A 5 day travel itinerary for Hong Kong.
There is no doubting that the views of Victoria Harbour are awesome.
However, the scenery on Lantau Island was the highlight of my 5 day Hong Kong trip!
If you are planning your Hong Kong trip, then this blog is for you.
I have put together an ideal 5 day itinerary for you to consider, which includes the famous sights, booming nightlife, and even a day trip to the mysterious Macau!
I loved my time in the Pearl of the Orient, as it really is a city that doesn’t sleep.
Over 30 million global tourists visit Hong Kong annually, which creates a cosmopolitan feel within the city.
The only question you need to ask yourself is whether five days in Hong Kong is enough time to uncover all of its Cantonese delights.
Day 1 starts with a slow style exploration of some of the main highlights of Hong Kong.
Taking in the views of Hong Kong harbour.
Day 1 - Victoria Harbour, Yik Cheong Building, and the night markets.
Hong Kong is one of the most popular cities in Asia, but it is no secret that your first day in the city may be overwhelming!
The city moves at 100mph, around the clock!
If you also factor in some jet lag, then your first experience of the city has the potential to be a disappointing one.
Day 1 can be enjoyed at any pace you desire, and your accommodation will be centrally located, if you follow the advice later in this blog.
If you stay in the Tsim Sha Tsui area (Tourist hub), then Victoria Harbour is only a 15 minute walk, and you will pass many cafes and restaurants for breakfast or lunch.
The best time to see the Victoria Harbour skyline.
The Victoria Harbour skyline is globally famed, as it is one of the most picturesque skylines in the world, so it doesn’t really matter what time you visit, you are in for a spectacular experience.
However, visiting in the evening just before 8pm, is the most popular time for International tourists, as the daily Symphony of Lights show commences.
The skyscrapers are lit up in bright colours, flood lights flash high into the night sky, and loud music is played, creating a unique illumination show.
I found it to be fascinating watching the bright colour’s shadows light up the South China Sea in an otherwise pitch black scene.
Over 40 buildings are used in a harmonious way with orchestra music to create a delightful show for observers.
This is a great free activity to kick start your first evening in Hong Kong.
The famous Victoria Harbour skyline.
Cruise on the Star Ferry.
While you are in the area, you can enjoy a cruise on the famous Star Ferry.
The ferry service is ingrained into the culture of Hong Kong, as it has been running for over 135 years.
The Hong Kong residents use the ferry to commute between the TST and Central sides, however, many visitors just ride the ferry to enjoy the fabulous Victoria Harbour from a different perspective.
The ferry services are renowned for being efficient, cheap, and reliable.
As with the other public transport options, you can just scan your Octopus card for convenience.
The Star Ferry.
Avenue of Stars.
After your cruise, you can head to the Avenue of Stars, which is a popular spot for tourists.
The Avenue of Stars was opened two decades ago in 2004, modelled after the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, however, it celebrates the film industry of Hong Kong with tributes and mementos.
My favourite tribute is the iconic Bruce Lee statue, with the bronze statue striking one of the Hong Kong star’s famous poses.
It is a 15 minute walk from Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, and it is sign posted well.
You will pass the Hong Kong Space Museum and Cultural Centre on route.
As well as statues and sculptures, there are hand prints similar to Hollywood, including Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen.
As a free activity in Hong Kong, it doesn’t get much better!
There is a Starbucks to grab a coffee right by the Bruce Lee statue, or if you walk for around another 800 metres, there is the Harbour City shopping mall, filled with restaurants.
The Bruce Lee statue.
The colourful Yik Cheong Building.
Yik Cheong Building.
More famously known as ‘The Monster Building’ to International visitors, the Yik Cheong Building attracts tourists due to its densely packed residential architecture, which has housed 6000 people for several decades.
The complex is iconic to Hong Kong, and has featured in some Hollywood films such as Transformers: Age of Extinction, and Ghost in the Shell.
