If you are traveling to the Pearl of Orient, then this 5 days in Hong Kong itinerary is for you. 

I love Hong Kong, and for some inexplicable reason, I’m always finding ways to be back in the city for whatever reason it is. 

Imagine trying to convince my husband why we should go to Hong Kong compared to Japan. 

You may say, but wait. Hong Kong is so small. What can you do over there? 

Well, Hong Kong is indeed small but comprises Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, the famous Kowloon Peninsula, and more than 200 outlying islands! 

Hence, there are plenty of things to do—from kid-friendly activities to panoramic tram tours, city exploration, heritage walks, and endless nature hiking trails—perfect for different kinds of travelers from around the world. 

Whenever I return to Hong Kong, there is always something exciting to see, eat, or do. 

Plus, major destinations are accessible by public transportation, which is super convenient for someone who loves exploring on foot. 

Whether you are a first-timer in Hong Kong or not, here is my 5 day Hong Kong itinerary with an extensive travel itinerary planner (with an interactive map) at the end of the article.

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Related Travel in Hong Kong Posts: 

• The Hong Kong Airport Transfer Guide You Need 
• Day Trip to Lantau Island Itinerary
• Useful Cantonese Phrases For Your Next Trip to Hong Kong

I’ve been to Hong Kong for a week a few times, and I’ve devised a travel itinerary that covers a lot of ground and involves a lot of public transport, both buses and MTR. 

What makes Hong Kong so special is its diverse range of experiences. 

From the vibrant traditional markets brimming with local energy to the awe-inspiring skylines that never fail to captivate and the unique streets that unveil a new story every time, there’s something for everyone in this city. 

This itinerary involves much walking as it is pedestrian-friendly, and the city is best seen on foot. MTR stations include walking up and down the stairs a lot.  

If you don’t feel like walking a lot, you can easily take the bus or taxi to your destination. 

This itinerary is designed to be flexible, giving you the power to choose which areas you’d like to explore based on your schedule, the weather, and, most importantly, your location in the city center. It’s your trip, your way. 

I’ve created this itinerary flow based on my stay at Eaton Hotel Hong Kong, on Nathan Road. 

If you are staying in different hotels elsewhere, use Google Maps to navigate your way. It works very well!

Another thing! 

I’ve curated this Hong Kong 5 day itinerary to be flexible. Therefore, you can use it for a quick 1 day Hong Kong itinerary, or perhaps a nice 3 days in Hong Kong ☺️ Let’s get to it!

Day 1: Tsim Tsa Shui & Kowloon

• Kowloon Walled City Park

Important Notice: As of 1 January 2025, the Exhibition rooms will be temporarily closed from 14 October 2024 to 30 April 2025 for refurbishment. 

Kick off your day by exploring the Kowloon Walled City Park. A place where locals come to have a walk for a tranquil experience. 

But back in the day it used to be a densely populated enclave, a lawless slump once controlled by Chinese triad groups with huge power in prostitution, gambling, and opium dens before the British decided to take matters into their own hands.

Spend an hour or two exploring the park at your own pace. I recommend visiting the Outdoor Display Area, where you can see a model of the Walled City!

Then, you can continue to explore the Yamen Park Office with exhibition rooms showcasing the history of the walled city. Don’t miss out on the interactive rooms!

• Tsim Sha Tsui

After spending time in the park, make your way down to the bustling Nathan Road, where you can enjoy the shops, restaurants, park, busy roads, and good desserts. 

While you’re here, you should also visit the famous Hong Kong Mosque. It is one of the places where you can find halal food in Hong Kong. 

If you come in the early afternoon, you can get the popular egg tart from Bakehouse. The store usually starts selling in the early hours!

Head to Sky 100 and enjoy a scenic view of Hong Kong from the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the city’s tallest building. 

Be prepared to be blown away by the breathtaking 360-degree view!

Once you’re back on the ground, walk or take the bus to Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. 

After a long morning walk, you need a nice walk next to the ocean with a view. You can also savor your egg tart by the sea with a view. 

