Hong Kong is the kind of city that captivates you at first sight. A bustling metropolis where futuristic skyscrapers contrast with ancient temples, street markets thrive next to luxury shopping malls, and the energy never seems to fade. It’s a blend of Eastern culture and British heritage, making Hong Kong a truly unique destination.
We’ve explored other places in China before, and if you’re planning a trip, you can check out our tips for visiting the country, as well as our articles on Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, and the Great Wall of China. We also have a complete 14-day itinerary for China, covering must-visit cities.
The first time we visited Hong Kong was in 2019, during our first round-the-world trip. Interestingly, the city wasn’t even part of our original plans. But while traveling from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), we had the chance for a free layover in Hong Kong—and we didn’t hesitate. Instead of just a few hours at the airport, we turned that stop into a two-day stay to explore the city.
We returned in 2025, on our second round-the-world trip, and once again, Hong Kong fit perfectly into our route. This time, the decision was tied to our trip to Taiwan—instead of arriving at Taipei’s airport, we chose to start in the south of the country and make our way up north.
In this post, we’ll share what we did in two full days and one arrival night in 2025, plus a list of what we explored in 2019 that we didn’t revisit. If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and are short on time, this itinerary will help you make the most of it!
Table of Contents
How to Get to Hong Kong
By plane
The most common way to reach Hong Kong is still by plane. The Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the world’s largest hubs, with direct flights from cities across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Many airlines use Hong Kong as a layover point, making it a great option for a stopover.
The airport is massive and very well-organized. To move between terminals, there are fast underground trains connecting the boarding areas.
To get to the city center, you have several options:
- Airport Express – The fastest and most comfortable way to leave the airport. The train takes about 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station and stops at several key locations in the city. Tickets start at HKD 50 (around €6), depending on your destination. You can buy tickets in advance here for a smoother arrival.
- Bus – The most budget-friendly option. Routes A21 and E11 connect the airport to different parts of the city for around HKD 40 (approx. €5). The journey takes a bit longer but saves money and offers a first glimpse of the city.
- Taxi – Convenient but expensive. A ride to the city center can cost between HKD 300 and 400 (€35 to €45), depending on traffic.
- Uber and DiDi – Available in Hong Kong but usually not worth it compared to the train or taxis.
If you choose the Airport Express, you can use the Airport Express Shuttle Bus, a free minibus service connecting the train stations to major hotels. The routes are labeled H1, H2, H3, and H4, and you can check updated schedules on this website.
By train
During our 2025 trip, we arrived in Hong Kong by train directly from Guangzhou. The journey is quick and comfortable, using the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), which connects the two cities in about 50 minutes.
The arrival is at West Kowloon Station, a modern terminal with direct connections to the metro and several bus lines. For those traveling through southern China, this is a super practical option, as it avoids airport security checks and waiting times.
If you’re exploring China before visiting Hong Kong, the high-speed train is undoubtedly the best alternative!
How Long to Stay in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture, modernity, and natural landscapes. Two days give you a taste of the city, but honestly, it’s too short to explore everything Hong Kong has to offer.
The ideal? Three full days. This allows you to see the main sights, wander through lively streets, try local cuisine, and even take a boat ride to see the illuminated skyline at night.
If you want to include Hong Kong Disneyland, add at least one more day. The park isn’t huge but has unique attractions like Mystic Manor and the local version of Space Mountain.
For nature lovers and hikers, consider extra time to explore places like Dragon’s Back or less touristy islands like Lamma Island and Cheung Chau.
In short:
- 2 days → Fast-paced itinerary, focusing on essentials.
- 3 days → More balanced pace, without rushing.
- 4+ days → For those who want to explore beyond the obvious, including Disneyland and hiking trails.
If you have flexibility, we recommend staying at least three days to truly experience the energy of this unique metropolis!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
On both visits to Hong Kong, we stayed in different areas, each offering a distinct experience. The best place for you depends on your budget, travel style, and proximity to the attractions on your itinerary.
If you want to be close to major sights, with easy transport access and great dining/shopping options, some neighborhoods stand out.