It offers unique aesthetics in the city, which has led to it becoming one of the most photographed spots in Hong Kong.
I found it to be an awesome free activity, which took us off the beaten path.
Temple Street night market.
From our experience, when the sun goes down in Hong Kong, the atmosphere goes up a level.
The bright lights make an appearance, and the streets start to fill up with market stalls, street food, and a mixture of locals and tourists.
Temple Street market is the best place to start for first timers, with its world famous market operating between the hours of 6pm and 12pm. We arrived at around 8pm and the atmosphere was in full flow, with plenty of street food vendors operating.
Before we arrived, I learned that Hong Kong is famous for its fresh seafood, so I tried some of the local street options. I enjoyed chilli crab and grilled octopus, followed by bubble tea.
Most stalls are as you would expect with souvenirs, clothing, and jewellery available. They do get repetitive after a while, but it is good fun exploring for an hour or two!
Your best option to reach Temple Street market is taking the MTR Blue Line to Yau Ma Tei Station, with the market being a short walk away from the station.
The night markets are full of life daily.
Day 2 - Lantau island and the Big Buddha statue.
A highlight for many tourists is visiting the Big Buddha statue on Lantau Island, which sits high above Hong Kong.
A day trip to Lantau Island is a great way to immerse in the culture of the Cantonese people, and to enjoy some of Hong Kong’s lush green landscape.
The iconic 34m tall bronze statue has been a feature of the popular island since 1993, when it was constructed as a symbol of Buddhism. Many Buddhists from around the globe now make the pilgrimage to visit the cultural statue.
If the Tian Tan statue is on your bucket list, then you will have to tackle 268 steps to reach it, which is no easy task in the hot temperature and high humidity!
I remember having to cool down inside the building at the base of the statue.
The Tian Tan Buddha.
Lantau Island is located around 10 miles from Downtown Hong Kong.
To visit Lantau Island, you can catch the Tung Chung MTR line from Central station to Tung Chung station, with the journey taking around 30 minutes.
A more scenic route.
You can also reach Lantau Island via ferry, which travels between Central Pier 6 & Mui Wo Village, with a total journey time of around one hour.
Frequent buses take visitors from Lantau Island ferry pier to Tung Chung MTR station, where you will find the entrance to the cable car station.
Side view from the village.
Ngong Ping cable car.
One of the most popular ways of reaching the top of Lantau Island is through the 25 minute long cable car ride, which is one of the longest in Asia.
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car offers stunning views of the island's mountainous terrain, beautiful nature and the South China Sea.
We thoroughly enjoyed absorbing our surroundings as we ascended!
Riding the cable car up to Lantau Island.
Once you arrive at the Ngong Ping terminal, don’t miss the chance to explore Ngong Ping Village.
We found the village to have a very Cantonese charm about it, with shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits that reflect the local heritage and traditions.
Although Lantau Island has been inhabited for many decades, its village was only constructed in 2006 as part of the Ngong Ping 360 project, to offer international visitors a more efficient way of enjoying the beautiful island.
Several bus routes operate from Tung Chung to different parts of Lantau Island, including the Ngong Ping area, where the Big Buddha is located
Some Cantonese statues.
Day 3 - A day trip to Macau.
With Macau being located only one hour away from Hong Kong, on a longer trip it makes sense to head over to the Special Administrative Region of China to explore.
Why visit Macau?
We found Macau to offer a unique blend of rich history and modern attractions, making it a fun juxtaposition. It is small enough to be able to split your day into two, so you can enjoy its charm and world class entertainment in one day.
Getting there from Hong Kong:
Travelling between Hong Kong and Macau can be done using various modes of transport, including ferries, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), but we found the hovercraft to be the most efficient option for a day trip.
The Hovercraft actually provided us with a faster journey, at around 30 to 40 minutes crossing the water. It was closer to an hour by the time we boarded and left the vessel.
Ferries are more frequent and take slightly longer, so this is the best option for flexibility on your return.
