Many people get their first taste of Hong Kong during a layover on a long flight. With a bit of luck (or good planning), you can spend a day or two exploring the city. That was my experience as well. Sixteen years ago, I missed a connecting flight and suddenly found myself in a very warm Hong Kong for a day.
But Hong Kong is more than just a stopover; it’s also an amazing destination for a longer city trip. That’s why I recently flew to Hong Kong for my first ‘real’ visit. I spent 5 days here, which was perfect for a first introduction to the city. In this post, I’ll share in detail what I did each day, where I ate, and some useful tips. Hopefully, my 5 day Hong Kong itinerary will inspire and help you to plan your own trip to this fantastic city.
Traveling to Hong Kong
I flew directly from Amsterdam to Hong Kong with KLM, a journey of about 12 hours. Since my flight was in the evening, I arrived in the late afternoon the following day (local time). As you won’t do much on this day besides checking into your hotel (I stayed at the beautiful The Hari hotel) and grabbing a bite nearby, I don’t count this as part of my 5 day Hong Kong itinerary. The fun part starts tomorrow!
Day 1: Wan Chai & Causeway Bay
Since my hotel, The Hari, is in the Wan Chai district, I start my first full day in Hong Kong exploring this neighborhood and the adjacent Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island.
Breakfast: Cheung Hing Coffee Shop
A typical breakfast in Hong Kong takes place in a ‘cha chaan teng’—affordable cafés or restaurants with a retro interior that seems frozen in time. These spots serve popular local dishes and you’ll find many locals eating here.
Breakfast Tip: Cheung Hing Coffee Shop, famous for their delicious ‘pineapple buns’—soft, sweet rolls with a thick slab of butter, interestingly with no pineapple. Pair it with a cup of Hong Kong milk tea and you have your first real Hong Kong breakfast.
Address: 9 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley
Coffee: n.o.t. specialty coffee
If you’re in the mood for a good cup of coffee after breakfast, head to n.o.t. specialty coffee inside the Hysan Place department store. Located on the 9th floor, this café not only serves great coffee but also offers a stunning view. Take the lift at B1 Office and follow the signs for ‘Urban Sky.’
Address: Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Activity: Walking Tour of Wan Chai
To get a better feel for Wan Chai, I followed the walking route from Lonely Planet, which includes stops at the famous Blue House, Wan Chai Market, and the Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple.
Lunch: Kam’s Roast Goose
Even on a Monday during off season, I waited an hour in line for lunch at Kam’s Roast Goose. But if you love roasted meats, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a must-visit. The food arrives within five minutes and is very reasonably priced.
Address: 226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Activity: Monster Building
Hong Kong is known for its high-rise buildings with countless small apartments. The ‘Monster Building’ consists of five interconnected buildings housing about 10,000 people! Despite its somewhat grim appearance, it’s a popular photo spot for tourists. Take a ‘Ding Ding’ tram (sit upstairs at the front for the best view) and ride to the Quarry Bay district to see this building.
Coffee: Retro
Take the tram back to Wan Chai. If you need a coffee break with a treat, visit Retro, conveniently located near The Hari hotel.
Address: 160 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai
Dinner: Tim Ho Wan
Hong Kong boasts many Michelin-starred restaurants, some surprisingly affordable. Tim Ho Wan, a famous dim sum spot, proves that Michelin-star dining doesn’t have to be expensive—I only spent €15 here.
There are multiple Tim Ho Wan locations in Hong Kong. On Hong Kong Island, you’ll find one in the Central district. While the setting (often inside a metro station) isn’t the most charming, the ‘bbq pork buns’ are incredibly delicious.
Address: Shop 12A & 12B, Level 1, MTR Hong Kong Station, Central
Day 2: Central & Northwest
The second day of my Hong Kong itinerary is dedicated to the Central and Northwest districts, also located on Hong Kong Island.
Breakfast: Bakehouse
One of the treats you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Hong Kong is the ‘egg tart’ from Bakehouse. These pastries closely resemble the pastel de nata you’d find in Portugal. You can find them at many bakeries across the city, but Bakehouse’s are particularly famous.
