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You’re ecstatic because you have 5 days to visit the fantastic and frenetic city of Hong Kong. Then you realize all the marvellous things there are to do. And your 5 day itinerary Hong Kong is starting to look crunched for time.
After travelling to Hong Kong over a dozen times from quick trips to month-long stays, I’ve found there are some things every traveller should do. Don’t leave Hong Kong without experiencing top highlights (Big Buddha, the Peak, Victoria Harbour) or savouring Hong Kong’s food culture (like classic dim sum).
With hundreds of dim sum restaurants in the city, let me tell you which ones are actually worth your time and taste buds. And that jewel of an island with Portuguese flair called Macau? I’ll guide you on how to enjoy a day trip there that’ll be a complement (not a contradiction!) to your Hong Kong itinerary.
Whether you’re city hopping or planning a dream trip to Hong Kong, my Hong Kong 5 day travel guide will make sure you see the top highlights while prioritizing a breezy travel pace. The city might be chaotic, but your travel plans won’t be.
Basics About Hong Kong to Know Before You Go
Language: Locals mainly speak Cantonese Chinese, but Mandarin Chinese is common too. Most businesses are also comfortable speaking in English.
Entry requirements: Check the official immigration department of Hong Kong for visa requirements. See also my travel guide for first-timers to Hong Kong for what to expect before you go.
Currency: the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
Voltage: 220 volts. Hong Kong uses the 3-pronged UK-style plugs. See my post on Travel Handbag Essentials: What to Pack (and Skip) for tips on what plug adapters to buy.
Major Train Station: The MTR subway system is the best way for getting around Hong Kong. It’s fast, timely, and inexpensive.
Major Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Best time to visit: During the colder months of November to February or April. It gets really hot and humid starting in April, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Your 5 Day Itinerary Hong Kong Highlights
I won’t leave you in suspense. Here’s your quick guide to 5 incredible days in Hong Kong. Keep reading if you want my personal take on why these are must-do’s.
Where to Stay
📍 Kowloon – Neon lights, bustling night markets, local character.
🏙️ Hong Kong Island – Sleek skyscrapers, upscale bars, city buzz.
⛴️ Take the Star Ferry or MTR to glide across Victoria Harbour.
🚫 Skip Chung King Mansion in Tsim Sha Tsui — prime location, but sketchy and unsafe.
Top Hotel Picks
🎨 Hotel Stage (Kowloon) – Artful, modern, and quiet. Walkable to Jordan MTR. Great value-for-comfort stay.
🌟 The Peninsula (Tsim Sha Tsui) – Grand dame of luxury. Spa tubs, skyline views, and Rolls-Royce transfers. A deluxe stay.
🛋️ 99 Bonham (Sheung Wan) – Stylish and central. Little service, but great for independent travellers.
🌆 The Hari (Wan Chai) – Mid-premium experience with harbour views and friendly service. Close to Central and the airport.
What to See and Do
🚠 The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace – Ride the 130‑year‑old tram 1,300 ft up for that iconic skyline view.
🧘♂️ Lantau Island & Big Buddha – Soar over sea and mountain on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car; see the statue, monastery, and burning incense.
🎥 Avenue of Stars – Stroll the waterfront, spot Bruce Lee’s statue, and watch the skyline light up.
🎆 Victoria Harbour Promenade – Visit around sunset, then catch the Symphony of Lights show at 8 PM.
🕯️ Man Mo Temple – Serenity and spectacle in Sheung Wan with incense coils, statues, and a quiet refuge.
🎭 Museum of Art (MOA) – Free admission, Chinese antiquities, and floor-to-ceiling harbour views.
🖼️ Hollywood Road Antiques – Wander through classic antique shops in Sheung Wan for treasures and curios.
Food Culture and Local Life
Dim Sum Highlights
🥢 Tin Lung Heen (The Ritz‑Carlton) – Iberico pork char siu and refined dim sum 103 floors above the city.
