36 Hours In Hong Kong

36 hours in hong kong
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 5 min read

Hong Kong is a colorful, chaotic, and captivating tourist destination. Boasting an iconic skyline of towering skyscrapers, fascinating neighborhoods and islands, a dynamic history and culture, a one-of-a-kind cuisine of Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanese, and French inspirations, and prime shopping for bargain-seeking shopaholics, Hong Kong is a city that has it all. With an overload of things to see and do, how can you visit Hong Kong and not feel cheated if your time is limited? To remedy this dilemma you must scroll down to view a top-notch itinerary of exciting activities to enjoy during 36 hours in Hong Kong.

Day 1: Afternoon - Sample local cuisine at one of the restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui

Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui Section 201403
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wing1990hk used under CC BY 3.0

One of the most popular sections of Hong Kong for shopping and eating is the Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood. Offering a multitude of dining choices, from trendy restaurants in shopping malls to obscure eateries off the beaten path, Tsim Sha Tsui is a marvelous area to spend an afternoon. Places like Din Tai Fung Dumpling House for xiao long bao or Hutong for freshly prepared dim sum are top-notch. However, if you want to experience delectable local cuisine that’s incredibly affordable, then Relax For A While is an ideal spot. Situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Relax For A While presents an extensive menu, from sweet and sour pork to fried rice with chicken and octopus.

Relax For A While

Address: 25 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7.00 am to 12.30 am, Friday-Saturday 7.00 am to 1.00 am, Sunday 7.00 am to 12 am

Website: Relax For A While

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Day 1: Evening - Hop onto Star Ferry and enjoy unparalleled views of the Victoria Harbour

Scene from a Star Ferry, Hong Kong
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ParulThakur used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A ride in the evening on the Star Ferry is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Star Ferry affords an amazing opportunity to drink in incredible views from both sides of lovely Victoria Harbour. This line of iconic double-decker passenger ferries has shuttled residents between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in the mainland for over 100 years! Star Ferry’s distinctive green and white vessels travel the waters of Victoria Harbour every day and are adorned with fanciful names such as “Shining Star” and “Celestial Star”. It’s recommended to take the one-hour Harbour Tour to fully enjoy the impact of Hong Kong’s beauty.

Star Ferry

Address: see website for directions

Hours: 6.30 am to 11.30 pm

Website: Star Ferry

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Day 1: Night - Listen to some live jazz at Foxglove

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Posted by Foxglove on Wednesday, 13 December 2017

For a chic night out filled with fashionable cocktails and smooth live jazz, you can’t beat Foxglove. Boasting a sophisticated speakeasy atmosphere, Foxglove maintains its secret-hideaway vibe by disguising the entrance as an umbrella shop. Guests access Foxglove via a hidden doorway towards the back of the boutique. Foxglove offers four singular rooms, each dressed in a cool decor. The ambiance is awash in dim light, low chatter, and, of course, great music. To add to Foxglove’s swanky allure, waiters wheel vintage push carts tableside where martinis are prepared to patrons’ individual tastes and the French bistro-inspired menu is refined, yet heartily filling and delicious.

Foxglove

Address: 2nd Floor, 6 Duddell St, Central, Hong Kong

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5.00 pm to 1.00 am, Friday-Saturday 5.00 pm to 3.00 am

Website: Foxglove

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Day 2: Morning - Grab a delicious bagel from R&R Bagels


Since opening in 2016, R&R Bagels has established itself as one of Hong Kong’s top bagel shops. An intimate space boasting a charming and modern design, R&R Bagels features a wide variety of scrumptious breakfast bagel sandwiches. A mouthful of the delectable Maple Bacon and Egg Bagel Sandwich paired with a hot fresh cup of coffee will make you happy you got out of bed early. The Bacon Jam BLT is also a standout and will certainly put a smile on your face. If you want to go old school with just a bagel and smear, there are tasty sweet and savory choices as well. R&R Bagels provides a wonderful selection of beverages from creamy cappuccinos to a selection of tantalizing teas.