Practical Information For Macau.
Visa Requirements:
Most travellers do not need a visa for short visits to Macau, but it's advisable to check specific requirements based on your nationality before your trip.
Currency:
The local currency is the Macanese pataca (MOP). However, Hong Kong dollars (HKD) are widely accepted in many places, making transactions convenient for visitors.
Language:
Cantonese and Portuguese are the official languages in Macau. English is also spoken, but not as frequently, particularly in tourist areas, ensuring easy communication for international travellers.
The picture perfect Macau.
Morning: Historic Center of Macau (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Start your cultural morning learning about the historic area of Macau, a former Portuguese colony known for its fascinating blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage.
From the ferry port, catch a local bus or taxi to the ‘Historic Center of Macau’ (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and when you arrive, begin your exploration at ‘Senado Square’, where there is always some busy activity, and beautiful colourful architecture on display.
We enjoyed our morning coffees in one of the local cafes, which had a unique charm, completely different to Hong Kong!
The iconic ‘Ruins of St. Paul’s’ is also a must see, as it is the remains of a 17th-century church. We found it interesting piecing together Macau’s past through the ancient relics.
Finally, adding a Taoist temple visit to your morning completes the culture side of your day trip, with ‘A-Ma Temple’ offering visitors a glimpse into the local traditions.
The Ruins of Saint Paul's in the old part of Macau.
Afternoon - The Venetian Macao & Cotai Strip.
Your afternoon will be a complete contrast, as you dive into the modern and extravagant side of Macau at the Cotai Strip.
Our favourite casino is the ‘Venetian Macao’, which is very similar to the one we visited in Las Vegas.
The canal and shopping centre section replicate Venice.
Other notable casinos to visit are ‘Galaxy Macau’ and ‘Studio City’, both of which offer unique themes, entertainment, and world-class shopping.
Coaches do operate to and from the ferry port and Old Historic Area.
The strip feels very similar to the Western world compared to the rest of Macau, where English is rarely spoken!
Inside the Venetian in Macau.
Is one day enough time in Macau?
A day trip from Hong Kong is the most popular option for most tourists heading over to Macau, and it does give you time to explore both of its sides.
You could spend a lot longer exploring the famous casinos in Cotai Strip, however, I felt as though wandering through a couple of them can get tiring, and exploring the Venetian and Galaxy hotels are more than enough of an introduction to the ‘Chinese Vegas’.
We also found an hour at Senado Square was plenty of time to feel the endearing charm of the old historic area.
The hovercraft to Macau.
Street view of Macau.
Day 4 - Victoria Peak, explore downtown, and enjoy the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong.
On Day 4 it is time to head back to downtown Hong Kong to enjoy its vibrant culture, and some beautiful views of the city. These are just some ideas which we enjoyed, but we also enjoyed just wandering around and seeing where we would end up.
The best view of the city at Victoria Peak.
Starting your day with a visit to one of Hong Kong's most iconic landmarks is an awesome way to spend a morning.
The views from Victoria Peak are unmatched in my opinion.
A clear day makes all of the difference though!
You need to head to the Peak Tram Station, which is located in Central Hong Kong, where you will catch the historic Peak Tram to the top. The tram dates back over 140 years and is ingrained in Hong Kong culture.
When you arrive at the top, you can shop in the large mall, or head straight out to the viewing points for panoramic views of the city and lush nature.
In peak visiting times, there is a short queue time for the tram.
Sitting on the right-hand side of the tram is best for some awesome views as you ascend.
Incredible views from the Victoria Peak viewpoint.
A busy night exploring Lan Kwai Fong.
The nightlife scene in Hong Kong has a cosmopolitan feel, as such is the city in general, and Lan Kwai Fong is one of the most famous districts for a night spent diving into the city's vibrant social scene.
Lan Kwai Fong is a small square of streets in the Central area of Hong Kong which is always busy, and offers a wide range of venues. We enjoyed the bright lights and high energy of the area, which I associate with the cities in South East Asia.
