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

I love Hong Kong, and for some inexplicable reason, I always find ways to return to the city. Imagine trying to convince my husband why we should choose Hong Kong over Japan!

You might say, “But wait. Hong Kong is so small. What is there to do over there?”

Well, Hong Kong is indeed small, but it 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. It’s perfect for all kinds of travelers.

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 or a returning visitor, here is my 5-day Hong Kong guide, complete with an extensive travel itinerary planner and interactive map at the end of the article.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I hope you find the information useful and will continue to support me in providing quality articles and travel guides.

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

How to Enjoy Hong Kong in 5 Days

I’ve spent a week in Hong Kong a few times now, and I’ve crafted a travel itinerary that covers a lot of ground using public transport, both buses and the MTR.

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

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

This itinerary involves a lot of walking, as the city is pedestrian-friendly and best seen on foot. Be warned: MTR stations often involve walking up and down many stairs! If you don’t feel like walking, you can easily take a bus or taxi to your destination.

This guide is designed to be flexible, giving you the power to choose which areas to explore based on your schedule, the weather, and your location. It’s your trip, your way.

I’ve created this flow based on my stay at the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong on Nathan Road. If you are staying elsewhere, use Google Maps to navigate your way—it works very well here!

I’ve curated this 5-day itinerary to be adaptable.

You can use it for a quick 1-day trip or perhaps a nice 3-day getaway. ☺️ Let’s get to it!

Day 1: Tsim Tsa Shui & Kowloon

Kowloon Walled City Park

Kick off your day by exploring the Kowloon Walled City Park, a place where locals go for a tranquil walk.

Back in the day, however, it was a densely populated enclave—a lawless slum 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 scale model of the Walled City!

Then, continue to the Yamen Park Office, which features 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 bustling Nathan Road to enjoy the shops, restaurants, busy streets, and good desserts.

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

If you arrive in the early afternoon, try to grab a popular egg tart from Bakehouse. The store usually starts selling them in the early hours, and they go fast!

Head to Sky 100 to 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 the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. After a long morning, you need a nice stroll next to the ocean. You can even savor your egg tart by the sea.

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

If you know Bruce Lee, you won’t want to miss his famous statue. Strike a pose and snap a photo for the ‘gram. There are also handprints of celebrities like Jackie Chan!

Symphony of Lights

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

You can watch from the promenade or take a boat tour. For a cheaper option, take the Star Ferry, which costs around HKD 2.80 (approx. USD 0.36). It is by far the most affordable way to enjoy the light spectacle from the harbor.

But my favorite is the Aqua Luna cruise experience. It’s a traditional junk boat that takes you on a dreamy sailing experience under the starry night sky. You’ll love it, just like everyone else who has been on board!

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

Pro Tip: This day alone works great as a standalone 1-day Hong Kong itinerary!

Day 2: Disneyland Hong Kong  

If you are in town, you should definitely tick Hong Kong Disneyland off your bucket list. It is one of the must-visit places in Hong Kong!

It’s a magical place that brings out your inner child, regardless of your age. Spend a day here exploring the attractions! Some you must not miss include:

• 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) to skip the lines, especially during peak season or school holidays!

I learned this the hard way at DisneySea in Tokyo. We waited hours for one ride, and we could have covered so much more ground if I had done my research and purchased the DPA.

Pro Tip: Consider getting a ticket combo (Entrance + Meal Vouchers). It is worth every penny!

Day 3: Lantau Island 

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

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

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

If you’re traveling with parents or family, I suggest looking for private tours with pick-up and drop-off options. My friend went there with his parents, took my advice, and booked a tour. 

It saved him from all the negative remarks, complaints, and grunts from his parents. 

He owes me now. Hehe.

End your night with a nice dinner before heading back to the hotel. If you’d like to explore more, check out the Temple Street Night Market.

🔗 Explore Further: One Day in Lantau Island

Day 4: Hong Kong Central

Explore Sheung Wan & Western Market

Sheung Wan is a calmer neighborhood with much to explore. Start your day at an old cha chaan teng (local tea restaurant). 

You can easily search for one on Google Maps; you’ll see a bunch of them.

I’ve never tried a cha chaan teng in Sheung Wan because I prefer a morning coffee kick (Yes, I’m a coffee person!), so I ALWAYS get my fix 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! It was my first time seeing tied-up crabs neatly arranged for sale. Usually, they are still alive in water tanks, so I was super intrigued!

While in the neighborhood, visit the Western Market. From the outside, it looks modern and well-maintained, but it is actually one of the oldest structures in Hong Kong, constructed in 1906!

The Western Market houses various shops, including eateries, flower shops, souvenir stalls, and fabric merchants. It opens at 10 AM, so if you’re early, you can only admire the exterior.

Pro Tip: You can get a clear picture of the Western Market from the pedestrian bridge right in front of the entrance. It’s hard to get a good shot from street level! Open every day, 10:00 – midnight, for free 😉

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 on busy Hollywood Road. Famous for its intricate architecture, it is highly frequented by worshipers and tourists alike.

The temple is dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). Walking in, you’ll be mesmerized by the giant hanging spiral incense coils. 

