So you’ve got three days in Hong Kong? What will you do with your time? Our Hong Kong Travel Guide is here to help.
What is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is one of the most amazing cities in the world. As a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, it comprises over 200 different islands and nearly 8 million people. The main island, however, is Hong Kong Island, situated just across the Hong Kong Harbor from Kowloon. With an enormous financial complex, Hong Kong is not only the financial Hearst of Asia but of the world. And as an ex-British colony, virtually everyone here will speak English, so you’ll have no trouble communicating and getting around.
*FTC Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. Links to recommended products may be affiliated. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost if you purchase using our links. We only recommend products we have personally vetted. Thank you for supporting our site!*
Hong Kong Island is where the bulk of the financial action happens and is the most well-known part of the city with its well-known skyline. Here you can find the IFC Building (used in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight), the Peak (the tippy top of Hong Kong Island), and Hong Kong Disney. It’s also here you can find some great hiking and beaches.
On the other side of the bay, you’ll find Kowloon. Kowloon (and the new territories) are where many others live. Though you won’t find the same sprawling towers, you will find a million markets, restaurants, and views to take in Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline.
This city is known for its nature, nightlife, and food. Hong Kong is a foodie’s dream, from the ultimate cheap (but amazingly delicious) street food to exceedingly expensive fine dining. And despite its size, you can find mountains for hiking and beaches for swimming.
This compact city has LOTS to see and do, and, like with most major metropolitan areas, you won’t see it all in three days. However, with its many islands and sprawling (upward) city, Hong Kong truly offers something for everyone!
Day 1 – A Hong Kong Travel Guide
Breakfast & Dim Sum
For your first day in Hong Kong, wake up early and head to Sheun Wan for some Dim Sum at Dim Sum Square (it can be pretty packed!). This is one of many different dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, but this one is our favorite! Dim sum is traditionally a breakfast (sometimes lunch) dish in China, specifically in southeastern China (aka Canton). There are many options for dim sum, so branch out and try something new! You should also note that in a city like Hong Kong, you’re likely to sit with other people at the table to be prepared to possibly bump elbows with a stranger.
After filling up on dumplings, catch the metro or a cab out to Shek O to find the Dragon’s Back to work off what you just ate.
The Dragon’s Back & Big Wave Bay
The Dragon’s Back is Hong Kong’s most famous and one of its most popular hikes. It can be challenging, coming in at around 8.5 km (5.5 miles) with some definite uphill and stairs. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to complete, and there isn’t much shade or places to refill water. Make sure you have some snacks and water to bring along with you.
This hike is not short, but it does offer some stunning views of the bay. You’ll get great views of Tung Lung Chao Island and maybe a few junk boats. Take the time to consider that you’re in one of the densest populated cities in the world but can hike several kilometers through nature. This is just one aspect that makes Hong Kong such a lovely city.
Eventually, you’ll end up at Big Wave Beach. If you’re there at the right time of year to be hiking and hit the beach, this is one of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong. You’ll find beach-goers, sun-tanners, and surfers around. You can spend some time hanging by the beach and enjoy that, like hiking, you can be in a city of 8 million people and find a lovely beach to spend time on.
When you’ve had your hiking and/or beach fill, make your way over to either Times Square or Wan Chai for lunch.
Times Square & Wan Chai
Wan Chai is in the heart of Hong Kong Island. It is full of restaurants and….other less reputable places. During the day, Wan Chai is your usual work-a-day kind of place, but the clubs start to open as the sun sets. You’ll find a wide array of restaurants, pubs, and bars between many strip clubs. Don’t worry, however, as these places are only seedy on the inside. You will still see plenty of families out and about, strolling around, grabbing food, and enjoying all this city offers.
Times Square in Hong Kong is much smaller than NYC’s, though arguably just as crowded. You’ll see lights, malls, displays, and people out and about. You won’t see any Broadway plays, but if you’re looking for food, you’ll find no shortage.
Hong Kong has more restaurants than you can arguably count, so deciding where to eat can be a personal choice or something that happens on a whim. So whether you settle on Wan Chai or Times Square, research ahead to get an idea of what food you might be interested in. You’ll find no shortage of options!
As the sun sets and when you’ve filled up after wandering Hong Kong, make your way to Star Ferry!
Star Ferry
Star Ferry takes you across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It has been running since the late 19th century and is one of the prime viewing locations in the city. At less than US$1, it’s a cheap and easy way to see the skyline. It’s also more exciting than just heading to Kowloon via the Metro.
The ride only takes a few minutes but is best after nightfall when the gorgeous Hong Kong Skyline has lit up. From the ferry itself and after arrival in Kowloon at Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll be treated to unobstructed views of Hong Kong.
Once you arrive in Kowloon, take in the skyline before heading to Jordan Street Night Market.