The amazing skyline view of Hong Kong Island from the Avenue of Stars is worth every photoshoot. 

If you know Bruce Lee, you won’t want to miss the famous Bruce Lee statue. Strike a pose and snap a photo for your gram. 

Plus, there are also a handful of handprints of celebrities such as Jackie Chan! 

• Symphony of Lights

Stick around for a bit for the Symphony of Lights, which is held every night at 8 PM along the promenade. It is so pretty and features Hong Kong highlights! 

You can either stick around the promenade or take a boat tour during this time. 

Alternatively, for a cheaper option, you can take the Star Ferry, which costs around HKD 280 (approximately USD 36). 

It is so far the most affordable option to enjoy the light spectacle of Tsim Sha Tsui combined with Hong Kong Island, witnessing a light show from the harbor. 

But my favorite would be this Aqua Luna cruise experience. It’s a traditional junk boat that brings you on a dreamy sailing experience under the starry night sky.

You’ll love it, just like others who have been on the boat!

Right before you end the night and head back to your hotel, visit K11 MUSEA for its stunning architecture.

Pro Tip: The first day is good for a 1 day Hong Kong itinerary idea!

Day 2: Disneyland   

If you are in town, then you should definitely tick off your Disneyland Bucket list. Disneyland is one of the must visit places in Hong Kong in 5 days!

It’s a magical place that will bring the inner child in you, regardless of your age. 

Spend a day here visiting and exploring the compulsory attractions and rides! Some of the attractions that you must not miss out on are the ones below: 

• Frozen Ever After
• Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars
• “It’s a small world.”
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Opt for the Disney Premier Access (DPA) Attractions to skip the queueing time, especially during peak season or school holidays! 

I learned it the hard way when I went to Disney Sea Tokyo, Japan. 

We waited for hours to get on one ride, and personally, we could have covered more ground if I had done my research earlier and purchased the DPA. *Cries* 

Pro Tip: Consider getting the combination tickets (Entrance to Disneyland + Meal Vouchers – lunch, dinner, and snack). It is worth every penny!

Day 3: Lantau Island 

Lantau Island is located around 50 minutes to an hour from the city center and is pretty accessible from both the Kowloon district and Hong Kong Island. 

I’ve written in detail about a day tour to Lantau Island in a separate blog post. The main highlights of Lantau Island are the Ngor Ping Village, the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Tai O Fishing Village. 

I did my Lantau Island journey on my own, pretty much DIY my way there with my travel partner. It can get pretty tiring by the end of the day.

So, if you’re coming with parents or families, I suggest looking for private tours with pick-up and drop-off options. 

My friend went there with his parents, took my advice, and went on this tour. It saved him from all the negative remarks, complaints, and grunts from his parents. 

He owes me now. Hehe. 

End your night by having a nice dinner and head back to the hotel. If you’d like to explore more, then you can check out Temple Street Market. 

Suggested Reads: One Day in Lantau Island 

Day 4: Hong Kong Central

• Explore Sheung Wan & Western Market

Sheung Wan is a calmer neighborhood with many things to see and explore. You can start your day with an old cha chaan teng at a local shop. 

You can easily search for ‘cha chaan teng’ on Google Maps, and you’ll see a bunch of them on the map. 

I’ve never tried any ‘cha chaan teng’ in the Sheung Wan area because I prefer to have the coffee morning kick. (Yes, I’m a coffee addict!) 

So, I ALWAYS get my coffee filled from Detour. 

I was surprised when I first explored Sheung Wan. There are so many unusual things to see in everyday life. And no, I am not talking about reptiles and whatnot. 

It was my first time seeing tied-up crabs neatly arranged for people to buy. Usually, they are still alive and in water, so I was super intrigued! 

While you are in the neighborhood, you can visit the Western Market. From the outside, it looks up-to-date and maintained. 

But it is actually one of the oldest structures in Hong Kong, constructed in 1906! 

The Western Market houses different shopslots from eateries, flower shops, souvenir shops, and fabric merchants!

