AsiaHong KongItinerary

4-Day Itinerary: First-Timer’s Guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the easiest and most popular countries to visit around the world. Whether you’re traveling with your friends or family, experience the perfect blend of east meets west culture, the concrete jungle and natural attractions that this country has to offer.

Regardless if you’re a splurger, a historical buff or a foodie, our 4-day Hong Kong itinerary has something to offer for all types of travelers. That includes where to stay, transportation options, and various activities, so keep this tab open and enjoy!

What You Should Know Before Visiting HK:

Best Time to Visit

Hong Kong is pretty tolerable all year round, but if you want to avoid the chances of heavy rains or scorching flames as you go sightseeing, then the best time to visit is during October to early December where the weather is sunny, cool, and pleasant.

Where to Stay

Depending on your likes and dislikes, choosing where to stay for the next couple of days can seem overwhelming. If you prefer budget over style, we recommend booking an Airbnb.  

If you’re the type to go for a place with a grand view and luxurious service, or somewhere near the train station, a hotel might just suite you. Here’s a list of hotels for your travel purposes:

  • Best Western Grand Hotel:  Small, yet cozy room sizes. This hotel is famous for its 5-minute walk distance to the Jordan MRT.

 

  • Butterfly on the Prat: Decorated with glowing colors with modern accents, this hotel is a great place for those who are on a budget.

 

  • Holiday Inn: Probably the most peaceful place amongst the hustle and bustle environment of Hong Kong. For a moderate price, stay here for good services, a grand buffet breakfast, and a given handyphone for Wi-Fi, map, and call services.

 

  • The Ritz-Carlton: Got enough to spare for luxury? Then book a room at the Ritz. From the coffee of espresso machines, alcoholic beverages, or the hotel rooms itself, decorations are without a doubt glamorous as you glance over the breathtaking skyline of Victoria Harbour.

How to Get Around

  • Hail taxi cab: Majority of the taxi colors are red, green or blue. Before sticking your arm out to call one, make sure the approaching cab has a “for hire” sign that indicates free space. Taxis don’t stop at double yellow lines on the road or at bus stops.

 

  • Train: There are about 90 different stations and a Light Rail Station that lines up with the new territories. The prices are pretty compared to most world cities with trains running every 14 minutes from around 6am to 1am. Click here for a HK guide on trains!

 

  • Minibuses: Minibuses that come in two colors and can carry no more than 19 passengers. The green colored buses are for regular fares from stations to stations. While the red buses are for passengers to hail and discharge at anytime they would like.

 

  • Star Ferry: An option to choose between Hong Kong island or Kowloon.

 

  • Pro-tip: To avoid the feel of impatience behind your back from a 3-second delay, ready octopus cards before going to the barrier of the MTR station.

Day #1 – Getting to know the city of Tsim Sha Tsui

Touchdown Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)

(Image via Flickr)

Although one of the world’s busiest airport, HKIA  has pretty much has a smooth and organized immigration process. There are many airport transfers available such as trains for light packers, buses for those who would like to avoid the pressure of trains, and private minivans for those who are traveling in groups.

Before you depart, take the opportunity to grab Hong Kong essentials such as your new and shiny Octopus Card or a speedy 4G SIM card.

Getting to Know The City – Light/Leisure Activities

5:00pm: First Local Dish at Cafe De Coral

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

There is only one way to dine authentically in this country and that is stuffing huge yet yummy dim sum in your mouth, sipping down wonton noodle soup like there’s no tomorrow, and burning your tongue with steamed dumplings.

Head over to Cafe Del Coral, that offers mouth-watering food options that are good for any time of the day and experience your first of many cha chaan tengs (local HK restaurant).

For more local HK cafe-restaurants, click here.

  • Best Best for Food: Warm milk tea and fish curry
  • Cost: HK$29 – 38  per meal
  • Location: 36-44 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

6:30pm: Pop the brands and visit Miramar

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Need a wardrobe update? Just as you pass Tsim Sha Tsui station, find mid-ranged brands such as a 3-floor UniQlo store, American Eagle, Coach Silver, etc.