Jordan Street Night Market
The Jordan Street Night Market is a mish-mash of outdoor stalls and indoor shops selling everything you can imagine! You can find very cool trinkets and souvenir items available for haggling. You can also find several black market goods, such as DVDs, phones, shoes, etc. There’s bound to be something for everyone here, and the Jordan Market is a great place to pick up a small gift for friends or family.
Whether you stay in the market or wander around, we recommend eating nearby the market. There will be plenty of outdoor restaurants and stalls to find traditional Cantonese food, from your standard Sweet and Sour Pork to more exciting options such as specific seafood items!
To cap off your night, head to the Ritz-Carlton’s Ozone Bar (or stay amongst the locals in Jordan).
Day 1 Night Cap
The Ozone Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Kowloon is one of the highest bars in the world. Like most of the waterfront in Kowloon, it offers stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. While there are certainly less glamorous and cheaper places to grab a drink, none will provide the style of the Ozone Bar. We recommend making a reservation, and a dress code is enforced, so be mindful of what you wear.
After a drink or two, return to your accommodation to prepare for another full day!
Day 2 – A Hong Kong Travel Guide
After waking up and grabbing breakfast and a coffee, head to Central to catch a traditional double-decker bus to your following location – Stanley. Just like you might see in London, these buses run around Hong Kong island; only they navigate far narrower, windier, and steeper hills than London. As you make your way out to Stanley, your next destination, riding on the bus can be less tourist-like, more “Knight Bus” in Harry Potter.
Stanley
Stanley has changed over the years and has become much more modern. It started as a tiny enclave with markets, local pubs and restaurants, and primarily working-class Hong Kongnese.
Today, Stanley is a thriving tourist area, but the charm remains. The market remains a wonderful place to pick up clothes, tourist goods, and amazing art pieces. We recommend looking for Hong Kong skylines, but there are options aplenty. Like most markets in Asia, you can certainly haggle for a price or a deal. In the narrow streets of the market (it’s not enormous), you can find some delicious Cantonese restaurants to sit down for food if you’re hungry.
Before heading to the pier, you can wander the market and around the area. Here you can find plenty of places to stop in and grab a drink (or lunch). Our particular favorite is Smugglers Inn. You can grab a Guinness and enjoy staring out at the water. You can also grab a bite to eat there. There are, however, plenty of other bars and restaurants to sit and enjoy a drink, the view, and people-watching. After a pint, you can walk over to Stanley Plaza for a few more upscale shops.
Once you’ve had your fill of the ocean, you can make your way back to back into the city to find a few places of tranquility in this city of millions.
Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Gardens
The Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens, both in Kowloon, represent a break from the hectic life of everyday Hong Kong. While the nunnery looks quite ancient, it was built in 1934. Its architectural style, however, is much older. Inside this Buddhist temple, you’ll find it meticulously planned out.
Chi Lin Nunnery has over 33,000 sq. meters, including many halls, libraries, a pagoda, and more. You’ll find different bodhisattvas and other statues. It is also an active Buddhist temple so you will find nuns as well.
Those at Chi Lin Nunnery maintain Nan Lian Gardens and its traditional Chinese-style garden. Like the nunnery, it covers over 33,000 sq. meters. Nan Lian has only been open to the public since 2006 but features plenty of walkways, neatly manicured trees and plants, ponds, and more.
After a peaceful stroll, you’ll head to one of the most famous spots in Hong Kong – The Peak.
The Peak
Few places in Hong Kong are as well known as the Peak. Sitting on top of Hong Kong Island, the Peak offers truly spectacular views of the island and Kowloon.
You can take a taxi to get up to the peak, but for your first time, we recommend you take the Peak Tram. This tram can get very crowded, so buy tickets ahead of time. It’s approximately $18 a person, but it is worth the money for first-time riders. The ride extends over 1,000 meters and rises over 350 meters during that time. It is a very steep ride with a steepness of over 40%! You can also add tickets for the Skyview Terrace for an additional cost, but we think you can do without them.
Once you get up to the Peak, there’s a nature walk around the top of the peak affording more great views of the entire island. The loop takes 40 to 60 minutes but offers plenty of places to sit and rest as you trek.
However, be mindful of the time of day and weather. It can get quite foggy due to the humidity in Hong Kong, which can obstruct your views from time to time. You may also want to go up to the peak after dark when, like Kowloon, you have spectacular views of the city and its skyline.
Once you’ve enjoyed the views and trek around the top, make your way back down the peak. Now, depending on the day of the week, we recommend one of two options:
- Happy Valley Racecourse
- Lan Kwai Fong
Happy Valley Racecourse
Horse racing is a popular sport in Hong Kong, and one of the top attractions is the Happy Valley Racecourse. Located in the heart of Hong Kong Island in Wan Chai. We add this here because it is a truly exciting experience, but Happy Valley only hosts Wednesday races.
The track holds approximately 55,000 people and is a top tourist attraction. You can go in, grab a drink, and pick your winner to *hopefully* win a little bit of money!
If it’s not a Wednesday, we advise you to rest after the Peak before heading to Lan Kwai Fong.