R&R Bagels

Address: 28 Li Yuen St W, Central, Hong Kong

Hours: Monday-Tuesday 7.30am to 5.00pm, Wednesday-Friday 7.30am to 9.00pm, Saturday-Sunday 9.00am to 9.00pm

Website: R&R Bagels

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Day 2: Afternoon - Hike up The Peak


Known by locals as The Peak and Hong Kong’s number one tourist destination, Victoria Peak affords the best view of Hong Kong’s skyline, along with expansive views of the shimmering Victoria Harbour waters and the Kowloon neighborhood. Once you’ve made the hike up, don’t miss the opportunity to take the time to stroll around the top for spectacular views of the city and also the beautiful countryside. Tourists tend to think of Hong Kong as a city of towering skyscrapers but there are also large sections of lush green land. There are several different hiking trails to get you to the top. For those unwilling to make the trek, a nifty tram service is available.

The Peak

Address: various hiking trail options, check the website

Website: The Peak

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Day 2: Evening - Discover the street art in Sheung Wan and slip into one of the hip joints in the area for dinner



Take an evening stroll through the area of Sheung Wan and you’ll discover artists have turned the streets into their own personal canvass. Many buildings and alleyways are adorned with brilliant, vibrant images that are as exciting as anything in an art gallery. The artwork is wide-ranging from the bold to the ordinary, but it is always eye-catching.

When you’re ready to eat, there are plenty of dining options in the area. One is a cut above for its eclectic and adventuresome spirit. Hidden behind the facade of an unassuming stamp shop, Mrs. Pound offers a delicious menu inspired by Asian street food. The skewers are a must, with the Bulgogi Pork Belly and Chicken Adobe being standouts. Another dish that scores high on the tasty meter is the Sriracha Street Corn, comprised of juicy grilled corn and rubbed in sriracha kewpie mayo then sprinkled in seaweed and slathered in pecorino cheese.

Mrs Pound

Address: 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong 3426 3949

Hours: Monday-Sunday 5.00pm to 12.00am

Website: Mrs Pound

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Day 2: Night - Go bar-hopping in Soho


The Soho district of Hong Kong offers a diverse and lively blend of fun nightlife action. Whether you want to relish a premium cocktail mixed to perfection or simply sip a nice cold bottle of beer, Soho bars have something for everyone. A couple of highlights are Three Monkeys and Peak Cafe Lounge. However, Varga Lounge is Hong Kong’s must-try bar experience. Romantic, cozy, and oozing with nostalgia, Varga Lounge is inspired by America’s 1940s and 50′s pin-up girls. The scene is awash in fabulous decor. Snuggle with your sweetheart on a cool chaise lounge while sipping your favorite cocktail and listening to fun retro music that ranges from 1920s swing to 1970s disco. Varga Lounge is sure to show all who enter a raucous good time far into the night.

Varga Lounge

Address: 36 Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong

Hours: Monday-Sunday 6.00pm to 3.00am

Website: Varga Lounge

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Day 3: Morning - Yum Cha at One Dim Sum and shop for souvenirs at Yau Ma Tei



For your final hours in Hong Kong, start the morning off perfectly with a trip to One Dim Sum for Yum Cha. A local favorite that’s homey and low key, One Dim Sum offers quick, easy, and tasty dim sum dishes. Enjoy your pick of traditional fares like Char Siu Bao and Siu Mai. The shrimp and vegetable dumplings are also wonderful. And you must save room for the egg custard buns: a truly delicious sweet treat. Arrive early because One Dim Sum’s line forms even before the doors open.

Next stop, Yau Ma Tei area for souvenirs. Great bargain clothing for men and women can be found at Ladies Market. Temple Street Night Market is the most well-known, but business doesn’t begin until late in the day. Luckily, Jade Market opens at 10.00 am, and it offers hundreds of stalls filled with affordable jade items: rings, bracelets, and tiny figurines. Classic and inexpensive gifts and knickknacks are also on display. Jade Market is located at the junction of Kansu and Battery Street.

One Dim Sum

Address: 15 Playing Field Rd, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong 2789 2280

Hours: Monday-Friday 10.30 am to 12.30 am, Saturday-Sunday 10.00 am to 12.20 am

Website: One Dim Sum

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36 hours of fun in Hong Kong

Perch yourself atop the lofty vantage point of phenomenal Victoria’s Peak. Soak up the mesmerizing beauty of Hong Kong’s skyline aboard the Star Ferry. Sample delicious food from fresh bagels to delightful dim sum to out-of-this-world sweet and sour pork. This incredible 36-hour tour will ensure your short time in Hong Kong will be well spent and will definitely leave a lasting impression.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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