It only opens at 10 AM, so if you’re there early, you can only see the building from the outside. 

Pro Tip: You can get a clear picture of the Western Market one level above using the pedestrian bridge right in front of the entrance. It’s hard to get a picture of the building if you are in front of the entrance (I’ve tried it myself!)

Times: Every day, 10:00-Midnight 

Price: Free Entrance 

• Upper Lascar Street / Cat Street

The main highlight of Upper Lascar Street is the antiques sold by the locals. 

You can find jade accessories, porcelain wares, different kinds of statues, and paintings. Have a look and browse through the market. 

You can find items that suit all types of budgets. Maybe you’ll find a nice souvenir to bring back home! 😉 

• Man Mo Temple

Next is the Man Mo Temple, located on busy Holywood Street. This temple is famous for its intricate architecture and is highly frequented by worshippers and tourists. 

This temple was constructed and dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo).

Walking into the temple, you’ll be mesmerized by the giant hanging spiral coils of incense. The burning of incense and the smoke produced can be intense inside the temple, but don’t go out yet! 

Take a few minutes to admire the temple’s architecture. Look out for amazing murals, golden deities, and wood carvings.

Fun Fact: Do you know that the rising smoke symbolizes a person’s or people’s prayers rising to God?

Times: Every day, 08:00-18h00

Price: Free Entrance 

Central Market & Central-Mid-Level Escalator 

You can head downhill towards Queen’s Road Central and explore the Central Market, a 1939 community building that is now a ‘Playground For All.’ 

The three-story building houses restaurants, cafes, pop-up vendors, an event space, and many more. It reminds me a lot of the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. 

One shop that will bring out your inner child is the tram-themed store on the first floor. Here, you can find mini collections of different tram versions, from the old days to the latest models! 

You can also find various trinkets, like the Classic HK Milk Teacup, magnets, and other souvenirs.  

Times: Every day, 10:00-22:00 

Price: Free Entrance 

Next, you can access the famous Central-Mid-Level escalators on the 3rd floor and wander the area at your free will. 

• The Peak Tram

The Victoria Peak Tram is also one of the top sights you must include in your 5 days Hong Kong itinerary. 

You must be thinking, why do I put the Peak Tram at the end of the day? 

Because I love to see the view from the top when the sun sets. Of course, you can also do this first thing in the morning and be one of the early birds. 

Make your way to the lower Peak Tram terminus. 

There are two ways of enjoying Victoria Peak: going straight up to the Sky Terrace or wandering on your own.

Pro Tip: Having an Octopus Card is an advantage as you can pay using it, and there is a special queue for Octopus users! However, it doesn’t allow you to skip the line!

Sky Terrace 428 Route (Extra Cost)

Take the tram up to the Peak Tower shopping and entertainment complex on top of the hill. 

Once you have arrived at the floor with many souvenir shops, go straight up to the Sky Terrace to enjoy the sunset view. 

From the top, go to the Southern side of Hong Kong Island, where the sun will set. Then, head over to the other side, where you will see the skyline of Hong Kong. 

The glistening golden colors reflecting on skyscrapers and tall buildings are so beautiful! Worth taking a lot of photos here. 

Alternative Walking Route from the Peak Hill Station  (Free)

If you want something more of nature, and basically get the same view as the Sky Terrace for free, then this route is for you. 

When you arrive at the mall, go through the gift shops to the first level and look for an exit. 

Take a left towards Findlay Roads to Lion Pavilion for another scenic view of the city’s skyline!

Pro Tip: Take the Peak tram up in the morning to spend more time at the Peak, where you can stroll around the Lugard Road Loop (approximately 3.4 kilometers).

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• Take A Ding Ding

A Ding Ding, or tram, is one of the must-have things to ride while you’re on Hong Kong Island. 

The ding-ding is the sound the double-decker tram makes, echoing in the vast area of the city center. 

This 1920s-style tram is the most classic way of exploring Hong Kong Island and one of the cheapest ways to discover its historical and modernized side. 

