The Best 5-Day Hong Kong Itinerary and Complete Guide
Eat delicious street food, ride iconic modes of transport, haggle for souvenirs at bustling markets, admire the skyline from high above the city, discover colourful temples, step back in time in a historic fishing village, have a drink at the world’s highest cocktail bar, stroll through tranquil parks and so much more. Here’s the ultimate 5-day Hong Kong itinerary and everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
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Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the most exciting cities in the world! It’s a fascinating blend of old meets new and East meets West. It’s a city of contrasts where traditional modes of transport drift past opulent shopping malls, ancient temples, striking glass skyscrapers, wet markets, chic restaurants, bustling street food stalls and luxury hotels.
In the city, shop for bargains at historic street markets, view the extensive skyline from high above and discover fascinating street art and handprints of those who helped shape Hong Kong’s TV & film industry. Ride the iconic Star Ferry, eat at delicious and authentic dai pai dongs and visit colourful temples with the smoky aroma of incense wafting through the streets.
Explore beyond the city, and you’ll discover breathtaking mountains, white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise oceans, quaint fishing villages, hundreds of Outlying Islands, and countless walking trails.
Here, we’ll share the ultimate itinerary including all the best things to do in Hong Kong in 5 days, food and drink recommendations, how to get around, tips on avoiding the crowds where possible and everything you need to know including where to stay in Hong Kong, the best time visit, how long we’d recommend if you don’t have 5 days, getting to and from the airport and more.
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Contents
5-Day Hong Kong Itinerary
Day 1 - Kowloon
The first day of your Hong Kong itinerary will be spent exploring Kowloon.
Kowloon is on the mainland directly across from Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island which you’ll explore tomorrow.
Kowloon is the older, more traditional and local area of Hong Kong. Picture lively street markets, colourful historic temples, endless street food stalls and vibrant dai pai dongs (open-air eateries).
The main areas in Kowloon are Tsim Sha Tsui on the water with incredible views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Yau Ma Tei; a bustling historic district with smells from food stalls wafting through the streets and the sensory overload that is Mong Kok; Hong Kong’s most lively and densely-populated area full of food, shopping, and captivating dynamic energy.
On your first of 5 days in Hong Kong, you’ll visit Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok and the very edge of Tsim Sha Tsui. You’ll visit the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui on day 4 of your Hong Kong itinerary.
You’ll start day 1 at the markets in Mong Kok. First up is Flower Market. Although you probably won’t buy anything as you’re here visiting, it’s lovely for a stroll through. Flowers of every colour imaginable and endless plants and trees spill out of the shops and the air is rich with floral fragrances.
Next is Ladies Market which is about a 15-minute walk from Flower Market. Take the route down Tung Choi Street so you’ll walk through Goldfish Market. This market is a bit bizarre. It’s basically a load of shops selling goldfish in tiny plastic bags. It’s where Hong Kong people go to buy luck-bringing goldfish.
Browsing the stalls at Ladies Market is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong and a great spot for souvenir shopping. Nestled amongst huge compact skyscrapers, the location is truly spectacular.
Although named Ladies Market, there’s plenty here that isn’t womenswear. You’ll find souvenirs, toys, bags, football clothing, jewellery, art and so much more. If you decide to buy something, haggle and never accept the first price offered to you.
Shanghai Street is a couple of roads away from Ladies Market and is well worth a walk along. It’s one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic streets and is full of vibrant charm and dynamic energy. Shanghai Street is a real mish-mash of old and new and a random mix of shops and attractions.
From kitchenware shops, ancient architecture and modern boutiques to historic temples, countless street food stalls and traditional Chinese shops selling things like herbal medicine and incense, it’s a complete surprise what you’ll walk past next.
The neighbouring streets are a real foodie paradise so grab some street food for lunch. The fish balls in curry sauce and siu mai are a must!
Continue down Shanghai Street until you reach Tin Hau Temple. You’ll now be in Yau Ma Tei.
Dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the sea, this temple once overlooked the harbourfront. However, because of land reclamation, this is no longer the case. It’s still a popular temple for fishermen to flock to worship the Goddess of the Sea and is a symbol of Hong Kong’s maritime past.
Tin Hau Temple is a peaceful sanctuary amongst the hectic Kowloon streets. Hanging from the ceiling are huge incense coils filling the temple with a smoky and fragrant aroma and around the room are many intricate decorations.
