Ideal Hong Kong Itinerary: From 12 hours layover to 5 Days in Hong Kong

If you have been following my blog, you would have noticed that I have shared tons of information on how to have a perfect holiday in Hong Kong. So far I have shared Discovering offbeat Hong Kong in 4 days, Hong Kong Travel tips for first-time travellers, flying economy class from Delhi to Hong Kong and what to do Hong Kong in 4 days. Here is the fifth instalment of my ongoing Series – ideal Hong Kong itinerary. If you have made up your mind to visit the city but grappling with any of these questions – “how many days do you need in Hong Kong”, “where can I visit in Hong Kong 2019”, “where should I go for 3 days in Hong Kong” and “what can you do in Hong Kong cheap”; read this post. Here you’ll get the right information for you to make your ideal Hong Kong itinerary – whether you have time from 12 hours layover or 2-5 days.

Hong Kong Itinerary: 1-day or 12 hour layover

Ideal to explore the local food, markets and key attractions like the peak and iconic Hong Kong skyline. Save the below-given infographic to make the most of your hong kong 12-hour layover.

Hong Kong Itinerary: 2 Days

Day 1: Old Town Central – Victoria peak and Tsim Sha Tsui

Arrive in Hong Kong and walk around Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon Park after hotel check-in and for lunch head to Tim Ho Wan, the world’s cheapest Michelin starred restaurant famous for Chinese dim sums. Post lunch, take MTR to Central to explore one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Hong Kong, Old Town Central. The area is bursting with creativity on every street corner.

Whatever be your taste in art and culture, it will be satiated here –  from experimental stage performances held inside a repurposed depot, to world-class art exhibitions and edgy graffiti that graces the walls of small alleys. Do check out PMQ (a designer hotspot), Fringe Club, 21A Lyndhurst Terrace, 42 Staunton Street, 82 Hollywood Road, 45-53 Graham Street, 46 Graham Street / 48 Hollywood Road, Shingo Art, Madera Hollywood Hotel, Tank Lane.

After getting your fill of Hong Kong’s Art and Culture, walk to the Peak Tram for a round trip. Explore Victoria Peak and wait for the sunset. At the side of the Peak attraction is a walking trail, follow the directions and click pictures from here rather than the usual touristic side of The Peak which is the sky terrace.

For more details, check Hong Kong Peak Circle Walk. Around 6 pm head downwards via tram. Walk to Central Station and take an MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station to explore Avenue of Stars and watch the Symphony of Lights at 8 pm. While returning stop at the 1881 Heritage building before retreating to your hotel.

Day 2: Ngong Ping and Departure

Start early and take an MTR to Tung Chung Station. From there, take the Cable car to Ngong Ping. See Tian Tan Buddha and have lunch at Po Lin Monastery. Return to Tung Chung via a Cable car before heading to the Airport to fly out.

Hong Kong Itinerary: 3-5 Days

Day 1: same as above

Day 2: Sai Ying, Sheung Wan and Kowloon

Venture out towards Sai Ying Pun’s ARTLANE, where local and international artists have turned the walls of the building into a kaleidoscopic canvas.

Head to Grassroots pantry for a vegan lunch at 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Post lunch, head to nearby Man Mo Temple to pay tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo).

Stroll through the local market where you’ll see many traditional stores selling various Chinese herbs, dried goods and other wares. Art galleries are plentiful and boutique cafés are tucked away in every side street in the sub-district known as “PoHo.” Fashionistas would love browsing through vintage clothing and handmade leather goods stores.

Reserve your evening for strolling along the Temple street – Hong Kong’s busiest and liveliest night market  

Day 3: South Coast (Repulse Bay, Stanley) and Eastern District

Explore Hong Kong’s long coastline with many idyllic beaches and well sheltered mountains nearby. Keep your day reserved to explore Hong Kong Island’s south coast – Repulse Bay. Shop to your heart’s content at the Stanley market. Don’t forget to visit the Murray House, and Blake Pier. From south coast make way to visit the eastern side of Hong Kong.

If you are a fan of the movie, ‘Transformers’ head to Quarry Bay to get your perfect Instagram shot in front of the ‘Monster Building’. This hulking behemoth is actually five interconnected towers built in the 1960s. 

Explore Quarry Bay’s old dockyards, where you can find good restaurants, the ArtisTree cultural venue and pleasant outdoor spaces. If you are a seafood lover, check the terminus in Shau Kei Wan, a historic fishing village that remains home to one of Hong Kong’s best seafood markets.

or

Day 3: Islands District

Explore the Islands District (Lamma, Lantau, Cheung Chau and Po Toi islands) of Hong Kong. Take a ferry from Victoria Harbour’s Central Star Ferry Pier and explore the laidback island life. For more details check or Discovering Offbeat Hong Kong in 4 days or Hongkong’s Island District.

Or

Day 3: Disneyland Hong Kong

Visit the Disneyland Hong Kong and shop at Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Sui

Day 4: Great outdoors

Escape the urban hustle and explore the great outdoors of Hong Kong. Visit Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, High Island Reservoir and Sai Wan Beach. If you love hiking, get your hiking boots on and hike the MacLehose Trail, or the Dragon’s back trail or Shek Pik Country Trail.

Or

Day 4: Day tour to Macau

Take a Ferry from Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal to Macau. Explore the Venetian, City of Dreams, Senado Square & St. Paul Ruins, Sintra Hotel and the Parisian before boarding a ferry to Kowloon from Taipa Ferry Terminal.

Day 5: Ngong Ping and Departure

Start early and take an MTR to Tung Chung Station. For a hassle-free check-in and a relaxed day of exploration, try the in-town check-in facilities that Cathay Pacific provides at either Hong Kong or Kowloon Airport Express/MTR stations. After check-in, take the Cable car to Ngong Ping. See Tian Tan Buddha and have lunch at Po Lin Monastery.

Return to Tung Chung via a Cable car before heading to the Airport to fly out. And, if you are flying first class or business class, try and reach Hong Kong Airport early so that you can enjoy Cathay Pacific’s signature Airport Lounge experience.

Hope these DIY itineraries help you plan your perfect travel itinerary for Hong Kong for 3 days or fewer or more. So, where should you start? Well, of course, by booking a trip to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.

For more details on which airline to fly, where to go, what to see, best time to visit, best places to stay and ideal Hong Kong Itineraries for 1-5 days, check out the following articles:

• Discover offbeat Hong Kong in 4 days
• Cathay Pacific Airlines Review: flying economy class from Delhi to Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Travel Tips
• What to do in Hong Kong in 4 days
• Ideal Hong Kong Travel Itinerary: Layover to 5 days in Hong Kong

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Disclaimer

Cathay Pacific hosted me. However, everything expressed above is based on my personal experience. Images used are shot by me or provided by the airlines. Please copy nothing without written permission.