You can sit down and eat at Bakehouse, but today I opted for a cappuccino to go, a delicious croissant, and, of course, a few of those amazing egg tarts to eat while walking.
There are multiple Bakehouse locations in the city. I visited the one near my hotel in Wan Chai.
Address: 14 Tai Wong Street E, Wan Chai
Activity: Hong Kong Park
We’re heading toward the Peak Tram, which departs from the edge of Hong Kong Park. If you’re up for a short walk, make your way from Bakehouse to Hong Kong Park (about 15-20 minutes) and enjoy a bit of this lovely park before taking the Peak Tram.
Activity: Peak Tram & Victoria Peak
One of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions is Victoria Peak. From this mountain, you get stunning views of the city. Several hiking trails lead to the summit, so if you want to join the locals, hike the Morning Trail (2.8 km) to the top. I saw both young and old doing it, but it’s a continuous climb so can be quite challenging. The route is well-marked, and you walk on a paved path surrounded by trees.
Most people, however, choose the less strenuous option: the Peak Tram, which takes you to the top in just six minutes. It can get very busy, but I arrived at 9 AM, and there was no line at all. Tickets for the Peak Tram are also 25% cheaper if you go between 8 and 10 AM. Keep in mind that the Sky Terrace, with the best view, only opens at 10 AM. If you visit during peak hours, it’s worth buying a ‘Skip the line’ ticket (called a Ruby Pass).
At the Peak, there are also several hiking trails. I chose to walk the Morning Trail back down. Be aware that the trail’s endpoint (or starting point if you’re going up) isn’t right in the city center, so you’ll need to walk a bit more to get back to the main tourist areas.
Coffee: Halfway Coffee
The rest of the day, we’ll be exploring Central. A fun (and popular) place for coffee is Halfway Coffee. They serve their coffee in traditional Chinese porcelain cups.
Address: 26 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan
Lunch: Little Bao
For lunch in Central, Little Bao is a great choice. This modern restaurant specializes in various bao sandwiches with delicious fillings like fried chicken and pork belly.
I had accidentally made a reservation at their other location in Causeway Bay and had to travel back and forth, so I recommend going to the Central location.
Address: 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central
Activity: Man Mo Temple
If you only visit one temple in Hong Kong, make it Man Mo Temple. I found it the most worthwhile.
Address: 124-130 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
Activity: PMQ
PMQ stands for Police Married Quarters. This was once home to young married police officers, but it has now been transformed into a hub for various creative entrepreneurs. It’s fun to explore the different floors, and if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this is the place to be.
Address: 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Activity: Tai Kwun
One of my favorite places to visit in Hong Kong is Tai Kwun. This is the former central police station (including a prison) of Hong Kong. The 16 buildings on the site have been completely restored and now form a vibrant community of art, dining, shopping, and more. You don’t want to miss this!
Address: 10 Hollywood Road, Central
Cocktail: 001
Make sure to visit Tai Kwun in the afternoon so you can enjoy a cocktail at a very special location before dinner. Hidden behind a prison door is Hong Kong’s first speakeasy bar. There are no signs pointing you to 001—just ring the bell next to the door, and you’ll be let in.
Dinner: Ho Lee Fook
I wanted to eat at Ho Lee Fook just because of the name alone (try saying it out loud). Reservations are definitely required, but trust me, it’s worth it—this was the best meal I had in Hong Kong. The menu consists of Cantonese dishes with influences from other countries where the chef has worked. One of the highlights for me was the ‘prawn toast x okonomiyaki.’
Address: 3-5 Elgin Street, Central
Day 3: Kowloon
Today, we leave Hong Kong Island and head across the water to Kowloon.
Breakfast: Australia Dairy Company
We start the day again in a traditional cha chaan teng, namely the Australia Dairy Company. Don’t expect a trendy Australian brunch menu with avocado toast here. The name “Australia” refers to the dairy ingredients that were imported from Australia (the founder once worked on a farm there).
This restaurant, which has been around since 1970, is truly an institution and, in my opinion, something you must experience. It’s busy, chaotic, and you’ll be in and out in no time. But it’s an amazing experience. The scrambled eggs with toast are especially delicious.
