I had no idea how much Hong Kong had to offer until we moved there. We stayed for more than a year and discovered a wonderful place. Let me share the perfect 4 days Hong Kong itinerary based on deep personal experience.
You can never get bored in this town. There’s always something going on or somewhere to go, whether you’re having a luxury vacation or backpacking.
Moreover, Hong Kong surprised me with a vast collection of incredibly cute coffee places that also serve delicious coffee.
Unlike other Asian destinations, Hong Kong is a unique blend of East and West. Concrete jungle meets lush nature. Rooftop bars with breathtaking views can be easily traded for a couple of drinks on a traditional junk boat.
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Table of Contents
- 4 Days in Hong Kong itinerary
- Where to stay in Hong Kong
- Do you need a visa for Hong Kong?
- Day 1 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Experience The City
- Day 2 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Explore Kowloon
- Day 3 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Step away from the crowds
- Day 4 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – beach and hike
- How to get around Hong Kong
- Best Time to visit Hong Kong
- Have more time in Hong Kong? Here are some extra things to do
4 Days in Hong Kong itinerary
Where to stay in Hong Kong
One of the most important decisions you make when planning a vacation is choosing which area to stay in.
For me, the perfect location involves a checklist, and I’ve always tried to keep it in mind whether I was visiting Italy, Vietnam, or Zanzibar.
First of all, it is all about location, location, location. And in Hong Kong, as long as you stay close to the MTR (the local subway system), you are all set.
For seconds, I am a sucker for nice views. My friends know that when they travel with me, they should prepare for climbing because I always look for places with incredible vistas. Naturally, Hong Kong has plenty of these.
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 in Hong Kong.
Check out prices and availability here!
East Hong Kong
A bit further away from the center, this hotel is on the Eastern side of Hong Kong Island.
I’ll never forget when a friend of ours visited for the first time. We spent an evening in her East Hong Kong room, just staring at the view while enjoying a few glasses of wine.
The hotel also hosts one of the coolest rooftop bars in the city, called Sugar.
Last but not least, it is located next to a shopping mall and just a few steps away from Tai Koo MTR station, making it a great option for a four-day stay in Hong Kong.
The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
It is one of the greatest hotels in town. Its pool is the highest in the world (at level 103). If you want to be in the clouds, book a stay here.
Furthermore, it has a very nice Italian-themed restaurant. The food is authentic Italian; I can vouch for that, given the time I have lived in Italy. But the view is as Hong Kong as it gets.
Although a bit pricey, it was one of our favorite places for special occasions while we lived in Hong Kong. We celebrated our wedding anniversary there and also my birthday.
Check out their facilities here!
Little Tai Hang
This is where we stayed during our first month in Hong Kong. They rent hotel rooms but also serviced apartments, offering you the flexibility of a longer stay.
What I love about Little Tai Hang is its location in one of the hippest areas of Hong Kong. Just a few steps away you can find plenty of food options (street food included), great coffee places, and the MTR is 5 minutes away.
The view is not bad either if you book a room overlooking Victoria Park and Harbour.
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 Hong Kong Hotel
It has spectacular views over Victoria Harbour, and it is just a few steps away from TST MTR station.
Do you need a visa for Hong Kong?
US and most European citizens don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong.
The visa-free period varies between 14 and 90 days, depending on your country of origin, so be sure to check the details in advance.
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 in 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 be seduced by the city.
One of my favorite places, where I often had my morning coffee when Alex was away on business, 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 graffiti on every corner. Stop on Pottinger Street for the red traditional stalls, but don’t miss Graham Street, Tank Lane Street, or Shelley Street.
Here is where you will also find tons of options for lunch or dinner along the Central – Mid – Levels Escalators – the 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?
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 the blink of an eye, you will be on the top of the hill. All of this used to be 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 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 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 on 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, Cruise in North Point, or Piqniq in Central. Or try our go-to place for Bloody Marys in Causeway Bay, Alto. The 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 the flowers is always a great occasion to disconnect and see the local life.
Mong Kok, Jordan, and the Temple Street Night Market
Maybe two of the most iconic areas in the city are Mong Kok and Jordan, with their colorful neon signs being a photographer’s dream.
Step through the crowds in Yau Ma Tei’s Temple Street and let yourself be 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.
Tsim Sha Tsui
On the edge of Kowloon, here is where you will find 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.
Day 3 of your 4 days in Hong Kong – Step away from the crowds
As I’ve said, one of the things that 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 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 the South China Sea.
The Po Lin Monastery is another stop on Lantau Island. Coiled dragons, architectural features of both the north and the south of China, and the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas are just some 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 a rental, I was in the area and was amazed by how green this part of the island is. It is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest areas on 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 are there plenty of beaches where you will find on-site facilities such as public toilets, changing rooms, showers, and 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 areas with beaches
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 I said, 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
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