Though technically independent from China, Hong Kong is one of the best places to visit on the massive subcontinent. Bursting with colonial heritage and modern excellence, a trip to Hong Kong reveals a totally different side to China than the one experienced in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But how many days in Hong Kong is enough to experience this stunning city?
In this guide, we provide an exciting itinerary for 3 days in Hong Kong. We highlight what to see and the best things to do in Hong Kong that are perfect for a city break or layover. We suggest a day trip to Lantau Island near Hong Kong and provide some helpful tips for your visit.
So keep reading to discover what awaits you on this 3 day Hong Kong itinerary, where every stop sheds more light on this incredible city in China.
To start this Hong Kong itinerary, we guide you through some of the best things to do in this port city. We recommend spending some time sightseeing in Hong Kong as this will help you get familiar with public transport. From iconic landmarks like the Monster Building and Victoria Peak to sensational experiences like watching the Symphony of Lights, your first day in Hong Kong promises to be exceptional.
Our first stop on this 3 day itinerary is the Monster Building, known to locals as the Yik Cheong Building. Visiting a residential tower may seem like an unusual thing to do in Hong Kong, but this building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hong Kong. The reason for this is that it was featured in the hit film ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’.
It captivates visitors with its packed architecture and is a popular spot in Hong Kong for photographers. It’s a great place to visit in Hong Kong to soak up the local atmosphere. You will find it in Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island, which is just a few stops on the MTR from the hub of Causeway Bay.
Next, we head to Victoria Harbour to take a trip down the Avenue of Stars. This waterfront promenade pays tribute to Hong Kong film stars and is modelled after the Walk of Fame in California. As you wander down the avenue you will find handprints and statues of famous actors from Hong Kong, with plaques providing details about the film industry in Hong Kong.
It’s also a great place to take in the Hong Kong skyline and picturesque views of Victoria Harbour. It is situated along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, meaning you can also visit nearby attractions such as the K11 Art Mall and the Hong Kong Science Museum.
After exploring Tsim Sha Tsui, it’s time to head up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. We suggest you visit Victoria Peak before sunset, as you will get the best views of Hong Kong from above and can photograph the sky as it fades into hues of orange and pink. You can either take the Peak Tram which is a near 45 degree ascent to the top or you can hike to the peak if the weather is pleasant.
There are observation decks at the top of Victoria Peak where you can look out onto Hong Kong and the surrounding islands. You can opt to pay for access to Sky Terrace 428, but the views are very similar. This is also where you will find the Peak Tower, one of the best places for shopping and dining in Hong Kong and an absolute must-visit spot.
After taking in the picturesque views from the peak, head back down to Victoria Harbour at 8 pm to catch the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling multimedia display is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night and is sure to amaze. The show features synchronised lights and music that illuminates the Hong Kong skyline, creating a magical ambience that can be enjoyed by any traveller.
For an even more riveting experience, consider watching the show from a sophisticated cruise ship. It’s one of the best ways to experience the Symphony of Lights as it places you right in the centre of the display.
The show takes place every evening in Hong Kong and lasts for around 10 minutes, so don’t worry if you miss it. It’s one of the best free things to do in Hong Kong and is a great way to begin your nighttime adventures. We suggest you head to Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to get the best views of this delightful display before exploring the fabulous restaurants in Hong Kong.
Having spent your first day exploring the best things to do in Hong Kong, your second day will be spent discovering more highlights of the city. For this Hong Kong itinerary, we have dedicated your second day to the mainland, specifically the delightful hub of Kowloon. With green parks, historic temples and vibrant markets, it’s one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong and this section will guide you through the best things to see.
Start the morning with a trip to Kowloon Park, a refreshing oasis situated in the heart of mainland Hong Kong. It’s a great place to see in Hong Kong as the park is filled with colour and natural delight, offering a serene escape from the bustling city environment. There are a variety of activities in Kowloon Park which makes it a great place to visit in Hong Kong for families, couples and even solo travellers.
One of the highlights of Kowloon Park is the Flamingo Pond, which offers a tranquil setting to relax and enjoy some Hong Kong street food. The pond is home to a colony of pink flamingos, which adds a great deal of charm to the experience. You can also spend time wandering through the gorgeous Chinese garden, complete with pavilions and bridges and offering insight into Chinese horticulture.
After a relaxing walk through the park, head to the incredible Mongkok Daytime Markets. It’s one of the best things to see in Hong Kong as there is such a variety on offer and even just browsing is a sensory experience unlike any other. There are a range of different markets in Mongkok so you are certain to find something that tickles your fancy.
One of the best markets in Hong Kong is the Ladies Market, which sells clothing and souvenirs. More unusual markers in Mongkok include the Bird Market and the Goldfish Market, where locals purchase a range of colourful critters and related accessories. A great place for couples in Hong Kong is the Flower Market, a fragrant and vivid street filled to the brim with different flowers and plants.
