Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic 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 very fun to discover and explore Hong
Kong for the first time! When planning your trip and city itinerary, I want to
share some of my suggestions and advice as a resident. And no matter if you
need to plan a route of 4, 5 or more, this blog has you covered.
We have been living in Hong Kong for more than 6 years and
at that time we loved exploring every nook and cranny of the city. From its
central financial district, to its remote villages and isolated islands. There
is so much to see and do in Hong Kong! But let's hope this blog summarizes what
we recommend to visitors to the city.
Unfortunately, visitors often associate Hong Kong with
skyscrapers, shops and bright lights. But there are so many things beyond the
dense city. So, let me share with you what I think is the ultimate Hong Kong
itinerary for all visitors. An itinerary that covers the city, its wild nature,
its culture and beyond. And if you must, even Macau.
Explore Hong Kong as a local with economic suggestions,
money-saving tips and insider tips from a local.
But first…
The Logistics
Hong Kong has 4 parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the new
territories and the outer islands. It should be noted that Hong Kong
International Airport is located on an island called Lantau (southwest corner
on this map). And the main city is confined to the north of Hong Kong Island
and south of Kowloon.
Airport to the city
I recommend taking the Airport Express to town. It's fast,
convenient and efficient. And I suggest you buy tickets online, as I do
personally. You can save up to 40% on Airport Express tickets if you buy them
online and not at the airport. It's a good saving plan for you!
Airport Express Tickets (Save up to 40%)
Of course, you can also take a taxi. Taxis are relatively
cheap and ubiquitous in Hong Kong. Taxis are very convenient but have an economic
meaning if you are 3 to travel together. And if you are a group of 3 (or less),
you can also rent a Tesla (for about the same price as a taxi) to pick you up
at the airport!
Hotels – Where to stay in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a relatively small city and very well
connected. However, as a tourist, I would recommend finding a hotel located on
Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon, close to the MTR. Here are some options for
hotels in Hong Kong.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND
Luxury
US $ 300 – 350/night
Grand Hyatt
Mid-Range
US $ 150 – 200/night
Hotel Indigo, Wan Chai
Budget Friendly
US $ 50 – 100/night
JJ Hotel, Wan Chai
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS IN KOWLOON
Luxury
US $ 300 – 350/night
The Kowloon Shangri-La
Mid-Range
US $ 150 – 200/night
Butterfly on Prat Boutique Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui
Budget Friendly
US $ 50 – 100/night New
Reliance Inn, Chungkin Mansions
Local Sim Card
Hong Kong is really well connected to mobile networks. And
nowadays, you absolutely need mobile data for maps, browsing and downloading
your stories on Instagram! You can recover a SIM card easily at the airport
upon your arrival. But often, they are out of stock. It is better to book a SIM
card. In addition, if you book your SIM card in advance, 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, get an Octopus card.
Octopus Card
The Octopus card works in the MTR, buses, minibuses, trams
and even in some shops and restaurants. Just type the card and the fare is
deducted. It's very convenient and you do not need to buy a ticket every time
you board a bus or a train.
You can buy a normal Octopus card at any MTR information
station or tourist version at Hong Kong Airport preloaded at HK $ 50 (more
convenient for visitors). The card can be reloaded at any MTR station or at a
convenience store such as 7-Eleven or Circle K. And before leaving Hong Kong,
you can choose to return the normal Octopus card to the information kiosk of
any which MTR station to get money. for any remaining balance on the card, and
the deposit. The last time I checked, you only lose $ 9 HK when you return the
Octopus card. The tourist version of the Octopus card cannot be returned but
serves as a souvenir of your trip to Hong Kong.
Big Bus Tour
Another great way to explore Hong Kong is the wholesale bus
tour. The open-top double-decker bus tour offers several routes and unlimited
connections. To learn more about the Big Bus Tour and its routes and to buy
discounted tickets, click here. Book online and you can save up to 12%.
Best time to visit Hong Kong?
Unlike many countries in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong has
seasons. Summers are long, hot and humid and winters can be very cold. In fact,
January 2016 was the coldest day in 59 years, when the temperature dropped to
3.1 degrees Celsius.
So I think these are the best and worst months to visit Hong
Kong:
September to February: perfect weather, cool and dry. May be
cold in January. However, the winds blow south, which can make hazy and
polluted. The points of view are not so clear.
April to July: hot and humid. But the winds blow from the
north, which means you can expect a clear blue sky and a beautiful view.
March and August: to avoid. The weather in March is
generally dark and August is typhoon season (a lot of rain).
