Hong Kong Itinerary: Discover the Best of the City in 3 Days

Are you planning a trip to the vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong? With its stunning skyline, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, there's no shortage of things to see and do. To help you make the most of your visit, we've curated a comprehensive Hong Kong itinerary we followed during our trip there. Whether you have a few days or a week, this guide will ensure you have an unforgettable experience in the Pearl of the Orient. Let’s read on and start planning with TravelThru!

Things to Know Before Planning Your 3 Days in Hong Kong

When to Visit

The best time to visit Hong Kong is in spring (April-May). This season offers a pleasant climate with comfortable temperatures and relatively low humidity. While the overall weather is generally pleasant, it's important to note that fog can linger in late April. If you prefer warmer weather, summer is an option, but be prepared for higher temperatures and humidity levels.

One of the main advantages of visiting Hong Kong in spring is the reduced crowds. Compared to peak tourist seasons, such as summer and winter, you'll likely encounter fewer crowds and have a more enjoyable experience. This is especially true for popular attractions and transportation options.

​​Where to Stay

Kowloon Peninsula is an excellent choice for a base in Hong Kong, especially if you're planning a 3-day trip. Its central location provides easy access to a wide range of attractions, including museums, parks, restaurants, and nightlife. This means you can maximize your time and explore as much of the city as possible.

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is a particularly popular neighborhood within the Kowloon Peninsula. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, stunning views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour, and a convenient location for exploring the city. Many first-time visitors choose to stay in TST due to its accessibility and proximity to major attractions.

>>> Discover more convenient places to stay in Hong Kong!

How to Get Around

The MTR (Mass Transit Rail) is the most efficient and convenient way to travel around Hong Kong. It's a rapid transit system that connects various parts of the city and offers frequent service. To make the most of your MTR journeys, download the MTR app, which provides real-time information on train schedules, routes, and disruptions.

Those who prefer a more leisurely and scenic way to explore the city should consider taking a double-decker tram. These iconic vehicles offer a unique and nostalgic experience, allowing you to see Hong Kong from a different perspective. You can purchase a 1-hour sightseeing tour to experience the tram and enjoy the views, or opt for an unlimited 2-day pass for unlimited rides.

Language

Hong Kong's official languages are Chinese and English, but most people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese. Note that Cantonese differs from Mandarin Chinese, which is spoken in mainland China.

If you're an English speaker, you'll be able to communicate with many people in Hong Kong, although their English skills may vary. Fortunately, all signs and announcements are in both Cantonese and English.

Currency

Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) as its official currency. You have multiple options for exchanging currency, including banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. It is advisable to convert a small amount of HKD upon arrival to ensure you have enough to cover your initial expenses.

Credit cards are also widely accepted in major tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case of emergencies.

>>> Maybe you're interested in: Hong Kong Travel Cost Essential Guide to Budgeting Trip

Hong Kong Itinerary for 3 Days

Day 1: Victoria Peak and Central District

Morning - Victoria Peak

Visiting Hong Kong without going to Victoria Peak is like visiting Japan without eating sushi. It's a big mistake! That's why we made Victoria Peak our first stop on our 3-day itinerary in Hong Kong.

Everyone loves the view from Victoria Peak, but it's also one of the most crowded places in Hong Kong. It's totally worth the crowds, though!

To have the best experience at Victoria Peak, choose a clear day and weekday for your visit. Hong Kong's air quality can vary throughout the year, and smog or fog can significantly impact visibility. While it's still possible to enjoy the view on days with less-than-ideal conditions, a clear day will offer the most spectacular panorama.

Visiting early in the morning is another strategy for avoiding large crowds. Even though Victoria Peak is a popular tourist destination, arriving before the main rush can make a significant difference. Remember, while you might not have the entire peak to yourself, you'll still have a memorable experience and plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Deciding whether to pay extra for Sky Terrace 428 is a personal choice. While it's relatively inexpensive, the experience can be crowded, and the views might not be significantly better than one of the lower levels. We didn't think it was worth the extra cost due to the crowds and difficulty of taking photos.

If you do choose to visit Sky Terrace 428, be prepared for a long walk up several escalators to reach the rooftop viewing area.

