This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Start here!
After multiple visits to this vibrant, fast-paced city, we’ve put together the ultimate five-day Hong Kong itinerary—packed with iconic sights, meaningful cultural experiences, and plenty of incredible food. From ferry rides across Victoria Harbour to exploring local neighborhoods and day-tripping to outer islands, this itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Hong Kong without feeling rushed.
The best part? It’s a well-balanced mix of guided tours, hidden-gem neighborhoods, historic sites, and free time to explore on your own. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re returning for a deeper look, this itinerary will help you see Hong Kong through a local lens. Let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Hong Kong was this full-day trip to Lantau Island! This was a great way to see Hong Kong’s natural beauty, historic fishing villages, and the famous Big Buddha, all in one day.
Itinerary Overview


Hong Kong is one of the most energetic, densely packed cities in the world, and that’s exactly what makes it so fun to explore. From rooftop bars and street markets to skyline views and dumpling shops, it packs nonstop energy and culture into every corner.
Since the city is compact and well-connected, this itinerary is organized to minimize backtracking. Plus, the MTR train system is fast, clean, and intuitive, making it easy to hop from district to district with very little hassle. With five thoughtfully planned days, you’ll get a real feel for the city’s local culture, history, food scene, and surrounding islands—all without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Start with a private walking tour to get your bearings, then grab lunch at a classic cha chaan teng. Spend the afternoon at the Hong Kong Museum of History and exploring the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Wrap up with dinner and street snacks at Temple Street Night Market.
Day 2: Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, stroll through Wan Chai, and take a delicious food tour in Tin Hau. Then ride the Peak Tram for epic skyline views from Victoria Peak, and spend the evening exploring Tai Kwun and Lan Kwai Fong’s nightlife scene.
Day 3: Take a full-day guided trip to Lantau Island with stops at the Big Buddha, Tai O fishing village, and a chance to spot rare pink dolphins on a boat cruise. Return to the city for dim sum at One Dim Sum and wrap up the evening browsing the buzzing Mong Kok Market.
Day 4: Start your day at Kam Wah Cafe before joining a powerful walking tour through Kowloon’s caged homes. Then head north to visit Che Kung Temple and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. In the evening, shop at a wet market and learn how to make dumplings from scratch in a hands-on cooking class.
Day 5: Hop over to Macau on a guided day trip for a blend of casinos, colonial history, and incredible sightseeing. After dinner back in Hong Kong, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to watch the Symphony of Lights—a dazzling end to an unforgettable trip.
Day 1
Morning – See Hong Kong with a private tour guide


This private walking tour was the best way to kick off our time in Hong Kong. It gave us the perfect crash course in navigating the city while hitting some of its most iconic spots, and a few hidden gems too!
Since it’s a private tour, you can choose your start time, but 9 am was ideal. We highly recommend the 4-hour version, which finishes around 1 pm and perfectly sets you up for lunch and more exploring.
Our guide, Alfred, met us right at our hotel and helped us map out an itinerary based on our interests. He even showed us how to use the MTR and public transit like locals, which made the rest of our trip so much easier.
We began at the Man Mo Temple, then wandered down Cat Street, packed with vintage art, antiques, and curiosities. From there, we rode the famous outdoor escalators to reach SoHo’s lively tangle of cafés, bistros, and galleries.
We also explored the historic Police Married Quarters and wrapped up in Tsim Sha Tsui for those classic skyline views and a walk along the Avenue of Stars. Alfred was insightful, friendly, and fun, and this tour left us totally smitten with the city.
Doing this tour on our very first morning gave us the lay of the land, local tips, and a real feel for Hong Kong’s energy, setting the tone for an unforgettable trip.
This one often books up—reserve your spot early here!
Lunch – Shine Island Cafe
After wrapping up our walking tour around 1 pm, we were ready for a casual bite, and Shine Island Café hit the spot. Just a 10-minute walk from the Hong Kong Museum of History, it’s a super convenient lunch option that doesn’t require backtracking or navigating crowds.
This is a classic Hong Kong–style café (or cha chaan teng) with a no-fuss vibe and a solid range of local comfort food. The menu is huge, but expect staples like baked pork chop rice, curry noodles, satay beef, and the famous Hong Kong milk tea. We kept it simple and shared a few dishes as the portions were generous and prices were reasonable, especially for Tsim Sha Tsui.
Afternoon – Hong Kong Museum of History