🥟 Lai Ching Heen (The Regent) – Legendary roast Peking duck, delicately plated dim sum.
🍤 Lei Garden (Mong Kok) – Go-to for classic dim sum like har gow, siu mai, and roast quail.
Other Gourmet Stops
🍗 Yardbird (Sheung Wan) – Whole-bird yakitori skewers and inventive sides in a buzzing izakaya.
☕ Halfway Coffee – Great coffee and breakfast fare: sourdough, avo toast, smoked salmon.
🍝 Aqua – Stunning harbour views with upscale Italian-Japanese fusion.
🍫 Chesa (The Peninsula) – Swiss fine dining: fondue, spätzli, crepes suzettes, and decadent desserts.
Shopping Finale
👜 Ladies’ Market (Mong Kok) – Cheap, quirky finds and haggling fun.
👗 Park Lane (Tsim Sha Tsui) – Unique boutiques with Korea/Japan‑inspired fashion.
🛍️ Harbour City Mall – Authentic luxury brands, designer goods, and a rooftop bar for a shopping break.
🛒 MOKO Mall – Trendy mid‑range brands, perfect for
Want More Detail?
Download my FREE 7-day travel planner to start noting down top sights, hotel picks, and gourmet stops before you forget. And keep scrolling for my personal reasons on why these are the top places you should see and eat at.
Travel Tips for Hong Kong: Getting from the Airport Quickly and Cheaply
Taking an Uber or local taxi could be a good choice depending on where you’re headed. It costs around 350 HKD for a one-way trip.
An even more efficient and affordable way to travel is to take the airport express directly from the airport to the city centre. The airport express stops at a few major subway stops that’ll get you on the MTR subway and to downtown easily and cheaply.
Get the reloadable octopus card (available at any 7/11 stores) to get on the airport express train right away. You can then use it at the local MTR subway station. Customer service is available right in the main arrival hall at the airport if you need help getting an octopus card.
Make sure to pack rejuvenating skin masks and travel-size toiletries to freshen up on the plane. You could be on a 14+ hour flight to Hong Kong, so believe me when I say you’ll want some mouth-wash, let’s just say, after hour 9.
Top Things to Do on Your 5 Day Itinerary Hong Kong
Create your own Hong Kong DIY itinerary with my suggestions on where to get the best views of the skyline, which free museums to visit, and which restaurants to prioritize.
Tour the Big Buddha on Lantau Island
Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car over sea and mountain to reach the Big Buddha: an immense bronze statue atop the peak of Lantau Island. The 15-minute journey is spectacular; you’ll ride over green mountains, spot planes taking off from airport island, and catch a glimpse of the 55 km Hong Kong–Macau–Zhuhai Bridge stretching across the water. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Buddha itself from a distance.
Once you arrive, stroll through the historical Ngong Ping Village before making the climb up the steps to the statue. Don’t miss the peaceful monastery adorned with painted ceilings and gold dragons. The monastery is a quiet, sacred spot tucked into the side of the hills. And be sure to check out the massive incense sticks; they’re nearly a foot long and quite the sight.
Ride the Peak Tram to Sky Terrace
Take the historic Peak Tram (now running for over 130 years) up more than 1,300 feet to reach one of Hong Kong’s most iconic lookouts. At the top, head straight for the Sky Terrace where you’ll get that famous postcard view of the city. It’s breathtaking, panoramic, and totally unforgettable.
It can get windy up there, so hold onto your belongings (and your hat!). And please, don’t climb over the railings, you’ll see people try it, but the view is plenty thrilling from the right side of the railings.
Walk along Victoria Harbour at Tsim Sha Tsui and the Avenue of Stars
Take a scenic walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to admire one of the world’s most recognizable skylines: Victoria Harbour. Come in the evening when the towers are densely lit. And at 8 PM Symphony of Lights brings the skyline to life with music and choreographed lighting. The best part? It’s free.
Watch for the Dukling, the red-sailed junk boat that’s been ferrying passengers since 1955. Book a ride to experience the skyline from the water.
