The best places to visit in Hong Kong

Well known for its vibrant culture and active nightlife, Hong Kong is a place like no other. When you step foot in this Chinese Special Administrative Region (SAR), you will feel the unmistakable enthusiastic energy that calls out to you, making you want to explore the city all the more.

While exploring the entire region to your heart’s content in a few days is a nearly impossible feat, you can cover the core destinations that carry the essence of Hong Kong. If you are a first time visitor, trying to narrow down and visit the best places in the city can be particularly overwhelming as well.

So here we have put together a 5-day itinerary, covering the best places to visit in Hong Kong and the best things to do in Hong Kong as well. If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Hong Kong, this guide can be your head start.

Before we get into the itinerary, here’s how to travel to the city.

How to Travel to Hong Kong
When to Visit Hong Kong
Things to Do And Places to Visit in Hong Kong: Your Itinerary
Wrapping Up: What To Do in Hong Kong For a Memorable Journey
FAQs

How to Travel to Hong Kong

To travel to Hong Kong, you can board direct flights from the major cities in India like Mumbai and Delhi. A typical flight will take you anywhere from 5 to 14 hours depending on the stops in between. Airlines like IndiGo, and Air India primarily offer cheap flights to Hong Kong from India. Booking a few months in advance will help you get the lowest air tickets.

To visit Hong Kong on tour, Indian nationals are required to apply for Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR), which is a prerequisite alternative for a Hong Kong visa. You can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days without a visa if you secure your PAR.

Also Read: Hong Kong Visa For Indians: PAR Requirements And How To Apply

When to Visit Hong Kong

View of Hong Kong harbour at sunset time.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Locomotive74

The best time to visit Hong Kong is typically during the spring and fall seasons. Between March and May in Spring, and between October and November in fall, the city experiences the most pleasant weather with much less humidity and sufficient sunshine, perfect for tourist activities.

Summer is also a good time to visit Hong Kong, however being peak season, you will likely need to navigate bigger crowds and pay higher prices for everything.

Things to Do And Places to Visit in Hong Kong: Your Itinerary

Here’s a comprehensive plan for your 5-day visit to Hong Kong.

Day 1 – Central Hong Kong And Sheung Wan

After arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, take your time to check in to your hotel and relax for a bit before starting your explorative journey. Make sure to book your accommodation at one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for a comfortable stay. A comprehensive Hong Kong travel package will likely take care of this part for you.

Once you’ve freshened up, venture out in comfortable clothes with your first stop at Victoria Peak – one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. It is also an upmarket residential area from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the region.

You can choose to ride the Victoria Peak Tram – one of Hong Kong’s famous historical attractions to get to the Peak Lookout on top of Mount Austen. Or, you can choose to visit the Sky 100 Observation Deck, from where you can enjoy more breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Sheung Wan Market, Hong Kong
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/claudio zaccherini

For lunch, explore the amazing street food options at Central and Sheung Wan. Have some of the quintessential delicacies such as dumplings, “Mammy” waffles, and the famous Hong Kong egg tarts, to get a taste of Chinese culture.

Later, explore the Sheung Wan traditional market to indulge in local goodies. From there you can also visit Statue Square, another historical landmark in the city, while stopping by at St. John’s Cathedral to marvel at the colonial masterpiece.

If you have time…

Visit Hong Kong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens to relax and admire nature at its finest. Stroll through the hip and happening SoHo district and stop at PMQ – a core station for local designers and artisans to buy some souvenirs.

End the day with a ferry ride on the Star Ferry at the iconic Victoria Harbour and witness a magical sunset, before you call it a day and head back to your hotel.

Also Read: Silk Sheets & City Gleams: Top Most Luxurious Hotels in Hong Kong

Day 2: Kowloon And Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon Walled City Park, Hong Kong
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/yayalineage

Start your day by taking a relaxing walk through the Kowloon Walled City Park. It is one among the best places to visit in Hong Kong for nature lovers. While you’re at it, spend some time at the Jade Market as well, where you can indulge in jade trinkets and more souvenirs to remember your Hong Kong trip.

Pay a visit to the Nan Lian Garden and the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, just one stop away after your morning stroll. At the temple, you will be mesmerized by the colourful decorations and the natives’ love for fortune telling.

After lunch at either Serenade Chinese Restaurant, The Bread Talk, or Cafe Malacca, visit the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to enjoy stunning views of the Victoria Harbour. Stop by at Avenue of Stars to see statues of legendary cinema artists of Hong Kong, the likes of Bruce Lee.

Tsim Sha Sui Promenade overlooking the Victoria Harbour
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/JoeyCheung

Later, at Kowloon, explore the Hong Kong Space Museum of History as well as the Science Museum to learn more about the city’s fascinating history, and get blown away by interactive displays.

End the day with a delicious afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel, and a lavish dinner at Man Mo Cafe, or Spring Deer, and head back home.

Day 3: Big Buddha & Lantau Island

The Big Buddha located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Richie Chan

Slowly slipping into the essence of Hong Kong, start with a fun and picturesque ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car – one of the city’s most iconic attractions combining a thrilling experience with panoramic views of the rich landscapes and coastlines.

