When it comes to Hong Kong, just before moving here I had no idea how much the city had to offer. All I had heard from people was how they had spent one day in Hong Kong, or even less. But after almost two months in the bubbly city, let me tell you and show you my perfect 4 days Hong Kong itinerary.
Hong Kong is so much more than just a simple town, and here is where you’ll get to live it all.
From the hectic streets to the staggering skyscrapers, and all the way to the stunning nature just a few steps away.
A bunch of Hong Kong facts to catch your interest
After recently doing a bit of research I’ve learned a few interesting facts about Hong Kong. I hope this will get you eager to learn more about some of the main reasons why you should give Hong Kong a chance.
And maybe get you planning your next 4 days in Hong Kong escape.
- 50% of the world’s population lives within a 5-hour flight from Hong Kong
- 115 countries have consulates in Hong Kong – more than any other city on the planet
- The world’s highest swimming pool located at floor 118 in the Ritz Carlton hotel in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong is made out of 260 islands, out of which more than 100 are uninhabited
- 317 – the number of skyscrapers above 150 m in Hong Kong, more than any other city in the world (New York is second, then Dubai, and Shanghai)
- 957 m – Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan or Big Hat Mountain
- 83.100 – the number of hotel rooms in Hong Kong in August 2019
- 156 years – the period in which Hong Kong was under British rule (1842 – 1997)
Have I caught your attention yet?
If not, let me just add a few personal impressions and some of the main reasons why I came to love Hong Kong.
Book your Hong Kong 4G pocket wifi
You can never get bored in this town, there’s always something going on, or somewhere to go, no matter if you’re having a luxury vacation or backpacking.
Undoubtedly one of the greatest places for coffee lovers, Hong Kong surprised me with such a vast collection of incredibly cute coffee places which also serve crazy delicious coffee.
Unlike other Asian places, Hong Kong is a mix of East and West. Concrete jungle meets lush nature. Rooftop bars with breathtaking views can be easily traded for lunches in nature.
4 Days in Hong Kong itinerary
Where to stay in Hong Kong
One of the most important choices you make when planning a vacation is choosing the perfect location to stay in.
For me, the perfect location involves some main points and I’ve always tried to keep count of that no matter if I was visiting Italy with a view, Germany or France.
First of all, it is all about location location location. And in Hong Kong as long as you stay close to the MTR you are all set. The fastest and most efficient way of getting around town is by MTR.
Secondly, I am a sucker for nice views. My friends know that when they travel with me, they must expect to have stairs involved because I always look for places with an incredible view. Understandably Hong Kong is not short of views! Breathtaking views.
Keeping the above in mind, here are a few great accommodation options for Hong Kong:
Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour – such an amazing hotel with every room facing the harbor and its incredible lights.
Just a few minutes away from North Point MTR station, with a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar, here is where I had one of the greatest afternoon tea set in Hong Kong.
Check out prices and availability here!
[easy-image-collage id=7915]
East Hong Kong – a bit further away from the center part of Hong Kong Island, this hotel located on the Eastern side, as the name says it is still a great option.
Great rooms with incredible views, one of the coolest rooftop bars (Sugar), the hotel is next to a shopping mall and just a few steps away from Tai Koo MTR station making it a great option for 4 days in Hong Kong stay.
The Ritz CarltonHong Kong – one of the greatest hotels in town, with the highest pool in the world (at level 103), book a stay here if you want to be in the clouds.
Luxury and stunning views, located in TST which will give you that iconic view over Hong Kong island from way above.
Check out their facilities here!
[easy-image-collage id=8110]
Little Tai Hang – this is where we stayed during our first month in Hong Kong. The hotel works also as a serviced apartment building, offering the possibility of short to long-term accommodation.
What I loved about Little Tai Hang is its location in one of the hippest areas in Hong Kong. Just 2 steps away there are plenty of food options (street food included), great coffee places, and the MTR is 5 minutes away.
Novotel Century Hong Kong – perfectly set in colorful, vibrant Wan Chai, with an outdoor swimming pool, here is where you will feel in the center of all the action.
Marco Polo HongKong Hotel – spectacular views over Victoria Harbour, just a few steps away from TST MTR station.