Lan Kwai Fong
Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s prime spot for heading going out. Located in Central, this hilly street is chock full of people of all ages, but as the night wears on, the crowd shifts to those looking to ‘party.’
Lan Kwai Fong is lined with bars offering Jell-O shots, Filipino cover bands, pubs showing sports, and restaurants to help with any booze you’ve ingested. You’ll see all types in Lan Kwai Fong, but beware of pickpockets and your regular big-city crime.
You can spend all night at Lan Kwai Fong before heading off in the morning to find a nice breakfast place before sleeping off a long night.
Day 3 – A Hong Kong Travel Guide
Lantau Island – An Island of History, Wisdom, and Adventure
For your last day in Hong Kong, we recommend heading to Lantau Island. You can easily take Hong Kong’s Metro or Airport Express to get there. Once there, you have a plethora of options to choose from.
The Big Buddha & Ngong Ping 360
One of the highlights of both Hong Kong and Lantau is the Big Buddha, a 34-meter-tall Tian Tian Buddha. To get there, you can take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. This consists of a 25-minute air-conditioned ride with 360˚ views. A basic round-trip ticket will cost you around USD$30.
Once you reach the Big Buddha, explore around, head up over 200 stairs to the statue’s base, and find great island views. You can walk around to find the Wisdom Path. There you’ll find 38 steles (monuments standing upright) made of wood. Inscribed on them, you’ll find prayers from The Heart Sutra, a prominent prayer in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
If the Big Buddha isn’t your speed, Lantau offers even more!
Hong Kong Disney
If you have children (or even if you don’t!), Hong Kong Disneyland will be your best friend!
Hong Kong Disney, also located on Lantau Island, is a great way to spend a day. This particular Disney park is smaller than those in the US or even in Asia (Shanghai), though the price for a daily ticket remains about the same – approximately USD$81.
Unlike some of its sister parks, Hong Kong Disney is smaller and has different rides you won’t see anywhere else. For example, there is no Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, or Pirates of the Caribbean. Instead, you’ll find equivalents like ‘Hyperspace Mountain,’ Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and more. However, some classics remain, such as the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups or Big Grizzly Gulch.
Like other Disney Parks, you will still find Main Street and some of the same ‘areas’ of the park, like Adventureland. As I mentioned, though, this park is smaller than many other Disney ones and, in many ways, caters more to young children than its sister parks.
No matter, however, as it is Disneyland and still one of the most magical places on Earth! However, if Disneyland doesn’t pique your interest, you may want to hit the beach again and head to Discovery Bay!
Discovery Bay
If you’re in Hong Kong at a warm time of year, you may want to hit the beach one final time. Discovery Bay is an extremely popular place to do so, full of locals and expats alike.
At Discovery Bay, you’ll find a welcoming beach and plenty of great restaurants with ocean views. The waves are tame and easygoing and offer a great chance to soak up the sun, get a tan, and take a dip. A farmer’s and crafts market is also held there on the 2nd Sunday of every month if you are into artisan crafts and locally-sourced food!
However, if adventure is your thing, head to the Tai O Fishing Village.
Tai O Fishing Village
A traditional fishing village, the settlement of Tai O dates back nearly 1,000 years. Many homes have been built on stilts to avoid the waters, and today, you can find those as well as nice little restaurants and cafes to grab a bite or coffee. If you are a fan of the late Anthony Bourdain, you might recognize this sleeping village as he visited there during an episode of No Reservations.
Final Thoughts – A Hong Kong Travel Guide
Hong Kong is a huge, bustling city with plenty to do. As with any major city, you’ll never find time to see what needs to be seen in just three days. This guide highlights some of our favorites and what we feel are the best of what Hong Kong offers. However, if you’re looking for other ideas, we’ve added a few below.
A Few Other Ideas for Hong Kong
- Day Trip to Macau: A trip to Macau, if you have time, is a terrific way to spend a day, see some incredible history (an old Portuguese colony), perhaps gamble, and eat some fantastic food! If you go, you’d be remiss if you didn’t visit Fernando’s, which offers some of the best Portuguese food you’ll find! Several companies are running boats between the two, such as TurboJet or Cotai. The trip takes about an hour each way.
- High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel: Like its counterparts worldwide, the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong offers lovely afternoon tea and a chance to feel a bit fancy.
- Ocean Park: If Disney doesn’t strike your fancy when it comes to theme parks, then Ocean Park might. Ocean Park offers a range of thrill rides, user experiences, and more!
- Big Bus Hong Kong – While it’s a little cheesy and Hong Kong already has great transportation and double-decker buses, the Big Bus Hong Kong can be a fun way to see and travel around Hong Kong Island.
What a great guide, guys. I had no idea that 200 islands made up Hong Kong. I assumed it was just one. Neat to learn that by reading your post. I always think of the movie “Blood Sport” when Hong Kong comes to mind. Too many Sunday afternoons spent watching re-run movies in the USA LOL.
Ryan