The markets in Hong Kong are a great way to interact with locals and soak up the unique culture. You can barter with vendors and strike up a conversation, as English is widely spoken. You can even practise some Cantonese phrases to try and secure a good bargain.
We dive further into the culture of Hong Kong with a visit to Man Mo Temple. This Taoist temple is dedicated to the god of literature (Man Cheong) and the god of war (Mo Tai). It is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Hong Kong and an absolute must for any itinerary.
The temple stands out with its traditional Chinese architecture, with intricate carvings and hanging incense coils. These large incense spirals fill the temple with fragrant smoke and are believed to bring good luck to those who light them. Throughout Man Mo Temple, visitors will find altars where locals leave offerings to the deities, typically in the form of flowers and incense.
The temple is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong as it allows visitors to learn more about the Chinese folk religion and offers a peaceful space for reflection.
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to Temple Street Night Market, one of the best night markets in the city. Situated in the Yau Ma Tei area of Kowloon, it’s one of the best places to go in Hong Kong at night and stays open till late. The vibrant lights and sensational colours of the market make you feel as though you have stepped into another world.
You can explore Temple Street on a guided tour of Hong Kong’s night markets or you can opt to visit on your own. Alongside the stalls which sell a range of goods, you can also enjoy fabulous street performances and have your fortune read, allowing you to experience unique Chinese traditions.
This lively atmosphere is made all the more perfect by the scent of street food and spices in the air. On your visit, you can tuck into local delicacies and Hong Kong street food staples like seafood, skewers and Dim Sum. It’s a great option for those visiting Hong Kong on a budget as the delicious offering is very affordable.
For your last day in Hong Kong, we suggest you take a day trip to Lantau Island. It is the largest of Hong Kong’s islands and presents visitors with a blend of stunning natural beauty and divine cultural attractions. It’s a great way to round out 3 days in Hong Kong and provides some respite from the busy city streets.
To get to Lantau Island, you will need to take a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. It is a very scenic way to reach the island, with delightful views of the mountains and the South China Sea. For an even more picturesque view, take a ride in one of the crystal cabins that have glass floors.
The cable car can get very busy, especially during the peak tourist season. We suggest you book your tickets in advance to ensure you get as much time as possible on the gorgeous island.
A highlight of the island is Po Lin Monastery, which is over 100 years old. The Buddhist monastery is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its vast halls and lavish pavilions. On your visit, you can have lunch at the Po Lin Vegetarian Kitchen and wander the Wisdom Path, an outdoor walkway with columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra.
Adjacent to the monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hong Kong, the Tian Tan Buddha. Also known as the Big Buddha, this enormous statue is 34 metres tall and overlooks the village of Ngong Ping. Once you’ve climbed up the nearly 300 steps to the Buddha, you will be graced with uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
To make sure you have the best 3 days in Hong Kong, we’ve compiled a list of helpful travel tips for your visit. In this section, we cover the best time to visit Hong Kong and suggest some of the best places to stay. We also provide some insight into the public transport system and how you can travel around Hong Kong.
The best time to visit Hong Kong will largely depend on your preferences, but September to November is generally considered the optimal time. The weather in Hong Kong is very pleasant in autumn, with lower humidity than at other times of the year. With temperatures ranging from 30°C to 20°C, this is a great time to visit Hong Kong for outdoor activities.
When considering where to stay in Hong Kong, you should think about what is most vital to your visit. If you want to be in the very heart of Hong Kong, then Central is the place to be. However, if you are visiting Hong Kong with family, you’ll find that Causeway Bay has everything you need.
There are a variety of hotels in Hong Kong that will suit a range of travellers. From budget hostels to luxury hotels and even boutique guesthouses, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Hong Kong has an extensive public transport network, which makes getting around very convenient. The MTR is the local subway system and can help you reach all the top destinations in Hong Kong. We suggest you invest in an Octopus Card as this can be topped up as needed and will save you a lot on travel tickets.
You should also make the most of the Star Ferry, which connects the mainland and Hong Kong Island. This iconic ferry ride is a quintessential Hong Kong experience and an affordable way to traverse the city.
Overall, 3 days in Hong Kong is the perfect amount of time to experience this incredible city. With outdoor adventures, cultural attractions and spirited markets, there is so much to do when spending a long weekend in Hong Kong.
Your first day will see you exploring the top things to do in Hong Kong like Victoria Peak and the Symphony of Lights. On your second day, you get to experience the very best of Kowloon and its amazing landmarks such as Man Mo Temple. We ended this itinerary with a trip to the lush island of Lantau, which offers a whole host of experiences and activities.
There is still so much to do and see when spending 3 days in Hong Kong and our itinerary should only serve as a guide. The secret to having the best time in Hong Kong is to follow your desires, as around every corner there is something new to discover.
Are you thinking about visiting China sometime soon? Check out our other helpful guides like What to Do in Beijing for 3 Days and Where to Stay in Shanghai for more expert advice and travel inspiration.
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