The ride lasting 25 to 30 minutes ends at Ngong Ping Village in Lantau Island – a charming little village housing the famous Big Buddha or the Tian Tan Buddha, and the Po Lin Monastery. Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, the village also offers more cultural attractions aside from the statue and monastery. The Wisdom Path, a short walk from the village, is one such attraction featuring towering wooden pillars with ornate inscriptions of Buddhist texts.

Wisdom path at the hills of Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone

After indulging in some delectable sea food at Lantau Island for lunch, head to the Tai O Fishing Village, where you will find fascinating stilt houses, stunning street art, and temples. The Tai O Market nearby is the perfect place to enjoy local food including dried fish, and traditional Chinese snacks like salted egg yolks.

Finally, take a calming boat ride here to admire the coastline from the waters, and if you’re lucky, you will get a glimpse of the rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, also called pink dolphins, playing about.

End the day with a fine dinner at The Gallery by the Harbour, the Citygate Outlets, or Discovery Bay Seafood.

Day 4: Macau

Cityscape of Macau, China
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/f11photo

On the fourth day of your Hong Kong tour, visit Macau – another one of the most wholesome places to visit in Hong Kong and a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Located in Mainland China, Macau is a Portuguese colony turned charming town that has a lot to offer in terms of cultural richness and aesthetics. It features a magical mix of eastern and western elements with cobblestone streets, military ports, lovely Chinese gardens, neatly tiled pathways, and divine Catholic churches.

Start by exploring the Old Town where you will find gorgeous European buildings along with tasteful Chinese shops selling all kinds of local goodies. Walk through the cobblestone streets and soak up the culture while taking postcard-worthy pictures to remember this journey.

In addition to its charming character, Macau is also known for more glamorous activities like gambling, casinos, and a bustling nightlife. If you’re interested, head to The Venetian – the city’s best known luxury casino hotel, and spend your night there. It would indeed be among the most memorable things to do in Hong Kong.

Day 5: Disneyland

A Hong Kong tour would be incomplete without a visit to the iconic Hong Kong Disneyland. On your last day, start early so that you can make the most of your time at the park.

Explore the various awe-inspiring themed segments starting from Main Street USA, to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland one after the other. At Hong Kong Disneyland, you can also enjoy some unique feats such as the Iron Man Experience where you can fly beside Iron Man to save Hong Kong, or the trackless ride experience at Mystic Manor.

Then, stop for lunch at the Starliner Diner or the Royal Banquet Hall, and continue your exploration through fun and exciting activities as well as rides including the Hyperspace Mountain, and the family-friendly Small World. Don’t forget to enjoy the We Love Mickey Projection Show as well as you slowly close one of the most iconic things to do in Hong Kong.

End the day with an amazing evening parade and fireworks show, and a scrumptious dinner at the Disneyland Hotel.

Also Read: China Visa Sample Image: How does your China look like

Wrapping Up: What To Do in Hong Kong For a Memorable Journey

From exploring the wonderful street food markets at Central to admiring the Big Buddha statue at Lantau Island and losing yourself in fun and frolic at Hong Kong Disneyland, this itinerary gives you the ultimate tour of the Chinese wonder of a city. Whether you’re travelling with family or choosing to trot alone, this guide will help you capture the essence of Hong Kong in 5 days.

Explore niche Hong Kong tour packages to cover the best places to visit in Hong Kong. Also, book a few months in advance to get cheap flights to Hong Kong so that you can spend more on experiences. Secure your China visa with a reliable travel partner as well to ensure a hassle-free vacation.

Quick Summary – The Best Things to Do And Places to Visit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is brimming with stunning attractions like Victoria Peak, Nan Lian Garden, Macau and Disneyland. If you have ever been overwhelmed by the number of places to see in the city and wondered what to do in Hong Kong, this is the perfect 5-day Hong Kong itinerary for you. This covers a detailed overview of the best things to do and places to visit in Hong Kong, starting from capturing breathtaking views atop Victoria Peak to finishing with fun and frolic at Hong Kong Disneyland.

FAQs

Is 5 days enough to visit Hong Kong?

Yes, 5 days is a sufficient amount of time to explore Hong Kong’s core attractions. Some of the best places to visit in Hong Kong are Victoria Peak, Victoria harbour, Central Hong Kong, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Lantau Island, Macau, Disneyland, and food markets. In 5 days you can cover these attractions and indulge in some exciting things to do in Hong Kong as well.

Where to stay for the first time in Hong Kong?

For first time visitors, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the best places to stay in Hong Kong as it boasts unmissable attractions while also being centrally located. This makes commuting easy between different destinations. The place also provides scenic views from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, particularly at night.

Is there Uber in Hong Kong?

Yes, Uber is available in Hong Kong and provides a range of ride options such as premium, and regular rides.

How to travel locally in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a solid public transport system comprising buses, taxis, prams, MTR, and ferries. Two of the most commonly used modes of local transportation are MTR – the city’s metro system and by ferry.

Do Indians need a visa for Hong Kong?

Indians are allowed to visit Hong Kong without a visa, but with a mandatory Pre Arrival Registration (PAR) for a period of 14 days. This means, to visit Hong Kong on tour, you can apply for your PAR online, but for longer visits of more than 14 days, you need a visa. Make sure to apply for your PAR with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries for a hassle-free trip.

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