Looking for an itinerary that is all about eating, shopping, adventures and spectacular views? Nothing can beat Hong Kong when it comes to lively escapades. The Pearl of Orient is one of those places that will mesmerize you with its stunning architectures and gorgeous skyline while driving you crazy with its food and shopping culture. No matter how much you curse the ridiculous heat while walking the local streets, you will be hooked to this Asian city of lights. Before you begin to soak in the drama, charm and breathless energy of this exceptional city, plan up your 3-day adventures in Hong Kong.
Day 1
1.1. Explore the Aberdeen floating village
Aberdeen floating village is a perfect beginning to your exploration in this glitzy city. Giving a run-down into the history of Hong Kong, Aberdeen blends the traditional past with the contemporary present of the Hong Kong. Located at the harbor in the southern district of Hong Kong, this place is primarily a fishing village which houses approximately six thousand people. A Sampan ride is an ideal way of exploring one of the most imperative fishing port of Hong Kong. Make sure you always negotiate on the price before boarding a Sampan. Discovering Aberdeen through a thirty minutes Sampan ride will surely give you a fresh perspective on the city as you pass by several Tanka women and men going about their business in their old boathouses.
Not far from the bustling city, you can easily reach this destination by taking any of the multiple transport options. Board Bus 70 from Exchange Square and it will drop you off at Aberdeen Promenade. You can also take a cab to Aberdeen, if you are somewhere in the Central, it would cost you around 60 HKD to 70 HKD. Also, all the city tours have a stop at Aberdeen if you are thinking of opting for one.
Private Tour: Hong Kong Island
Price: from 94.19 USD
Duration: around 4 hours required.
1.2. Lunch at Jumbo floating restaurant
Enjoy a delicious Cantonese Dim Sum lunch in Jumbo Floating restaurant which is a tourist attraction in itself. How many times you have seen this place in the movies, tourist brochures and postcards? Built in 1976, the restaurant has gone through several refurbishments and makes for a deluxe dining setting with imperial Chinese designs in red and golds, pagodas and lots of dragons. The restaurant is also visited by Royals and celebrities like Tom Cruise.
This multi-storey structure can accommodate 2,000 diners at once and the food is indeed delectable. You can stop here at the end of your Sampan ride. Don’t forget to get a picture clicked with native hats right in front of the restaurant!
City Sightseeing plus Jumbo Kingdom Lunch with Pickup from Hong Kong Island
Price: from 92.49 USD
Duration: around 7 hours required.
1.3. Go up to the Peak Tower to enjoy the view
Following your lunch, head to the Aberdeen Promenade to catch a tram, cab or bus to take you to the famous Peak Tower. The cab is an easy and direct 13 minutes’ ride to the Peak Tower for 80 HKD. Bus 15C from the Exchange square will take you directly to the tower or you can also opt for the Peak tram. The Peak Tram is a 135-year-old funicular that gives a glimpse of the lovely vistas in Hong Kong.
It has almost become a touristy ritual to visit the Peak Tower so don’t be surprised by the crowd when you reach. It is a vantage point that offers the magnificent views of the city and its spectacular skyline. You won’t regret the hassle once you see the sights from the top.
Peak Tram Sky Pass: Tram Ticket, Hong Kong Sky Tour and Sky Terrace 428 Entry
Price: from 11.63 USD
Duration: Flexible
Visited this place?
1.4. Smell the roses at the Flower market in Kowloon
The Flower market in Kowloon is one of the popular Mongkok markets in Hong Kong. Located in Prince Edward road, you can easily take the MTR to Prince Edward Station and then take Exit B1 from there. It is just a short walk to the east of Prince Edward road. And in case you get down at MTR Mongkok East Station, you can take the Exit C and walk towards Sai Yee street. Just follow the symbols from there on.
Among all the Mongkok markets, the flower market is the prettiest and the best smelling one.The market starts getting busy from seven in the morning and hustle-bustle continues till seven in the evening. It is interesting to observe the local blooms, the auspicious plants that are known to bring good luck and the favorite flowers among locals. The market even sells good fortune bouquets during the Chinese New Year. Flowers are always a refreshing sight and a walk amid fresh blooms and balmy, aromatic scents will surely freshen you up.
Hong Kong Markets Small-Group Walking Tour
Price: from 57 USD
Duration: around 3 hours required.
