3 DAYS IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong: the epicenter of all that is good in Asian city life. No wish left unfulfilled. Food? The city is home to over 60 Michelin starred restaurants. Tchotchkes? Entire markets dedicated to every random object imaginable. Nightlife? Bars and clubs buzzing with fashionable and trendy locals. Hong Kong is the perfect layover destination to kick off your next trip east.
This three day itinerary offers you an introduction to the best of Hong Kong:
*Accommodations: Hong Kong is composed of two main islands: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Island. Depending on your budget and activity preferences, you could stay on either island. Hong Kong Island is much more expensive and offers a more âex-patâ experience. Kowloon has the best night markets and hostels. I stayed in Kowloon at Urban Pack Hostel and found it be welcoming and accessible to public transportation.
Day 1 - Kowloon
Begin your first day in Hong Kong with brunch in Kowloon. One Dim Sum is a no- frills dim sum restaurant near the Mongkok district. The restaurant is one of the cheapest Michelin starred restaurants in the world and has a varied menu of dumplings, buns, and rice rolls. After a hearty brunch, head over to the nearby flower market to experience the colors and fragrances of Hong Kongâs freshest flowers.
With your sense and of taste and smell satisfied, take a short walk to Shanghai Street and satisfy your sense of sight. Experience one of Hong Kongâs oldest streets, with a number of preserved old Chinese shop-house buildings. Stop by Hui Lau Shan for a mango snack before heading to the Ladies Market for some clothing and accessory shopping. If youâre looking for imitation bags, this is the place to get them but be sure to bargain.
At this point, youâve probably worked up an appetite. Hop on the metro and head to Din Tau Fung for a casual Taiwanese meal in the Tsim Sha Tsui district. Walk over to the promenade to watch the Hong Kong skyline light up for the Symphony of Lights at 8 PM. End the evening with a walk through Temple Street Night Market before heading to bed.
đBreakfast: One Dim Sum
đFlower Market
đShanghai Street
đSnack: Hui Lau Shan
đLadies Market
đDinner: Din Tau Fung
đSymphony of Lights
đTemple Street Night Market
Day 2 â Hong Kong Island
Wake up early and beat the crowds to one of Hong Kongâs most cherished breakfast spots â Australian Dairy Company. Donât be fooled by its name - the restaurant is actually a traditional Hong Kong breakfast spot serving milk tea, egg pudding, and scrambled eggs. Truthfully, the experience is just as exciting as the food. Get ready to wait in line, absorb pushy service, and be seated with complete strangers on ridiculously small tables. Feeling dissuaded? One bite of the scrambled eggs and youâll be serving yourself.
With a stomach full of congee, take the next bus out to Dragonâs Back trail for a short 1-2 hour hike. This beautiful trek along Shek O Country Park has been named the most beautiful urban hike in the world and for good reason. The views of the coast and the offshore islands are spectacular and not to be missed. This trek will end at Shek O village where you can grab a cheap bite to eat before heading back to town. Arrive at the tram line to Victoriaâs Peak by late afternoon. It will likely take you at least an hour or two to arrive at the front of the line, but it will certainly be worth it. Once you arrive to the top of the mountain, you will have 360 degree views of Central HK and the Harbour along with top-notch shopping and restaurants. I recommend dinner at Makâs Noodles.
After a long day of hiking and tramming, you deserve a drink. Dance the night away in Hong Kong Islandâs Lan Kwai Fong district, or better known as âLKF.â
đDragonâs Back Trail
đLunch: Shek O Village
đVictoria's Peak
đDinner: Makâs Noodles
đLan Kwai Fong
Day 3 - Big Buddha
On your final day, you will conquer Tian Tan Buddha or âBig Buddhaâ in Lantau Island. You will need to take a few buses to arrive at Lai King Station where you can either transfer or take a cable car to the grounds. The journey will likely take you between 1.5-2 hours and you will need at least a few hours to take in all this beautiful island has to offer. Although Big Buddha was completed in the 1990s, its beauty is nothing short of the oldest ruins in Asia. The monastery that surrounds the Buddha is serene and the views are well worth the 268 steps to the top. If youâre heading to the airport in the evening, make sure to stop by Michelin-starred Crystal Jade in Terminal 1 Arrivals for some of the best hot & sour soups in all of Hong Kong.
đBig Buddha in Lantau Island
đLunch: Crystal Jade
âď¸Hong Kong International Airport
*If youâre itinerary has you in Hong Kong on a Wednesday night, the horse races at Happy Valley are a great place to grab a few drinks and experience Hong Kongâs most popular sport.
