Hong Kong is the perfect place for a 5-day trip!
It’s a vibrant city where East meets West and offers an intoxicating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Over the course of five days, you can immerse yourself in its bustling streets, enjoy its world-class cuisine, and discover it’s rich cultural heritag.
From the soaring skyscrapers of Central to the tranquil paths of Lantau Island, prepare to embark on a captivating journey through this dynamic metropolis. Join us as we uncover the best of Hong Kong in just five unforgettable days.
Hong Kong is a great destination if you don’t have months to spare for travel. It’s not quite easy to navigate, but everything is relatively near. You can even manage to make a day trip to Macau for the glitz and glamor of casinos and extravagance.
A typical trip to Hong Kong lasts 3 days. It might sound short, but travel is easy and there is a lot you can do in those three days. You can even squeeze in a day trip to Macau, which is a short ferry ride away.
Below is a detailed itinerary, and suggestions on how to extend your itinerary if you plan to stay for 4 or 5 days. Each day may seem very jampacked, so feel free to spread it out depending on the pace you’re comfortable with.
Hong Kong may be a small place, but there are many things that can make your trip easier or harder than it should be. Before we jump into things that you can do, here are important information you need to know before you go on your adventure.
Hong Kong International Airport is located on a reclaimed island called Chek Lap Kok. It’s directly connected to Lantau Island, which is part of the 5-day itinerary. However, Lantau Island is a more laid-back, almost nature-centric island. When you land in Hong Kong, the best way to experience Hong Kong is to head straight to where all the action is.
Getting From The Airport
The MTR counter is located right outside immigration. Here you can buy the standard Octopus card, or you can opt to get the Airport Express Travel Pass (one-way or return trip). The latter is available only for tourists and valid for 3 days. It really depends on where you’re staying and how you decide to get there because the travel pass also has limited stations and transportation modes.
In general, it’s much cheaper and more convenient to just get the standard Octopus card and top up if you need to.
If you’re traveling with a group, it will be convenient to get a taxi straight to your hotel. You can share travel costs and avoid the hassle of long walks and carrying your luggage around.
Related: Can’t decide between Hong Kong vs Shanghai?
Photo by johnlsl on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Kowloon is considered the “center” of Hong Kong with the amount of things to do and very local establishments. This is also great for nightlife and shopping and many street markets are open day and night. Mongkok, an industrial district right next to Kowloon, is known for different kinds of markets.
There are many budget accommodation options here as well. Because these districts are very popular, there is always a large crowd bustling down the streets. Then again, what’s a trip to Asia without the chaotic energy?
If you’re not staying in Kowloon, it’s easy to get there via Star Ferry and see the famous Victoria Harbour. The harbour is well-visited at night thanks to the views of the lit-up Hong Kong skyline. However, it’s just as scenic in the day. There’s no need to pre-book your ferry tickets, though you can do so and buy your tickets online.
However, you’ll still need to pick-up physical tickets from Shen Tak Center. If you don’t want to take the ferry for some reason, there’s an MTR from Hong Kong Island that will drop you off at the Kowloon Station.
When you arrive at Kowloon, head to Nathan Road and take the time to walk around Kowloon Park. It’s right in the middle of the Tsim Sha Tsui area and is the biggest green space in Hong Kong. Despite being busy, this sanctuary remains tranquil and is decorated with Chinese gardens, lotus ponds and aviaries.
Pro Tip: Every Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM, there’s a lion dance performance for the public to enjoy.
Also along Nathan Road are upmarket malls, local shops, restaurants, and cafes. This 3.6km strip is loaded with throngs of tourists. Along this road you’ll also find the
Right now, it’s in the middle of the urban environment of Yau Ma Tei. However, when it was first built, it was right on the harbour-front before mass reclamation took place.
When you get hungry, look for One Dimsum Chinese Restaurant at Prince Edward. It’s a one-Michelin star-rated restaurant that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet. An average meal here will only cost you $10 for dim sum which is ridiculously good. The catch? It’s a small diner that seats 30 people, and the lines can get really long at peak hours. If you can, get here a little earlier or later than normal lunch hours to avoid the queues.
