Have you ever wondered how much adventure, culture, and culinary delights you can pack into just 3 days in Hong Kong? If you are anything like me, then A LOT! From the dazzling skyline of Victoria Peak to the bustling street markets of Mong Kok, this fast-paced city is where tradition meets innovation. There are so many great things to do in Hong Kong, so you won’t be able to see it all in three days, but this jam-packed itinerary will give you the essence of this city.
You Will Have the Best 3 Days in Hong Kong with this Itinerary
Day 1
1. Ride the Peak Tram
Begin your day with an iconic journey aboard the historic Peak Tram. As you make the 396-meter (1300-foot) ascent to Victoria Peak (which usually takes about 8-10 minutes), you’ll be enveloped in the rich history of Hong Kong’s transportation. The tram’s steep climb offers a thrilling perspective of the city’s evolving skyline.
P.S. As you go up, you may experience the “Peak Tram illusion,” where the high-rise buildings on the right hand side of the tram appear to be falling backward towards the Peak. This is caused by the tram’s tilted visual environment and the reclining body position of passengers.
2. Take in the Victoria Peak View
At Victoria Peak, you’ll find yourself on top of the world. This vantage point, standing at 552 meters above sea level, delivers an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers, lush green islands, and bustling harbor. It’s a popular tourist destination, but it is well worth the crowds for the stunning views.
3. Stroll Through Hong Kong Park
You can escape the urban hustle and bustle in the heart of the city at Hong Kong Park. This oasis of tranquility offers beautifully landscaped gardens, koi-filled ponds, and one of the largest walk-through aviaries in Southeast Asia (Edward Youde Aviary). It’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature amid the urban jungle.
4. Ride the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators
Unique in its design, the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators is an engineering marvel. Stretching over 800 meters, it’s the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. And the best part? It’s completely free.
You can conveniently access it from multiple points throughout Hong Kong Island (there are 14 in total). This system of outdoor escalators and moving walkways meanders through the city’s steep terrain, offering glimpses of local life, shops, and restaurants along the way.
5. Lan Kwai Fong
As day turns into night, Lan Kwai Fong transforms into a vibrant tapestry of nightlife in Hong Kong. This renowned entertainment district offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, making it the perfect place to experience the city’s lively after-dark scene. Some of the best ones include Dragon-I, Porterhouse Seafood and Steak, and Tai Tai Bar.
During the day, it’s also a popular tourist destination with shops, cafes, and street food stalls, ensuring there’s something for everyone in this dynamic neighborhood.
6. Chi Lin Nunnery
Step into a realm of serenity at Chi Lin Nunnery, the world’s largest hand-made wooden building built without nails. This Buddhist complex is home to around 60 nuns and boasts intricate wooden architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. The peaceful ambiance and intricate wooden structures make it a place for quiet contemplation and cultural appreciation.
7. Goldfish Market
Goldfish have a long and rich history in Hong Kong culture, and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to their owners. This deep cultural connection with these graceful aquatic creatures can be seen in one of their most popular tourist attractions, the Goldfish Market in Mong Kok.
This market is a narrow street lined with stalls selling all sorts of goldfish, from common goldfish to more exotic varieties such as the Oranda and the Ranchu, as well as other aquarium fish and accessories.
8. Avenue of Stars
Along the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the Avenue of Stars pays tribute to Hong Kong’s cinematic legacy. Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you’ll find statues, handprints, and memorabilia honoring legends of the silver screen, including Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, and Jackie Chan.
9. Junk Boat Ride or Star Ferry to See Symphony of Lights
To end your day on a magical note, don’t miss the dazzling Symphony of Lights while riding a traditional junk boat or the iconic Star Ferry. Both offer front-row seats to this nightly extravaganza, which lights up the city’s iconic skyline with synchronized laser beams and LED displays. Over 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour participate in this captivating show, accompanied by a narrated commentary that adds cultural depth to the spectacle. Definitely a must-have on any Hong Kong itinerary for 3 Days.
