Looking for the perfect 3 day itinerary Hong Kong? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In recent years, Hong Kong has become an internationally recognised hub of art and culture. It’s also a completely unique city with one of the densest population in the world. This 3 day itinerary for Hong Kong is perfect whether it’s your first time visiting or your third.

Hong Kong was the first stop of our first trip together so it holds a special place in our hearts. With so much to see of the autonomous territory, an urban centre with a beautiful backdrop of forested mountains. Our flights both arrived at midnight so it was a quick journey from the train station to our hostel to drop off bags and try and get some rest before our early start.

For a short trip, 3-4 days in Hong Kong should be enough. You won’t be able to see everything but you’ll be able to see a lot of epic spots. Our 3 day itinerary for Hong Kong consists of the most popular places plus, a few Hong kong hidden gems.

Things to know before visiting Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. This means that it is officially a part of China, although it’s allowed to operate as an independent country enjoying the highest degree of autonomy. It has its own currency and its own economy.

It has its own immigration and legal system and gets little to no interference from either the Central Government or the Communist Party of China.

What is the currency of Hong Kong?

The Hong Kong dollar is the official currency of Hong Kong. Currently, as of 2024 1 Hong Kong Dollar equals £0.10 GBP.

Do you need a visa for Hong Kong from the UK?

No, you don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong. You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa.

What is the capital of Hong Kong?

Unofficially, Victoria City has been called the capital city. Officially the capital of Hong Kong doesn’t exist as Hong Kong is an autonomous region of The Republic of China.

How to get from the airport to Hong Kong

Hong Kong airport is well connected to Kowloon by train. You can purchase your tickets at the train station or beforehand from as little as £8.45.

The cheapest way to get from Hong Kong airport to Kowloon is by public bus.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

For first time visitors to Hong Kong we recommend staying in Kowloon. Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the busiest and best places to stay to fully experience Hong Kong.

Unfortunatly when we visited we we budget travelled a little TOO hard and ended up staying in a smelly, mouldy old hostel. So, we won’t recommend there. However, here are some awesome hostels that have been recommended to us:

L’etoile de Mer in Causeway Bay
Check Inn HK
The Mahjong

Is Hong Kong safe to visit?

When visiting a new country or region the first that we always check is how safe the country or area is to travel within.

Hong Kong is actually one of the safest places to visit or live in the world. Violent crime is very rare in Hong Kong. In recent years there has been a series of protests these, however, were predominantly peaceful. As with any big city, use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings, and keep jewellery and electronics out of sight to avoid becoming the victim of petty crime.

Stick to well-lit areas after dark and be cautious, like you would in any big city. The emergency police telephone number is 999 (the same as the UK), just in case; the operators also speak fluent English and Chinese.

Is Hong Kong part of China?

Sort of, but no. Hong Kong was taken over by the British after China lost a war in 1842, and was returned to China 156 years later in 1997 once the terms of the treaty expired.

Now recognized as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR), this region operates with its own government and distinct identity for numerous administrative and global matters, even holding a separate status at the United Nations.

Individuals residing in mainland China must secure a travel visa to explore Hong Kong, and vice versa.

What language do they speak in Hong Kong?

The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English, although Hong Kongers speak Cantonese which is different to most of mainland China who speak Mandarin.

What to See in Hong Kong: 3 day itinerary Hong Kong

Day 1: Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong is made up of two parts :Kowloon to the North and Hong Kong Island, an island in the southern part of Hong Kong.

To get from one part to the other there is a ferry from Kowloon at the central port which runs an almost non-stop connection to and from Hong Kong Island.

The ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong island costs $2.7 HK Dollars. It is also a great way to get a view of both sides of the city from the water.

Morning: See the views from Victoria Peak

Peering out above the high-rises of Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. Victoria Peak is a hill on the western half of Hong Kong Island, it is also known as Mount Austin or “The Peak”, as known by the locals. It is one of the best ways to start the day. It is also home to one of the best views over the city and should certainty be included on your 3 day Itinerary for Hong Kong.

How to get to the top of Victoria Peak

“The Peak” can be accessed either by hiking or the Peak Tram (linking Peak to Central). The Peak Circle Walk is a 3.5 paved pathway to loops around the entire hill. The steep climb leads up to 396 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Hong Kong skyscrapers, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and the neighboring mountains.

In our heads, we decided it would be a moderately easy hike but certainly forgot to factor in the crazy high humidity. When we visited the humidity was at a staggering 85-95%.

If you plan to visit Victoria Peak during your 3 day Itinerary for Hong Kong be sure to check this. Through perseverance and an unnatural amount of sweat, we finally made it up to the top.

The hike took us around 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours from the Ferry Port on Hong Kong Island.

If you don’t fancy hiking up then riding the tram to Victoria Peak is also a great option. The Peak Trams claim to fame is that it is the city’s oldest mode of public transport. Take the Peak Tram, which will get you all the way to the top in just 7-8 minutes.

If you’re still not sold on either of these options then the number 15 bus also takes you to the top of Victoria Peak. If you’re staying in Tsim Sha Tsu, the Southern area of Kowloon, you’ll first need to take the ferry or MTR across the water, then take the number 15 bus. It costs 2USD/ £1.57 to get to the top of Victoria Peak.

Standing at the top of Victoria peak, towering above the buildings and city below with panoramic views of the whole of Hong Kong, it was time to appreciate the combination of both natural and man-made beauty.