After lunch, we walked over to the Hong Kong Museum of History, which turned out to be a fantastic way to get a deeper understanding of the city. It’s free to visit and just a short stroll from the café, making it a convenient and low-effort stop for your first day. Just keep in mind that it’s closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
The museum provides a clear and engaging overview of Hong Kong’s evolution, from its ancient roots to colonial days, wartime years, and modern identity. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, with recreated street scenes, life-size dioramas, and plenty of visuals that bring the city’s past to life. Even if you’re not a big history fan, it’s easy to stay interested here.
We spent about two hours, which felt just right. It gave us a solid foundation for everything we’d see over the next few days and helped make sense of the city’s mix of cultures, architecture, and traditions. Plus, it’s air-conditioned and a welcome break from the afternoon heat!
Late afternoon – Tsim Sha Tsui


By the time we wrapped up at the museum, it was just after 4 pm and the perfect time to ease into the evening in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s most popular and well-rounded neighborhoods. This area really has a little bit of everything: waterfront views, lush green spaces, shopping streets, rooftop bars, and a great local vibe. It’s also super convenient for a first-day itinerary since everything is within a 10-minute walk from the museum.
Here are a few places worth checking out:
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade – This popular waterfront stretch is perfect for a leisurely stroll with views across Victoria Harbour. You’ll pass the Star Ferry terminal, restaurants, shops, and spots to sit and people-watch. Stick around for sunset and then the nightly Symphony of Lights show if you’re here after dark.
- Kowloon Park – Just a few blocks from the hustle, this park feels like a quiet escape right in the middle of the city. It’s surprisingly lush, with flamingos, sculptures, Chinese gardens, and shaded walking paths. Whether you want a peaceful stroll or just a break from the buzz, this is a great place to slow things down for a bit.
- Nathan Road – One of the busiest streets in the area, Nathan Road is full of local flavor and nonstop energy. It’s lined with restaurants, shops, street vendors, and glowing neon signs that give it that classic Hong Kong feel. Take your time wandering—you never know what you’ll stumble across, from quirky snack stalls to tucked-away tea shops.
- K11 MUSEA – If luxury shopping and art-filled interiors are your thing, this upscale mega-mall is worth a stop. You’ll find designer boutiques, trendy cafés, and even large-scale art installations woven throughout the building. It’s more than just a mall—it’s part shopping experience, part creative space.
- Avenue of Stars HK – Hong Kong’s take on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. You can spot handprints and statues of legendary stars like Bruce Lee, all while soaking up those killer skyline views. It’s especially photogenic around golden hour when the city starts to light up.
- Qura Bar – End the afternoon with a drink at this rooftop bar perched above the harbor. It’s a stylish, relaxed space with panoramic views and a solid drink list. We loved watching the sun go down here before heading off to dinner.
Evening – Temple Street Night Market


After soaking in the harbor views at Qura Bar, we headed to Temple Street Night Market to round out our first day. You can walk there in about 30 minutes, but we hopped on the MTR from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and were there in 15 minutes. It’s an easy ride to Ning Po Street, just steps from the action.
Temple Street is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic night markets, and it absolutely buzzes after dark. Stalls stretch for blocks, piled high with everything from knockoff electronics and jade trinkets to clothes, souvenirs, and quirky odds and ends. It’s chaotic, colorful, and a great place to just let yourself wander and take it all in.
Food is a huge part of the experience here, so come hungry and ready to sample your way through the scene. We grazed on dumplings, skewers, and egg waffles as we weaved through the crowd—no reservations, no fuss, just grab what smells good and keep moving. It’s a classic Hong Kong evening and the perfect way to end your first day with a mix of flavor, noise, and neon.
Day 2
Morning – Wan Chai District


We kicked off day two with one of our favorite Hong Kong experiences—a ride on the Star Ferry! The classic route from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central only takes about 9 minutes, with boats running every 10 minutes or so. At just around $4 HKD ($0.50 USD), it’s a scenic, breezy ride across Victoria Harbour and a relaxing way to start the day.
Since our food tour didn’t begin until 10:40 am, we gave ourselves plenty of time to explore Wan Chai District, located on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. Wan Chai is one of those neighborhoods where old-school charm and modern style sit side by side. You’ll find everything from gritty wet markets and secondhand shops to boutique-lined avenues and sleek cafés, making it a great area to explore before diving into the local food scene.