The road running parallel to the temple is Nathan Road; the oldest and most famous road in Hong Kong and its main thoroughfare. It runs from Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui all the way to Mong Kok and is a great place to explore.
Nathan Road is what Hong Kong looks like in movies. Vibrant neon-lit signs, shops, restaurants and other buildings cramped tightly together and busy hectic streets with people rushing around. Make sure to also explore the streets off Nathan Road for some great food spots.
As you walk down Nathan Road, you’ll come to Kowloon Park. You’re now in Tsim Sha Tsui. Kowloon Park is the perfect place for some rest, relaxation and tranquillity amongst Kowloon’s busy streets. You’re probably quite tired so it’s the perfect time for a bit of a break.
Kowloon Park is a peaceful oasis loved by both tourists and locals. It’s full of beautiful features including Bird Lake with majestic flamingos and ducks, the Chinese Garden where you’ll find traditional pavilions and koi ponds with turtles, the Maze Garden, woodland walks, contemporary sculptures and the Avenue of Comic Stars featuring statues of Hong Kong comic characters.
This evening, you’ll visit Temple Market so depending on when you finish at Kowloon Park, you have a few options.
But first, just outside the park is Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns which is an absolute must on your Hong Kong itinerary! It’s a Michelin-recognised food stall serving incredible pan fried soup dumplings. These dumplings are crispy on the bottom, soft on top and juicy on the inside. There’s usually a queue so you may have to wait a little while but we promise, it’s worth it.
There’s nowhere to sit, you can either take the food away or stand on the street and watch the chefs preparing the buns which is what we did.
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If your feet are tired and you could do with some rejuvenation and pampering, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong is to have a massage. A 2-minute walk to Nathan Road from the buns is Tai Pan Reflexology Parlour. Even just walking in the front door you’ll feel instantly relaxed in a beautiful oriental environment whisking you back to 1940s China.
Our top tip: you’re expected to tip your therapist. There are boxes in reception you can pop cash in so remember the number on their shirt as this corresponds with the box.
Another option either instead of or as well as the massage is to have a drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Hong Kong. Kaboom offers spectacular views of the Hong Kong skyline and super funky and creative cocktails.
Next up is Temple Street Night Market, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night. Temple Street Night Market is the most famous market in Hong Kong.
Every evening hundreds of hawker stalls line the street selling everything you could possibly think of. Shoes, bags, clothes, accessories, jewellery, DIY tools, calculators, handmade trinkets and souvenirs, antiques, watches, toys and so much more. You’ll also find fortune tellers, street performers and a variety of street food.
For dinner, we’d recommend one of the best places we ate on our Hong Kong itinerary. Woosung Street Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar is a dai pai dong you’ll walk past when strolling Temple Street. Dai pai dongs are essentially open-air no-frills food stalls where you sit on plastic stools, potentially with strangers and eat authentic local food.
The atmosphere is buzzing with people mingling and enjoying each other’s company. The food is absolutely delicious and this dai pai dong is particularly known for its seafood. So, dig into some fresh seafood (the prawns are a must), wash it down with a large cold beer and enjoy the electric energy in the air.
Unfortunately, many dai pai dongs are closing down as the government has stopped issuing new licenses. Luckily, grandfather laws are keeping the remaining ones open so as long as licenses are passed down to the next generation, these fantastic places to visit in Hong Kong will continue to be enjoyed.
That’s the first of your 5 days in Hong Kong finished. A rather busy day but you’ve seen a lot of the best of Kowloon and tomorrow you’ll explore Hong Kong Island.
Our top tip: you may have seen Bird Market on lists of the best things to do in Hong Kong. We’ve purposefully left it out and don’t recommend visiting. Or, visit but definitely don’t spend any money. We found it quite disturbing and difficult to see. Birds are shoved into tiny cages or tied to posts for people to gawp at and hold and they’re quite clearly very distressed as you can see them trying to peck off the chains around their feet.
Day 2 - Hong Kong Island
Day 2 of your Hong Kong itinerary will be spent on Hong Kong Island which has a very different feel to it than Kowloon.
Hong Kong Island is newer and feels cleaner. It’s much more modern, it’s taller (if you can imagine that!) and cosmopolitan. Life is fast-paced as the business district is here. If you’re looking for luxury shops and upmarket bars and restaurants, this is where you’ll find them. Hong Kong Island is also very popular with expats as it’s close to global businesses.
