Hong Kong - What to Do in 5 (or more) Days
Ahhhh Hong Kong. Visiting has been on my bucket list and let me just say that this city forever has a special place in my heart.
We were in Thailand and had 1 more week before heading back home. We were supposed to spend the remainder of our time island hopping but due to Storm Pabuk, which by the way was the ****first major storm to hit in decades****our plans changed a bit.
The storm was so bad that it was inevitable we were going to spend the week indoors watching a storm pass by. And let me tell you, after escaping sub-zero weather and flying 30+ hours to get to Thailand, the last thing we wanted to do was be indoors.
We needed to reverse our luck ASAP Rocky. So we left Phuket, flew back to Bangkok, and planned our next move somewhere else in Asia that wasn’t getting hit by the bad weather. All we knew was that we were not going to fly more than 3 hours and OMG - the options. It was a long and hard process but after a few capachinos @ The Coffee Club , we booked tickets and accommodation in Hong Kong and left the next morning.
This guide will cover:
Hong Kong quickly became my favorite city in Asia (I feel like I say that about every place…but for real, it made it to the top 3). From the busy and colorful city lights to the mountains peeking from behind of all the chaos, this city has a lot to offer for any kind of traveler.
Getting around Hong Kong
Hong Kong is is one of the easiest cities to navigate. The entire city is connected via MRT, bus, tram, and ferries - Ubers and taxis aren’t that expensive either. Traffic can get bad at times though and if you’re anything like me, we don’t do sober Ubers around here. We walk or take the train - there is no in-between.
For the train, You can buy tickets easily at ticketing machines at MRT stations or you can purchase an Octopus Card and use it for all public transportation throughout Hong Kong.
Pro-travel tip: USE GOOGLE MAPS! I can’t express this enough. We took the MRT pretty much everywhere that we didn’t walk and every destination entered on Google Maps gave us exact, step-by-step directions on what line, exit, etc to take which isn’t as common as you’d think. The majority of signage is in English too so you really won’t struggle much.
Side note, there is something so charming about local transportation. I always feel like I get a good look into local life, get a different perspective of the place I’m in and am always bound to experience or learn something new along the way. Also, there is truly nothing more satisfying than finding your own way around a foreign city.
Nan Lian Garden
Camera bag by ONA. THE best and cutest camera bag - fits my camera + 2 lenses perfectly! The same one can be found here.
When to go to Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a pretty popular destination year-round. I would say avoid going during May-September as its monsoon season, 100% humidity and super hot temperatures. Don’t do it unless you wanna melt away.
Also, Avoid Chinese New Year, its peek season and tickets are at a sky rocket price. It will be damn near impossible to find a decent place to stay too, and because of the holiday, a lot of shops, attractions and restaurants are closed. We went mid January and the weather wasn’t bad at all. A couple of gloomy/rainy moments but nothing to complain about. The entire city was prepping for the New Year too which was really cool to see.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is divided into several major regions and islands. When it comes to hotel options, Hong Kong Island (includes: Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and North Point) and Kowloon Peninsula (includes: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Hum and Mongkok) are the most popular locations to choose from. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that at the end of the day, it’ll be easy to get anywhere else you want to explore.
So many places to choose from but it comes down to what you’re fancying. Most convenient/central place? Closest to popular attractions and shopping? Easy public transport? Cheaper and hostels? I’ve broken it down by highlighting popular neighborhoods to help to shed a little light as you narrow it down. Important note, our trip to Hong Kong was to explore the city. There are islands in Hong Kong where the experience is completely different (think more nature less city). Definitely on my list to explore next time I’m in town for sure, but for now, let’s talk city:
Central Hong Kong - the best place in Hong Kong for first-time tourists:
I would say for first-timers, the Central Hong Kong area would be the best place to stay. Central Hong Kong has some of the most visited spots and is close proximity to everything you’d ever need with endless food and shopping options, ranging from luxury stores to street markets and boutiques. It’s also a huge business hub and can be compared to a mega-sized Wall Street - business folks everywhere! You can find some of the fanciest hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants and bars here too.
Tsim Sha Tsui is a district across Central Hong Kong (it’s separated by the Victoria Harbor) and is famous for its amazing skyscraper skyline and mountains in the distance. The area is SO urban and modern but you still get the vibes you’re in Asia. and not to mention - IT’S SO CLEAN! I was so impressed by the cleanliness of the city and how much of an effort they made it to keep it that way.
Mong Kok - the best place to stay in Hong Kong on a budget:
“Monster Building” in Quarry Bay
To experience real Hong Kong, Mong Kok is it. It’s one of the coolest, most authentic neighborhoods where you can expect all the flashing neon signs and plenty of cheap places to eat and shop. A lot less tourists and way more locals. It’s an economical place to stay at so you’re sure to find lots of hostels here. If you do plan to visit in this area, don’t miss out on checking the different famous night markets (Ladies Market & Temple Street Night Market) and streets (Yuen ‘sneaker’ Street). Be ready to bargain if you do go because these people mean BIDNESS.