We started at the Wan Chai Wet Market, where stalls overflowed with produce, meat, seafood, and all kinds of local specialties. Just a block away on Johnston Road, we browsed through thrift-style markets selling clothes, electronics, and more. Even though we stopped here briefly yesterday, it was worth coming back to explore more thoroughly. And for a change of pace, we wandered down Lee Tung Avenue, a pedestrian-friendly street filled with boutique shops, cafés, and pastel-colored buildings.
All three stops are close together, and while it’s about a 30-minute walk from the Central ferry terminal, we took it slow and soaked in the street life. If you’re short on time, the MTR Island Line can get you there in just 20 minutes.
There are tons of cute coffee shops in the area, too, so we popped into Manson’s Lot Coffee House for a strong flat white before our tour. But keep your eyes open! There are plenty of great spots to grab a quick caffeine fix along the way.
Morning – Take a food tour of the Tim Hau neighborhood


After exploring Wan Chai, we hopped on the Island Line MTR at Wan Chai Station and rode just five minutes to Tin Hau for this secret food tour, which gave us a delicious crash course in Hong Kong’s food culture.
We recommend the 10:40 am option, which gave us time to explore in the morning and finish around 1:40 pm. The meeting point is conveniently located right outside Tin Hau MTR Station, and from the moment we met our guide, Sandy, we knew we were in for something special.
Over the next few hours, we sampled everything from beef brisket noodles to dim sum, egg tarts, Shanghai-style soup dumplings, and crispy roast goose. Each bite was somehow better than the last! Plus, Sandy didn’t just feed us, she explained the cultural influences behind each dish, translated menus, and led us to hidden local spots we never would’ve found on our own.
The experience wasn’t just about food either. We visited a traditional Chinese paper shop, explored a local market, and even enjoyed a break with Chinese tea. With a small group size, it felt personal and relaxed, but you can also upgrade to a private option for an even more customized experience.
We absolutely loved this tour for its authentic flavors, local insight, and off-the-beaten-path stops, and it’s clear we’re not the only ones. Read over 250 five-star reviews here and see why it’s one of the most highly rated food experiences in the city!
Secure your spot here and see why travelers rave about this food tour!
Afternoon – The Peak Tram


The food tour wrapped up just before 2 pm in front of the Tin Hau MTR Station, so we hopped back on the Island Line and rode to Admiralty Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus, where you’ll board one of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions.
The Peak Tram is a short but memorable ride (just 8 minutes to the top), but it’s steep, scenic, and a fun way to reach Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. There can sometimes be a wait to board, so it’s worth budgeting extra time, especially in the afternoon. Once you’re at the top, plan to spend around two hours enjoying everything The Peak has to offer.
The main highlight is, of course, the Sky Terrace 428, which offers sweeping, open-air views of the skyline, Victoria Harbour, and even the outlying islands on a clear day. But there’s more up here than just the view—you’ll also find shops, cafés, and the Peak Galleria, which has a free observation deck and a few interactive exhibits. You can also take a short walk along the Peak Circle Walk, a peaceful trail with panoramic viewpoints tucked into the forest.
It’s an ideal way to relax after a busy morning while taking in one of Hong Kong’s most jaw-dropping views.
Evening – Tai Kwun and Lan Kwai Fong


Tai Kwun
After taking in the views from Victoria Peak, we made our way down and walked about 15 minutes to Tai Kwun, one of Hong Kong’s most impressive cultural revitalization projects. Once the site of the Central Police Station compound, this historic area has been transformed into a vibrant hub for art, heritage, and dining, all while preserving its colonial-era charm.
Tai Kwun is home to 16 beautifully restored historic buildings, including the Central Police Station, Victoria Prison, and Magistracy, each offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s law enforcement past. You can explore small heritage galleries with interactive exhibits, peek into old holding cells, or catch one of the rotating contemporary art shows hosted in the gallery spaces. Even just wandering the courtyards and passageways between these structures feels like stepping back in time, with a modern twist.
When you’re ready for dinner, Madame Fù-Grand Café Chinois is a favorite spot located right inside the complex. It serves elevated Cantonese cuisine in a glamorous, art-filled setting that perfectly matches the vibe of Tai Kwun. It’s a great way to wind down your day, surrounded by history, culture, and seriously good food.