DAY 1: Explore the City
Let’s spend the first day discovering the city.
Head to Victoria Peak
Hong Kong probably has the most iconic horizon in the world.
With 355 skyscrapers in the city, it has the largest number of skyscrapers in
the world! You have no reason not to admire this horizon on the first day! And
Victoria Peak has some of the best views in Hong Kong. On a clear day you can
see miles in Kowloon from the peak.
There are many ways to get to Victoria Peak, but the most
popular mode (for beginners) is the Peak Tram. The tram offers passengers a
unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Hong Kong. Peak's streetcar
runs from Garden Road to Admiralty and takes you directly to the Peak.
The lines of the Peak Tram terminus can sometimes last an
hour! Fortunately, you can save time by buying an accelerated ticket for the tram
and literally save an hour!
When you reach the peak, there are many views near the peak
tower. There is also a pay zone right at the top of the Peak Tower from where
you can get an amazing 360 degree view of Hong Kong. If you book online the
combo of accelerated tickets for the tram, you can opt for access to the roof
of the Peak Tower (Sky Pass). I highly recommend it!
My favorite spot on the peak is a 10-minute walk from Peak
Tower on Lugard Road (click here to open it in Google Maps). You will not find
as many tourists here, and personally, I think this place offers some of the
best views on the Hong Kong skyline.
And if you're looking for something off the beaten path
(puns) near Peak, take a detour to the Pinewood Battery, once Hong Kong's
highest-rated coastal defense battery dating back to the Second World War. The
battery is now in ruins.
Go on a Food Tour
One of the best ways to discover
Hong Kong is to go through
your palace. Known for its milk noodles, barbecue meats and a range of local
specialties, Hong Kong is best known for its food!
After your visit to Victoria Peak, get off at Central, which
is a short cab ride from Peak or the Peak Tram Station. From Central, I would
recommend the Central & Sheung Wan Foodie tour that starts at 1:45 pm or
2:15 pm Monday through Saturday. The gourmet tour will introduce you to some of
Hong Kong's best award-winning restaurants. Roasted meats, dimsums, bakeries
and wonton noodles, you'll live it all!
Walk about Central & Sheung Wan
After the gastronomic tour, take the time to discover
Central and Sheung Wan. Take a stroll through the heart of Hong Kong's
financial center or discover hidden treasures.
For example, did you know that you can climb from the
central MTR to the middle level (at the top of the hill)? The mid-level
escalator system is the longest outdoor escalator system in the world. You can
also go down to the Man Mo temple, a declared monument and one of the oldest
temples in the city.
After paying homage to the temple, head for Cat Street, also
known as Antiques Street. You will find Chinese trinkets, propaganda posters,
antique trinkets and art galleries. This is a great place to buy your souvenirs
or souvenirs from Hong Kong.
Be Dazzled by the Symphony of Lights
After seeing the panorama from Victoria Peak in the morning,
jump into Victoria Harbor to see Hong Kong's magnificent skyscrapers from
another angle. Rendez-vous at the water's edge in Tsim Sha Tsui to attend the
famous sound and light show entitled "The symphony of lights".
If you are on the island of Hong Kong, you can take the MTR
or the Star Ferry. I would definitely recommend Central's Star Ferry. It is one
of the oldest modes of transportation in Hong Kong, where the fare is practically
the same for you to cross the port.
The Symphony of Lights is held every evening at 8 pm Get
ready to be dazzled by lasers, lights and LED screens as the Hong Kong skyline
dances to the beat of music. Try to get to the edge of the water very early to
get a front line view, as it fills up quickly.
Symphony of lights on the Aqua Luna
However, if you're not a fan of big crowds, you can enhance
your Symphony of Lights experience by watching it from Aqua Luna. The Aqua Luna
is the iconic red boat that you see sailing around Victoria Harbor.
From this traditional Chinese junk, you can see the
spectacle of the middle of the port. This gives you a much better view of
lights and lasers on both sides. And of course, it's a much more elegant way to
enjoy the Symphony of Lights.
Dinner at Hutong
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui and a short walk from the seafront,
Hutong is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. With the food, the
views of the restaurant are breathtaking!
Although the restaurant is relatively expensive, between 400
and 800 HKD per person, it is really worth it. After all the savings tips I've
given you, I think you can afford to spend a few extra dollars.
And if you still do not have enough skyline, head for
Sky100, the tallest bridge in the Hong Kong Observatory. Again, tickets are
cheaper if you book online.