We found the area to be full of life, with many bars and restaurants, however, be warned, enjoying a night out in Hong Kong does not come cheap, especially compared to other Asian destinations.
We had visited Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in the same trip, so we felt the massive difference in alcohol prices in real time.
Street performers also make the bar street more fun, especially on weekends!
Enjoying the vibrant nightlife scene.
Popular street food spots downtown.
Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers, with the local Cantonese cuisine offering a taste of the city!
Our two favourite spots for street food were:
Mongkok.
Mongkok is a busy district located in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, known for shopping and dining, with high end restaurants standing side by side with street food stalls.
Nathan Road.
Nathan Road is a major thoroughfare that runs through multiple districts in Kowloon, and offers a mixture of shopping, restaurants, markets, and street food options.
Both areas offer some local and International options, so there is something for everyone.
Street food.
Day 5 - Visit Disneyland Hong Kong.
Your final day in Hong Kong takes you back to Lantau Island, but this time to visit one of the most recognised and visited parks in Asia.
Hong Kong Disneyland attracts over 6 million international visitors annually, which has contributed towards some very good infrastructure in and around the park.
It opens daily from 10am until 8pm, with weekdays being less crowded.
We visited in August, which is deemed the peak summer tourist season, and we felt this did make it less enjoyable.
Hot humid conditions, and long queues weren’t ideal, but expected!
Here are two tips for you to consider to make your day at the park run smoother:
Purchase a FastPass - your queuing time will be greatly reduced through using a FastPass, which are available on the official mobile app of the park.
Get real time updates on ride queues - this is another benefit of using the app that did save us some time, and unnecessary walking across the park.
The three rides which seemed to be the most popular during our visit were Mystic Manor, Iron Man Experience, and Hyperspace Mountain. Even if you used the FastPass for one or two of these rides, you will save a lot of queuing time.
An iconic theme park.
Getting to Disneyland.
If you aren’t staying on Lantau Island in one of the nearby Disney hotels, you will need to head over to the Island, and there are several options available:
MTR - 30 - 40 minutes from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui:
This is the most common method of reaching the theme park, and our choice. We took the MTR to Sunny Bay Station, where we changed onto the Disneyland Resort Line, which takes you straight to the park.
Airport and City Buses:
There are buses which will transport you straight to the park from different areas of the city, or the airport. We opted for the MTR option as it is so efficient. Bus R8 connects the park with the Tsing Yi area, and several routes run from the airport.
One of the reasons why I chose to book my tickets through Get Your Guide well in advance was the flexibility, as there is a cancel option up to 24 hours in advance in case of a disruption to my plans.
Hong Kong does Disney.
Daily shows.
Everyday visitors have two opportunities to enjoy live parades or shows.
Disney Paint the Night Parade.
Starts at 3pm - 40 mins long - vibrant floats, beloved Disney characters, and catchy music.
Disney in the Stars.
Begins at 8pm, but only lasts 15-20 mins, and includes fireworks, loud music, and bright lights.
Trams are very popular downtown.
Getting around Hong Kong.
The efficient public transportation system made traversing Hong Kong very enjoyable for us.
The immaculate MTR stations, quirky trams, and iconic taxis offer International visitors several options to visit the popular landmarks in the city.
MTR (Mass Transit Railway).
Most of the city's key districts and attractions are covered by the MTR network, which consists of 11 lines connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. We also used it to link to Lantau Island.
Trains arrive every few minutes during peak hours and run from around 6am until midnight.
Trams ("Ding Ding").
Hong Kong’s famous trams, affectionately called ‘Ding Ding’ due to their bell sound, offer a unique way to experience the city.
We used the trams when travelling shorter distances of maybe three or four streets. They only operate on Hong Kong Island though, and are much slower than the MTR, therefore, not viable for some of the iconic landmarks.
A fixed rate of HK$2.60 (25p) for adult fares makes it a very cheap option.
