled City Park. This restaurant serves some of the best Islamic-Chinese food in Hong Kong. If you don’t know what that is, I highly recommend giving it a try. Make sure you order the veal goulash!

Visit A Night Market

After spending your day at the parks, cool down by experiencing Hong Kong’s night markets. There are two-night markets in the city – Temple Street Night Market, and the Ladies Market.

Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street Night Market is located in Jordan (Kowloon side). To get to Temple Street, take the MTR to Jordan Station and follow the signs for Temple Street at Exit A. Here you can buy souvenirs, clothes and accessories, toys, and just a whole bunch of knickknacks.

Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong

Temple Street is also really famous for its seafood restaurants. Grab dinner at one of the many roadside eateries here. The most famous one is Temple Street Spicy Crab Restaurant. It’s definitely an amazing experience! However, if you’re in the mood for something more unique, there is a pretty amazing Shanxi restaurant 15 minutes walking from the night market called Yau Yuen Siu Tsui. Be sure to try their biang biang noodles. Yum!

Street food at Temple Street, Hong Kong

Mong Kok Ladies Market

Ladies Market is located in Mong Kok, the busiest shopping district in Kowloon, and is significantly bigger and busier than its counterpart at Temple Street. The range of products, and shopping here is quite similar, however, the Ladies’ Market is more focused on clothes and accessories. It’s also good to know that the Ladies’ Market is also open during the day.

To get to the Ladies’ Market, take the MTR to Mong Kok station and follow the signs at Exit D for Tung Choi Street. I prefer emerging from Exit D3 and walking a few metres to the start of the market.

Shopping in Mong Kok

Mong Kok is quite famous for all types of shopping. Right next to the Ladies Market is Fa Yuen Street, popularly known as “sneaker street”. Here you can buy discounted shoes and footwear from almost every major brand.

There is also the Mong Kok Computer Centre on Nelson Street to satisfy all your computer and gadget requirements. And finally, if you’re an Apple fan, head over to Sincere House on Argyle Street for authentic (but discounted) Apple products.

Day 3

Did you know that nearly 70% of Hong Kong is undeveloped land? You can find country parks 30 minutes away from the main city. In fact, Hong Kong has a very prominent hiking culture. So, why not take a day to explore Hong Kong beyond the skyline? As someone who lives in the city, I would be quite upset if I didn’t include hikes and beaches in my Hong Kong itinerary.

The Dragon’s Back Hike

The Dragon’s Back Hike is probably the most popular hike in Hong Kong. It’s convenient to get to, offers amazing views, is easy to complete, and can end in one of two beautiful beaches – Shek O or Big Wave Bay.

All the info you need about the Dragon’s Back Hike can be found in this post. If you’re not confident about hiking alone, you can always book a group hike with a guide. And if you don’t wish to hike, head straight to one of the two beaches below.

Relax at Shek O Beach or Big Wave Bay Beach

You can choose to end the Dragon’s Back Hike at Big Wave Bay, or Shek O. Both beaches are beautiful, and it’s hard to believe that these beaches are on Hong Kong Island. Personally, I would recommend Shek O because there’s more to do and see here. But Big Wave Bay has more charm and character because of all the surfers.

All the info you need on Shek O can be found on this post, and Big Wave Bay can be found on this post.

Party at LKF at night

And since we’ve taken the day to explore the wild side of the city, it wouldn’t be complete without a night out at Lan Kwai Fong – popularly known as LKF. Located in Central, LKF is the party centre of Hong Kong. Streets are full of bars, restaurants, and clubs that come to life at night. Let down your hair, go bar-hopping, or simply experience Hong Kong’s crazy side at night.

To get to LKF, take the MTR to Central Station, then exit D2, and walk up D’Aguilar Street.

Head to the Horse Races

Another nighttime activity that is extremely popular is horse races. Hong Kong has over 150 years of horse racing history. The sport was introduced by the British in 1842. However, official racing only began in 1884 with the establishment of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, a non-profit organization that is the largest taxpayer in Hong Kong!

Every Wednesday evening, the Happy Valley Racecourse, situated in Happy Valley, turns into a party with alcohol, live music, and lots of gambling! Entry is only HK$ 10 and you can enjoy an evening out over some drinks while watching the horse races and taking part in this amazingly old Hong Kong tradition.

Happy Valley Racecourse

There are plenty of bars and restaurants located at the Happy Valley Racecourse too. So you can decide to stay in the public stands or head to one of the bars. I would definitely advise you to head to the racecourse if you happen to be in Hong Kong on a Wednesday evening.

Day 4

Take a day to discover some of Hong Kong’s biggest tourist attractions, including a picturesque fishing village.

Visit The Big Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni located at Ngong Ping Village, Lantau Island. At 34 metres high, the Big Buddha draws pilgrims and visitors from all over Asia and the world. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Hong Kong not just because it’s a giant Buddha on top of a mountain, but also because of the awesome cable car (gondola) ride to Ngong Ping Village.

Tian Tan Buddha, Big Buddha

There are many ways to get to the Big Buddha (bus, taxi) but the most popular way is the cable car ride that starts from Tung Chung called the Ngong Ping 360.

Ngong Ping 360

The 5.7 km long ride is also ranked among one of the most beautiful cable car rides in the world by CNN. The Ngong Ping 360 starts from Tung Chung’s town centre and runs alongside the Hong Kong International Airport as it ascends to Ngong Ping (to get to Tung Chung, take the Tung Chung MTR line from Central). Visitors can admire the awesome view of aeroplanes landing and taking off as they glide next to one of the longest single-cable suspensions in Asia!