Hong Kong Attractions to Book in Advance
Hong Kong is a busy city, and some attractions are so popular that tickets sell out fast or lines can be long. To secure your spot and avoid unnecessary waiting, it’s best to book ahead.
Here are some experiences worth planning before your trip:
Victoria Peak – Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428
Disneyland Hong Kong
Ngong Ping 360 – Cable Car to the Big Buddha
1. Victoria Peak – Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428
The Peak Tram is the most iconic way to reach Hong Kong’s highest point, but it’s also one of the busiest attractions. To avoid long lines, buy tickets online and opt for the package with access to the Sky Terrace 428, offering the best panoramic views of the city.
2. Disneyland Hong Kong
If Disneyland is on your list, book tickets in advance to avoid higher prices at the gate and secure entry, especially during holidays or weekends. Combo tickets with meal vouchers are also a great deal.
3. Ngong Ping 360 – Cable Car to the Big Buddha
The cable car to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery can have huge lines, especially on holidays and weekends. Booking a skip-the-line ticket saves unnecessary waiting. For a special experience, opt for the glass-bottom cabins with panoramic views.
What to Do in Hong Kong – 2-Day Itinerary
Day 0 – Arrival and First Taste of Hong Kong
We arrived late in the day, so we didn’t plan much. Instead, we soaked up the city’s energy by exploring Mongkok, one of Hong Kong’s most authentic neighborhoods.
Before heading to the barber, we took care of something even more important: eating! We’d heard about an amazing café and, of course, couldn’t resist stopping by first.
Pause It
Simple but with incredible flavors—and one of the most affordable spots to try award-winning food. Sometimes, there might be a line.
Along the way, we passed local markets where residents buy fresh produce at the end of the day. Amid stalls filled with exotic fruits, fresh fish, and the sound of haggling, we felt that unique essence of Hong Kong—vibrant, chaotic, and full of life.
For dinner, we went to a famous Michelin-starred (Bib Gourmand) dim sum restaurant.
Tim Ho Wan
Simple but with amazing flavors – and one of the most affordable places to eat award-winning food. Sometimes there might be a line.
After dinner, we followed a recommendation from Time Out Hong Kong and went to a bar in the same area to relax after our trip.
Bound Bar
Excellent cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and regular events. Perfect for escaping the city’s hustle without leaving the heart of Mongkok.
Day 1 – From the chaos of markets to the iconic skyline
The day started slowly but started well. We found a cozy café that’s not just pretty – the coffee is actually good.
Easy Joe
A relaxed space for breakfast and quality coffee.
We walked around Mongkok again, this time exploring one of Hong Kong’s most famous markets.
Ladies Market
A place where they sell everything: clothes, accessories, souvenirs and even questionable gadgets.
For lunch, we discovered a real hidden gem of the city. The restaurant easily goes unnoticed if you don’t know it’s there – the entrance is discreet, with no clear signs. But it’s worth looking for.
Black Coffee
An unexpected place to eat chicken & waffles in Hong Kong. During weekdays, they have a very affordable lunch menu.
We continued along the busy Nathan Road, heading towards Victoria Harbour. Nathan Road is a long commercial avenue with a mix of traditional and modern commerce. Along this path, if you stray a bit from the main avenue, you can find the Goldfish Market, Ladies Market and various places where you can try traditional food like dumplings. Along the way, we stopped at one of the city’s parks.
Kowloon Park
A huge park in the middle of bustling Nathan Road – where there was a temporary comic exhibition.
In the mid-afternoon, we couldn’t resist trying one of the city’s most talked-about specialties – sourdough egg tarts. The place is small, there’s always a line, but it moves quickly. Everything is good, but the egg tarts are the stars: always warm and crispy.
Bakehouse
A must-stop to try the famous sourdough egg tarts.
With full stomachs, we decided to visit one of the city’s most controversial places.
Chungking Mansions
A building where they say you can find “everything illegal in Hong Kong.” On the first floors, there’s a chaotic market with electronics stores, food, and currency exchanges. The upper floors are known for cheap hostels – and much more that isn’t visible to everyone.
We continued our walk along Nathan Road to the museum area and Victoria Harbour, where the view of Hong Kong’s skyline is simply incredible.