1.5. Do some shopping at Tung Choi Street (Ladies market)
Looking for some budget shopping? Ladies market is the most famed street shopping place in Hong Kong. Don’t be confused by the name, they have numerous shopping options for men as well. If you are proceeding from the Flower market, you can easily walk few blocks by following the signs and enjoy several shops along the way. But if you are taking the MTR from anywhere, take Exit E2 at Mongkok MRT station and walk along the Nelson road. You can also take Bus 1, 1A, 2 and 6 from Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier and then get down at Nelson Street. The market opens at noon and remains open until eleven at night. It is primarily busy in the evenings.
With over hundred stalls, you can choose to buy anything from clothes to accessories to souvenirs. Bargaining is the norm here so don’t be shy and haggle your way around. Trinkets, handbags, watches and shoes are among popular purchases but ensure you check the authenticity before buying anything. The market houses many fake products as well.
4-Hour Private Half-Day One Night in Mongkok City Tour
Price: from 81 USD
Duration: around 4 hours required.
1.6. Take the Star Ferry
Boarding the Star Ferry is a relaxing and rewarding way to end the day with, after all the sightseeing and shopping. The ferry is a popular and cheapest mode of transportation in Hong Kong with fares between 2.10 HKD to 3.40 HKD. The TST Star Ferry pier can be boarded from MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, the Central Star Ferry pier from MTR Hong Kong Station and the Wan Chai Star Ferry pier from MTR Wan Chai Station. The Ferry is slow but one of the most used transportation between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1988.
Enjoy the cool breeze while you see the city lit up with vibrant lights from the water. It is also an ideal way to capture the coolest shots of the city. After all, the Star Ferry crossing has been rated as one of 50 ‘places of a lifetime’ by National Geographic. How can you miss clicking pictures here?
Afternoon City Coach Tour Plus Dinner Cruise with Hotel Pickup in Hong Kong Island
Price: from 130.81 USD
Duration: around 8 hours required.
Day 2
2.1. Have fun at the Ocean Park
Ocean Park is one of the best experience you can give to your kids and yourself. As popular as Disneyland, this park has been a sort of institution in Hong Kong that not only entertains but educates as well. To get here, Bus 629 from Central Pier 7 or from MTR Admiralty Station is an ideal way that will take around twenty minutes. You can also choose to take a cab.
The 69-hectare park is divided into two sections. The first section is the lowland area, featuring many animal shows like Adventures in Australia, Shark mystique, Amazing Asian animals and Polar Adventure. You can head to the second section which is known as the headland area. The headland area is all about the thrills with numerous adventurous rides. Ideally, a whole day should be given to enjoy this wonderland but you can see a lot in half a day as well. Prioritize beforehand. Try the Old Hong Kong, a heritage tram that displays the several phases of the city since the 1950s and till present.
Skip the Line: Ocean Park Hong Kong Admission
Price: from 50.21 USD
Duration: Flexible
2.2. Have a meal with a view at the Bayview Restaurant
The Bayview restaurant is among the most popular cafes in Ocean Park. Located on a cliff facing the sea, the restaurant is known for its mesmerizing views. Relax with a steaming hot lunch after all the morning adventure in the park. The restaurant caters to dietary needs like gluten free along with offering vegetarian meals and special combo meals for kids.
The Bayview Restaurant
Website:https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/dining-and-shopping/restaurants/bayview-restaurant
2.3. Go on a peaceful walk to the Tin Hau temple
After a great deal of fun and adrenaline rush, visit the Tin Hau temple to calm down. This peaceful temple in between blocks of urbane markets is a cultural landmark. To get here, take Exit C from the MTR Yau Ma Tei Station and walk along Man Ming Lane till the Temple Street.
Tin Hau is the Goddess of Sea, one worshipped by the people in Hong Kong with great devotion. You can find people lighting their incense sticks as you step inside. You can light few incense sticks with your family as well. This temple is one of those places you can easily explore while out around the city and shops nearby. You can also find elderly men busy in a game of chess under the shade of Banyan tree right in front of the temple. It will give a peek into the cultural side of this suave city.
Hong Kong Audio Tour
Price: from 19.99 USD
Duration: Flexible
2.4. Watch the Symphony of Lights at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
No matter if this is your first time in the city or second, any Hong Kong trip is incomplete if you don’t take a stroll in Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Getting here is simple. Get down at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station. take Exit E and head towards Salisbury Road, thereafter take the subway next to YWCA. You can also take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai as the promenade is just next to the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The promenade begins the moment you see the New World Centre and the Hong Kong Space museum. Sit and admire the colonial style Clock tower, be mesmerized by city’s spectacular skyline and don’t miss the popular light and sound show called ‘Symphony of Lights’ by Hong Kong Tourism Commission.The waterfront promenade on Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square is one of the best landmarks for viewing this show. The fifteen-minute show generally starts around eight in the evening and brings out the vibrancy and magnanimity of the city brilliantly. It is also counted among one of the top night views in the world.
