Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
While there is no shortage of museums and cultural sights in Hong Kong, I found the magic of this city to be most pronounced while just wandering. Today I’m sharing our version of the perfect Hong Kong itinerary, based on our experiences earlier this year.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This post was scheduled before the devastating typhoon that hit Hong Kong earlier this week. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, and we hope that Hong Kong will recover quickly.
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Perfect Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 3 Days
Check into your hotel or drop off your luggage (see recommendations below) and then get ready to start your Hong Kong adventure. Assuming you are staying on the Kowloon side, make your way over to Hong Kong Island via the Star Ferry. A trip on this line is a quintessential Hong Kong experience and costs less than $0.50 US!
First Day: Explore Hong Kong Island
You’ll debark the Star Ferry at the Wan Chai Ferry Pier. From here, I suggest you wander a bit. Take in Golden Bauhinia Square and the Central Promenade. Then, you have a few options:
- Take a walking tour that focuses on Hong Kong Island sites most important to you. Interesting neighborhoods include Wan Chai (historic buildings & modern architecture), Hollywood Road/Lan Kwai Fong (shopping, markets, nightlife), Central (street art), and Causeway Bay (shopping, Victoria Park).
- Take the metro or a tram to the Monster Building and ponder what life must be like for so many people in such a confined area.
- Enjoy a ride on the storied mid-level escalators.
- Wander Victoria Park.
Plan to visit Victoria Peak a bit before sunset so that you can enjoy both daytime and evening views. If a horse race is on during your visit, consider a visit to the Happy Valley Race Course. Otherwise, bar hop in Central or Wan Chai.
NOTE: This can be a long, busy day depending on how much you decide to do. Pace yourself and make good use of public transport or rideshares to save your feet!
Day 2: Kowloon and Repulse Bay
After breakfast, wander Tsim Sha Tsui from the Avenue of the Stars to the Bruce Lee statue. Next, wander along Nathan Road, stopping at the shops that interest you. Consider taking a quick break at Kowloon Park. You may even happen upon a tai chi class, as we did! If you are interested in visiting the famous Ladies Market, you can do that today as well. NOTE: Most stalls here open at noon or after.
Mid-afternoon, take a cab to Repulse Bay, where you can shop at the Stanley Market, walk the beach, and take in the Tin Hau Temple complex. You’ll pass some of Hong Kong’s most impressive real estate while in this area.
This evening, enjoy a leisurely meal and cap your evening off by viewing the nightly light show from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. The show starts at 8 PM and lasts about 10 minutes.
Day 3: Highlights of Lantau Island
For your third day in Hong Kong, head over to Lantau Island. Two notable sights in this area include the Tian Tan Buddha/Po Lin Monastery and Tai O Fishing Village. Those looking for more active pursuits may want to hike a portion of the Lantau Trail.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is the fastest and most scenic way to get to the Tian Tan Buddha. The cable car ride takes 25 minutes in each direction and promises sweeping views of Lantau Island! Round-trip ticket prices start at $25 per person, and reservations are recommended.
NOTE: The cable car is often closed due to wind, etc., so be sure to have a Plan B ready if making this attraction part of your day. An audio guide is available for download on their website.
Tian Tan Buddha/Po Lin Monastery
Climbing the steps to the magnificent Tian Tan Buddha is a real thigh-burner but worth the effort. The views over the monastery with the mountains in the background are unforgettable. Next, take some time to explore the monastery buildings and surrounding plazas. The on-site restaurant serves up some delicious dishes!
From the well-developed tourism plaza at Tian Tan Buddha, you can take either a bus or a taxi to Tai O fishing village. Return cabs can be hard to find, so I recommend asking your driver to wait or come back at a pre-arranged time. Not all taxis accept electronic payment, so save some cash for these rides.
Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O is a traditional stilt-house fishing village with a lively market, plenty of restaurants, and regular boat tours that provide a glimpse into daily life in a traditional fishing community. The village is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds here. A few hours is plenty of time to take in the highlights.
Lantau Trail
Hikers will want to check out a portion of the 70-kilometer Lantau Trail. This website provides a useful breakdown of the various trails, including their distance, elevation, and estimated hiking time.
Luggage Storage
If you are flying out the evening of your third day, I recommend storing your luggage and then heading out to explore. That way, you don’t need to haul your stuff around with you, nor will you need to backtrack into the city before making your flight.
The two most convenient luggage storage facilities are at Hong Kong Airport and at the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car entrance. At the airport, baggage storage is in Terminal 1 on the 5th floor. You don’t need to check in for your flight to access it. The costs run about $1.50 per hour or $20/day (US currency).
A storage facility at the base of the Ngong Ping cable car entrance costs $10/bag and is cash only. Luggage delivery services are available, but are much more expensive. Ask at your hotel if you’re interested in this option.
Where to Stay
While people will argue that most of the action is on Hong Kong Island, I recommend staying on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. Doing so will give you incredible views across the harbour and of Victoria Peak. It’s also a fantastic spot for viewing the nightly Tsim Sha Tsui light show.
We stayed at the Regent Hong Kong (an IHG property) and could not have been happier! The views from the long banquette (and bathtub) can not be beat. The public spaces are quiet, contemporary, and muted. Lush floral arrangements are scattered throughout the property. And don’t even get me started on the breakfast buffet!
The nearby Peninsula offers a palpable “old-money” vibe with European-style decor. If you don’t stay here, consider visiting for their afternoon tea (reserve in advance)!
Food & Drink
When it comes to food and drink, I encourage you to get out and explore! There’s certainly no shortage of options here. A few standouts we encountered:
- Yung’s Bistro. Set on the roof of the K11 Building. Spectacular views paired with creative dim sum for the win!
- The Chinese Library and Dispensary Bar. Located in a restored colonial building that was once home to Police Headquarters. Chic, vibe-y, and delicious.
- Bar hopping in Lan Kwai Fan. This area was probably a bit young for us, but we had a blast connecting with some young Hong Kongers who were blowing off steam with beer and bar snacks at the end of the workday!
Has Hong Kong always been on your Bucket List? I’d love to help you narrow down which sights might appeal to you. Feel free to reach out by email or, if you’re ready to book, check out my booking page. To check out more of our favorite hotel stays, visit my Expedia Shop.
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