You’ll start the day with brunch at one of our favourite restaurants in Hong Kong; Lin Heung Lau.
Lin Heung Lau is one of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants and a historic tea house. It has existed for over 100 years and serves dim sum on old-school trolleys; it’s a truly authentic dining experience.
There’s no menu, you’re handed a piece of paper and you decide what you’d like to eat from the trolleys around the restaurant. If you’d like something from the trolley, hand the paper to the server and they’ll mark what you had for the cashier to charge you when you leave.
It’s popular with both tourists and locals so if you don’t arrive early, expect a queue. It’s energetic and vibrant. It’s always busy, fast-paced and, as is very common, you’ll probably sit with other people.
Make sure you’ve fuelled up on dim sum as you’ve got quite a lot of walking today.
Your first stop is Tai Kwun; one of the most unique places in Hong Kong. It was once the Central Police Station and Victoria Prison and is now a rich cultural and heritage centre home to a host of entertainment venues. You can visit exhibits and see interactive displays as you walk through tiny cramped cells that previously housed prisoners. The former Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh was once held here.
There are also several dining and drinking options in the heritage buildings, art and design boutiques, creative community programmes, art galleries, film screenings and more.
Next up on your 5 days in Hong Kong is something I thought was really cool and may have been a bit too excited about.
Central and Mid-Levels are two neighbouring districts on some seriously steep hills. As an improved link between the districts, an 800-metre escalator travels an elevation of over 135 metres so people don’t have to walk up the steep streets!
It’s the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator and has 16 one-way escalators and 3 travelators that change direction in peak hours. Down between 6am and 10am and up from 10:20am to midnight.
You can hop on at various places as they’re separated between the streets they pass. We’d recommend getting on at Cochrane Street, close to Lan Fong Yuen; one of the oldest cha chaan tengs (cafes) in Hong Kong.
Lan Fong Yuen is said to be the home of the original stocking milk tea. Black tea with evaporated or condensed milk is strained through a cloth bag which filters out fine tea particles giving the tea a smooth, thick feel. The cloth is stained brown, resembling stockings, hence the name. Grab a tea to-go then hop on the escalator.
Here’s a map of the Central-Mid-Leves escalators with the spots you can get on and off.
The next stop on your 5-day Hong Kong itinerary is Man Mo Temple. The closest stop to get off the escalator for the temple is Hollywood Road, a 5-minute walk away. However, if you’re enjoying yourself, just keep going. It’s downhill to reach the temple at least.
Head to Man Mo Temple, set in quite a spectacular location in front of huge imposing tightly compact apartment buildings towering over it.
Visiting the stunning Man Mo Temple is one of the best things to do on your Hong Kong itinerary for a moment of calm and slower pace amongst the busy city streets.
It’s a tribute to the Gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo) and is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong and a declared monument. It was built during the Qing dynasty in 1847 and as well as a place of worship, there’s a community hall where disputes were once discussed and settled.
Head out of the temple, turn left and immediately right onto Ladder Street. A little further down you’ll see a tiny charming pedestrianised street on your left, this is Upper Lascar Row; famed for antique stalls and shops. It’s over 100 years old and you’ll find jade jewellery and accessories, imperial Chinese furniture, intricate porcelain, Buddha statues and more. Upper Lascar Row is one of the best places in Hong Kong to buy souvenirs to remind you of your visit.
Next up is ArtLane, one of the most fascinating spots on your Hong Kong itinerary and offers a different glimpse into the city.
ArtLane is one of the most colourful places in Hong Kong with buildings, stairs and alleys completely covered in vibrant and creative street art.
It’s an urban renewal project in the rather rundown Sai Ying Pun district. The project aims to revitalise areas to become desirable places to live aimed at younger homebuyers. This included adding street art from 17 local and international artists to create 26 beautiful large murals.
After enjoying the beautiful street murals, you’re going to watch the sunset from the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Victoria Peak, also known as The Peak offers incredible sweeping views across Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, Victoria Harbour, rugged mountains, Outlying Islands and Kowloon.
The best way to reach The Peak is by taking The Peak Tram. This tram has been running since 1888 and once transported the governor and residents of the luxury properties on the mountain.
The tram whisks you just over 1km and rises to 396 metres in around 10 minutes.
Our top tip: sit on the right and enjoy the best views of the city between the trees as you get higher.