Now, head over to nearby Mongkok for some serious shopping. There are several street markets worth browsing through for incredibly affordable and stylish picks. Check out
It’s a great flea market bazaar for trinkets, souvenirs and even some gadgets. This is also a great place to get a good clay pot dinner from the many stalls for some delicious local cuisine.
Towards the late afternoon or evening, take a leisurely stroll around the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Here you can find
The Garden of the Stars is where all the famous sculptures were moved while Avenue of the Stars is under renovation. The promenade is a great place to cram all the culture you can in one afternoon.
The main attraction fires up at 8 PM. A dazzling show of lights dominates the Waterfront with the Symphony of Lights. It’s the World’s Largest Permanent Light and sound show dubbed by the Guinness Book of World Records. Over 40 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbor and light up to put on an incredible show. It’s a must for photographers and just about any visitor to Hong Kong.
After the show, you can hang around Tsim Sha Tsui for the many bars for a good night out. However, don’t forget to head up to the Observation Deck at Sky 100. It’s near the Kowloon Station and lends a 360-degree view of Victoria Harbour. End your day with a breathtaking view of the Hong Kong skyline.
The central business district is the earliest developed district in Hong Kong. Almost all major international companies put up shop in this area and their headquarters are always breathtaking.
Most photos you see of the Hong Kong skyline feature the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings lined up along Victoria Harbor. You can also see the Symphony of Lights from this side of Victoria Harbor if you happen to miss the one on your Kowloon day.
Start off your day at Central District and just walk along the street and under the buildings of some of the world’s largest companies. There are many cafes and restaurants here, but make sure to drop by PMQ building to see pop up shops with unique handicrafts, fashion, and art exhibitions. There are also great shopping destinations for some high-end designer shopping, including the Admiralty, Times Square, and Soho.
British influence is very strong in Hong Kong because of the large population of British expats that live there. Evidence of this is the fondness of the locals for afternoon tea, which you will find everywhere on the island. If you want to go all out, head to the Clipper Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental for lunch. Enjoy the sandwiches, cakes and pastries with tea and champagne and get ready to recharge for the rest of the afternoon.
In the afternoon, head to The Peak at Victoria Park, one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions. There are many ways to get up to Victoria Peak. You can walk from the park or take a bus from Exchange Square, but the best and most iconic way is to take the Peak Tram. The tram goes through several tunnels and greenery and gives a spectacular view of Hong Kong.
You can get tickets for Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus if you’re below a group of 15. However, several agents allow you to purchase online with packaged entrances to other attractions at The Peak.
Once you get to The Peak, take your pick of attractions. There are several shops and local stores, but the most visited attraction is Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. There are many restaurants with excellent views, and you can go on free nature walks to explore the mountains and burn some calories. If you’re at The Peak by sunset, go into Sky Terrace 428 and see the Hong Kong skyline thrown into orange hues.
Be warned that the queue to take the tram back down can last up to 30 minutes. If you have time to spare, go ahead and enjoy dinner with a view at The Peak. If not, head down before dinner and grab a bite at the many restaurants at the bottom. It will be less crowded and much cheaper. In any case, you can simply walk down the roughly 1-km trail.
If you still have energy left, take a Mini Bus from No. 2 Mansfield Road to the Foreign Correspondent Club and finish the night off at Lan Kwai Fong. Lang Kwai Fong is a row of bars that offer both cheap and luxurious shots, drinks, and bottles.
It’s very crowded with people just partying on the streets well into the morning. It’s a great way to experience the very lively nightlife of Hong Kong and meet fellow travelers exploring Asia.
Macau welcomes over 30 million visitors every year. It’s also the perfect day trip from Hong Kong as it only takes an hour to cross water via ferry. Macau has packed 11 square miles of land with just about everything you need for an awesome vacation. You will find anywhere from historical buildings, world-famous cuisine, beaches, shopping malls, entertainment and even outdoor activities.