There are two main ways to get to Victoria Peak:

• Peak Tram: The most popular option, but expect long lines. You can avoid these lines by purchasing a Madame Tussauds ticket, which includes access to the Peak Tram Special Lane. You can also add a hop-on hop-off tour to your ticket if you're not interested in Madame Tussauds.
• Bus 15: A cheaper and more scenic alternative. It takes about an hour to get to the peak, but you'll see more of the island and have a more thrilling ride. I took the bus up and the tram down to avoid the long lines.

Afternoon - Central District

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is a hidden gem located on Hollywood Road. It's a beautiful 19th-century temple with a traditional interior and lots of incense. The smell of incense is strong, so be prepared! To show your respect, make a small donation and light an incense stick. It's a peaceful place to visit in the busy Central district.

Street Art in SoHo

The next spot on our Hong Kong travel itinerary is SoHo. It’s a vibrant neighborhood home to a thriving street art scene. You'll find colorful murals and installations popping up all over, from the main streets to hidden alleys. Graham Street is a particularly good place to start your exploration.

One of the highlights is a mural depicting old Hong Kong buildings. You can take great photos of this mural from across the street, but be mindful of traffic and avoid obstructing the flow of cars.

Montane Mansion

This is a must-visit destination for photographers and anyone who appreciates unique architecture. It's a cluster of five densely packed residential buildings that have gained immense popularity due to their striking appearance and photogenic qualities.

The buildings' distinctive design, with their stacked floors and narrow gaps, has earned them the nickname "Monster Building." Their unusual architecture and vibrant colors create a visually stunning scene that's perfect for capturing memorable photos.

To reach Montane Mansion, simply take the MTR to Quarry Bay Station and exit at Exit B. The buildings are a short walk from the station, making them easily accessible for visitors.

Once you arrive at Montane Mansion, take your time to explore the area and find the best angles for your photos. The buildings are surrounded by local shops and markets, so you can also enjoy a bit of shopping or people-watching while you're there.

Evening - Symphony of Lights show

We enjoyed the Symphony of Lights to end the first day of our 3 days in Hong Kong. It’s a spectacular light and sound show that illuminates the skyscrapers along Victoria Harbour. It was a magical experience that left me in awe of Hong Kong's beauty.

Day 2: Kowloon and Temple Street Night Market

Morning - Ladies Market & Kowloon Park

Tai Cheong Bakery

Start your second day in Hong Kong with a delicious egg tart from Tai Cheong Bakery. This popular bakery has a location at Star Ferry Pier, which opens at 7:30 AM. It's a small stand, so you can grab your egg tarts to go and enjoy them while taking in the beautiful views of Victoria Harbor.

There's also another Tai Cheong Bakery location in Central Hong Kong near the Mid-Level Escalators, but it's usually more crowded. If you prefer a less crowded experience, you can save your egg tart treat for the next day.

Ladies Market

Ladies Market is the perfect place to shop if you enjoy bargaining. With over 100 stalls selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and more, you can test your haggling skills and find great deals on a wide variety of items.

Kowloon Park

For a more relaxing experience, we took a ferry to Kowloon Park. The park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, with beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking paths.

Afternoon - Choi Hung Estate & Nan Lian Garden

After lunch, take the MTR to Choi Hung Station and spend the rest of your day exploring the area. There are several interesting buildings and a nearby garden that you can visit. If you have time, check out Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Be prepared to do some exploring. Finding specific locations in Choi Hung can be challenging, as many buildings aren't clearly labeled. Don't worry if you get a little lost while trying to find your way around.

Choi Hung Estate

Choi Hung is a vibrant and colorful residential complex that's a popular spot for photography. It's also a great place for people-watching. The name "Choi Hung" means "rainbow" in Cantonese, and you'll understand why once you see the colorful buildings and subway station.

For the best photo opportunities, head to the basketball courts. You'll find them upstairs above the parking lot. Remember to be respectful of the residents who live in the buildings, as this is a residential area. Keep the noise down and avoid disturbing people's belongings.

Nan Lian Garden

​​If you want a peaceful escape from the city, visit Nan Lian Garden. This beautiful garden near Choi Hung features lush greenery, pavilions, lotus ponds, and pagodas. It's a tranquil oasis where you can relax and enjoy nature.