Keep strolling and you’ll land on the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It celebrates legends of Chinese cinema. Get a picture with the statue of Bruce Lee, whose martial arts fame helped put Hong Kong on the global map.
Want a more relaxed view? There’s a Starbucks a bit farther down with a second-floor balcony. Order a latte and enjoy the harbour from the comfort of air conditioning.
Visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art (MOA)
One of the best free experiences in Hong Kong (especially if you need a break from the heat or rain). The Hong Kong Museum of Art showcases a beautifully curated mix of classical Chinese antiquities and contemporary works in an artfully designed space.
But the best part is the floor-to-ceiling windows scattered throughout the museum. Step onto any landing and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Victoria Harbour.
And if you want to prolong the experience, head to Hue, the museum’s in-house restaurant. Walk all the way to the bar, grab a seat by the windows, and sip your latte while soaking in that waterfront view.
👉 Admission is free. The art is compelling. And the views are simply priceless.
Antique shopping on Hollywood Road (Sheung Wan)
This is the antiques district of Hong Kong. You’ll find endless stores selling Chinese antiques here from jade sculptures, to wood carvings, to Persian rugs, and gold statues. Now, I’m not really sure how to tell if they’re authentic Chinese antiques or not.
But some places are a bit more reputable, but definitely do your research if you’re serious about buying antiques. My personal recommendation is to assume you’re buying a nice piece of artwork versus an authentic antique. This way you’re simply appreciating the craftsmanship for what it is. You can absolutely bargain about the price and pay what you’re comfortable with (or walk away if the price sounds too absurd).
Step into the serenity of Man Mo Temple
Tucked away in Sheung Wan, Man Mo Temple is a sacred space dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the change: outside it’s all honking taxis and construction; inside: a haunting, eerie stillness.
Remark on the massive incense coils hanging from the ceilings taking, what seems like, an eternity to burn. On the altars, you’ll see hand-carved wooden statues of deities; they’re weathered, ghostly, and truly captivating.
The temple is small, intimate, and deeply atmospheric. Stay for a brief moment or linger for a bit, the temple offers a rare and peaceful contrast to the city’s constant motion.
Marine Lookout at the 1881 Heritage site
A lovely little hidden but not-so-hidden gem in the heart of downtown Kowloon. Located almost right next to the Peninsula hotel, the 1881 Heritage site was a former marine lookout where they’d warn sailors of imminent typhoons. It’s a really beautiful place with artificial waterfalls and art sculptures.
Climb up the outdoor glass stairs and enter the weather tower. You’ll see in-depth plaques on the walls describe how the weather tower helped with bringing sailors home safe from the sea. There are also various large bronze weather instruments on the terrace garden used during the 1880s.
It’s not a huge site, but the 1881 Heritage site is also a garden of calm and tranquility in the middle of the chaos of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hong Kong Food Culture and Local Cuisine
You wouldn’t go to France without tasting some classic French dishes. So it’s the same with your trip to Hong Kong: fit in some days to taste some local Cantonese dishes.
Best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong
The best places to go to get your fix of classic Cantonese dim sum.
Luxe dim sum at Tin Lung Heen (The Ritz-Carlton)
This is my most splurge-worthy pick in Hong Kong. Located on the 103rd floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Tin Lung Heen is a two Michelin-starred restaurant with sweeping, bird’s-eye views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour.
The décor is elegant and refined, just like the food. You must order the char siu here, it’s made with Iberico pork and each bite is rich, tender, and glazed to perfection. It practically melts in your mouth. The dim sum is also showstopping: delicate, precise, and carefully plated. If you’re looking for incredible views and Chinese fine dining that’s actually worth the price tag, then this is it.
Roast peking duck at Lai Ching Heen (The Regent)
For classic fine Chinese dining, this is the one. Lai Ching Heen at the Regent Hotel serves one of the most phenomenal versions of roast Peking duck in Hong Kong. Make sure to reserve both your table and the duck in advance. Those birds sell out like hot cakes!