Lan Kwai Fong
To finish off the evening, we headed to Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), Hong Kong’s go-to neighborhood for nightlife. Just a short walk from Tai Kwun, this area really comes alive after dark with bustling bars, packed restaurants, and a steady pulse of music and energy. Whether you’re looking for dinner, drinks, or a night out, LKF has a little something for everyone.
We enjoyed our dinner at Madame Fù, but if you prefer something more casual, LKF is packed with restaurants ranging from local joints to international favorites, all within a few blocks. It’s easy to find a lively atmosphere, but also just as easy to stumble upon a laid-back spot tucked away on a side street.
The scene can get a bit rowdy later in the night, but there are plenty of chill bars too. We especially liked The Pontiac, a divey, high-energy bar with great vibes, and Draft Land, which serves creative, tap-poured drinks in a more relaxed setting. Whether you stay out late or just pop in for a nightcap, Lan Kwai Fong is a fun way to soak up a different side of Hong Kong before turning in.
Day 3
Full day – See the Big Buddha on Lantau Island


For day three, we traded the city buzz for wide-open skies and coastal charm with this full-day tour to Lantau Island, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. The 7-hour tour starts at 9:45 am and includes round-trip transport, a local guide, and a rare dolphin-watching cruise, so it’s well-organized and stress-free from the start.
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, located just west of the city center, and it feels like a completely different world. It’s quiet, green, and peaceful—a welcome change of pace from the crowded streets of Kowloon! Our first stop was the Big Buddha, a 34-meter (112-foot) tall statue, where our guide, Grace, shared fascinating stories about Hong Kong’s Buddhist traditions and spiritual heritage.
Then came the highlight: a dolphin-watching cruise! We were lucky enough to spot the elusive pink dolphins that live off Lantau’s coast. They’re rare and endangered, so seeing them in the wild was an unforgettable experience.
Next, we explored Tai O fishing village, often called the “Venice of the East” for its charming stilt houses and winding canals. We loved wandering the little alleyways, snapping photos, and snacking on street food like fresh fish balls, just like the locals.
The tour wrapped up around 5 pm at Tung Chung Station, which made it easy to hop back on the MTR. We loved how seamless and generous this experience was! It really felt like a full day of discovering a different side of Hong Kong without the hassle of planning it all ourselves.
Book this tour here and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – One Dim Sum

After a full day on Lantau Island, we took the MTR from Tung Chung Station (about 45 minutes) to Prince Edward for dinner at One Dim Sum, a beloved local spot and one of the most famous dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong. It’s casual, affordable, and incredibly popular, so don’t be surprised if there’s a short wait when you arrive.
We ordered a spread of favorites like har gow, siu mai, barbecue pork buns, and turnip cake, and every dish hit the mark. The food was fresh, flavorful, and came out quickly, making it a satisfying and relaxed way to end the day. It’s the kind of place where you can eat really well without spending much, and still be thinking about it the next day.
Evening – Check out the Mong Kok Market

To cap off the night, we took a 15-minute walk from One Dim Sum to the Mong Kok Market, one of Hong Kong’s best late-night shopping spots. Even after a long day, the energy here is contagious with bright lights, bustling stalls, and the constant buzz of people out browsing and bargaining.
The market stretches along Tung Choi Street, where you’ll find vendors selling everything from souvenirs and knockoff bags to quirky gadgets, clothes, and accessories. It’s fun just to wander, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe pick up a few affordable finds along the way. There’s also plenty of street food nearby if you’re in the mood for a snack.
Day 4
Breakfast – Kam Wah Cafe & Cake Shop

We kicked off day four at Kam Wah Cafe & Cake Shop, a popular local café just a 3-minute walk from Prince Edward Station, where today’s morning tour begins. It’s famous for its pineapple buns—warm, golden, and topped with a crackly sugar crust that’s heavenly with a slab of butter. Pair one with a cup of strong Hong Kong milk tea, and you’ve got a classic, satisfying start to the day.
Kam Wah opens at 6:30 am, so it’s a great early stop before heading to your next activity. The vibe is fast, local, and no-frills, and the food speaks for itself. It was especially convenient since our morning tour began just a short walk away.
Morning – Dark Side of Hong Kong-Kowloon Caged Homes Walking Tour