Plan a perfect Hong Kong staycation or check out these unique Airbnb in Hong Kong
Do you need a visa for Hong Kong?
Unlike the China visa which can be quite challenging to get, you might not need one for visiting Hong Kong. The visa-free period varies between 14 to 90 days and depends on your country of origin.
Day 1 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Experience The City
Since you have 4 days in Hong Kong, on your first day try to focus on discovering the town. Of course, with this itinerary, you will tick off some of the must-see places of Hong Kong.
Tamar Park and Central Pier
No matter where you choose to stay in Hong Kong find your way to Admiralty MTR station and walk to Tamar Park.
From here, one of the best views of the city will reveal in front of your eyes. You will see Kowloon and its skyline, the Hong Kong Exhibition Center which will make you think about the Opera house in Sidney, Australia.
Walk on the promenade towards the Central Piers and let yourself seduced by the city.
One of my favorite places, where I often go for coffee is Central Pier no. 9. If you have some time to spare and want to start the day right you have 2 options:
- grab a coffee from %Arabica in IFC mall next to the Pier and sit on a bench outside
- head to Cafe 8 and sit on the rooftop terrace
Check out my ultimate list of the best coffee in Hong Kong and the ultimate list of the most Instagrammable cafes in Hong Kong
Streets in Central
If you don’t plan to spend too much money, stay away from the shops but explore all the streets going up in Central.
This area is just a picture paradise, filled with colorful graffitis on every corner. Stop on Pottinger Street for the red traditional stalls, but don’t miss Graham Street, Tank Lane Street, or Shelley Street.
[easy-image-collage id=7873]
Here is where you will also find tons of options for lunch or dinner along the Central – Mid – Levels Escalators – world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system.
Man Mo Temple and the Antique Market
Just a few steps away from all the graffiti madness, there’s one of the best free things to do in Hong Kong. Adding a bit of history and spirituality to your 4 days Hong Kong itinerary, the Man Mo Temple is one to see.
The entrance is free, but you must be respectful to the people who come here to pray. Be quiet, don’t use flash when taking pictures, don’t smoke inside, and don’t take pictures in Commemoration Hall in “Kung Sor”.
Without a doubt, Man Mo Temple is a picture-perfect location you wouldn’t want to miss. And while you’re there you can take the time and pray for any exam you might have or education-related goals.
Furthermore, just a few steps away from the temple you’ll find one of my other favorite places in Hong Kong: the Antique Market on Cat Street.
I could spend hours here looking at all the pretty small things people have on display for sale. That jade face massage roll, that Buddha head, the thousands of coins, and so much more.
In between the stalls, you’ll find pretty little coffee places. Why not head for brunch here?
[easy-image-collage id=7879]
Make sure to explore as much as you can the most colorful districts of Hong Kong Island:
- Central
- Wan Chai
- Sheung Wan
- Mid Levels
The Peak and Lugard Road Lookout
This is for sure one thing you must do no matter how long you are in Hong Kong. No matter if you are here for one day, 2 days or more, make sure not to miss out on The Peak.
How to get to the Peak?
There are various ways of getting to the Peak and you can choose the most suitable one for you depending on the amount of exercise you are up for.
Take the Peak Tram from the terminus in Central and enjoy the view without worrying about anything. You’ll have free internet access and in a blink of an eye, you will be on the top of the hill. All of this for 52 HKD (only for the tram ticket).
If however, you want to experience the whole package (The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 – the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong) you’ll have to expect to pay 99 HKD per person.
All tickets can be purchased online as well here.
Another way of getting to the Peak is by bus. Bus number 15 will take you to the Peak and even though it will take longer to get to the top, you’ll get the chance to see more of the city at a much lower price (9.8 HKD one way).
The first stop is outside ferry pier 5 which takes ferries for Cheung Chau, and the next stop is outside the world-famous Star Ferry pier which goes to Tsimshatsui in Kowloon.
The last option of getting to the Peak is the most strenuous one because you’ve guessed it, it implies climbing! Take a walk up to the Peak and you’ll feel …well accomplished once you get there. And the view will be worth it.