The duck is oven-roasted at blistering temperatures to get that lacquered, crispy skin and juicy interior. It’s carved tableside and served with rice-flour wrappers, fresh cucumbers, carrots, scallions, and glossy oyster sauce. The most perfect bite. Ever.
Come here also for a refined dim sum experience. The Cantonese classics are all on the menu, but each one is shaped, plated, and served in such a way that it all seems like edible art.
Traditional no fuss dim sum at Lei Garden (Mong Kok)
Lei Garden is a local favourite for dim sum. The Mong Kok location is our usual go-to, but it’s a chain, so you’ll likely find one closer to where you’re staying. It’s the perfect stop for a delicious and efficient lunch break.
Go for the classics: har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (shrimp and pork dumplings), spring rolls, and fried turnip patties. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try the gingko soup or roast quail. Everything is flavourful, fast, and deeply satisfying.
Best restaurants with a view of Hong Kong
Enjoy a drink and a tasty meal with a side dish of impeccable views of Victoria Harbour.
Hue at Museum of Art (MOA)
Hue is a fine-dining seafood and steak restaurant inside the Hong Kong Museum of Art with one of the best views of Victoria Harbour. Walk all the way to the back of the restaurant where the bar is and there’s a cozy alcove with a few seats right in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering straight-on views of the skyline.
I’ve ordered just a coffee here before to enjoy the view (yes, it’s a bit pricier, but worth it), though there are also dining tables facing the harbour if you’d prefer to have a full meal instead.
The Lobby Lounge at the Regent Hotel
The Regent Hotel underwent a colossal renovation and re-opened to massive fanfare, showcasing Hong Kong luxury at its finest. On the ground floor, The Lobby Lounge offers a straight-on, eye-level, almost up-close view of Victoria Harbour (unlike the high-rise scenes from most other restaurants).
The ambiance is calm and elegant, with warm wood furniture, and sumptuous decor that makes it selfie-worthy. And yes, order a luxury cup of coffee here and it’ll probably be the most expensive coffee you’ll sip for the view. But, as I say again, some things are worth splurging on.
Aqua: Japanese and Italian Dining
Aqua is a gem of a place serving Italian and Japanese cuisine and the view of Victoria Harbour is incomparable from here. This restaurant gives a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Harbour, but it’s not so high up that you feel like you’re looking at toy models. But being on the 17th floor, and with a panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour skyline, I recommend coming here for lunch.
Their menu prices are quite reasonable. I had the Italian prix-fixe menu once and let’s say the beef cheek on barley risotto is etched in my memory. Absolutely scrumptious. The food is delicious at Aqua and, when compounded with the views, amplifies the whole experience.
Best Food in Hong Kong for Global Cuisine
Hong Kong is where international flavours collide. Since you have 5 days to spend in Hong Kong, I recommend trying out other types of cuisine.
Yardbird: Modern Izakaya and Bar
If you’re on the Hong Kong Island side, you are obligated, I dare say, to eat at Yardbird, a modern izakaya and bar. You might be thinking: shouldn’t I be eating only Chinese food in Hong Kong? Sure, dear traveller. But Hong Kong is a modern Silk Road where global flavours come together and this izakaya is one of its brightest stars.
Founded by a pair of expat Canadians, Yardbird is a nose-to-tail chicken joint where the bird is masterfully deconstructed into skewers: breast, thigh, neck, even the knees. Each skewer is seasoned boldly and inventively (their flavour bombs in your mouth!). But the sides are just as memorable. I still dream about the roasted daikon and the umami-rich mushroom salad.
Book ahead or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it.
Shragel’s Delicatessen: Jewish Deli Classics in the Heart of Hong Kong
Head over to Shragels Delicatessen however you can. Cross the harbour, take the train. I don’t care how you do it, but you must eat here. This is the joint to get freshly baked bagels made from a family recipe passed down to the owner, Rebecca Shrage.
