Hong Kong used to be under British control, yet it hasn’t lost any of its charms. It isn’t one of the largest cities in the world, yet it is densely populated.
In some ways, this is good, and others, it can make things feel congested. However, this shouldn’t take anything away from the experience when visiting Hong Kong.
Many travelers ask, how long to stay in Hong Kong to see all the sights, and experience everything?
With so many places to visit in Hong Kong, you can expect a trip that encompasses everything the city has to offer, will leave you with a 5-day itinerary.
The problem comes from many visitors using Hong Kong as a starting or ending point on a more extensive trip.
Therefore, what can you do with 3 days in Hong Kong, which is the average time many travelers will have?
Here, you can find out all the best things to see in Hong Kong over this short period, with our cut back Hong Kong itinerary.
3 Day Hong Kong Itinerary
Day 1
Hong Kong is a compact city with a fantastic subway system. This makes things so accessible.
On Nathan Road or “The Golden Mile” after World War II, you’ll find yourself amidst luxury shopping malls, local markets, and a myriad of restaurants, cafes, and street vendors.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Parade offers a view of the harbor from the promenade and the Avenue of Stars.
Kowloon Park is one of the largest green spaces for a stroll, and away from the skyscrapers, there is the Tin Hau Temple, the Chi Lin Nunnery, and the Nan Lian Garden, which offer insights into the style of the Tang Dynasty.
You can walk past the flower market, the San Wai Swimming Shed, and other iconic sights before rewarding yourself with some Dim Sum.
As the sun goes down, head to Hong Kong Island and take a rare trip up Sky100 to the observation deck.
Stay here for half an hour after sunset and the best view and head to the TST Promenade (Kowloon side offers the best view) where you can watch the world-famous laser show Symphony of Lights (8 pm) which will bathe Victoria Harbor in colored light.
You can also see the famous Aqua Luna Junk on the way home.
Day 2
Day 2 takes you away from all the markets, but it also takes you to Admiralty, Soho and Central, Times Square, where there are many designer shops. Most Hong Kong residents are late risers, so a visit to designer labels can take about an hour before things get busy.
When you want to avoid the shops, visit Man Mo Temple and Tank Lane to see unique street art.
Although you can visit the Temple Street night market on the second day, you can always combine this with day 1 to allow for the extra time on the second day.
Victoria Peak is one of the top things to do in Hong Kong and offers fantastic views that deserve more of your time. You can walk to Peak or take the Peak Tram. You can get tickets for Sky Terrace 428 (sunset is the best time). It may be strange to ride on the tram because there is the illusion that the buildings are crooked.
Day 3
No matter how many days in Hong Kong, you will be, you can’t leave without visiting the Tian Tan Buddha, or as everyone knows it, the Big Buddha. You find this on Lantau Island, which takes around 40 to 60 minutes from Central or Kowloon.
It is a better option for a day trip and can reach it by ferry, MTR, and Cable Car or by bus.
To get the best, it best to set off with the ferry, take a bus to Tung Chung Station. From there, the Cable Car up to the Ngong Ping Village. You can spend time here as there are lots of attractions, including 5D movies.
It is outside the village you find the Buddha, Wisdom Steps, and Po Lin Monastery. You can spend a full day on the island before taking a return gondola ride and the MTR to your hotel.
On your last night, you can take another trip around markets or take a trip around the harbor on a cruise with one of the iconic junk boats that offer the service, or choose one of the Star Ferry trips.
You can spend an hour seeing the light show from the comfort of a boat rather than standing at the side.
Read More: Southeast Asia Itinerary 1 Month
Alternative Things to See in Hong Kong
There are countless other things to do with every trip to Hong Kong. If you have children tagging along, you can swap any of your days to make day trips to either Hong Kong Disneyland, yet most of the sights may be familiar.
Ocean Park may offer something very different, as it is Hong Kong’s second-largest theme park, which almost closed before a bailout and massive expansion. It is now home to over 80 attractions and rides and is split by a mountain range.
In overall size, it covers 91.5 hectares, and cable cars link the upper and lowland areas of the park.
Hong Kong can offer plenty for travelers. You may find countless travel tips, and most are about getting around town.
If you are on a budget, there are options to travel cheaper rather than the conventional ways. Hiking up to the Peak costs you nothing and delivers a great workout without you leaving the confines of the city.
You will find that is one of the other top tips. Hong Kong overs lots more once you get outside the city, and most of the surrounding areas are green areas.
