In my previous article, I shared 12 Hong Kong Travel Tips for the first time visitors who have no idea about the best places to visit in Hong Kong. The Asian financial hub is a world-famous destination that rewards anyone who takes out time to peel away its many layers. Whether you’re seeking glimpses of authentic Hong Kong heritage or shopping for the latest street fashions, hungry for some Michelin-starred feasting, lusting for unforgettable nightlife or eager to trek across mountains to remote coves, there’s plenty to see and do in Hong Kong in 4 days. No other city in Asia offers such an amazingly varied array of the top attractions as Hong Kong does. If you are not sure what to do in Hong Kong in 4 days, these 15 fun things to do in Hong Kong should be on your list:
Table of Contents
1. Avenue of stars
This waterside Walk of Fame is the most Instagrammed spot in the city. A favourite place to grab a selfie with the skyline of Hong Kong Island as a backdrop. Tip: Going in the evening when the light show happens.
2. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Appreciate the iconic Hong Kong Skyline by strolling along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, just metres from the Star Ferry Pier. Revisit the Age of Steam under the 44-metres tall red brick and granite tower Clock Tower that was constructed in 1915 as part of the Kowloon–Canton Railway terminus. The once-bustling station is now preserved as a Declared Monument. You can pose next to Bruce Lee’s statue at the Garden of Stars or spend some time at the museums nearby, including the Hong Kong Science Museum. This is one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong at night.
3. 1881 Heritage
Not too far from the Tsim Sha Tsui lies the 1881 Heritage building. From the 1880s to 1996, this was the headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine Police during the Victorian Era. Several buildings and artefacts of historical interest have been preserved and restored, and the site now features a shopping mall, a heritage hotel, and an exhibition hall.
4. Old town central
The oldest neighbourhoods in Hong Kong is a mecca for History, arts, food and culture diggers. The area is bursting with creativity on every street corner -from experimental stage performances held inside a repurposed depot, to world-class art exhibitions and edgy graffiti that graces the walls of small alleys. Must see places are PMQ, Fringe Club, Hollywood Road, Graham Street, Shingo Art, Madera Hollywood Hotel, and Tank Lane.
5. Sai Ying Pun’s ARTLANE
If you want to see wonderful street art Hong Kong has to offer, venture out towards Sai Ying Pun’s ARTLANE, where local and international artists have turned the walls of the buildings of Ki Ling Lane and Chung Ching Street into a kaleidoscopic canvas.
6. DukLing Harbour Cruise
The best way to enjoy Hong Kong’s harbour views, stunning skylines set against the surrounding waters, is through a DukLing Harbour Cruise, an ancient Chinese fishing vessel complete with wooden decks and classic red sails. While you can take the cruise at several times during the day, the best one is its special Symphony of Lights cruise, which is timed with the nightly show.
7. Ngong Ping 360
Take the Crystal Cabin, a glass-bottomed cable car, to get to Lantau Island while under looking the dense foliage and surrounding waters. You then arrive at Ngong Ping Village, a retro-inspired tourist town with plenty of shopping and dining options. And from there, it’s just a short five-minute walk to Lantau Island’s best sights, including The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
8. The Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The 34-meter-high gargantuan Tian Tan Buddha is one of the symbols of Hong Kong. While visiting it, drop into nearby Po Lin Monastery, to learn about rich histories, stroll through gorgeous gardens and relish a delicious vegetarian meal.
9. The Peak
A trip to Hong Kong is incomplete without visiting its highest point – the peak. The sweeping 360-views from the top are stunning. Hop on the century-old Peak Tram from Central’s base or hike up from Hatton Road along the Morning Trail.
10. Tai O Village
Take a trip back to the lives of Tanka fisher-families, coupled with hints of colonial history. The Tanka village houses are built on stilts on the water. Just minutes away is the Tai O Heritage Hotel, a hundred-plus-year-old former police station converted into a retro-styled hotel.
11. Hong Kong Disneyland
One of the most visited attractions in Hong Kong, Disneyland is favourite among kids and adults alike. From mystical manors to the futuristic Tomorrowland, classic fairy tale rides to Wild West thrills, the park offers something for everyone.