Avenue of Stars
Iconic walkway with handprints of Hong Kong cinema figures and spectacular views of the skyscrapers. You can even find a Bruce Lee statue.
K11 Musea
A shopping and cultural center with impressive architecture. Worth entering or passing by, even if just to admire the building’s design.
Nearby, we found a coffee kiosk where we could take a break and enjoy the view.
% Arabica (Victoria Dockside)
A shopping and cultural center with impressive architecture. Worth entering or just passing by, even if only to admire the building’s design.
At the end of the day, we walked back along Nathan Road heading south to visit one of the city’s busiest night markets.
Temple Street Night Market
A market full of street food stalls but also with many restaurants serving traditional food. For dinner, we repeated our 2019 experience at Temple Spice Crabs – A restaurant specializing in spiced crab. The atmosphere is chaotic, the flavors are intense and the experience is authentic. But honestly, all the restaurants there seem more or less the same – the important thing is to choose one and go in.
The perfect way to end a day full of discoveries and flavors around the city!
Day 3 – Bookstores, street art and wine at the end of the day
The day started as always – with good coffee. We really appreciate quality coffee and always research the best places before our trips. We found one near where we stayed in Mongkok: a simple and peaceful space where you can choose your beans and where the coffee is truly excellent.
Craft Coffee Roaster
Great selection of coffees and a relaxed atmosphere.
We then headed to a shopping mall we loved exploring. Although it’s a shopping center, it has strong Japanese influences, making it much more interesting than most. In each store, it feels like you’re traveling to another country.
Olympian City
An unusual shopping mall with many Japanese-inspired stores.
The real reason we went there? An amazing bookstore. Besides having plenty of English books, it’s a space that goes far beyond that – there are food products, stationery, and an atmosphere that made us lose track of time.
Eslite Bookstore
For book lovers, this bookstore is a little paradise.
For lunch, we decided to take a risk and enter a restaurant with no online references. Our logic was simple: if it’s full of locals, it must be good. We hit the jackpot – everything was delicious, but the highlight were the pan-fried pork soup buns.
Ging Sun Ho King of Bun
Small restaurant specializing in broth and meat filled dumplings.
Afternoon in Central: bookstores, street art and a creative space
In the afternoon, we headed to Central, Hong Kong’s financial heart. There were things we had already done in the area in 2019, like riding the Mid-Level Escalators, but we recommend the experience to first-time visitors.
This time, we looked for two of the city’s most iconic bookstores.
Bookazine and Hong Kong Book Centre
Bookazine – An independent bookstore with an excellent selection of international books.
Hong Kong Book Centre – Another must-visit space for those who love exploring bookstores around the world.
Before continuing, we made a strategic coffee break at one of the city’s most beautiful spaces.
Blue Bottle Coffee
A specialty coffee shop in a building with incredible design.
Coffee in hand, we went to explore the city’s urban art. Hong Kong has a very interesting street art scene, and one of the most famous spots is Graham Street Wall Art.
Graham Street Wall Art
One of Hong Kong’s most Instagrammable murals, but there’s much more street art in the area.
Continuing our discovery of creative spaces, we visited a place that was once a police station block but has now been transformed into a multipurpose space with shops, design studios and restaurants. We liked it so much we stayed longer than expected.
PMQ
One of our favorite places in Central, perfect for design and culture lovers.
Evening – Tapas, wine and a store we love
To end the day, we chose a French-style wine bar where French is spoken and good wine is served. The highlight were the cheese and charcuterie boards, perfect to accompany a glass.
La Cabane Wine Bistro
Great selection of natural wines and delicious tapas.
Before leaving Central, we made one last stop at one of our favorite stores.
DON DON DONKI Central (100QRC) Store
If you love Japanese products, this is a true paradise.
A day full of discoveries, from bookstores and street art to great tapas and wine!
What to do in Hong Kong – Extra Activities
As we mentioned, we visited Hong Kong in 2019 and did some activities we chose not to repeat this time. Here are some suggestions from what we explored back then!
Visit the Goldfish Market
The Goldfish Market is a market where you can buy various types of aquarium fish. Outside each small shop, there are dozens of bags with fish. There are also other stores dedicated to pets. It’s a great place to spend some time.