The owner was born to a Hong Kong mother and a Jewish father from New York and she’s recreated the deli classics from her childhood memories. The chef she hired literally cooked from her memory of what pastrami should taste like. And when I bit into it, it tasted more pastrami than the pastrami I’ve had in New York.
It. was. splendid.
The smoked white fish bagel is also divine if you want something slightly lighter. This spot is a hidden gem. Don’t skip it.
Chesa: Swiss cuisine in the heart of Hong Kong
We discovered Chesa after exploring the grand Peninsula hotel. Walk up the luxuriously carpeted grand staircase to the second floor, and look to your left, where you’ll spot a wooden sign with the name Chesa carved into it.
Take a seat at their wooden banquette table and you’ll be enveloped in the atmosphere of a Swiss chalet. Yes, you can enjoy a traditional and sumptuous Swiss alps cuisine in the middle of Hong Kong.
Pricey? A bit. Is it worth it? I absolutely think so.
I had my dream dishes of a dover sole deboned tabled-side, a Swiss fondue, spätzli, crêpes stuffed with crabmeat, rich lobster bisque, and a veal sausage dish that was heavenly and hearty at the same time. For dessert, make sure to order the crêpes suzettes and the swiss log cake which were both sublime.
The decor is also a feast for the eyes. The original wooden beams, wood tables, chairs, and décor were brought back from Switzerland to Hong Kong during the ’50s from a long-time manager at the Peninsula. He loved this restaurant, originally located in Switzerland, and he couldn’t bear to see it go when it was closing down. So he transported it back to Hong Kong.
A piece of the Swiss Alps in the congested, bustling, ultra-modern city of Hong Kong. Book a table to guarantee a spot.
Halfway Coffee in Mong Kok
On the Kowloon side, get your morning caffeine fix at Halfway Coffee. This adorable, rustic café is tucked away on a side street and is the perfect morning caffein stop. Their coffee tastes like real coffee (not coloured water) which is a welcome surprise in a city where coffee culture is only just starting to bloom. If you’re a traveller who expects a solid cup of coffee to start the day, this is your spot.
Fuel up on their homemade sourdough bread topped with fresh eggs and salad. The scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on sourdough is also a standout.
Best Shopping Malls in Hong Kong from Basics to Luxury
Hong Kong is infamous for its glitzy and glamorous consumer culture. Shop at some spend-worthy places to refresh your wardrobe.
Park Lane (Nathan Road)
Park Lane is a stylish, long stretch of boutiques running along Nathan Road, and it’s one of my favourite spots for ready-to-wear fashion that strikes a balance between trendy and wearable. The clothing and accessories here are of much higher quality than what you’d find at the street markets (think well-cut pieces, classy jewellery, and quality shoes).
Many of the shops are influenced by Korean and Japanese fashion trends and each boutique has its own personality. Prices are usually fixed, so bargaining is a no-go unless you want nasty looks from the staff. But the value here is to obtain fashionable pieces that are hefty in quality but without the hefty price tags.
Come here if you’re looking to refresh your travel wardrobe with something stylish, sharp, and affordable.
MOKO Mall (Mong Kok)
MOKO Mall is a casual and well-rounded indoor mall in Mong Kok. If you prefer to shop indoors with air conditioning (which is a blessing when Hong Kong is blisteringly hot), then this place is for you. The first floor sells cosmetics of all kind with the higher floors selling clothing, accessories, tech, and souvenirs.
It’s not necessarily an exciting or impressive mall, but I find it’s a great mall for affordable mid-tier brands and ready-to-wear fashion. There’s Calvin Klein, Uniqlo, Mango and other wearable brands.
Hong Kong doesn’t charge an extra value-added tax, so it’s a great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe. Don’t overpack if you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong! Pack only the essentials, so you can bring back all your new items without bursting your carry-on.
