Ultimate 48-hour Itinerary in Hong Kong for first-timers
Hong Kong is one of my favourite cities I visited recently, even though I only had a short time here. If you also only have two days in Hong Kong, here is exactly how to make the most of your time – from the best attractions to amazing food to where to stay.
I recently flew to South Korea via Hong Kong and decided to extend my layover to visit a friend in the city. It ended up being an amazing two days where we visited so many incredible sights and had a blast.
I did unfortunately suffer from a pretty rough bout of food poisoning (acquired before Hong Kong) during my time there, but still powered through and it was worth it haha.
So, whether Hong Kong is an extended layover or a stop on your Asia trip, here is exactly how to make the most of 2 days there:
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How to get to Hong Kong?
The quickest way is Hong Kong’s Airport Express which is part of their MTR system and goes from the airport to Hong Kong Station in 30 minutes. It is a little pricy at HK$120 ($15).
Alternatively, there are several buses going to different areas of Hong Kong. They tend to cost around HK$40 ($5) and often take the same time as MTR, especially if you have to change lines.
Where to stay in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a pricier city and I wanted to stay in a hostel, but the one I booked (had the highest reviews) ended up having a mould issue and I have heard similar things about other hostels there, so it may just be worth spending the extra few bucks on a hotel.
Personally, I think the central area of Hong Kong Island is the best for sightseeing, it’s just below Victoria Harbour. The other side of the harbour called Kawloon has some more affordable options and areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are still super close to attractions.
$ Dorsett Tsuen Wan Hong Kong (budget-friendly but a little outside the centre)
$$ Burlington Hotel (I stayed here, it has lovely rooms in a good location)
$$$ Grand Hyatt Hong Kong (amazing location, beautiful rooms)
How to get around Hong Kong using public transport?
Hong Kong has a really extensive public transport network consisting of the MTR, buses, trams (they are the cutest) and ferries. I just used my Revolut card’s contactless payment to pay for rides, which worked everywhere except on the minibuses. Some buses also accept cash.
You could also get an Octopus Card which works everywhere and is sometimes a little cheaper, the tourist version costs HK$39 and can then be refilled.
I used Google Maps to get around, which worked well for everything except buses. Citymapper is also a good alternative.
Ultimate 2-day Itinerary for Hong Kong
While two days is not a lot, it’s enough time to see some of Hong Kong’s most amazing sights as well as explore some of the culture and food. Here is my recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Kowloon’s temples and sights
Hop on the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon
One of the most unique parts of Hong Kong is that the ferries are part of the public transport system. Some of the smaller islands around Hong Kong are even only reachable by ferry. The Star ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon is one of the most famous routes because of the views of Victoria Harbour and a great way to start your time in Hong Kong.
If your hotel isn’t in Hong Kong Island, you could get the MTR there and then hop on the ferry, or do the trip the other way round. Departure points are either Wan Chai Pier or Central Pier to Kowloon Pier. Wait time is usually no more than 15 minutes and the journey is super cheap at HK$2.20 ($0.28). Bring cash to buy a ticket or use your Octopus card.
Enjoy the views from the Avenue of Stars
Once off the ferry, head towards the Avenue of Stars which features handprints and plaques of celebrities. More importantly though, you’ll find some of the best views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline here.
The area here is called Tsim Sha Tsui and you can walk along the waterfront for ages, marvelling at the incredible views and boats crossing the harbour. Watch out for the Dukling boat, a traditional Chinese boat with red sails (book a tour with them here).
Wander around Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
This was one of my personal favourite parts of Hong Kong, where you get to step out of the bustling city into a garden of serenity. The best part, both the nunnery and attached gardens are completely free.
Both attractions stem are in the style of the Tang dynasty (618–907). Chi Lin Nunnery has been a home to Buddhist nuns since the 1930‘s, and you can spot them or their lovingly looked after plants and Bonsai all around the temple.
Nan Lian Garden features a stunning pavilion, a waterfall, beautiful courtyards and tons of plants and trees. There’s even a tea house and vegetarian restaurant, which are worth checking out.
Explore Wong Tai Sin Temple
Another escape from the bustle of the city, Wong Tai Sin temple embodies the religions of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Many come here to get their fortunes read as it is said to be almost eerily accurate.
Grab some street food for lunch
Hong Kong has some amazing street food and it can be found in every corner of the city. If you are looking for as many options as possible, head to Mong Kok and Ladies Market for many delicious stalls. Another good neighbourhood for street food is Sham Shui Po.
Stroll through Kowloon Walled City Park
Another of Hong Kong’s “hidden” green spaces is Kowloon Walled City Park and it is worth a visit. There is a ton of history to this place, dating back to the infamous Kowloon Walled City. It started out as a military fort, but fell into disrepair and turned into the most densely populated area on Earth with extremely poor living conditions. It was eventually demolished in 1994 and all that remains is this park.
The park itself is beautiful and there are plaques explaining its history further, so it is a must-visit while in Hong Kong.
Watch the laser and lights show at Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
The light show called “A Symphony of Lights” has been illuminating Hong Kong’s night sky since 2004. It happens every night at 8pm and is best observed from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour.
Alternatively, you could join it from a boat tour for a unique vantage point, though be warned – many locals say the light show is a little overhyped:
Have an eventful dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot
While not the most “local” dinner option, I had the time of my life at Haidilao. You get an amazing hot pot at a great price, but on top of that, you also get dance performances, fun singing and lots of freebies. The noodle dance was definitely a highlight!