There are several operators that ferry people from Hong Kong to Macau, but the best ones are TurboJET and Cotaijet. However, for this day trip, take Cotaijet because it docks at the Macau-Taipa Ferry Terminal. It’s right beside the airport and also very close to many great casinos that Macau is known for.
Head to the Sheung Wan Station and head to the ferry departure terminal. You can book your Cotaijet tickets online, but there are several discounted and packaged tickets on Klook. If you book via the Cotaijet website, you get an online ticket that you’ll need to present before departure.
Check on the prices as these always change depending on the season. If you do book via Klook, keep in mind that the Beng Seng counters open at 9 a.m. If you plan to have an early day in Macau, redeem your exchange tickets the day before.
Once at the departure station, you’ll need to clear Hong Kong immigration. You’ll do the same when you arrive in Macau. Make sure your passport has the appropriate visas for both countries if you need one. Once you’re in Macau, Hong Kong Dollars are accepted as currency and is almost equal to the Macanese pataca.
If this is your third and final day and you’re flying out of Macau, you can store your luggage at the Macau International Airport or self-service lockers at Macau Ferry Terminal. Transportation around Macau is pretty easy. You can go by public bus, free shuttle services from casinos to the airport or to the ferry, or taxi and Uber.
Take a taxi to Largo de Senado. This is where the central square to Macau’s old city is located for an immersion into Macau heritage. There are several landmarks and buildings that have been preserved throughout the years and are also part of Macau’s UNESCO listed structures. The Leal Senado is the most central building and a good place to start your heritage tour.
It was originally built in 1974 as the first municipal chamber. It’s built in typical Portuguese blue and white, and you’ll be able to go inside the building and look into some of the rooms. In front of the Leal Senado is a square paved with mosaic grey and white stones. It’s surrounded by stores, shops, food stalls, and pharmacies.
If you follow the square, you’ll reach the Holy House of Mercy or Santa Casa da Misericordia. It’s a very popular landmark established in 1569 as the first western-style clinic in Macau. Nearby is the St. Dominic’s Church built in the 16th century. It was also the site of the first Portuguese newspaper in China called the China Bee. Inside in the bell tower is a small museum that houses the Sacred Art on display.
Next up is the Lou Kau Mansion, a traditionally Chinese-Portugese building built in the 19th century. After a quick look, head to the Ruins of St. Paul, a church built in the beginning of the 17th century.
The only thing left are the main facade and the crypt after the church was destroyed by fire in 1835. There’s a museum behind the facade, but there are other attractions surrounding the church as well including the College of St. Paul, Mount Fortress, and the Na Tcha Temple.
The lower peninsula of Macau has some of the country’s oldest Chinese temples and mansions. The most popular one is the A-Ma Temple located on a hill and surrounded by greenery. The temple houses several religious Chinese faiths including Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and even fold beliefs. There are different halls and temples dedicated to each one.
The Mandarin House is a traditional Chinese compound built at the end of the 19th century. It was home to Zheng Guanying, a celebrated Chinese literary master. There are many courtyards to stroll on and many rooms with their original furniture still intact.
Finally, head to the Guia Fortress and lighthouse. This structure dates back to the 17th century and was the main point of defense for Macau. It’s a bit of trek up stairs and snaking paths, but the reward is well worth it. It’s a great mixture of Western and Chinese motifs with military tunnels, canons, and even magnificent views.
One thing you should never miss is to explore Macau’s frantic casino scene. Visit the casino area at the end of the night, which is near the airport and ferry, so you can go back to Hong Kong or fly out easily.
The most lavish and luxurious hotel is the Wynn Palace, one of the newest hotels in Cotai. The equally lavish Wynn Macau is located at Cidada de Sintra, which is in the mainland of Macau. Since you’ll be leaving Macau after your casino trip, it’s advisable to head to Wynn Palace and easily get to the terminal.
Here you’ll find main shopping areas open till midnight and lots of art on display. There are also water, light and music performances at the lake in front of both hotels that happen every 15-30 minutes.