Eat dumplings
Dumplings are an essential part of oriental cuisine, and Hong Kong is no exception. We loved trying both traditional versions and more unexpected combinations – each bite brings a new surprise, and this constant discovery always leaves us wanting more.
The city is full of restaurants and street stalls where you can explore different techniques, shapes and fillings. We went hunting for the best dumplings and visited some must-try places. We started at the famous Tim Ho Wan, which earned a Michelin star, and Dim Dim Sum Mong Kok, where the dumplings are simply amazing. But the real revelation was Ging Sun Ho King of Bunke, a hidden gem with pork soup dumplings that completely won us over!
Take the ferry to Hong Kong Island
After walking down Nathan Road and reaching the Tsim Sha Tsui area on the right side, near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, you’ll find the Star Ferry pier. There are two types of boats: regular ferries that connect the mainland to Hong Kong Island, and those that offer a more extended harbor tour. The regular connections to the island can go to Central Hong Kong or Wan Chai and cost about HKD3.
The views from both sides of Hong Kong are interesting and the short ride is pleasant.
Ride the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator
Hong Kong is home to the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. The Central–Mid-Levels Escalator stretches over 800 meters and is a great opportunity to explore shops, restaurants and points of interest in Soho and Sheung Wan.
See the city from above – Victoria Peak
One of the most interesting views we had of the city was from Victoria Peak. There’s a tram (Peak Tram) that climbs the hill to the Peak Tower.
You can take the tram to Victoria Peak and try to see the view from one of the balconies (entrance to a pizzeria and burger joint), or from the outdoor area near the restaurants, or pay an additional ticket to access the rooftop terrace.
See the nightly light and sound show
Every day at 8:00 PM, there’s a light and sound show called Symphony of Lights across the city’s skyscrapers, both on the island and mainland sides. One evening, we searched for the best spot to watch the show: Golden Bauhinia Square. While the city skyline view from there is spectacular, we weren’t particularly impressed by the show itself.
Shopping in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an excellent city for shopping. In addition to all international brands being present, Hong Kong enjoys a special tax status where there’s no value-added tax, so products generally have more attractive prices.
If you still have time
Visit Tian Tan Buddha (Ngong Ping)
It’s a massive Buddha statue on the Ngong Ping plateau, representing the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. You can access the site by cable car.
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
This is a complex of 5 temples located in Sha Tin New Territories, in northern Hong Kong. The path of more than 430 steps is lined with dozens of golden Buddha statues.
Visit Macau
The proximity of Macau to Hong Kong might make it worth spending a day in the neighboring city. The most convenient access is by boat and takes about 1 hour.
Hong Kong tips
Here are our tips for your next Hong Kong adventure:
- Use a Holafly eSIM – Arrive in Hong Kong and have internet right at the airport, without needing to look for a physical SIM. Holafly is easy and stress-free!
- Travel insurance – You never know when you’ll need medical assistance or coverage for a canceled flight. With Heymondo, you can solve everything through your phone.
- Octopus Card: The all-in-one card – Use it on the metro, buses, convenience stores and even restaurants. It’s a lifesaver! That said, in 2025 we found most places also accept credit cards, so we didn’t feel the need to get an Octopus card.
- Go beyond the obvious – Of course you’ll want to see Victoria Peak and Avenue of Stars, but try exploring less touristy neighborhoods like Sham Shui Po for a more authentic experience.
- Eat at food courts – In shopping malls you’ll find authentic local cuisine at much lower prices than tourist restaurants.
- Avoid the metro during rush hour – It may seem like basic advice, but trust us: Hong Kong’s public transport can be a real survival experience if you catch it at the wrong time.
- Install useful apps – “MTR Mobile” helps you navigate the metro and “OpenRice” is the TripAdvisor of food in Hong Kong.
Visiting Hong Kong was a surprise for us. It’s a very safe city for those who enjoy walking, trying local food and shopping. The city’s culture is very interesting and there was much more to see that we didn’t have time for, so we recommend a longer visit to the city or at least extending your layover as we did.