10. Temple Street Night Market
The Temple Street Night Market is a lively and bustling night market located in the Yau Ma Tei district of Hong Kong. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, known for its wide variety of stalls selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to food and drinks. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, such as egg waffles, stinky tofu, and (something for your weird food bucket list) snake soup!
The Temple Street Night Market is also known for its street performers, including fortune tellers, singers, and musicians. The atmosphere is electric and exciting, and it is a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Hong Kong.
Day 2
11. Po Lin Monastery
A journey to Lantau Island leads to the Po Lin Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary. Formerly known as “The Big Hut,” it is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world, as well as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong.
Marvel at its traditional architecture, ornate temples, and the giant incense coils that fill the air with a fragrant embrace. Don’t miss out on the delicious dishes at their vegetarian restaurant, a great way to experience Buddhist cuisine.
12. Ngong Ping 360
Your adventure continues with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, taking you on a 25-minute ride and a full 360° view of the stunning landscapes of Lantau Island between Ngong Ping village and the Tung Chung coast.
P.S. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the Ngong Ping 360 is quite popular, especially to tourists.
13. Tian Tan Buddha
This next one is probably one of the best highlights you can add to your Hong Kong itinerary for 3 days.
Imagine a Buddha statue so tall that you can see it from miles away. That’s Tian Tan Buddha for you, also known as the Big Buddha. This 34-meter tall bronze statue of Buddha sits on a lotus pedestal near Po Lin Monastery, and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
One of the easiest ways to get to the Tian Tan Buddha is by taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Ngong Ping Plateau (you can also take the Bus No. 23.) Once you’re at the plateau, you’ll have to climb 268 steps to reach the statue. But it’s worth it! The views from the top are incredible.
When you’re done admiring the Tian Tan Buddha, be sure to visit the museum at the base of the pedestal. The museum tells the story of the Tian Tan Buddha and its construction. It’s also a great place to learn about Buddhism and Chinese culture.
14. Tai O fishing village
Your exploration of Lantau Island culminates in Tai O, a charming fishing village built on stilts. Here, you’ll witness a traditional way of life, meandering through narrow lanes, visiting local markets, and perhaps sampling freshly caught seafood.
Some of the things you can do here include taking a boat tour, which takes you around the stilt houses and canals of Tai O, hiking to one of the nearby trails (like the Fu Shan Viewing Point,) and, of course, tasting one of their local cuisine such as fish balls, grilled shrimp, ‘husband rolls,’ and more.
Day 3
15. Hong Kong Disneyland
Today is all about family fun at Hong Kong Disneyland, where enchantment and adventure await around every corner. From thrilling rides like the Hyperspace Mountain and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars to meeting your beloved Disney characters and seeing spectacular parades, this magical kingdom offers an immersive experience that will leave lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
This itinerary will definitely lead to a whirlwind exploration of 3 days in Hong Kong, but you’ll only have scratched the surface of what this vibrant city has to offer. Remember, the charm of Hong Kong is not confined to these pages. Whether you’re planning your own 3-day adventure or simply daydreaming about future travels, this city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation will be waiting to welcome you.
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I think day 1 and 2 schedule is reasonable.
Day 3 is a bit extreme. You are going from one end of the city to the other end. Just by traveling from the Giant Buddha to the Floating Restaurant, it will take you at least 2 hours. Even though if you start out early in Ngong Ping 360, I think you may be in the Floating Restaurant for a very late lunch.
Then, you are going to go back to 10,000 Buddhist Monastry. You will be exhausted before going to Se Wong Yee.
Here is my suggested order for day 3: Ngong Ping 360 & Giant Buddha, 10,000 Buddhist Monastry, Se Wong Yee, The Jumbo Floating Restaurant for dinner, finally, Happy Valley.
Have a wonderful trip.
Thanks so much for the insight on Day 3!!! Looks like with a few minor alterations we can squeeze it all in :)
That is a jam packed itinerary. :)
I enjoyed the view from Victoria Peak, but not sure if you will have the time to make it over.
I wasn't a big fan of the markets, some of the knock offs were REALLY bad. I preferred the ones in mainland China. I'm not a big shopper when I travel anyways cause I HAAAATE having to carry my purchases around. It's worth a look though.