Day 2: Hong Kong Central
Get up early and take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak Tram is an absolute must-do while in Hong Kong, but it does get extremely busy, especially on the weekends. Make sure to get there either before 10 am (ESPECIALLY weekends) or quite late after sunset. That way you avoid most of the tour groups. If you want to go up for sunset, get the bus up (use Google Maps for the right bus for your location, examples are route 15 or 1). Getting down after sunset will take some time as it is very busy.
I got the tram up around 9.30 am without a wait and got a combo ticket for the tram and sky terrace in advance, so got to skip the ticket line too. You can get the same ticket at a discount here. I then got the bus back down around 12pm without a wait too, and this was Saturday morning.
I’d recommend to sit on the right side for views of Hong Kong if you are going up, the left side if you’re going down.
Have breakfast at Bakehouse
For breakfast with THE best view, head to the Bakehouse in the same building that the tram arrives. The wait time wasn’t long at around 10 am and the food and drinks are reasonably priced. The view speaks for itself 🙂
Enjoy the views from the Sky Terrace 428
I’d recommend the combo ticket for the tram and sky terrace as it’s only a few $ more and so worth it. The views over Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour are SO stunning from the terrace and it was also not super busy yet in the morning.
Little tip for best photo angle: have someone stand on the stairs going to the next level and take the photo from there so that more of the view is visible.
Hiking trails:
From here, you could also walk to Victoria Peak Garden which is considered somewhat of a hidden gem, but it is a 20-minute uphill hike. I was too ill with food poisoning for that, but I’ve heard it’s really worth it! Another lovely walk is the Peak trail, a circular walk of around 3km going around the top with all-round views of Hong Kong and its surroundings.
Wander around Hong Kong Park and Botanical Gardens
Get the bus or tram down and head to Hong Kong Park, a beautiful green space with ponds, lots of birds, benches and tranquil walks. There’s even a special bird watching area called the Edward Youde Aviary and the Museum of Tea Ware.
Nearby are also the Botanical Gardens, which are also completely free. It consists of several greenhouses, a fountain terrace garden and a zoo with a diverse range of both native and exotic species.
History meets modern life at Tai Kwun
Nearby, you will find the heritage site Tai Kwun where you can travel back in time to 19th century Hong Kong through carefully restored buildings and courtyards. Today, the complex is home to arts, music and performances, striking a fascinating balance of heritage and modern life.
Visit the beautiful Man Mo Temple
A small Buddhist temple hidden between the modern buildings, stemming back to 1847, making it one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. The ceiling is covered in large spiral incense coils, which transform the temple into a heightened sensory experience. It is said that the smoke rising upwards from the incense stands for the prayers rising to the heavens.
Lunch at Central Market
Located in the heart of central, the market is full of delicious local food, artisan stalls and specialty restaurants. It was recently revitalised to modernise the space while preserving some of its historical elements. Make sure to grab some pancakes at Mammy Pancake while you’re there.
If you fancy different food, you could try the Michelin recommended Yat Lok Restaurant, famous for its roast goose. Just be prepared for how busy and hectic it can get there.
Finish your time in Hong Kong with some shopping
Hong Kong is full of huge shopping malls and countless street boutiques and stalls. In short, it is heaven for anyone looking to go shopping. IFC Mall is right near central and one of the biggest in Hong Kong, with countless shops, cafes and more.
For affordable souvenirs and some bargaining, head to Temple Street Night Market back in Kowloon (stalls start around 4pm). Li Yuen Street East and West is also full of local and oriental fashion finds, crammed into countless shops along the lanes.
If you have more time:
Stop by the Monster Building
Hong Kong’s Monster Building is a somewhat unofficial tourist attraction. I personally didn’t visit as I didn’t want to disrupt the locals actually living there, but it has been featured in films like “Ghost in the Shell”. It’s a jumbled block of 5 apartment buildings crammed together, a stark reminder of the population density of this city and its influx of residents post-WWII.
Head on a daytrip to Tian Tan Buddha
Located on Lantau Island, this is one of the best daytrips from Hong Kong. Start with the breath-taking Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride (get tickets here), which takes you on a 25-minute journey with the most beautiful views. On a clear day, you can even spot Macao in the distance.
At the top, you will find Tian Tan Buddha, one of the largest seated Buddha images globally. It sits next to Po Lin Monastery, a beautiful and peaceful space.
Just beware, there are 268 steps to reach the top even with the cable car, which can feel pretty hefty in the often hot and humid weather.
Is Hong Kong safe to travel to?
As a solo, female traveller, I felt incredibly safe in Hong Kong, even at night. The city is recognised as one of the safest in the world, with a very low crime rate.
I would say to pay attention to the weather as the region frequently experiences typhoons, which can shut down public transport and flights. Petty crime where valuables are stolen also happens, so as always, keep your valuable hidden and close to your body.
Overall though, Hong Kong reminded me of Singapore in that I felt so safe and walked around any time of day and night.
What is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
As mentioned in the last point, the weather in Hong Kong can be a little bit temperamental. Typhoon season tends to be June-October, followed by a cool and dryer winter. It is often said this is the best time to visit, starting November to January.
Hong Kong is a year-round destination though with pleasant temperatures all throughout. There are countless incredible festivals going on in the city, so it may be worth travelling according to one of them. I’d just avoid July through September, which is known as peak typhoon season.
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