End the night with a cocktail in hand at one of the many rooftop bars
Once down from the Peak, where I advise you to stay and watch the sunset for one of the most stunning views you’ll get, head for dinner and drinks at one of the cool rooftop bars in town.
Go for dinner at the 62nd floor of Hopewell Center at The Grand Buffet, or just take the external elevator up only for the view.
Drink some cocktails at Wooloomooloo in Wan Chai, Alto in Causeway Bay, Cruise in North Point, or Piqniq in Central. Views are stunning after dark.
Day 2 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Explore Kowloon
The second day is all about exploring Kowloon and its colorful, vibrant streets.
Flower Market
Another one of my favorite places in Hong Kong is the Flower Market on Flower Market Road. It feels like walking through an open-air botanical garden.
The market is open every day and also during the evenings, and you’ll find plenty of people roaming around. Flowers are a big thing in Hong Kong, especially during the holiday season.
Even if you won’t buy anything, a walk around flowers is always a great occasion to get disconnected and see the local life.
Mong Kok, Jordan, and the Temple Street Night Market
Maybe two of the most iconic areas of Hong Kong, Mong Kok, and Jordan, with their impressive colorful neon signs are a photographer’s dream.
Step through the crowds in Yau Ma Tei’s Temple Street and let yourself seduced by the thousands of things carefully arranged on the stalls. Buy some cheap souvenirs, shoes, accessories, and so much more.
Another place you won’t want to miss is the Jade Market, where your senses will be seduced by pretty green.
[easy-image-collage id=7889]
Tsim Sha Tsui
On the edge of Kowloon, here is where you will find both cultural venues such as the Museum of History and the Science Museum, but also where some of the luxury hotels are, and where you will have an epic walk on the Avenue of Starts.
An afternoon walk on the Avenue of Stars is a must. Stay for the Symphony of Light show starting every day at 8 PM, and take the famous Star Ferry just to see the lights from the water as well.
If however, you are looking for a more touristic way of seeing both the lights and the whole waterfront, take a trip on a traditional Junk boat with wine.
[easy-image-collage id=7892]
Day 3 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Step away from the crowds
As I’ve said, one of the things which struck me the most about Hong Kong is how easy it is to step away from the crowds and find yourself in nature and quiet.
No matter if you choose to take a walk from Wan Chai, Quarry Bay, or Kennedy Town, or take the bus or ferry and explore the further places, you won’t be disappointed.
Lantau Island and Ngong Ping 360
Jump on the MTR, or take the ferry, and discover Lantau Island.
For the greatest view of the island, take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and relax while taking in all the green and the blue unveiling in front of your eyes.
Spend 25 minutes in a full glass cabin and get a 360-degree view of Lamma Island, with the lush greens, the turquoise water, the Big Buddha statue in the distance. You will be impressed by how different this island easily reachable by MTR is from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon.
The Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery
Set on the top of a hill, the Big Buddha is the second-largest outdoor bronze seated Buddha.
Only a 10 minutes walk away from the Ngong Ping village and sitting next to the Po Lin Monastery, the Big Buddha is the most important attraction on Lantau Island.
Climb the 268 stairs up to the Buddha statue and admire the view of the Lantau and South China Sea.
The Po Lin Monastery is another stop on Lantau Island. Coiled dragons, architecture features of both the north and the south of China, and the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas are just of the reasons why you should visit the site.
Discovery Bay
Since you are on the island, explore Discovery Bay, the quiet Hong Kong district where people run from the noise and crowds.
Kennedy Town and Sai Wan swimming shed
Head back on the Hong Kong island and head to one of the most Instagrammable places on the island for sunset: the Sai Wan swimming shed.
Kennedy Town is one of the most Western parts of Hong Kong Island, thus here is where you will see some of the most amazing sunsets as well.
When looking for apartments I was in the area and was amazed by how much green you can see in this part of the island. Without a doubt one of the prettiest areas of the island.
Day 4 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – beach and hike
When it comes to Hong Kong, many choose to spend here only a few days, maybe a layover, and maybe 2 days in Hong Kong. But that is such a pity because Hong Kong is not only about the city.