Afternoon: The Quarry Bay Monster Building/ Monster Mansions

Quarry Bay is a neighborhood in East Hong Kong which is known for its huge buildings.

The Fok Cheong ‘Monster Building’ which was built in the 1960s turned into one of the top Hong Kong Instagram spots. Standing in the centre of the yard you will have different towers around you with small apartments in them.

It’s an interesting photo spot and place to visit. Just keep in mind that people are living here. So make sure to respect the privacy of the locals while taking your photos.

Evening: Ride on the Central Mid-Level escalator

Have you ever dreamed of riding on the longest uncovered escalator in the world? Yep, we thought so. Well, now you can.

The Central Mid-Level escalator connects Central to the Mid-Levels, (shockingly) it’s fun to ride on.

The escalator is actually used as a means of public transportation (by a staggering 54,000 people per day), it only runs in one direction at a time. Down in the mornings and up in the evenings. Keep this in mind to save yourself walking up A LOT of stairs. This is why we did this in the evening of our first day on our 3 day Itinerary for Hong Kong.

We really liked the area around the Central Mid-Level escalator as well, it’s a great place to wander around and enjoy some lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Day 2: Things to do in Kowloon during you 3 day Itinerary for Hong Kong

For the second day on this 3 day Hong Kong itinerary, we’ll be staying in the northern part of Hong Kong, the mainland, also known as the Kowloon Peninsula.

Kowloon: the vibrant and eclectic heart of Hong Kong! Nestled on the northern side of Victoria Harbor, Kowloon is a dynamic district filled with energy. Kowloon boasts a rich tapestry of cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences.

From the bustling markets of Mong Kok to the iconic skyline views along Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront, Kowloon promises an unforgettable adventure.

Head here on day two of your 3 day Itinerary for Hong Kong.

Morning: Visit Choi Hung Estate during your 3 day itinerary Hong Kong

Head to Choi Hung to visit an incredible tapestry of colours, hidden inside an estate. Besides being a top Hong Kong Instagram spot, it’s a great spot to people watch.

Afternoon: Chi Lin Nunnery

Perhaps one of the most unique things to do in Hong Kong and a place that we both loved was Chi Lin Nunnery. Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple located in Diamond Hill near Kowloon City. The courtyard is full of Bonsai trees which regardless of how many you have seen each hold their own unique features.

Our highlight of the visit was Nan Lian Garden which is a beautifully landscaped classical Chinese garden with a centrepiece of the ‘Pavilion of Absolute Perfection’ and we couldn’t think of a more fitting name.

Evening: Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street night market is a great spot to visit one evening for wander and dinner/ to buy some souvenirs. Think clothing, jade, and antiques. Plus, local street snacks with tons of outdoor seating, fortune tellers, and possibly even opera singers.

If you’re staying in TST, this lively Chinese night market will only be a few minutes walk away. It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming exploring a new city at night. If this is the case then opt for a night tour instead. Plus, they’re a great way to meet people, win-win!

Day 3 on 3 day itinerary Hong Kong

Daytime: Day trip to Macau or visit Disneyland

For your final day in Hong Kong you have two options: Unleash your inner child and let loose in Disneyland. Or, spend your day at Hong Kong’s version of Las Vegas.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Explore all 7 themed lands including Adventureland, Main Street U.S.A., Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Discover the Iron Man Experience, Disney Park’s first Marvel-themed ride, enjoy the dream-come-true Royal Princess Garden, and experience Disney’s Paint the Night parade. Enjoy a day or pure fun!

How to get to Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is around 30 minutes by train from the following MTR stations:

– Hong Kong International Airport Station (transfer at Tsing Yi Station to Sunny Bay Station)
– Kowloon Station
– Hong Kong Station

What is the best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland?

When is the best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland? The best time to visit Disneyland is between November and April. During this time the weather is dry and cool and there are fewer people visiting the theme park. Late May and early June are also good, but avoid the busiest months of July and August.

Visit Macau

Often dubbed the “Las Vegas of Asia,” this small metropolis, situated on the southern coast of China, boasts its own version of the iconic Strip, known as Cotai, featuring massive casinos and sprawling malls.

Having been a Portuguese territory until 1999, Macau bears a unique blend of cultural influences, notably reflected in its stunning architecture.

The city showcases a distinct aesthetic, a departure from the architectural landscape of neighboring Hong Kong, with its Portuguese-inspired structures adding a touch of European charm to the skyline. Explore the captivating fusion of East and West as you wander through Macau’s streets, where the legacy of its colonial past intertwines seamlessly with the vibrant pulse of modern Asia.

Travelling to Macau from Hong Kong

Getting to Macau from Hong Kong is fairly straightforward. There are multiple ferry companies that travel from Hong Kong to Macau. Take a ferry ride from either the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or the Kowloon China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The boats leave every 15 minutes or so between 7 am and midnight.

The journey takes around 1 hour to get to Macau from Hong Kong costs between 115 HKD ( US$ 14.70) and 175 HKD ( US$ 22.40).

Evening: Symphony of Lights

End your time in Hong Kong with the free light show. Wander over to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade for a free Hong Kong light show projected from the famous Hong Kong skyline.

An iconic thing to do during your time in Hong Kong and the perfect way to end your 3 day itinerary for Hong Kong.