There’s an observation deck which, unsurprisingly, is incredibly busy, especially at sunset. However, the area up here is huge and you can find a quieter spot to watch the sun disappear over the Outlying Islands and the vast South China Sea and see the city light up in a fiery glow.
The 3.5-kilometre Peak Circle Walk offers views of the city from different angles. If you can, do the walk before sunset as you’ll be able to see the islands. We did it when it was dark and around the other side of the city, we couldn’t see anything.
For dinner, don’t eat here. The restaurants are overpriced and really geared for tourists (there are also shopping malls and Madame Tussauds). You’ve got something MUCH better planned!
A 10-minute walk from the bottom of the tram is Peking Garden Central one of the best restaurants in Hong Kong.
Peking Garden Central is renowned for its roast duck and we can 100% verify it’s absolutely heavenly! You can order a whole or half duck and watch the chef preparing it in the glass-walled kitchen. If you order the whole duck, they come out and show you the duck you’re going to eat.
The meat is juicy, rich and flavourful and the skin is golden and crispy. Pair this with sweet and sour hoisin sauce, spring onion and cucumber and wrapped in a pancake, there’s no way it won’t be a highlight of your 5 days in Hong Kong.
Our top tip: the xiao long bao with crab roe is also unreal so order some of those. The spring rolls you can skip.
After that delicious meal, that wraps up day 2 of your Hong Kong itinerary.
Day 3 - Lion Rock, Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Today will hands-down be the best views on your Hong Kong itinerary as you’re hiking Lion Rock.
You’ll be rewarded with phenomenal 360-degree views across Kowloon, Hong Kong Central, Sha Tin and the New Territories districts and endless rolling mountains. After spending a couple of days in the city, you may be surprised at just how mountainous and green Hong Kong is.
You’ll need your energy so head to a cha chaan teng (cafe) close to where you’re staying and grab a bite to eat. Some Hong Kong must-tries for breakfast are:
- Macaroni soup with ham
- French toast with condensed milk
- Pineapple bun with butter
- Scrambled egg sandwich
- Dim sum
After breakfast, jump in a taxi to the trailhead at Lion Rock Park.
There are a few places to start and end this hike. The route on your Hong Kong itinerary should take around 3 hours and is 7 kilometres.
It’s very steep in some areas but the path is well-maintained, mostly shaded and there are plenty of spots you can stop for a break and enjoy the view of the city through the trees.
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There are also a couple of spots where you may find monkeys. Don’t be alarmed, they’ll ignore you as long as you don’t have food or plastic water bottles out.
Finish the Lion Rock Hike at Fat Jong Temple and walk to Tsz Wan Shopping Centre – it’s about 20 minutes. Have lunch at Cafe de Coral, a fast-food-style cafe integrating Chinese and Western culinary traditions.
Andy had the Hainanese chicken and I had the breaded fish fillet curry. Both were really tasty and much needed after the hike.
From here, you can either walk (20 minutes) or jump in a taxi (5 minutes) to Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden; two of the most beautiful places you’ll visit on your Hong Kong itinerary.
Our top tip: if you don’t fancy Cafe de Coral for lunch, there’s a Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in Nan Lian Garden serving classic Chinese dishes with a contemporary twist. It can get busy so we’d recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Contact details can be found on this website.
Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple complex connected to the tranquil Nan Lian Gardens. Both are built in the Tang dynasty style known for simplicity, elegance and blending harmony with nature.
Dating back to 1934, Chi Lin Nunnery is built entirely from wood with not a single nail used in the construction! Every wooden beam perfectly interlocks together, highlighting ancient traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
It’s a stunning peaceful oasis with beautiful intricate features including koi ponds with stone statues, perfectly manicured gardens, bonsai trees and impressive statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Over the footbridge, Nan Lian Garden will instantly make you feel at peace. Every detail has been immaculately thought out and arranged to elicit harmony and balance. Picturesque tree-lined pathways meander through the garden passing koi ponds and timber structures to the intricate Pavilion of Absolute Perfection.
For our full guide on visiting Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, head to the link below.
For the afternoon, a bit of downtime is probably needed and well-deserved after a very busy start to your Hong Kong itinerary. Stay in a hotel with an outdoor pool so you can enjoy the sun while relaxing.
We stayed in The Kerry Hotel, which has a gorgeous pool overlooking the sea and skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island. The hotel is beautiful and of incredible value for its luxury and facilities. We’d recommend it for your visit. (More on the hotel later.)