12. Stanley
What will you get when you mix history, waterfront, architecture, and shopping together in Hong Kong? You get the momentous town of Stanley, a place where British and Canadian troops made their last stand in 1941 prior to surrendering to Japanese troops in the Battle of Hong Kong. While the battle sirens have long silenced, the place is still abuzz with activity.
Stanley Market is a great place to shop and just next to it, on the waterfront lies the 160-year old Murray House. Since 1846 until 1988 the Murray House stood in the Central business district of Hong Kong. However, the building was dismantled and relocated to its present-day position on the Stanley waterfront in 1998.
Close by is another historic structure, Blake Pier, which was also previously located in Central before being moved in 1965, the Pier is in keeping with the façade of Murray House. Today Murray House forms part of the Stanley Plaza shopping complex with the Maritime Museum located on the ground floor and restaurants on the first and second floor offering superb views.
13. Repulse Bay
Next to the Stanley market lies the historic seaside spot surrounded by towering residences. If you find it a bit crowded, walk west to South Bay, a serene little strip with its own bar.
14. Outlying Islands
Hong Kong might have grown into a modern global city but the vestiges of its rich past can still be found in its outlying islands, serving as reminders of the city’s roots and the events that have shaped its character and culture. Three must-visit islands are Cheung Chau, Lantau Island, and Lamma Island. You can take a ferry from Central Pier and enjoy the serene seaside island vibe and alfresco seafood dining.
15. Quarry Bay
Thanks to the movie, ‘Transformers’, the ‘Monster Building’ in Quarry Bay has become one of the most Instagrammed spots in Hong Kong. This gigantic behemoth is actually five interconnected towers built in the 1960s. Besides the building, you must check out 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.
I hope this list of 15 must-see attractions gives you an idea on what to do in Hong Kong in 4 days.
So, where should you start? By booking a holiday with Cathay Pacific Airlines.
For more details on which airline to fly, where to go, what to see, the 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
I was hosted by Cathay Pacific . However, everything expressed above is based on my personal experience. Images used are either shot by me or provided by the airlines. Please do not copy anything without written permission.
I have been to Hongkong many times and, for a year, I even lived there part time to work. But I surely have missed the 1881 Heritage and the Aftlane, unless they are of recent times!
Great guide for Hong Kong. I’ve never been there before, but I wonder why is that place called the “Avenue of the Stars?” It doesn’t seem to have “stars” as we do in Hollywood. Your pictures are very atmospheric and really catch the essence of this place. I would particularly like to visit the Outlying Islands. They seem really beautiful.
Oooh I’ll regret it the moment I got up there and my fear of heights kicked in, but the Crystal Cabin sounds so incredibly cool. The views just seem spectacular. My mate moved out to Hong Kong so I definitely want to visit some point soon, I’ll have to bookmark your tick list.
Geez the Hong Kong skyline is so gorgeous! I would definitely spend some time at Sai Ying Pun’s ARTLANE checking out the street art. A visit to Tai O Village, the peak, Quarry Bay and Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery are also a must do.
OMG, Tian Tan Buddha is so epic! I can’t believe they made a 34m high Buddha. I’d love to visit! I have transited through Hong Kong but never stopped, now I wish I had. Would love to visit the islands too.
I would love to stroll through Artlane and the Symphony of Lights cruise. The sight of the ancient fishing vessel with the modern skyline at night is an incredible sight! Now I need to watch Transformers so that I can see Quarry Bay in the movie.
Hong Kong would be so fun to visit. I really want to do the DukLing Harbour Cruise. I’d love the views.
Hong Kong surely has plenty of great attractions. We would love to visit each one of these mentioned in your list but the visit to a peak, light cruise and 34 meters high Buddha will top our list. Selfie with a beautiful skyline too will be super cool. Thanks for writing this up.
There’s like so much of awesome stuff to do in Honk Kong, that I wasn’t aware of till now. Would personally love to explore the old town for the cultural vibes, the big buddha for zenning out and those panoramic views. Stanley looks so picturesque and yeah I would love to get that Instagram shot at quarry bay for sure.
I am already sold by the skyline view of Hong Kong. It is great to see there are so many places to visit in Hong Kong. I would love to spend a week there and explore the places listed by you. Thanks for putting all together under one roof. The harbour cruise is a must!
Nice blog! Thanks for sharing your experience through this blog. Hong Kong is the right Place for spent time.