Evening - Temple Street Night Market

As night fell, Temple Street Night Market came alive. The air filled with the aroma of sizzling street food as we explored stalls selling traditional Chinese goods. We couldn't resist stopping at a bustling dim sum stall, where we sampled an array of delectable bite-sized treats. The har gow (shrimp dumplings) were particularly memorable, with their translucent wrappers and succulent fillings.

But the highlight of our culinary adventure was undoubtedly the Xiao Long Bao. These soup dumplings were a revelation – delicate parcels of dough filled with savory pork and a burst of hot, flavorful broth.

Day 3: Lantau Island

Our favorite day on this Hong Kong itinerary was on Lantau Island. We had seen some greenery from Victoria Peak, but Lantau Island was even more lush than we expected!

To reach Lantau Island, take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, as it can significantly reduce waiting times. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure your preferred departure time. We booked our tickets for 9:45 AM and bypassed the crowds entirely, saving us a lot of time.

If you want to make the most of your time on Lantau Island, we highly recommend taking an early morning cable car ride. This will give you more time to explore the island and enjoy its attractions.

While the standard round-trip ticket costs HK $107 (approximately 13 USD), we strongly encourage you to consider upgrading to a Crystal Cabin ticket. For a small additional fee, you'll not only enjoy a shorter wait time but also experience breathtaking views of the lush jungle and turquoise waters below. The Crystal Cabin offers a unique perspective and is a fantastic way to enhance your cable car journey.

Morning - Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O Fishing Village is a must-visit destination on Lantau Island. It's a historic fishing village with a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for exploring and experiencing local life. You can easily reach Tai O by taking bus #21 from the cable car drop-off point.

Don't miss the delicious local food, including charbroiled egg puffs, jumbo fish balls, and Tai O donuts. You can also take a short boat ride and try to spot pink Chinese dolphins. The boat ride offers stunning views of the stilt houses and the surrounding natural beauty. While we weren't lucky enough to see dolphins during our visit, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.

It's best to visit Tai O Fishing Village first before climbing up to Big Buddha. This way, you'll have more flexibility and can easily run back if you need to catch the last cable car. If you're short on time, you can prioritize visiting Tai O, as it offers a unique and authentic experience that you won't find in other parts of Hong Kong.

Afternoon - Big Buddha

Climb the 268 steps to Big Buddha, a majestic 34-meter bronze statue. You'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Village, and the surrounding landscape from the top. The statue's impressive size and intricate details make it a truly awe-inspiring sight.

The climb to the top can be challenging due to the heat and the number of steps, but the breathtaking views and the spiritual significance of the statue make it well worth the effort. Be sure to bring plenty of water and take your time during the climb. The last thing you want is to become dehydrated or exhausted. If you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, take a short break and rest before continuing.

After you reach the top, take some time to explore the area around Big Buddha. There are several attractions and points of interest that you can visit, including Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path, and the Sacred Tree. These sites offer additional opportunities to learn about the cultural and religious significance of Big Buddha and the surrounding area.

Evening - Ozone Sky Bar

On our final evening in Hong Kong, after exploring Lantau Island, we returned to the mainland for a memorable nightcap at Ozone Sky Bar. The bar is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seating and stylish decor. The terrace views are breathtaking, especially at night when the city lights are sparkling below.

We luckily got a table without making a reservation, but booking in advance is always a good idea, especially during peak times.

The drinks menu at Ozone Sky Bar features a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the drinks is excellent. In addition to the drinks, Ozone Sky Bar also offers a limited selection of food items, including small plates and snacks. It's a great place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or a late-night cocktail.

If you ask us what to do in Hong Kong for 3 days besides the mentioned destinations, we would say it’s definitely the Hong Kong Disneyland. And to be honest, we quite regretted not having enough to visit this famous attraction. With a 1-day ticket, you can visit all 7 themed lands and enjoy attractions like the Iron Man Experience and Royal Princess Garden. So, when you're planning your next trip, be sure to include Hong Kong Disneyland on your itinerary. It's a fantastic destination for families, couples, and individuals of all ages.

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Your adventure awaits! With this comprehensive Hong Kong itinerary, you're well-equipped to explore the city's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui to the serene temples of Lantau Island, there's something for everyone in this dynamic metropolis. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Hong Kong!