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel or close by. You’ve got another busy day tomorrow.
Day 4 - Hong Kong Island & Kowloon
Day 4 of your 5 days in Hong Kong will be spent on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. But first, have a bit of a slow morning, maybe go for a swim or enjoy a leisurely breakfast and coffee.
Head over to Hong Kong Island first. Depending on where you’re staying, you may have different ferry/metro routes but go to North Point.
If you stay in The Kerry Hotel, the Hung Hom Ferry Pier is directly outside the hotel taking you straight to North Point.
Head to Montane Mansion; one of the best places in Hong Kong to see just how densely populated the city is.
Dubbed ‘Monster Building’ by the locals, this is a housing complex made up of five residential buildings and has become a social media sensation and a haven for photographers. It’s also featured in films including Ghost in the Shell and Transformers.
Our top tip: please be mindful that these are people’s homes and businesses so be respectful.
Next, you’re going to stroll along Wan Chai Waterfront which is one of the best places to visit on your 5 days in Hong Kong to really appreciate the magnificence of the skyline skyscrapers.
It’s also a charming spot to sit and watch the boats across the bustling Victoria Harbour during the day and admire the sparkling lights of Kowloon at night.
To reach Wan Chai Waterfront, hop on Hong Kong’s iconic ‘Ding Dings’.
The ‘Ding Ding’s are what the locals have dubbed the tram and you can’t complete your Hong Kong itinerary without hopping on one at some point. They hold the title for the world’s largest double-decker tram fleet still in operation and are a fun and unique way of getting around Hong Kong.
The tram has been operating since 1904 and was Hong Kong’s first large-scale transport system. It’s an important historical symbol providing a fantastic insight into local life.
The old rickety trams provide a fascinating contrast to the huge gleaming skyscrapers they pass.
From Montane Mansion, walk 2 minutes to Mount Parker Road and hop on the tram going to Shau Kei Wan for around 40 minutes. It sounds quite long but it’s a great way to see the streets. Spot traditional architecture rubbing shoulders with gleaming skyscrapers and historic temples nestled next to huge shopping malls. Hop out at Admiralty MTR Station and walk about 10 minutes to the waterfront.
Things to know before riding the ‘Ding Dings’:
- You enter at the back and exit at the front
- Fares are 3HKD for adults, 1.5 HKD for kids aged 3-12 and 1.3 HKD for over 65s
- Pay the fare when you exit the tram either by Octopus card, credit card or cash (no change is given)
After you’ve spent some time walking along the water or sitting on a bench soaking up the views, you’re going to jump on the Star Ferry to Kowloon. Another of Hong Kong’s iconic modes of transport you have to take.
Dating back to the 1880s, the Star Ferry connects Central on Hong Kong Island with Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and is used daily by locals and tourists.
The views from the ferry in either direction are incredible! If time allows, take the ferry during the day and at night when the skyscrapers are lit up in their neon lights and they sparkle across the harbour.
To use the ferry, you’ll need an Octopus card which you tap at the gate at the ferry port. Services are frequent, you’ll never be waiting long.
As you leave the ferry port in Kowloon, turn right and head to the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower. This is a culturally significant and historical landmark symbolising Hong Kong’s colonial past. It was built in 1915 in the Edwardian Classical Revival style as part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus connecting Hong Kong to China.
Although the terminus building was destroyed in 1978, the Clock Tower was left to serve as a testament to the early history of the railways in Hong Kong. It was declared a monument in 1990 and is one of the last few remaining remnants of Hong Kong’s colonial past.
You’re now at the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront so next up is the Avenue of Stars.
The Avenue of Stars is inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and celebrates Hong Kong’s film industry and those who have made great contributions. Amble along the waterfront and discover handprints from Hong Kong stars including Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan while admiring some of the best views of Victoria Harbour and skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island.
The Avenue of Stars is probably one of the most touristy things you’ll do on your Hong Kong itinerary so expect crowds.
For dinner, you have a few options. You can either grab some street food from the hundreds of stalls in Tsim Sha Tsui. Or, you’re not far from Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan Fried Buns if you want to head there again. Alternatively, Genki Sushi is a 20-minute walk in the direction of your final spot for today.
Hong Kong loves its Japanese food! From high-end luxury Japanese restaurants to street food stalls serving sushi rolls, this city has it all.