Ladies Market (Mong Kok)
Yes, it’s a tourist spot and yes, it’s absolutely entertaining. The Ladies’ Market is a cacophony of colour, noise, and cheesy things, but that’s exactly what makes it a classic Hong Kong market experience. It’s packed with stalls selling everything from Japanese and Korean fashion to costume jewellery, phone accessories, and random trinkets of all kinds.
There are no price tags here, bargaining for what you want is part of the fun. Some vendors will throw out outrageous prices; it’s all part of the game. Just remember, if the price isn’t right, walk away with your head held high. The items here aren’t about quality, they’re about scoring fun, fast, and trendy looks on the fly.
Harbour City (Tsim Sha Tsui)
You’re probably wondering, dear traveller, why on earth would you head to a mall on vacation? But Harbour City isn’t just any mall: this is Hong Kong’s ode to consumerism at its most decadent. And in a city that practically invented retail therapy. Skipping a proper shopping spree here is like missing out on an integral part of Hong Kong’s culture.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Harbour City offers a mix of mid-tier to luxury brands from Zara and Tommy Hilfiger to Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Max Mara. Since Hong Kong doesn’t charge VAT, you can snag designer goods without the markup you’d face back home (especially if you’re visiting from Canada).
I love stopping by the MoMA Design Store for unique finds like journals with original artist sketches. And when you need a breather from shopping? There’s a rooftop bar where you can recharge with skyline views.
This is where you go when you want the real labels; not the counterfeit ones sold on the street. Believe me when I say those fakes aren’t worth the customs headache. If you’re going to splurge, do it right.
Get a slice of Portugal in Asia: Take a Day trip to Macau
Upgrade your 5-day Hong Kong trip with a day trip to Macau. A day‑trip from Hong Kong to Macau will immerse you in a world of Portuguese colonial charm crossed with Chinese heritage. My Hong Kong Macau itinerary skips the casino focus and hones in on history and flavour.
Admire the facade of the 17th‑century Ruins of St. Paul’s to the pastel‑coloured buildings of Senado Square and stroll down the photogenic Lover’s Lane. The journey is an adventure unto itself. Ride a direct bus across the 55 km Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, clear passport control (don’t forget your passport and check entry requirements!), and land in downtown Macau. It takes about 3 hours one way from Kowloon.
Once you’re in Macau, sample Macau’s signature po tat egg tarts straight from a street stall. Then enjoy Portuguese cuisine like garlic shrimp, octopus, and roast piglet at the well-known Portuçao restaurant, and walk down Rua de São Paulo to sample some honey‑beef jerky. Whether you arrive by bus or turbojet, this hong kong macau itinerary packs in culture, cuisine, and unforgettable sights all in one day.
Wrap Up Your Marvellous 5 Day Itinerary Hong Kong
Spending 5 days in Hong Kong gives you time to balance sightseeing, exquisite dining, and splurge (just a bit!) on shopping. Need to quickly jot down ideas for your spectacular 5 day itinerary in Hong Kong? Get my free 7-day travel planner, so you remember all the exact places and restaurants you want to visit.
Note down, first and foremost, where you’re staying. The trick to making the most out of any trip is to stay in a central location. I’d tell good friends to stay at the Hari in Wan Chai if they wanted a place to stay that balanced value, comfort, and location. You’ll be able to get anywhere you need without wasting time on needless commutes.
Book your tickets in advance for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Bronze Buddha and the Peak and Sky Terrace tram. The line gets long during peak tourist seasons; breeze through the line with your advance tickets.
Reserve tables ahead of time for Yardbird (delectable skewers!) or Lai Ching Heen at The Regent Hotel (roast peking duck!). Avoid disappointment by booking ahead because both places sell out fast.
Tour Macau in a day with a good tour to taste a slice of Portugal in China. A trip to Macau is an excellent complement to your 5 day itinerary in Hong Kong especially if you want to admire some engineering feats (the 55 km bridge spanning over the ocean is a marvel) and soak up a bit of Portuguese history while you’re at it.
Hong Kong is a wondrous city. You’ll be planning your next trip while you’re still there.
Wishing you happy travels,
Chloe