Day 3
3.1. Take a selfie with Bruce Lee at the Avenue of Stars
If you want to go for a lazy stroll or morning jog along the shoreline, Avenue of Stars is one of the most interesting places to do so. More like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this walkway along Victoria Bay has its own grand statues of Hong Kong actors like Jackie Chan and Anita Mui. To get here, board MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and then take Exit P1. You can also take the escalator that is in line to East Tsim Tsha Tsui and then take the Bus terminus on Mody road.
However, this attraction is closed for renovation till 2018. But many of its exhibits can still be seen at Starry Gallery and Garden of Stars.
3.2. Travel on the Ngong Ping Cable Car
Ngong Ping Cable Car is an aerial tramway that offers one of the best views of the island. Also known as Ngong Ping 360, the cable car costs around 130 HKD for a one-way ride. Enjoy the exceptional views of the mountains, sea and the unique vistas of Hong Kong as you make your way towards Tian Tan Buddha.
This fun ride takes about 25 minutes but the queue for the tickets can take hours, so make sure you book your ticket in advance. This 5.7-kilometer ride between Tung Chung Town Centre and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island is an enjoyable experience. You can choose your cable car from the three options of standard, crystal or private cabin. The crystal cabin offers a glass-bottom view but all other two types of cable car are entertaining as well. Each cabin can accommodate about eight people.
Skip the Line: Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket
Price: from 16.78 USD
Duration: Flexible
3.3. Visit the Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau
A trip to Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau island is a refreshing experience. Popularly called the Big Buddha, Tian Tan Buddha has tourists and devotees coming from all over the world. The gigantic bronze statue of Buddha overlooks Mainland China. An ideal way to reach the Lantau Island is by taking a forty-five minutes MTR ride from Central to Tung Chung station. Once you reach the Tung Chung station, you have to choose from the two options of a cable car and hiking, for paying a visit to the Big Buddha. While hiking might sound adventurous, it will take more than two hours of sweat and would probably be a good idea if you plan to stay on the island for a longer duration. However, the cable car is a brilliant option that takes you to the monastery in thirty minutes and offers gorgeous views on the way.
This half a day trip will fit perfectly in your 3-day itinerary if you plan to reach Lantau by morning or early afternoon. This is a must do and would surely be the highlight of your last day in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Travel Pass Combo: MTR Pass, Ngong Ping Cable Car and Big Buddha Tour
Price: from 58.80 USD
Duration: Flexible
3.4. Savour a meal at Po Lin Monastery's Vegetarian Kitchen
Once you are done admiring the bronze Buddha and all the pictures have been clicked, savour a vegetarian meal at Po Lin Monastery’s Vegetarian Kitchen. The restaurant serves delicious Chinese vegetarian food at reasonable prices. Moreover, you also support the monastery by eating a meal here. If you are not very hungry which is dubious after a little hike and an adventurous trip, relax by sipping a cup of revitalizing teas here.
Vegetarian Kitchen
Website: http://www.plm.org.hk/eng/food.php
3.5. Have one last look at the city at Sky 100
End your last day in the city by gazing at the magnificent skyline of Hong Kong with a drink in hand. Set on the hundredth floor of the International Commerce Centre, the sky100 observation deck offers the most gorgeous sunset view. Get down at MTR Kowloon Station and get take Exit C1 to get here.
Ensure the weather is clear before you decide to make your way up, if you want to enjoy the vibrant skies and the shoreline. You can also enjoy a sky-high dining experience with your loved ones in the tallest building in Hong Kong by opting for Sky-high Dining. The observation deck also houses an artsy interactive exhibition that reflects on Hong Kong’s remarkable culture and history.
Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Admission Ticket
Price: from 13.21 USD
Duration: Flexible
Hong Kong- a bustling kaleidoscope of cultures
After a 3 day itinerary, Hong Kong will give you fifty reasons more to return to it. This vivacious metropolitan is truly special in the way it brings together different cultures. The innovative culinary delights, the amazing street markets, exhilarating nightlife, passion for kung fu movies and stunning skyscrapers will make you want more of this chaotic enigma. Soak in the energy and relish the city even if you are not able to strike out all the to-dos from the itinerary. After all, vacations are all about free spirit fun!
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