Mong Kong
Causeway Bay - best neighborhood for shopping in Hong Kong:
Shop till you drop in Causeway Bay sis. Known as the shopping center of Hong Kong, you can spend good time and money here. This neighborhood is a little far from Central Hong Kong but if you’re looking for a lot of shopping and dining options, this is the spot. It’s a fair mix of western and local so be prepared to have endless options to choose from. There are also a lot of places to stay in Causeway Bay too, from 5-star hotels to hostels and everything in between. It’s a good spot for families - lots of parks, museums and fun activities for all ages.
Sai Ying Pun - most hipster neighborhood in Hong Kong:
For all the trendies out there, this neighborhood is yours. Sai Ying Pun is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Hong Kong and for good reason. You’ll find lots of art, galleries, cafès, coffee shops, and some of the city’s best international cuisine. There are a ton of hotels in the area too that you can stay at. It’s such an urban and artsy area but still holds the vibe of traditional Chinese culture (natural medicine and dried seafood shops at every corner). Even if you’re not staying in the area, I’d recommend checking it out to see a different perspective from the youths of Hong Kong.
Man Mo Temple
What to do in Hong Kong - One Week Itinerary
We were in Hong Kong for a week and I’d say it was just the right amount of time to explore the majority of it. For the sake of making things easy, I’ll break it down by day/neighborhoods in attempt to give you the best one week itinerary to Hong Kong:
Day 1: Explore Kowloon side
What to do in TISM SHA TSUI
Explore Kowloon Park
Walk on Canton Road (road with some of the most luxurious boutiques and shopping)
Go to Avenue of the Stars to see the best skyline view of Hong Kong
Take the Star Ferry and go for an authentic ride across Victoria Harbor
Have a cocktail at Peninsula Hong Kong (such amazing craft cocktails and the hotel is GORGEOUS)
Knutsford Terrace - a terrace street filled with endless hip restaurants and bars
What to do in WAN CHAI
Walk down Lockhart Road - known as the “red light district” of Hong Kong, a place to party and a heaven for photographers
Hong Kong Arts Center - self-financed, non-profit organization that highlights the art within the community
Explore Moon, Sun & Star Street - it holds the tranquil yet hip vibe of Hong Kong. Filled with really awesome cafes, bars and stores.
What to do in MONG KOK
Temple Street Night Market - bargain bargain bargain
Ladies Night Market - same as above!
Yuen Street - for shoe lovers, this is known as “sneaker” street
Sai Yeung Choi Street - street full of shops, restaurants, street food & more
Flower market - self explanatory
CTMA Centre/ToyMart - anyone who is into action figure collectibles, don’t miss this.
Mong Kok street food - try it and go with your gut feeling when choosing a place, there are so many different options you wont regret it!
Chin Lin Nunnery
Day 2: Explore Central & downtown Hong Kong
What to do in CENTRAL, HONG KONK
GOGYO in IFC Mall - best vegan ramen I’ve ever had. Still drooling.
Peak Tram - you can’t go to Hong Kong without visiting Victoria Peak. This tram takes you to the tallest 360 viewing platform in Hong Kong. It’s an awesome experience and a short train ride with amazing views all the way up!
Luggard Road - if you’re looking to experience Victoria Peak at sunrise and/or don’t want to pay the entrance ticket into the sky terrace, this is your best option. Even though we took the Peak Tram, we walked down this road for over an hour and had too much fun taking in the skyline and mountains.
Lan Kwai Fong - party district in Hong Kong, literally insane once the sun goes down. Grab a drink or just people watch for the experience!
Chifa - some of THE BEST food I’ve had in my life. Their dumplings are on another level wayyyyy in outer space.
Zuma - great for sushi & cocktails. The location in Dubai is better in my opinion when it comes to their cocktails/presentation (I’m a craft cocktail snob) but it’s definitely worth having a drink!
M Bar - sky bar in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They have fire old fashions and amazing views - one of the best rooftops in Hong Kong
Mammy’s Pancakes - please, for the love of God wherever you are in Hong Kong, go to a Mammy’s Pancakes location. You won’t regret it. Best egg waffles you’ll ever have in your life. The thought of them almost puts a tear to my eye.
What to do in ADMIRALITY & SOHO
Take in some of Hong Kong’s most iconic buildings like the Bank of China and Lippo Center
Tamar Park - a patch of green in the middle of the city. Reminds me of Central Park in NYC!
Walk down Graham Street and check out all the street art
Foxglove - an amazing speakeasy with some of the best cocktails we’ve had in a while. This was probably our favorite bar in Hong Kong. The drinks, food, ambience, just everything was on point. Highly highly highly recommended.
Eat local food - there are over 10,000 restaurants in Hong Kong, it’s literally known for the amount of diverse and local cuisine it has and literally EVERY place is good.