There’s usually a line outside, but I was able to get a spot immediately on a weekday. However, I did have to sit at a small table with three strangers, but that’s part of the experience.
Address: 47 Parkes Street, Jordan
Activity: Kowloon Walled City Park
Take the metro to Kowloon Walled City Park. This park was once the site of a “walled city,” a densely populated area where people lived in extremely close quarters under their own set of rules and laws. In the 1990s, the city was demolished and replaced by this beautiful park. It is now one of the most peaceful places in the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll. You’ll also find interesting information and photos about how the city once looked.
Coffee (and lunch): Roommate
A great spot for coffee and a treat within walking distance of Kowloon Walled City Park is Roommate. You can also have lunch here if you’d like.
Address: 88 Choi Hung Rd, San Po Kong
Activity: Tai Shing Street Market
Would you like to visit an indoor market in Hong Kong? Just around the corner from Roommate is Tai Shing Street Market. Since you’re already in the area, it’s worth popping in.
Address: 121 Choi Hung Road, Chuk Un
Activity: Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
Next, I visited the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, but honestly, I would skip this one. I found it quite overwhelming. It’s one of the largest temples in Hong Kong, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by other visitors carrying smoldering incense sticks while loud music plays from large TV screens. If you want to have your future predicted, there are plenty of options here.
Activity: Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery
Fortunately, you’re just one metro stop away from a more serene spot in Kowloon: Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. Nan Lian Garden is less than twenty years old and beautifully designed. It’s amazing how peaceful it is despite being in a busy part of the city. Next to it is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist monastery that is almost a century old and truly stunning. Unfortunately, I was only allowed to take photos in the first section, but I found this place absolutely worth visiting.
Coffee: Coffee Analog
In the Mong Kok district, you’ll find various specialized markets, such as the famous Ladies’ Market and a goldfish market (since goldfish are believed to bring good luck). The area is bustling and lively, making it fun to walk through, but I didn’t find the markets particularly special. If you need a break with a good cup of coffee, Coffee Analog is highly recommended. In the evening, this place transforms into a whiskey bar, and you’ll see bottles everywhere. But during the day, it’s a quiet spot for quality coffee.
Address: 169 Sai Yeung Choi Street N, Mong Kok
Activity: Avenue of Stars
The Avenue of Stars is a nicely designed promenade along the waterfront, offering a stunning view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. It’s also Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring handprints of famous people (though I only recognized a few). It’s one of the city’s most visited tourist spots, but still a nice place for a waterfront stroll.
Dinner: Din Tai Fung
I’m a big fan of Din Tai Fung and have fond memories of eating there in Taiwan (where it originated) and Singapore. You can also enjoy amazing dim sum here in Hong Kong. So if you’re in the area, definitely stop by.
Address: Shop 306, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Activity: Symphony of Lights
Make sure you’re back at the Avenue of Stars by 8:00 PM. Every evening, a light show takes place here, drawing large crowds.
Activity: Star Ferry
After the Symphony of Lights, you could take the metro back to your hotel. But you should really take the Star Ferry across the water at least once during your visit to Hong Kong—so why not now? The Star Ferry operates to Central and Wan Chai, and it’s incredibly cheap (less than €0.50), with a ride taking about 10 minutes. You can pay with your Octopus card.
Day 4: Lantau
Did you know that Hong Kong consists of 263 islands? Most of your time will likely be spent on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on the mainland. However, today we’re visiting another island: Lantau. If you’re interested in visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, that’s also located on Lantau Island.
Breakfast: Bakehouse
For breakfast, I’m heading back to Bakehouse in Wan Chai. But this time, I’m eating at the restaurant for a slightly more relaxed breakfast rather than just grabbing a croissant and coffee to go.
Activity: Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
Next, take the metro to Tung Chung on Lantau Island, which takes about an hour. The main attraction on Lantau Island is the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, but to get there, we need to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up the mountain. It departs from right across the Tung Chung metro station.
