Hong Kong is easy to cover with the MTR and ferries. This plan mixes city sights with nature, which is one of Hong Kong’s big surprises.
Day 1: Hong Kong Island
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | A dim sum breakfast, then the Mid-Levels Escalator, Man Mo Temple and Hollywood Road. |
| Afternoon | Tai Kwun and PMQ, then a tram ride to Causeway Bay. |
| Evening | The Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for sunset and night views (tickets). |
Day 2: Kowloon
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | The Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui, then M+ or the Hong Kong Palace Museum. |
| Afternoon | Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, or the Wong Tai Sin Temple. |
| Evening | The Symphony of Lights at 8pm, then the Temple Street Night Market. |
Day 3: Lantau Island
Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery (go early on a clear day), then take a bus to the stilt houses of Tai O.
Day 4: Hiking and beaches
Hike the Dragon’s Back and finish at Shek O or Big Wave Bay. Or take the ferry to car-free Lamma Island for an easy hike and a seafood lunch.
Day 5 (optional): Macau
Take a ferry or a bus over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge to Macau’s historic centre, the Ruins of St Paul’s and the Cotai casinos.
Itinerary tips
- Use an Octopus card or contactless card everywhere.
- Book the Peak Tram and Ngong Ping 360 online to skip queues.
- Choose a base from where to stay in Hong Kong.
More Hong Kong guides
- Hong Kong travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Hong Kong
- Where to stay in Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak and Peak Tram tickets
- Hong Kong Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Hong Kong
FAQ: Hong Kong itinerary
Is 3 days enough in Hong Kong?
Yes, for the Island, Kowloon and Lantau (days 1–3 above).
Can I visit Hong Kong on a layover?
With 8+ hours, take the Airport Express to Central for the Star Ferry and the Peak. Allow time for immigration and returning to the airport.
Is Macau worth a day trip?
Yes, if you have 4–5 days. The historic centre is a UNESCO site with Portuguese-Chinese architecture and food.
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