The smoke can be intense inside, but don’t leave yet! Take a few minutes to admire the murals, golden deities, and wood carvings.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the rising smoke symbolizes prayers rising to the heavens?

Central Market & Central-Mid-Level Escalator 

Head downhill towards Queen’s Road Central to explore the Central Market, a 1939 community building now dubbed a ‘Playground For All.’

The three-story building houses restaurants, cafes, pop-up vendors, and event spaces. 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 old models to the latest ones! You can also find trinkets like the Classic HK Milk Tea cup and magnets.

• Times: Every day, 10:00-22:00 
• Price: Free Entrance 

Next, access the famous Central-Mid-Levels Escalator on the 3rd floor and wander the area at your will.

The Victoria Peak Tram

The Victoria Peak Tram is an absolute must for your 5 day itinerary.

You might be wondering why I scheduled this for the end of the day. The answer is simple: I love watching the sunset from the top! Of course, if you prefer to beat the crowds, you can head there first thing in the morning as an early bird.

Head to the Lower Peak Tram Terminus to start your journey. While you can buy a tram-only ticket, I highly recommend purchasing the “Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428” combo ticket.

This ensures you get access to the highest viewing platform in town without needing to figure it out later.

Take the tram up to the Peak Tower. Once you arrive at the floor with the souvenir shops, go straight up to the Sky Terrace.

From the top, head to the southern side to watch the sun set. Then, head to the other side to see the Hong Kong skyline. 

The glistening golden colors reflecting off the skyscrapers are beautiful! It’s worth taking lots of photos here.

Pro Tip: Having an Octopus Card is an advantage as you can pay and ride the Peak Tram with it, and also access Sky Terraces 428. But note that it doesn’t allow you to skip the line!

Alternative Walking Route from the Peak Hill Station (Free)

If you want a nature walk and basically the same view as the Sky Terrace for free, 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. Turn left towards Findlay Road to Lion Pavilion for another scenic view of the skyline!

Pro Tip: Take the Peak tram up in the morning if you want to stroll around the Lugard Road Loop (approx. 3.4 km).

Take A Ding Ding

A “Ding Ding,” or tram, is a must-ride while on Hong Kong Island. The name comes from the sound the double-decker tram makes echoing through the city.

This 1920s-style tram is the most classic and cheapest way to explore Hong Kong Island. The tram has a flat-rate fare of :

• HKD 3.00 (~USD 0.40) for adults
• HKD 1.50 (USD0.20) for children
• HKD 1.30 (USD 0.17) for elders

It connects the east end of Hong Kong Island to the west end, Kennedy Town, and Shau Kei Wan. After a day of walking, get the feel of traveling like a local. Enjoy the scenic route through the urban landscape just by sitting down. The Hong Kong night lights are fascinating from the upper deck.

Pro Tip: Enter from the back and exit from the front. You pay only when you exit.

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

I’ll leave you to imagine your last day, as I am sure there are things you’ll want to see before you leave.

However, it wouldn’t be fair to leave you hanging! Here are my suggestions to make full use of your last day without it being too tiring.

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 a walking tour with my husband and other travelers, and we were surprised to learn that Hong Kong isn’t just tall buildings. I really thought the hair salons were meant for haircuts… mhmm.

Mong Kok 

Another option is to explore the Mong Kok area. There is plenty to see, including the Ladies’ Market, Flower Market, Goldfish Market, and Sneakers Street.t.

Day Trip to Macau

It is fairly easy to travel to Macau from Hong Kong, and you can see a lot in just one day. Pick your preferred mode of transportation and bring your passport!

Too lazy to plan your day in Macau? Uncover the charm of colonial Macau with a guide and let the guide bring you around!

FAQ on 5 Days in Hong Kong Itinerary

1. Is 5 days in Hong Kong enough?

Yes, 5 days is enough to cover most sights and have a fun experience, especially if you plan 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 in the city center. 

If you are on a tight schedule, two days can cover the Kowloon area and Hong Kong Island.

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

Hong Kong can be expensive. On average, you might spend about USD 100 a day on public transportation and meals (excluding hotels and flights). 

Depending on your style, a one-week stay can cost roughly USD 450 (budget), USD 1200 (mid-range), or USD 3000 (luxury).

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

Here is how I rank the best areas:

• Tsim Sha Tsui – The traditional local vibe.
• Central – The main district with high-rise buildings.
• Kowloon – A mix of everything in one place.
• Sheung Wan – Well-positioned with easy access to Central and Kennedy Town.
• Causeway Bay – Perfect for families.
• Mong Kok – Old school area frequented by locals.

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

Mid-October to December (autumn) is best time to visit Hong Kong. The temperature is cooler and the weather tends to be sunny. 

January to March (winter) is also great. Avoid summer due to heat and humidity, while spring can be quite wet.

Ready For Your Hong Kong Trip?

I hope this 5 day Hong Kong itinerary has inspired you to go on an adventure around the city.

I haven’t even covered Kennedy Town and Aberdeen here, which implies you’ll need to return for more! 😛

Hong Kong has so much to offer, from amazing hikes and ancient temples to endless streets with captivating stories. 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! 😉

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