The cable car quickly takes you to a great height and lasts about half an hour. The views are spectacular, though with my fear of heights, I was relieved to have my feet back on solid ground.
The Big Buddha is the largest seated Buddha in the world. To reach it, you have to climb a staircase with 268 steps. Next to it is the Po Lin Monastery, which is also worth a visit.
Lunch: Samsen
There is a simple vegetarian restaurant at the Po Lin Monastery that is supposed to be very good. You can have lunch there if you’d like, but I decided to return to Hong Kong Island.
The Thai restaurant Samsen has multiple locations in the city and is a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner. If you’re coming back from Lantau Island, the Sheung Wan location is the most convenient—it’s just a 12-minute walk from Hong Kong Station. This place can get very busy with long wait times, but on a weekday, I easily got a table for lunch.
Address: 23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
Coffee: EN
If you’re in the mood for a great cup of coffee after lunch, head to EN, just a 5-minute walk away. In my opinion, this is the best coffee spot in Hong Kong. There aren’t many seats inside, but the café is next to a large staircase where you can sit and enjoy your drink.
Address: 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central
Dinner: Yardbird
For my last evening in Hong Kong, I’m dining at another Michelin-starred restaurant: Yardbird. It’s essential to make a reservation in advance (available from two weeks ahead).
This trendy restaurant specializes in various yakitori skewers made from different parts of the chicken. The standout dish was the meatball skewer, served with a dipping sauce containing an egg yolk that you mix in. Absolutely delicious!
Address: 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan
Day 5: West Kowloon & Central
I’m flying home tonight, so we’re reaching the end of this 5 day Hong Kong itinerary. But since my flight is late in the evening, I still have a full day in Hong Kong. It’s best not to plan too much on this day so you have the flexibility to do things you might have missed earlier.
Breakfast: Lucciola at The Hari Hotel
Since I have to check out today, I’m having breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Lucciola. Breakfast consists of a buffet, along with a choice of one dish from the menu, such as French toast or eggs Benedict. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s not particularly impressive either. I’m glad I decided to have breakfast outside the hotel on the previous days.
Activity: M+ Museum
During my day in Kowloon, I didn’t get a chance to visit the M+ art museum, so I’m making time for it this morning. If you enjoy modern art, this is a must-visit. The building itself (designed by the same architects as Tate Modern in London) is stunning, and I’m very impressed by the collection. One of the most beautiful museums I’ve ever visited.
Address: 38 Museum Drive, West Kowloon
Lunch: Duddell’s
I’ve never eaten at so many Michelin-starred restaurants on a trip before, but when it’s this affordable—why not? Since this is my last proper meal of the trip (dinner will be at the airport), I’m making the most of it.
Duddell’s isn’t the cheapest restaurant, but I had heard so many good things about it that I decided to make a reservation. I ordered the executive lunch, which includes a variety of dishes. However, I found the dim sum to be the highlight, so next time, I’d probably just order dim sum.
Address: 1 Duddell Street, Central
Activity: Central Market
You’ve probably already seen them during your trip, but taking a ride on the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators is a must when visiting Hong Kong. At 800 meters long, it’s the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, lifting you 135 meters in elevation from bottom to top.
Right next to the escalators is Central Market. This historic building has been transformed into a space with small shops and street food vendors. It’s a fun place to walk around. If you want to try an egg waffle, a classic Hong Kong snack, Mammy Pancake here sells one of the best in the city.
Activity: ArtLane
For the final activity of the trip, I took the tram to the Sai Ying Pun district to visit ArtLane. I almost skipped it, but if you love street art, it’s definitely worth it. The walls of two streets here have been beautifully painted by local and international artists.
Coffee: Winston’s Coffee
Looking for a final coffee or tea stop in the area? I made one last stop at Winston’s Coffee, just a 5-minute walk from ArtLane. If you prefer something even closer, Rootdown is another option.
Address: 213 Queen’s Road W, Sai Ying Pun
After this, it was time for me to head back to my hotel, pick up my luggage, and make my way to the airport. While I could have easily spent weeks exploring this amazing city, five days was the perfect amount of time to get a good first impression. I hope you have an incredible time too!