After breakfast, we met our guide at Prince Edward MTR Station for this 11 am walking tour through Kowloon that gave us an entirely different perspective on Hong Kong.
This two-hour experience isn’t about glossy skyscrapers or flashy landmarks – it’s about digging into the real-life challenges many residents face every day. The tour runs until 1 pm and finishes at Sham Shui Po Station, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.
Our guide, Isaac, was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, offering thoughtful insight into the city’s wealth gap, housing crisis, and shifting urban identity. We started in Sham Shui Po, a gritty but vibrant district filled with traditional markets, aging apartment blocks, and bustling alleyways.
Along the way, Isaac shared stories that brought the neighborhood to life, from working-class families to migrant workers trying to get by.
One of the most eye-opening moments was visiting a caged home—a tiny, subdivided space that’s smaller than most closets. It was unoccupied, so we weren’t invading anyone’s privacy, but it still left a lasting impression. We also stopped for herbal tea at a local shop and browsed produce stalls tucked down side streets.
This tour was raw, real, and deeply moving. It’s one of the most meaningful ways to understand the complexities of life in Hong Kong!
Reserve this tour in advance here and see why it has HUNDREDS of five-star reviews!
Afternoon – Sha Tin Che Kung Temple and Heritage Museum


After the eye-opening Kowloon walking tour wrapped up at Sham Shui Po Station around 1 pm, we grabbed a quick bowl of beef brisket noodles near the station before hopping on the MTR for the 30-minute ride out of Central Hong Kong. From Tai Wai Station, it’s just a short walk to our first stop: Che Kung Temple, followed by the nearby Hong Kong Heritage Museum—two highlights that gave us a deeper appreciation for the city’s history and spiritual traditions.
Che Kung Temple

Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Sha Tin, Che Kung Temple is a striking 17th-century shrine dedicated to General Che Kung, a revered military figure from the Song Dynasty, known for protecting the people from plagues and uprisings. The current structure was rebuilt in the 1990s, but it still retains a deeply spiritual atmosphere with its large incense coils, golden statues, and the famous turning pinwheel, which visitors spin for good fortune. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and makes for a meaningful cultural stop—plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour soaking in the details and quiet energy. Bonus: admission is free!
Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Just a five-minute walk across the river brings you to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, one of the city’s best places to explore local art, design, and cultural history all under one roof. This spacious, thoughtfully curated museum offers a mix of interactive exhibits, rotating art installations, and permanent displays on everything from Cantonese opera and pop culture to the history of the New Territories. We especially loved the Bruce Lee exhibit and the immersive galleries that capture both traditional and modern aspects of Hong Kong life. It’s easy to spend two hours here without realizing where the time went.
Evening – Learn how to cook authentic dumplings


After a full afternoon exploring Sha Tin, we made our way back into the city for this dumpling-making class, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our evening.
It starts at 6 pm and it’s about a 40-minute MTR ride from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to the Jordan Station, where the tour begins. Just a heads-up: this class isn’t available on Thursdays, so be sure to plan ahead when booking!
The experience started with a guided visit to a nearby wet market, where our instructor, Feliz, showed us how to shop like a local. We learned how to pick out the freshest ingredients and got a feel for Hong Kong’s everyday food culture—something we probably would’ve missed entirely without his insight.
After the market, we headed to a cozy café-style kitchen to roll up our sleeves and start making dumplings from scratch. Feliz taught us how to mix fillings (we used organic local pork, but vegan and vegetarian options were available), knead the dough, and fold our dumplings into neat little parcels. It felt surprisingly doable with his clear, step-by-step guidance.
The best part? Sitting down to enjoy our homemade dumplings with the rest of the group. The food was delicious, the vibe was friendly and relaxed, and we left with new cooking skills, full bellies, and great memories. If you still need convincing, just take a look at the five-star reviews here to see why this is an unforgettable Hong Kong experience!
Don’t miss out—secure this dumpling-making class here before spots fill up!
Related Read: Not sure where to base yourself? Check out our complete guide on where to stay in Hong Kong here with the best neighborhoods and hotels for every budget.
Day 5
Full day – Take a day trip to Macau