Aerial view of Ngong Ping Village, Hong Kong

And here is the best part – you have the option to ride in a standard cable-car, or a glass-bottom cable car (known as the Crystal Cabin)! Unless you have vertigo, I would highly recommend the glass-bottom cable car ride. It’s as thrilling and exciting as they come!

Riding the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin

Ngong Ping Cable Car Discounted Tickets with Designated Lane

Step Into The Po Lin Monastery

Although most visitors come to see the Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery is actually the main attraction in Ngong Ping. Founded in 1906, the Po Lin Monastery got its present name in 1924. It houses three bronze statues of the Buddha, representing his past, present and future lives, as well as many Buddhist scriptures. The Big Buddha was constructed in 1993 as an extension of the monastery.

Entrance to the Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping

Like the other monasteries in Hong Kong, Po Lin Monastery also has a vegetarian restaurant that remains open until 16:30. However, if you’re not in the mood for something vegetarian, I would suggest heading down to Tai O fishing village to eat some delicious seafood.

Stumble Onto The Wisdom Path

Also, while you’re at Ngong Ping, I would advise you to take a 10-minute detour to the Wisdom Path. The Wisdom Path is a monument that consists of 38 wooden beams, each with a prayer from the Heart Sutra. Not many tourists end up going to the Wisdom Path, but I would advise that you check it out.

The Wisdom Path with Tian Tan Buddha in the background

Just look for the Wisdom Path signs at the foot of the steps of the Giant Buddha. If you wish to read up more on the Wisdom Path, click here.

Now, onto Tai O!

Discover Tai O Fishing Village

Located on a small islet by the same name, Tai O is a quaint, old fishing village. To get to the village from Ngong Ping, take bus number 21 or a taxi.

Picturesque Tai O village

The village, known for its dried seafood and stilt houses, lies in the tidal plains. Notice the houses built on stilts in this village. The stilts protect the structures from any damage due to flooding.

Tai O is a great day trip that will truly help you appreciate the rustic, village fisherman life in Hong Kong. If it wasn’t for the airport in the vicinity or the Macau bridge, it’d be hard for you to imagine that this was Hong Kong.

All the information that you need on Tai O can be found on this blog.

More Than 4 Days in HK?

If you’re in Hong Kong for 5 or 6 days, don’t worry, there’s still plenty more to see.

We can help you plan your HK itinerary

Day 5: Explore Macau

Most visitors make a day trip or combine Hong Kong with Macau (or Macao). Personally, I think there are plenty of things to do and see in Macau for 1 or 2 days. Besides gambling, Macau also has a lovely old town and the highest bungee jump in the world.

Some of the more popular activities in Macau include:

Popular attractions in Macau

• The House of Dancing Water – The world’s largest water-based acrobatics show. A must-watch!
  • Book tickets online and save 11%.
• Visit the Macau Tower – Go up to the observation deck and get fantastic 360-degree views of Macau. On a clear day, you can see Hong Kong!
  • Book the admission ticket online and save 34%.
• Sightseeing Day Tour – Book a sightseeing tour of Macau with locals and learn more about the city and its history.
  • Book the tour online and save 10%.
• Gondola Rides at The Venetian – The Venetian is the most popular casino in all of Macau and equally so are its gondola rides. Take a ride on a gondola inside the largest casino in Macau and explore the city inside.
  • Book tickets online and save 25%.

Activities for thrill-seekers in Macau

• Macau Tower Bungee Jump – Jump from the highest commercial bungee jump in the world! Enough said.
  • Book the bungee online and save 12%.
• Macau Tower Climb – If you think the views from the viewing deck of the Macau Tower are amazing, try climbing to the top of the tower! This is one of the more extreme activities, but it rewards you with one-of-a-kind views.
  • Book the climb online and save 57%.
• Macau Tower Skyjump – Jump from the same height as the bungee, but in a controlled fall. A perfect option for those who want the thrill of the bungee, but in a safer manner.
  • Book online and save 7%.
• Macau Tower Skywalk X – Another crazy activity that involves walking on the outer edge of the viewing deck! We did it and it’s a lot of fun. You can read about it in this blog.
  • Book online and save 30%.

The entire group just chilling on the edge of Skywalk, Macau

You can read more about my favourite things to do in Macau in this post.

Bus or Ferry to Macau?

Today, you can choose to take a ferry or bus to Macau from Hong Kong.

If you want to take the ferry, make sure to book your Hong Kong-Macau ferry tickets online. You can get some really good deals on both TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet.

The Hong Kong-Macau bridge as seen from where the Tai O Creek meets the sea

However, since the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge was built in 2018 it has become an extremely popular way for people to travel between Hong Kong and Macau. After all, it is the world’s longest sea-crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link! If you’re planning to go to Macau from Hong Kong, crossing the sea over this 55 km long bridge could definitely be on your itinerary.

You can buy discounted tickets for the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau bus ride from this webpage.

Days 6 & 7: Explore Sai Kung

However, if you only plan-making Macau a day trip, I would recommend exploring Sai Kung in Hong Kong on your last day. Sai Kung lies in the northeast region of Hong Kong. It’s known for its pristine beaches, UNESCO Global Geopark, volcanic rock formations, and breathtaking hikes! There is plenty to do and see in Sai Kung that will easily take up a day or two. Everything you want to know about Sai Kung can be found in this blog post.

A Hong Kong Itinerary for everyone

We hope you enjoyed our Hong Kong itinerary. Of course, we have enough material in Hong Kong to keep you occupied for months! And if you need help personalising your Hong Kong itinerary, or need more tips about Hong Kong, feel free to contact us.

We can help you plan your HK itinerary

If you’re stopping by Hong Kong only for a few hours, we have a separate Hong Kong layover guide. And make sure you check out my photos of Hong Kong and aerial photos of the city.