The Venetian, on the other hand, is a replica of Italy and is the largest hotel casino in the world. There are also some shops inside, but the biggest attraction is the San Marco square. Here you will find canals and Italian-inspired architecture. You can ride a gondola along the man-made canals and get lost in time.
If you’re not very fond of Italy, you can head to The Parisian, another big casino in Macau. Here they have a replica of the Eiffel Tower which you can climb up for views of the entire Cotai Strip.
In a perfect world, you can go to both, but if you only have five days, you might have to pick just one. Hong Kong Disneyland is located at Lantau Island and Ocean Park is located on Hong Kong Island. There’s a big debate about which one is a better park, but it all really boils down to your own preferences.
Disney fans will go straight to Hong Kong Disneyland, but Ocean Park is a Hong Kong staple with entertainment and rides just as good as Disneyland.
Both are ideal for families with a wide range of dining options, shops, and a huge property to explore.
Hong Kong Disneyland is very near the airport. You can easily swap this out if you only have three days and you don’t have enough time to visit everything. It’s easy to get here via MTR and they have a luggage valet service so you can leave your stuff and enter the park.
The park is much smaller than the one in Florida and much less crowded than the one in Tokyo. There are plenty of rides to satisfy any Disney fan. There’s a Space and Thunder Mountain, It’s a Small World, Mickey’s Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Jungle Adventure Cruise. The Disney parade always draws a crowd in the afternoon and they display their signature fireworks at 8 PM before the park closes.
Ocean Park, as the name suggests, is a marine-themed amusement park. There are animal exhibits with giant pandas, penguins, walruses, as well as aquariums with jellyfish and many marine animals.
Ocean Park is also easily accessible via MTR with a station that stops right at the park. Once there, there are numerous rides you can enjoy. It’s a pretty vast park with different themes and areas. Some of the most popular rides are the Raging River, Bumper Blaster, Arctic Blast, the Crazy Galleon and The Dragon. There are also cable car rides to get from the bottom to the top of the park.
If you really want to squeeze in as much as you want in a day, you can do a half-day at Ocean Park and head straight to Victoria Peak. The two attractions are near each other. However, there is a lot to see in Ocean Park and you’ll probably use up an entire day without even noticing it.
Take it easy on your last day and see a different side of Hong Kong. Lantau Island is also called “new territories” and is the latest addition of reclaimed land. Far from the hustle and bustle of Kowloon and Central, Lantau is home to Buddhist temples and small traditional villages. Here you can take a meditative tour around the island and prepare your mind for the next adventure.
You can go to Lantau Island by bus or MTR and head to Tung Chung station. Here you will arrive straight at the Ngong Ping Cable cars. Make sure to check the weather and the official site because the cable cars can be cancelled especially during typhoon season.
The cable car ride is a breathtaking trip up the mountains where you will see lush greenery and great views of Lantau Island. Once at the top station of the cable, take a bus to the “Tian Tan” Big Buddha. It’s the largest outdoor sitting Buddha made of bronze.
Nearby are the Po Lin Monastery and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery adorned with 13,000 miniature Buddha statues. There is also a restaurant at Po Lin Monastery that serves traditional vegetarian temple food for lunch.
There is also a Wisdom Path from the Big Buddha. It’s a peaceful walking trail flanked by wooden posts and Chinese Buddhist inscriptions. If you want to take your time, you can also walk around the village and visit the Ngong Ping Nature Center or experience different entertainment attractions such as the VR 360 and Stage 360.
After lunch, you can take a bus to Tai O, a traditional fishing village. It’s a great sight to see traditional wooden houses standing on stilts above the water. It’s a popular tourist destination, especially for photographers. All the houses are interconnected, forming a tightly-knit local community. This is also a great place to have a great meal of fresh seafood and many local fares.
A day trip to Lantau Island seems short, but there will be a lot of walking and transferring. It’s also meant to be a slow day for you to observe and immerse yourself in the local culture. On your last day, after visiting the fishing village, head back to your hotel if you have enough time before heading back to the airport. If not, you can head to the airport and drop off your luggage before you begin your tour of Lantau Island.
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.