We kicked off our last day with an exciting day trip to Macau, and it ended up being one of the most fascinating contrasts to everything we’d seen in Hong Kong so far. Known as the “Vegas of the East” for its flashy casinos and luxury resorts, Macau also has a deep colonial history that gives it a unique blend of cultures. This full-day tour made it easy to see both sides without having to plan a thing.
The tour picked us up around 7:30 am, and we traveled to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a massive and impressive structure that connects the two cities in just about an hour. Once in Macau, our guide, Cisco, greeted us with infectious energy and led us through a fun and eye-opening day.
We visited modern landmarks like the Macau Tower and the over-the-top Venetian Macau, which was somehow even more extravagant than its Las Vegas counterpart. Then we shifted gears and sat down to a buffet lunch at the historic Hotel Central—once the tallest building in the city!
In the afternoon, Cisco took us on a walk through Macau’s Portuguese past, with highlights like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and insights into the city’s 440-year colonial history, which only ended in 1999.
This tour was the perfect mix of history and spectacle—and it’s only an hour from Hong Kong!
Check availability and secure your spot here!
Dinner – Kong Kee Roast Goose Cafe

For our final dinner in Hong Kong, we went with a true local staple: roast goose. After the tour ended around 5 pm, we freshened up at the hotel before grabbing a table at Kong Kee Roast Goose Café, a casual, no-fuss spot that’s beloved for its crispy skin, tender meat, and bold Cantonese flavors. Roast goose is a must-try dish in Hong Kong, and this was the perfect way to finish our trip on a deliciously authentic note.
If you’ve got a bit of extra time before the evening show, consider stopping at The Bar at The Peninsula for a farewell drink. It’s on your way from dinner to the harbor and offers a moody, elegant setting that feels like a throwback to old-school Hong Kong glamour. From there, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade—the perfect spot to watch the light show.
Evening – Symphony of Lights

We ended our trip with one of Hong Kong’s most iconic nighttime experiences: the Symphony of Lights. This record-holding light and sound show takes place every night at 8 pm and transforms the skyline into a glittering canvas of lasers, beams, and projections choreographed to music.
We found a spot along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, which offers a perfect front-row view across Victoria Harbour. Watching the city light up while reflecting off the water was a magical way to close out our five days in Hong Kong. It felt like the city’s own way of saying goodbye!
Related Read: Looking for more fun activities? Here are the 10 Best Things to do in Hong Kong, which can easily be added to this itinerary!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Now that you have your itinerary all planned, you need somewhere perfect to stay! It can be tricky figuring out where to stay in a city as large as Hong Kong, so we’ve put our expertise to good use and picked out three excellent hotel options. These will suit a luxury, mid-range, or budget traveler – or for more options, check out all of the hotels in Hong Kong here!
Luxury – $$$
The Langham Hong Kong is my top choice for a luxury traveler! The hotel is exquisite with rooms suited for royalty, 3 Michelin Star restaurants onsite, and a top-notch pool. The rooms range in size and views, and you can get a standard hotel room or a suite. Located in Central Kowloon and Hong Kong’s top sights, you can also access the MRT easily.
Prices get as low as $200 USD per night and can surpass $600 USD per night. This stay can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Causeway Bay is conveniently located next to the Causeway Bay MTR station and Times Square shopping center. This is a great option for a moderate budget, and you get the same high quality you’d expect at any Holiday Inn! The rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable, and you can enjoy the three onsite restaurants.
Prices range from about $130 to $250 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
It can be difficult to find a budget-friendly place in Hong Kong, but the Traveller’s Hostel is a great option! It’s conveniently located near public transit and Victoria Harbour. The rooms are clean, and you can pick from a dorm, standard hotel room, suite style, or a family room. Dorm rooms start at $30 USD, and private rooms start around $50 USD.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!

Hong Kong was on my bucket list for a long time, and this 5-day itinerary checked all the boxes! I loved how diverse the range of things to do in the city is – from markets to skyscrapers, mountain peaks, and island trips, it’s truly such a diverse place. Follow this itinerary and I know you’ll have a fantastic and full trip to Hong Kong!
Before you go, check out our other Asia blogs here! We have more city itineraries, guides on where to stay, and lists of our favorite things to do. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next trip – cheers!
How to Spend THREE to FIVE Days in Seoul, South Korea: 3 to 5 Day Itinerary
5 Best Angkor Wat Tours in Siem Reap
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand: 6 Areas & Hotels
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Siem Reap, Cambodia: 3-Day Itinerary