Genki Sushi is a Japanese chain restaurant where your sushi dishes are delivered by conveyor belt. It’s very reasonably priced, you order your food via iPad and it arrives very quickly. It’s not overly boujee, it’s more of a fast-food restaurant but the food is incredibly fresh and of very high quality. Beats all the sushi we’ve had in London hands-down!
Our top tip: stick to the traditional dishes. Some have contemporary/unique twists like adding carbonara sauce which we tried. As much as I’m a huge fan of carbonara, this should be kept off sushi, it was a bit strange.
After dinner, you’re going to end the night somewhere very special. Note: there are no casual slippers or flip-flops and guys should avoid open-toed shoes, sleeveless shirts and shorts. So, you may need to factor in getting changed.
Head to the International Commerce Centre, either walk (30 mins), jump in a taxi (5 mins) or hop on the bus (10 mins). Here, take the lift to the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton, where you’re going to visit Ozone; the world’s highest rooftop bar!!
Ozone is a gorgeous bar and restaurant offering sweeping views over the sparkling lights of Hong Kong’s vast skyline. It serves unique and creative cocktails on the blue-hued outdoor terrace while a live DJ perfectly sets the ambience for a stylish and cosy evening.
Sipping on cocktails overlooking the sparkling city skyline lights is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night.
We’d recommend booking in advance as it can get busy.
Day 5 - Lantau Island & Tai O
Day 5 – the final day of your Hong Kong itinerary!
Today, you’ll leave the city behind and head for the mountains.
After breakfast, make your way to Tung Chung, near the airport. You can either take the metro or jump on the Airport Express then take buses A35, S1 or S56 from the airport.
Our top tip: if you’re departing Hong Kong today, you can check in your hold luggage at Kowloon or Hong Kong train stations if you’re flying with Cathay Pacific or Hong Kong Airlines. You’ll also need to purchase an Airport Express train ticket. We did this as we flew at midnight and it was super handy.
At Tung Chung, there’s a huge shopping mall with restaurants if you’ve not had breakfast yet.
If you have, head straight for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. Buy your tickets in advance as this is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong so it can get very busy.
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car soars high above North Lantau Country Park over the rolling verdant mountains with views over the endless South China Sea. You can also enjoy close-up views of planes taking off and landing at the airport.
Our top tip: take a Crystal+ cabin in one direction as they offer 80% more visibility with glass bottoms and fully-glassed windows.
At the top of the cable car is Ngong Ping Village and your main reason for visiting; the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha).
Perched at 482 metres above sea level amongst spectacular mountain scenery, the Tian Tan Buddha has become an important landmark in Hong Kong and attracts millions of local and international Buddhists and visitors every year. It’s the world’s largest seated bronze Buddha and symbolises peace, prosperity and stability.
While here, you can also visit Po Lin Monastery; an architecturally stunning world-renowned Buddhist monastery.
To reach the Big Buddha and the monastery, walk through Ngong Ping Village. This village is just done for tourists with overpriced restaurants and tourist souvenir shops. Everything in these shops you can get cheaper in the city. The restaurants are also mostly stodgy fast-food type places.
However, as you pass the village, on your left are some dai pai dong-style eateries. If you’re hungry, head to these for a much more authentic and reasonably-priced meal. They’re a bit hidden so many people miss them.
There’s also a viewing platform which is well worth the 15-minute walk. There were only a couple of other people there and offers an incredible view into the mountains with Po Lin Monastery nestled at the base of a mountain with the Bid Buddha looking like it’s watching over everyone.
Depending on if you’re flying today, this may be the final stop on your Hong Kong itinerary. You can hop on the cable car back to Tung Chung and then bus to the airport.
If not, this afternoon, you’ll take a step back in time and explore historic Tai O; Hong Kong’s oldest fishing village.
The easiest and quickest way to visit Tai O is by booking transport with your Ngong Ping Cable Car. Alternatively, take bus 23 from Ngong Ping and then bus 11 or 1 from Shek Pik Au to Tai O. This will take about an hour whereas, the coach will take about 15 minutes.
Tai O is home to the Tanka People who have built their homes on stilts above the water of Lantau Island. The houses are all interconnected, forming a tightly knit community living on the water.
The best way to see the stilt houses of Tai O is on a boat trip which is included as part of the above tour. Explore the waterways, admire the traditional houses and keep your eyes peeled for Chinese white dolphins.