DAY 2: Explore Hong Kong’s Parks & Gardens
On the second day, why not explore some gardens, parks or
even theme parks? Then finish the day by visiting the famous Hong Kong 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! Located on top of a hill,
surrounded on all sides by the sea and great attractions - what not to love ?!
Ocean Park is very large and has enough attractions to entertain children and
adults 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 pass online.
Hong Kong is also home to Disneyland, which is obviously
more popular with young children, especially girls. Disneyland is obviously
much bigger than Ocean Park and also offers a lot of excitement and
entertainment for a day!
And as usual, you can save up to 13% if you book your
tickets online at Disneyland.
Chi Lin Nunnery or Ten Thousand Buddhas
One of my favorite attractions in the city is the Chi Lin
Convent and Nan Lian Garden. Located in the heart of Diamond Hill, this
beautiful garden and convent offers a striking contrast between urban and
traditional landscapes. It's so surreal that a convent can transport you to a
zen world simply by entering its walls, even if it's in a busy urban
neighborhood.
Another option is to visit the Ten Thousand Buddha
Monastery. This monastery is located in Sha Tin (New Territories of Hong Kong)
and houses 12,000 Buddha statues in different postures and expressions. Getting
to the monastery also requires a short hike up the hill. On a clear day, you
will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Sha Tin from the monastery.
The Chi Lin Convent and the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery
have Buddhist cafes that serve delicious vegetarian cuisine.
Then head to the Kowloon Walled City Park
After spending the morning in a convent or monastery, head
to Kowloon Fortified City Park. This park is built on the site of the ancient
walled city of Kowloon, a densely populated housing complex that has become a
haven of crime and debauchery. Some of the original artifacts of the walled
city are still visible in the park.
In addition, if you are not a fan of vegetarian food, you
can have lunch at Islam Food, near the walled city park. This restaurant serves
one of the best Islamic-Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong. If you do not know what
it is, I highly recommend you try it. Be sure to order the veal goulash!
Visit a Night Market
After a day spent in the parks, relax and discover the night
markets of Hong Kong. There are two night markets in the city - the Temple
Street Night Market and the Ladies Market.
Temple Street Night Market
The 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 to Temple Street at Exit A. You can buy souvenirs, clothes and
accessories, toys and a whole bunch of trinkets.
Temple Street is also very famous for its seafood
restaurants. Have dinner at one of the many roadside restaurants here. The most
famous is Temple Street's spicy Temple Street restaurant. It's definitely an
amazing experience! However, if you fancy something more unique, you will find
a very amazing Shanxi restaurant a 15-minute walk from the Yau Yuen Siu Tsui
night market. Make sure to try their Biang Biang noodles. Yum!
MONG KOK LADIES MARKET
Ladies Market is located in Mong Kok, the busiest shopping
district in Kowloon. He is much larger and more animated than his Temple Street
counterpart. The range of products and purchases here are quite similar, but
the Ladies Market is more focused on clothing and accessories. It is 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 signs to Exit D for Tung Choi Street. I prefer to leave the
exit D3 and walk a few meters until the beginning of the market.
Shopping in Mong Kok
Mong Kok is pretty famous for all types of shopping. Fa Yuen
Street, known as "Street of Sneakers", is right next to the Ladies'
Market. Here you can buy discount shoes and shoes from almost every major
brand.
There is also the Mong Kok Computer Center on Nelson Street
to meet all your computer and gadget needs. Finally, if you are a fan of Apple,
go to Sincere House on Argyle Street to buy genuine Apple products (but at a reduced
price).
DAY 3: Explore Hong Kong’s Wilderness
Did you know that around 70% of Hong Kong is undeveloped
land? You can find parks 30 minutes from the main city. In fact, Hong Kong has
a very important hiking culture. So, why not take a day to explore Hong Kong
beyond the horizon? As a resident of the city, I would be very upset not to
include hikes and beaches in my itinerary in
Hong Kong.
The Dragon’s Back Hike
The dragon back trek is probably the most popular hike in
Hong Kong. It is convenient to get there, it offers stunning views, easy to
complete and can end on one of two beautiful beaches - Shek O or Big Wave Bay.
All the information you need on the Dragon Back Trek is
available on this post. If you are unsure of hiking alone, you can always book
a group hike with a guide. And if you do not want to hike, go directly to one
of the two beaches below.
Relax At Shek O Beach or Big Wave Bay Beach
You can choose to end the dragonback hike at Big Wave Bay or
Shek O. Both beaches are beautiful and it is hard to believe that these beaches
are on the island of Hong Kong. Personally, I would recommend Shek O because
there is still a lot to do and see here. But Big Wave Bay has more charm and
character because of all the surfers.