The tram has a flat-rate fare of HKD 3.00 (USD 0.40) for adults, HKD 1.50 (USD0.20) for children, and HKD 1.30 (USD 0.17) for seniors. That’s a good bargain, isn’t it?

The tram is well-connected and easy to hop on and off, and it can transport you from the east end of Hong Kong Island to the west end, Kennedy Town, and Shau Kei Wan. 

At the end of the day, after all the walking, get the jist of traveling like a local Hongkie. 

Enjoy the scenic route through the urban landscape and modernization just by sitting down on the tram. Hong Kong nightlights can be pretty fascinating. 

Pro Tip: You enter the tram from the end and exit from the front. You will only pay when you exit the tram. 

Day 5: Free & Easy Day (DIY Your Own Adventure)

I’ll leave you to imagine your last day as I am sure you will have things that you’d want to see before you leave Hong Kong. 

However, it wouldn’t be fair if I left you hanging here. Here are my suggestions on how to make full use of your last day. It should not be too tiring or too lengthy. All options are different, so it’s up to you to choose.

Dark Side of Hong Kong

How do you feel about embarking on a thrilling adventure to uncover the dark side of Hong Kong? Yes, you read that right. 

I went on this walking tour with my husband, alongside other travelers, and most of us were surprised to learn that Hong Kong is not all about tall buildings and nice skyscrapers.

I really thought the hair saloons were meant for haircuts… mhmm. 

Mong Kok 

Another option is to go on an exploration in the Mong Kok area on your own. There are plenty of things to see in the area, from Woman’s Market, Flower Market, Goldfish Market, and Sneakers Street.

Day Trip to Macau

It is fairly easy to travel to Macau from Hong Kong, and you will have sufficient time to see it in just one day. Pick your preferred mode of transportation to Macau, and bring your passport with you. 

FAQ on 5 Days in Hong Kong Itinerary

1. Is 5 days in Hong Kong enough?

5 days in Hong Kong is enough and covers most of the sights to see and things to do, giving you the overall fun experience in Hong Kong, especially if you are planning to spend a day in Disneyland or Macau.

2. How many days are sufficient for Hong Kong?

It’s best to spend at least three days in Hong Kong to have a wonderful experience staying in the city center. 

If you are tight on schedule, then you can go for two days in Hong Kong covering the Kowloon area and Hong Kon Island. 

3. How much does a 5 day trip to Hong Kong cost?

Hong Kong is very expensive, and on average, you will spend about USD 100 a day, taking into account public transportation and meals. This does not include the price of the hotels and air tickets. 

Depending on your travel style, a one-week average stay can cost about USD 450 (budget travel style), USD 1200 (mid-range travel style), and USD 3000 (luxury travel style).

4. Which part of Hong Kong is best to stay in?

Here is how I ranked the best areas to stay in Hong Kong: 

1. Tsim Sha Tsui – the local jizz of the traditional 
2. Central – the main district with high-rise buildings and skyscrapers
3. Kowloon – a mix of everything in one place
4. Sheung Wan – well positioned with easy accessibility to Central and Kennedy Town
5. Causeway Bay – perfect for families
6. Mong Kok – old school area frequented by locals

5. What is the best time to visit Hong Kong? 

The best time to visit Hong Kong is from mid-October to December (autumn). The temperature is cooler, and the weather tends to be sunny. January to March (winter) is also a great time to explore the city.

It’s advisable to avoid summer due to the heat and humidity, while spring can also be challenging with its wet conditions. 

Ready For Your Hong Kong Trip?

This 5 days itinerary in Hong Kong has inspired you to go on an adventure around the city. 

I haven’t even covered Kennedy Town and Aberdeen in this itinerary, which are two neighborhoods I also enjoyed exploring. But this means you’ll need to return for more! 😛

Hong Kong has so much to offer, from amazing hikes, ancient, beautiful temples, endless streets with captivating stories on both Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. 

I’m sure you’ll enjoy Hong Kong as much as I do.

Pin this for future reference and share it with your friends and family! 😉