Hong Kong for Three Days Itinerary

So you’ve got three days to spend in the city of Hong Kong. Well, lucky you – because that’s more than enough time to enjoy all the highlights this world famous metropolis has on offer.

Hong Kong is, thankfully, an easy city around which to travel, mainly due to the excellent public transport system (the MTR), and the cheap and plentiful taxis.

Be sure to purchase a travel card (known as the Tourist Octopus Card) that allows you to use all the forms of Hong Kong public transport, and you can even use it in some shops, cafes and entertainment venues as well.

Let’s take a look at a three-day itinerary that will ensure you take in the very best of the city.

Day 1

Depending on what time you arrive in Hong Kong, you may well want a leisurely start, or you might want to get out and about as early as possible.

Whichever camp you fall into, take a light breakfast (or maybe just a coffee) at your hotel as fortification for the day ahead, and then head out for what is probably one of the best vantage points of the city – Victoria Peak (or, as it’s generally referred to, simply ‘The Peak’).

Most people arrive at the summit by taking the Peak Tram (opens at 07:00) from The Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus (take the MTR to Central and then it’s an easy walk).

Tickets can be purchased here (HK$ 83 return – concessions available). However, here’s an insider’s top tip: the queues can be massive! So speak to your concierge to get you an advance ticket.

Or purchase online or at the airport from CTS HK – it really will save you loads of time on the day, especially at weekends.

After enjoying the amazing views and perhaps spending a little while browsing the shopper’s paradise that is the Peak Mall, it’s time to head to Victoria Harbour.

Here, jump on one of the famous Star Ferries to get a superb view of Hong Kong’s famous skyline – from the perspective of the water.

It’s not possible to purchase tickets in advance or online if you wish to do a harbour tour (1 hour in length, start and return to the same point).

The tickets can be purchased from from either Central Pier 7, or the Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier – and you need to pay in cash ($HK 125 – concessions available).

However, we suggest simply taking the ferry across the harbour to Kowloon (this only costs cents) – because it’s definitely time for some further exploration.

But first – it’s time for lunch… Try out what’s almost become a Hong Kong tradition for many – Hui Lau Shan (there’s one near the ferry terminal), where you can choose from a great selection of dishes. If you like mango, then this is going to be heaven for you!

Once you’ve refueled, it’s time to hit the shops of Kowloon. Harbour City Mall is amazing, with over 700 shops to browse. If you want to go the designer route (or just look and dream), then be sure to visit 1881 Heritage.

As night falls, Temple Street Night Market is a place to bargain – from clothes to DVD’s, watches to trinkets, there’s pretty much everything imaginable on offer.

Be sure to visit the lesser-known Goldfish market, where every species of tropical fish you’ve ever seen (and many you probably haven’t) is on sale.

You’re probably going to be pretty shattered by now, so take a seat in one of the many restaurants on offer – you’ve deserved a good meal and some R&R.

If you’ve got the energy, check out Kowloon’s nightlife – or simply linger at your restaurant table – most don’t close until the early hours.

Then head back to your hotel for a few hours rest, because you’ve got to do it all again tomorrow…

Day 2

Today is the day to visit the beautiful Lantau Island. After yesterday’s hustle and bustle, today is a little quieter, with some amazing scenery to feast upon. Be sure to bring your camera.

Head to Ngong Ping 360, and take the cable car across to Lantau. The daredevils amongst you might wish to take the crystal cabin, with a glass floor that will take your breath away.

There are different prices for various rides – but once again, book in advance online to avoid the queues.

Once on the island, make visiting the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) your first stop. Climb up inside to get a great insight on the Buddhism religion.

From here it’s a short taxi ride to the delightful fishing village of Tai O. This ‘village on stilts’ is a world away from the craziness of Hong Kong – and is the territory’s last remaining example of such a village.

Take your time to wander, plus enjoy some of the tasty delicacies sold by local businesses from street stalls. There are no cars here, so enjoy the chance to wander round on foot and soak up the atmosphere.

Take a boat from beneath the main bridge to go searching for the elusive Chinese pink dolphins. In all reality, you probably won’t see them, but for a very reasonable $HK 20, it’s a great ride out on the water.

After this, head back to Central via a taxi to Mui Wo, and then a ferry across the water. And it’s time to check out one of the cheapest (and perhaps most famous) Michelin starred restaurants in the world – Tim Ho Wan.

This hole in the wall dim sum restaurant defied all odds to get it’s rating. Yes, there’s always a queue to get a table, but the food (and the low prices) are incredible.

After eating, jump in a taxi to Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square to watch the Symphony of Lights that takes place over the skyline of Victoria Harbour at 20:00.

Depending on your energy levels, you might want to take in some of the Central nightlife, or perhaps just relax back at your hotel.

Day 3

 Today is theme park day! After all, you can’t leave Hong Kong without enjoying one of the best marine and white-knuckle combinations in the world – Ocean Park. Fun for adults and kids alike, you can enjoy the very best in oceanic animals, and then get your heart rate up with some of the fastest rides on the planet. As always, book your tickets online ($HK 385 – concessions available) to avoid the queues.