Party at Lkf at Night
And as we took the day to explore the wild side of the city,
it would not be complete without an evening at Lan Kwai Fong - better known as
LKF. Located in the center, LKF is the center of the Hong Kong party. Streets
full of bars, restaurants, clubs that come alive at night. Give up your hair,
go from one bar to another or simply discover the crazy side of Hong Kong at
night.
To get to LKF, take the MTR to Central Station, then take
the D2 exit and climb D'Aguilar Street.
DAY 4: Experience Culture
Take a day to discover some of Hong Kong's greatest 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 Shakyamuni Buddha in Ngong Ping Village, Lantau Island. At 34
meters high, the Big Buddha attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over Asia
and the world. This is one of Hong Kong's main tourist attractions not only
because it is a giant mountain-top Buddha, but also because of the impressive
gondola (cable car) that leads to Ngong Ping Village.
There are many ways to get to the Big Buddha (bus, taxi),
but the most popular mode is the cable car ride from Tung Chung, called the
Ngong Ping 360.
At 5.7 km, CNN also ranks one of the most beautiful cable
cars in the world. The Ngong Ping 360 leaves from downtown Tung Chung and runs
along the Hong Kong International Airport to Ngong Ping (to get to Tung Chung,
take the Tung Chung MTR line from the center). Visitors can admire the
impressive view of the planes that land and take off as they slide along one of
the longest single-wire suspensions in Asia!
And here is the best part: you have the opportunity to ride
in a standard cable car or a glass bottom cable car (known as the Crystal
Cabin)! Unless you're dizzy, I would highly recommend the glass-bottomed cable
car ride. It's as exciting and exciting as they come!
Step into the Po Lin Monastery
Although most visitors come to see the Big Buddha, Po Lin
Monastery is actually the main attraction of Ngong Ping. Founded in 1906, the
Po Lin Monastery received its current 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 built in 1993 as an extension
of the monastery.
Like other monasteries in Hong Kong, Po Lin Monastery also
houses a vegetarian restaurant that stays open until 16:30. However, if you are
not in the mood to eat something vegetarian, I would recommend heading to the
fishing village of Tai O to enjoy delicious seafood.
Stumble onto the Wisdom Path
In addition, while you are in Ngong Ping, I would advise you
to take a 10-minute detour on the path of wisdom. The path of wisdom is a
monument made of 38 wooden beams, each with a prayer of the heart's Sutra. Few
tourists end up on the path of wisdom, but I would advise you to check.
Just look for the signs of the path of wisdom at the foot of
the steps of the giant Buddha. If you want to know more about the path of
wisdom, click here.
Now, on Tai O!
Discover Tai O Fishing Village
Located on a small islet of the same name, Tai O is an old
picturesque fishing village. To get to the village from Ngong Ping, take bus #
21 or a taxi.
The village, known for its dried seafood and houses on
stilts, is located in the tidal plains. Notice the houses built on piles in
this village. The stilts protect the structures from any damage caused by
floods.
Tai O is an excellent day trip that will really help you
enjoy the rustic fishing village life in Hong Kong. If it was not for the
nearby airport or for the Macau Bridge, it would be hard for you to imagine
that it was Hong Kong.
More than 4 Days in HK?
5 Day or 6 Day Itinerary: If you’re in Hong Kong for 5 or 6
days, don’t worry, there’s still plenty more to see.
Macau Day-Trip
Most visitors make a day trip or combine Hong Kong with
Macau. Personally, I think there are many things to do and see in Macao for 1
or 2 days. Besides gambling, Macau also has a charming old town and the highest
bungee jumping in the world.
DAYS 6 & 7: Explore Sai Kung
Hong Kong’s Paradise
However, if you plan to make Macau a day, I would recommend
exploring Sai Kung in Hong Kong on your last day. Sai Kung is located in the
northeastern region of
Hong Kong. It is known for its pristine beaches, world
geopark, volcanic rock formations and breathtaking hikes! There are many things
to do and see in Sai Kung that will easily take a day or two. All you want to
know about Sai Kung is on this blog.
A Hong Kong Itinerary for Everyone
We hope you enjoyed our trip to Hong Kong. Of course, we
have enough material in Hong Kong to keep you busy for months! And if you need
help customizing your itinerary in Hong Kong, or if you need more tips on Hong
Kong, do not hesitate to contact us.
If you only spend a few hours in Hong Kong, we
offer a separate stopover guide. And be sure to check out my Hong Kong photos and aerial photos of the city.