Hong Kong is also about many incredible beaches and countless hikes in full nature. Some a few steps away from the crowds, some just a ferry ride away.
When you choose to spend at least 4 days in Hong Kong, you must add some of the below beaches or hikes to your 4 days in Hong Kong itinerary. Some of these places just swept me away, and I would really love it for other tourists to discover them.
Hong Kong beaches
You don’t have to go far in order to find sandy beaches, thus stay on Hong Kong Island, take the bus, or MTR and head South for one of the below:
- Deep Water Bay beach
- Repulse Bay
- Middle Bay Beach
- Stanley Beach
- Shek O Beach
- Big Wave Beach
If on the other hand, you have more time and want to explore much more exploring and might be willing to also take a hike in order to get to the beach, the North part of Hong Kong is your place.
The first beach we’ve ever been to was in Clearwater Bay and we were in for a huge surprise when we got there. Not only there are plenty of beaches where you will find on-site facilities such as public toilets, changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, but the water and the views are amazing.
Here is a list of the beaches in the New Territories you might want to take into consideration:
- Clearwater Bay – first and second beach
- Long Ke Wan
- Hap Mun Bay Beach
- Tai Long Wan (Sai Wan, Tin Tin Wan, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan) – hike there or take a boat, one of the prettiest area with beaches
[easy-image-collage id=7908]
Hong Kong Hikes
In Hong Kong, you can always find a trail to hike or some stairs to climb and find yourself in the middle of nature. It’s incredible how from Central, in the heart of the hustle and bustle, you can climb for 20 minutes and get to nature.
Once I left my husband’s office and went on exploring between the concrete buildings only to find myself in a forest, surrounded by huge butterflies and some wild boars. It’s that simple!
But here is a list of just a few hikes you can plan for your 4 days in Hong Kong itinerary:
- Wan Chai Green Trail – pretty steep from Wan Chai to Bowen Road
- Sunset Peak – one of the loveliest views in Hong Kong, but one you should work for
- Twin Peaks
- Mui Wo to Pui O
- Ping Shan Heritage Trail
And to finish it off, spend one night partying in Lan Kwai Fong the street with the most bars and party places in Hong Kong.
How to get around Hong Kong
As previously said, for me Hong Kong is one of the most organized towns when it comes to public transportation.
You will get almost anywhere by MTR, but buses are also pretty well organized. On the northern part of Hong Kong island, there is always the option of taking the tram, which is the slowest option, but the cheapest and it offers great views.
Taxies are not very expensive and will get you quickly from one point to the other, just keep in mind that you will have to pay an extra fee when passing over from HK Island to Kowloon or the other way.
Getting from the airport to your hotel will always be easy with the Airport Express line, the bus, or taxi.
Best Time to visit Hong Kong
I must say the time we arrived in Hong Kong coincided with the best time to visit the city.
Summers are usually suffocating, with high humidity and consequently high temperatures. Winters are mild, but low temperatures feel a bit colder also because of the humidity in the air.
As a result, the best time to visit Hong Kong in my point of view is during Spring and Autumn. Anywhere between the second part of September until December and March to early May would work perfectly.
Have more time in Hong Kong? Here are some extra things to do
When you have more time to spend in Hong Kong, or you want to replace any of the points in my 4 days in Hong Kong itinerary, feel free to check out one of the additional things to do in Hong Kong.
- Take a ferry day trip to Macau and visit the casinos or simply learn about the local heritage
- Book a ticket to Disneyland and have some fun with your favorite cartoon characters
- Have some thrills at Ocean Park especially (but not only) when traveling with kids
- Step back in time and visit Tai O fishing village
- Take the train to mainland China and visit Shenzen for a day
PIN FOR LATER!
[…] On our recent trip to Hong Kong, Amber and I learned about Heliservices Hong Kong and their aerial sightseeing tours. They are the only licensed provider of rotary-wing services in Hong Kong. Heliservices provides everything from aerial photography for movies and TV, to utility work installing power lines. Lucky for us, they also offer a Hong Kong helicopter tour for sightseeing. This is one thing to do in Homg Kong that should be added to your Hong Kong itinerary. […]