Tai O also has scenic trails you can hike, traditional street food including fish balls, and ‘husband rolls’ (shrimp and pork rolls), incredibly fresh and delicious seafood and authentic Cantonese food.
Your 5-day Hong Kong itinerary comes to an end after you’ve finished exploring Tai O. You can either head to the airport or back to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island for your last night.
Everything You Need to Know For Your 5 Days in Hong Kong
The best time to visit: 5-day Hong Kong itinerary
The best time to visit for your 5-day Hong Kong itinerary is any time except the summer (May–August). Temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, it’s incredibly humid and there’s a greater chance of rain and typhoons.
We visited in December which was perfect for city sightseeing and hiking. During the day it was 22-25 degrees Celsius and once the sun went down it was about 18 degrees.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
The two main areas to stay in Hong Kong are Kowloon and Hong Kong Island each with their own character, charm and attractions. Travelling between the two is easy and efficient so where to stay for your 5-day Hong Kong itinerary depends on what atmosphere you’d prefer.
Looking for the most authentic and local side of Hong Kong? Stay in Kowloon. Dai pai dongs, bustling markets, endless street food stalls, intricate temples and incredible views of the iconic skyline make Kowloon a fantastic and culturally rich base for your Hong Kong itinerary.
After the high-end restaurants and glitzy skyscrapers on your doorstep? Hong Kong Island is where to stay.
We stayed in The Kerry Hotel in Kowloon and absolutely loved it. The hotel is stunning and has a rooftop pool overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. It’s just outside of Tsim Sha Tsui so you can escape the crowds but also get around quickly. Hung Hom Ferry Pier is also right outside the hotel giving you quick access to Hong Kong Island.
Getting to and From Hong Kong International Airport
There are several ways to get between the city and Hong Kong airport:
- Airport Express: this is the fastest way to get between the city and the airport taking around 25 minutes. Check the website for more information on checking in your luggage at Kowloon or Hong Kong Stations.
- Bus: Exit the arrivals hall, turn right and head to Airbuses and city buses. There are a number of buses you can take with ‘A’ on the front.
- Taxi: this is how we travelled to The Kerry Hotel as it’s very reasonably priced. If you’re going to Hong Kong Island, you’ll need to pay a toll.
Getting around Hong Kong in 5 days
Your Hong Kong itinerary can mostly be done walking. This way, you’ll also explore streets you wouldn’t if you got public transport and maybe discover some surprising hidden gems. Alternatively, Hong Kong’s public transport system is very efficient and easy to navigate.
- MTR: this is Hong Kong’s subway and train system which covers the major districts and will probably be what you use most of the time. It’s very easy to follow and trains run every few minutes.
- Ferry: ferries operate between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and there are numerous routes. The iconic ferries are the green and white Star Ferries between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central which you need to take at least once.
- Taxis: taxis are reasonably priced and easy to flag down. They have different colours depending on where you’re travelling but if you’re staying central, you’ll want a red taxi. Taxis only accept cash.
- Ding Dings: this is the best way of getting around Hong Kong Island. They’re incredibly cheap at 3 HKD no matter the distance and provide a scenic way to see the city streets.
- Buses: buses are comfortable and fairly easy to navigate as the destination and route number are displayed at the top. Fares are paid when you board and are based on how far you’ll travel. You’ll need exact change if paying cash.
Do I need 5 days in Hong Kong?
While we recommend the ultimate Hong Kong itinerary is 5 days, we understand this may not be doable. Especially if you’re using it as a stopover as part of a longer journey for example to Australia or New Zealand.
No worries, you can easily get a good feel for Hong Kong in 2 days. We’d recommend 1 day in Kowloon and 1 day on Hong Kong Island to see the two main areas and experience the differences between them.
For a 3-day Hong Kong itinerary, add in Lion Rock Hike, Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden and for a 4-day itinerary add in Lantau Island.
Entry requirements
As a UK passport holder, you can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.
Currency
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 USD is approximately 7.77 HKD.
Plug
Hong Kong has two plug types. D; three round pins in a triangle and G; three rectangular pins in a triangle (like in the UK).
We hope you’ve enjoyed our 5-day Hong Kong itinerary. If you have any questions or you’d like any more information, please leave us a comment.
Make sure you check out our other in depth Hong Kong travel guides below for everything you need to know for your visit.
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