One place I was obsessed with in Asia was a place called Bread Talk. OMG. Loved the bread floss….and just about everything! I remember seeing a few in Hong Kong….oh and they definitely have Starbucks! Spent some time in a few!
I am with you about shopping, not a huge fan. What I am really hoping is that the markets with have some strange food to eat ;) Thanks for the tip about Bread Talk!
What a coincidence. I'm planning three days in Hong Kong, too. So far, the only part of my itinerary that matches yours is Day 3. But after reading all this, that may change. I'm not going until this summer, so can't wait to read about your experiences.
I look forward to seeing what will be on your Hong Kong itinerary!
I've never been, but you know if I ever do I'll be following your food recs :-)
Narrowing down the restaurant/food choices was the toughest! Hong Kong has an amazing selection of trendy restaurants, as well as, strange foods. I hope I chose right! BTW: How’s the Maui itinerary coming?
It's coming along! We have our flights and just booked accommodation in Maui — found a great condo on Airbnb that would have been perfect for the entire time we're on the island, but it wasn't available the first two nights. We've booked two separate Airbnb properties and will book accommodation on the Big Island by week's end. We have a list of restaurants and activities that we want to do on both islands, but we'll probably only book the Feast at Lele and a helicopter tour over the Big Island in the next week or two. The others can wait a bit longer :-) Oh, and I really want to find a deal on car rentals.
You haven't even been there yet you already make the city look amazing. I want to go now. If I needed someone to plan an itinerary, I'd hire you in a heartbeat. Good luck and happy eating!
Thanks! I am an obsessive planner, I don’t like to miss anything :)
First of all- awesome- have a great time!!! I'm very interested to hear your stories!
While I was reading this my daughter was looking at the pictures and was very interested in the first pic and kept saying "cool building" over and over…so you have her seal of approval and I will be sure to show her your pics from the hotel when you post them!
That’s adorable! Hopefully she will approve the rest of my photos too ;)
You definitely had a blast in Hongkong! Good that you were able to had foodtrips in a Michelin restaurant, plus the floataing restaurant (i envy you!) Hopefully I can also try it next time. I also visited Hongkong last August but we had more of trips and photo walks :)
Annette,
Thanks for posting this! I’m headed to Hong Kong (2nd visit for me, 1st for my hubby) for Christmas and I was looking for some alternatives to the usuals. I wish our blog had the informative commitment that yours does… Alas, we can’t all be fountains of info. Keep traveling and sharing :)
I am a little jealous that you will be in Hong Kong at Christmas. But, have a GREAT time!
I really liked the high-profile, knowledgeable staff and service at the Conrad. I was a bit disappointed by the lounge and the size of rooms. But well it’s downtown Hong Kong….
Leaving for Hong Kong in the morning… this was a big help, thanks!
Your Hong Kong trip seems hectic, yet enjoyable. Being for just three days in this vibrant city can leave anyone pondering what to do and what to see since it has lots and lots to offer. But your research paid up and you got to visit the best places in the city, and restaurants where you enjoyed good food.
Hi Annette!
What did you think of the dim sum in Hong Kong?? I was just there earlier this year …and I don’t think I ate anything else but dim sum the whole entire trip!
Great read, thank you!
Mick
Yum to Dim Sum!!
Please can anyone offer a 3 day Christmas itinerary? to include xmas eve and day. Here’s hoping.
Thanks in advance, I’m beyond excited to visit Hong Kong for the first time.
Any notes and recommendations would be greatly received :)
Please can anyone offer a 3 day Christmas itinerary? to include xmas eve and day. Here’s hoping.
Thanks in advance, I’m beyond excited to visit Hong Kong for the first time.
Any notes and recommendations would be greatly received :)
Your travel blog is a constant source of inspiration for my wanderlust soul! Your recent post about [destination] had me daydreaming for hours. The picturesque landscapes and the thrilling outdoor activities you described have sparked a desire in me to push my limits and explore the great outdoors. I’m truly grateful for the valuable information you provide and the wanderlust you ignite in your readers!