Symphony of Lights - a light show that lights up the entire Victoria Harbor everyday at 8PM
Bank of China in Central Hong Kong
Day 3: Zen & authentic Hong Kong
What to do in DIAMOND HILL
Nan Lian Garden - you can see a couple photos of the garden above. It’s a public park built in the Tang dynasty. Every rock, plant, body of water and timber structure is specifically placed. It’s feung shui on another level. It’s unbelievably beautiful and my #1 recommended place to visit.
Chin Lin Nunnery - directly across from Nan Lian Garden. A gorgeous temple filled with perfectly tamed bonsais and the most zen vibes. Despite that it’s located in the middle of the city, it’s so quiet and tranquil here. We had goosebumps the entire time!
Have tea at Song Cha Xie - an tea house in Nan Lian Garden
What to do in QUARRY BAY
Walk around the old town - take MRT to Quarry Bay and you’ll instantly be spat out into the bustling streets. Lots of markets and food shops around!
Check out the ‘Monster Building’- known as one of the most “instagramable” spots in Hong Kong. Be respectful of the residents though, at the end of the day these are apartments and people’s homes so I’m not sure how they feel about people taking pictures of it all day. Bring a wide-angle lens, no drones!
How to get to Monster Building: Take Exit A from Quarry Bay and walk along Kings Road towards Tai Koo (it’s a right turn from the station). Walk about 5 minutes until you reach the entrance of Montane Mansion. Walk through the entrance and you’ll reach the courtyard after a few minutes.
Day 4: Explore Hong Kong from up above
What to do in NGONG PING
Ngong Ping 360 ride - a cable card ride that lets you see and experience Hong Kong from all the angles.
Tian Tan Buddha - giant Buddha in Hong Kong
Inspiration Lake - take a stroll through this park and take in all the views
Po Lin Monastery (open daily 10am-5:30pm)
What to do in LANTU ISLAND
Cheung Sha Beach - if you’re feeling outdoorsy, you can rent and ride a paddle board or kayak here
Sunset Peak - go at sunset (no pun intended) and check out a glorious panoramic view of Lantau Island
Lantu Trail - a photographer’s dream. Such gorgeous landscapes, you’ll pass villages, waterfalls and beaches along the way
Hong Kong Disneyland - located on Lantu Island, you can easily spend a half day or full day here
Downtown Hong Kong
Day 5: Explore downtown Hong Kong
What to do in CAUSEWAY BAY
Hong Kong Times Square area at night - Expect lots of sky scrapers and shops open until way late!
Address: 1 Matheson St, Causeway Bay
Shop in SOGO - from local retailers to giant shopping malls, you’ll find anything and everything here.
Ride the Ding Ding - Hong Kong’s ancient tram and it’s S’CUTE!
Victoria Park - named after the British Queen herself, this is the largest park in Hong Kong
Explore Tin Hau Temple
Go to Houston Street aka “Food Street” - and well, get some food!
What to do in SOHO, HONG KONG
Ding Dim 1968 - on Wyndham Street and one of SoHo’s longest standing establishments for Dim Sum
Aberdeen Street Social - cute brunch spot with amazing western-style options
Cat Street Market - little street where you can find cheap souvenirs and cool art! Also lots of awesome bars and coffee shops in the area.
Man Mo Temple
Ride the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator - world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system
Tai Kwan - formally a prison, now art and culture complex!
Walk down Hollywood Road and get lost!
Hazey Victoria Peak
Day 6: New Territories and Kowloon
What to do in NEW TERRITORIES/KOWLOON
Lion Rock - grueling hike, about 4 hours, but especially worth it for photographers and hikers. It’s one of the most popular trails in Hong Kong and as the name suggests, there IS a rock resembling a lion you climb.
Ozone - highest rooftop bar in Hong Kong, located in the Ritz @ 1 Austin Rd, West, Kowloon. Do note that a dress code applies after 9pm.
East Dam/Sai Kung - you can use your drone here!
Choi Hung Estate
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Kam Shan - country park where you’ll find wild monkeys freely roaming
For the folks who enjoy a fine dine - eat at Lung King, 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, or , L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. 3 out of the 5 Michelin star restaurants in Hong Kong.
Walk the Ping Shan Heritage Trail
Day 7: day trip to Macau
What to do in MACAU
Take a taxi to central square to Macau’s old city
Santa Casa da Misericordia - Holy House of Mercy
Visit the Lou Kau Mansion
St. Dominci’s Church
Ruins of St. Paul
A-Ma Temple
Mandarin House
Robuchon au Dome - 3 Michelin stars and the dinner takes about 2-3 hours. I’ve heard wonderful things!
Explore the Grand Lisboa
Casino hop before heading back to the city!
There you have it folks. I hope this guide to Hong Kong helps you in any shape or form as you plan your travels!
Full disclosure….all of my photos from the trip are currently residing in a different continent. I was able to find some gems below…happy browsing and if you have any questions about anything, shoot me a message here!