  • Location: 118 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • Directions: Take a 12-minute walk or a 4-minute taxi ride to 118 Nathan Rd

8:00pm:Victoria Peak

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Prepare to have your breath taken away as you enter Victoria Peak’s vantage point. This is one of the best ways to view Hong Kong’s fusion between the turquoise colored waters and tall buildings, encircled by lush greenery and the mountainside.

While you’re here, you might want to check out Madame Tussauds museum’s excellent collection of wax-made celebrity figures.

For the whole 3-hour tour, check: Victoria Peak Combo Ticket: Peak Tram Fast Track, Peak Tower, and Madame Tussauds

  • Directions: Start by taking a 5 minute walk to Tsim Sha Tsui bus station the take a 5-minute bus ride to Victoria Peak

Day 2 – Hong Kong Disneyland

(Image via Pixabay)

Whether you’re looking for a place for the kids or to merely unlock the inner child in you, Disneyland is the perfect fit for your HK itinerary. Known for its irresistible magic and charm, take a trip to the gigantic Sleeping Beauty castle, parade with Mickey Mouse and friends, or hop on the gentle, yet nostalgic ‘It’s a Small World’ boat ride.

Day 3 – Going Beyond Hong Kong Island

10:30am: Breakfast

(Image via Flickr)

Didn’t pay for the additional hotel breakfast fee? Don’t worry, there are loads of places around the area to eat during the morning. From grabbing a simple coffee or toast to a breakfast buffet, you can surely find something to satisfy your hunger pangs..

Check out Mammy pancakes for warm chocolate wrapped in a bubbled pancake. If you don’t mind splurging a bit, drop by Cafe on the Park, for a grand buffet breakfast featuring a plethora of  Western and Eastern dishes.

  • Location of Mammy Pancake: 8-12 Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
  • Location of Cafe on the Park: 33 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

11:30am: Ngong Ping 360 at Lantau Island

(Image via Flickr)

Everyone needs to experience a transparent cable car at least once. From the floor to the roof, this see-through ride will give you the best views of Lantau Island with the best angles. Go bigger than the ‘’Big Buddha’, gaze over the majestic Tung Chung bay, and discover amazing mountain silhouettes spreading out endlessly under the clear blue sky..

Book your experience right here!

  • Location: 11 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China
  • Direction
  • Start by taking a 12 minute A21 bus from Kimberly Road to Fu Cheong Estate.
  • Switch bus stations to Nam Cheong Station.
  • Ride a 30 minute bus and arrive at Lantau Island
  • Walk for about 4 minutes to 11 Tat Tung road  

12:30pm: Zen Noodle Cafe 

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Spend time at Gong Ping’s aptly-named  Zen Noodle Cafe for a serene ambiance that will put you right in the mood for food. With meals made from fresh ingredients, such as the seafood ramen, warm broth, and spicy fish dishes, this traditional cafe is a great way to spend your lunch hour.

  • Location: 2, Ngong Ping Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China
  • Directions: After landing to Ngong Ping from Cable car, take a 4 minute walk to 2,Ngong Ping Village

4:30pm Tai O Village

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Walk back in time – or rather swim back in time and get a taste of the old Hong Kong as you enter in a village filled with ancient dolphins, forgone stilt houses, and open-door shops selling dried fish.

Book a tour for both Ngong Ping 360 and Tai O here!

  • Location: Tai O Fishing Village
  • Directions: Arrive at Ngong Ping from Cable Car then board a 35 minute ferry to Tai O

6:00pm onwards: 360 Buddhist Walk

(Image via Flickr)

Who doesn’t love a little historical lesson when traveling? Find enlightenment as you learn the basic origin of Buddha and listen to interactive stories and view appalling statues, art, and the Big Buddha itself.

Day #4 – Ocean Park

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Visit the city’s most popular themed park filled with magical animal shows, thrilling rides, and games all suitable for all ages. Ocean Park is exact way to spend your last day here in HK, for those who want to learn more about marine life but have fun at the same time.

  • For a complete guide, click here!
  • For tickets, click here!

Now you’re ready to conquer Hong Kong with this itinerary. From geeking out to historical lands to munching on dumplings and riding one of the most scariest rides, you are bound to have a blast. What country is next in your bucket list? For more guides and products, check out the following!