Ferries.
Using ferries is an essential part of Hong Kong’s transport network, especially for reaching outlying islands and crossing Victoria Harbour.
A journey on the iconic Star Ferry costs HK$3.20 (32p) on weekdays and HK$4.20 (42p) on weekends making it another cheap option for tourists wanting a unique experience.
The ferries run every 10 mins or so.
Taxis.
Taxis are plentiful all over Hong Kong and actually cheaper than Uber, which does also run.
Colour coding is in place based on different areas:
Lantau Island - Blue taxis.
New Territories - Green taxis.
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon - Red taxis.
Taxi fares are actually relatively cheap in Hong Kong compared to other high costs.
The iconic Hong Kong taxis.
An immaculate MTR station.
Secure your cheap flights to Hong Kong now:
An iconic hotel to stay at in Hong Kong.
During our unforgettable stay in Hong Kong, we chose to book a room at the iconic Peninsula Hotel, and it truly exceeded all expectations.
We had been wanting to visit Hong Kong for years, so we decided to make it a special trip, and booked the oldest hotel in the city.
The Peninsula’s prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui meant we were only a short walk away from the Avenue of Stars, and the famous Victoria Harbour Skyline.
We booked the deluxe twin room and its large air-conditioned space gave us an escape from the high summer humidity.
Given the hotel’s iconic status and unparalleled offerings, rooms at The Peninsula fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this luxurious option.
The famous Peninsula Hotel is a popular choice for tourists.
When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
The months of September to November are the best time to visit Hong Kong, as the weather is pleasant, and humidity levels drop.
During this period, you can expect mild temperatures can range from 20°C to 28°C, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions.
The clear skies offer stunning views of the skyline and harbour, perfect for some awesome Hong Kong photography.
We visited in August and the temperatures and humidity were much higher!
Hong Kong comes alive at night.
Hong Kong Frequently asked questions + insider tips.
Here are some of the answers to the questions which I asked before heading to Hong Kong:
Do you need a visa to enter Hong Kong?
Most nationalities can enter Hong Kong visa free for up to 90 days for tourism.
What is the currency of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the official currency of the country.
How do I purchase an Octopus card in Hong Kong?
There are customer service desks in most MTR stations displaying yellow octopus icons, alternatively, you can purchase one at the airport upon arrival. This is the option that I took.
Is English spoken in Hong Kong?
English is spoken, alongside Chinese as the two official languages.
An awesome Pano shot.
Here are some insider tips that I learned when I visited Hong Kong:
Use the Airport Express Train.
When arriving at Hong Kong Airport, you should take the Airport Express Train to the city, as it is fast and reliable. We paid around HKD 100 (£10) for our 22 minute journey to Kowloon Station.
Octopus card all the way.
Using your octopus card for all travel is the easiest and cheapest way to pass through MTR stations, or use buses. You can top it up at any station, or the airport.
Bargain often in the street markets.
Hong Kong is very expensive, but the street markets are a place where you can save some cash. As with most destinations in Asia, bartering is expected, and part of the local cultural traditions. After a few days in the city, you will be looking to save every penny you can!
The beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.
Tranquil Hong Kong.
Is 5 days enough time for Hong Kong?
I found 5 days to be the ideal length of time for Hong Kong, if you count the day in Macau as part of it.
The day trip to Macau breaks up the Hong Kong city break, and the visit to Lantau Island is abundant with beautiful nature, and the opportunity to enjoy some exercise (although this is difficult in the heat and humidity).
Disneyland is a great way to end your itinerary, as it gives you another break from the city hustle for most of the day.
Being a tourist in Hong Kong is not cheap as it is one of the world’s most expensive cities, so your costs can add up very quickly.
That is why I would advise pre-booking at least a couple of your excursions in advance.
Five days offers a nice variety of activities at a slower pace to really immerse in the city life and to enjoy all of the beauty that Hong Kong has to offer!
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