By Fathima Rukaiya,

Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s most exciting travel destinations; a blend of dazzling skylines, lush green hills, vibrant street markets, and world-class cuisine. This detailed 7-day itinerary covers the best attractions, neighborhoods, and experiences.

Before You Go

• Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) – 1 HDK is about USD 0.13 (check current exchange rate).
• Transport: Purchase an Octopus Card for convenient use across MTR, buses, and ferries.
• Best Areas to Stay: Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon side) or Central/Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island) for easy access.
• Budget Guide: Mid-range travelers can expect to spend about HKD 1,500 – 2,000 per day (including accommodation, food, and attractions).
• Weather: Mild winters (18 – 22°C) and warm, humid summers (28 – 33°C).
• Dining: Mix street food, local cafés (“cha chaan teng”), and Cantonese dim sum restaurants for the full experience.

Day 1: Arrival Central, Sheung Wan, and the Peak

Morning:
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport and take the Airport Express (around HKD 110 to Central). Check into your hotel and freshen up before exploring.

Afternoon:
Begin your adventure at the Peak Tram, riding up to Victoria Peak for skyline views. Entry to the Sky Terrace costs around HKD 70 – 90. Stroll the Peak Circle Walk for scenic photo spots.

Evening:
Return to Central via the historic tram, walk through the Mid-Levels Escalator area, and enjoy dinner in Soho or Lan Kwai Fong, known for lively nightlife. Try a “cha chaan teng” meal; Hong Kong style milk tea and baked pork chop rice are local favorites.

Estimated Cost: Around HKD 150 – 300 (transport + dinner).

Day 2: The Night Markets and Kowloon

Morning: Take the Star Ferry (around HKD 4) across Victoria Harbor for a traditional view of Hong Kong. For an unparalleled view of the skyline, stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier.

Afternoon:
Head to Mong Kok, famous for its Ladies’ Market and Sneakers Street. Sample street snacks while browsing through stalls of clothes, souvenirs, and accessories.

Evening:
Visit Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei for bargain shopping and a taste of local street food like egg waffles and clay pot rice.

Estimated Cost: Around HKD 200 – 400

Day 3: Lantau Island – Big Buddha, Ngong Ping & Tai O Village

Morning:
Take the MTR to Tung Chung and ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (HKD 285 return). Visit the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and the Po Lin Monastery, then explore the Ngong Ping Village.

Afternoon:
Take a bus to Tai O Fishing Village, a charming coastal town with traditional stilt houses and street markets.

Evening:
Return to Tung Chung by bus and MTR. Enjoy a quiet dinner near your accommodation.

Estimated Cost: Around HKD 450 – 600 (transport, cable car, and meals).

Day 4: Beach Getaway or Theme Park Fun

Based on your preferences, select one option:

Option A: Disneyland in Hong Kong

Enjoy a wonderful day at Hong Kong’s Disneyland. The price of a one-day ticket is approximately HKD 699 – 799. Experience character parades, themed rides, and fireworks at night.

Option B: Take in roller coasters, marine displays, and a picturesque cable car trip at Ocean Park Hong Kong. The cost of tickets is between HKD 498 and 580.

Option C: Beach Day
If you prefer a slower pace, relax at Repulse Bay or Shek O Beach. Bring swimwear and enjoy a seafood lunch by the shore.

Estimated Cost: Theme Park – HKD 700 – 900; Beach Day – around HKD 200 – 300.

Day 5: Hiking & Outer Islands Adventure

In the morning: go on the moderate Dragon’s Back Hike, which offers stunning views of the coast. The hike ends close to Shek O Village, which is ideal for lunch and a pool. It takes two to three hours.

In the afternoon:

For a more leisurely, traditional aspect of city life, take a ferry to one of Hong Kong’s outer islands, such as Cheung Chau or Peng Chau. Discover coastal cafés, temples, and fishing villages.

Evening: Head back to the city and take in the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor from Central’s rooftop bar.

The estimated cost: including meals, beverages, and ferries, is between HKD 300 and 400.

Day 6: Culture, Gardens & Skyline Views

Morning:
Morning: Take in the peaceful sanctuary of Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, which is close to Diamond Hill and has typical Tang Dynasty – style architecture. Entry is free.

Afternoon:
After lunch at Nan Lian Garden’s vegetarian restaurant, visit Sham Shui Po or Mong Kok for local delicacies, clothing, and electronics.

Evening: Head back to the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui for Hong Kong’s nightly laser and music performance over Victoria Harbor, A Symphony of Lights. As an alternative, reserve a harbor dinner cruise, which starts at about HKD 400.

The approximate cost: is between HKD 300 and 500.

Day 7: Shopping, Dim Sum & Departure

Morning: Savor a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 MUSEA, a luxury mall with local designer shops and art works.

Lunch

Visit a nearby tea house for a typical dim sum brunch.

In the afternoon, take a ride on the well-known Ding Ding tram in Hong Kong or pay an optional visit to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which are among the oldest in the world.

For your flight home, take the Airport Express (HKD 110) to the airport.

The estimated cost: including meals and shopping, is between HKD 400 and 500.

Overview of the Budget (Per Person, Approximate)

• Mid-range accommodation: HKD 1,200 – 2,000 each night → HKD 8,400 – 14,000 in total

• Food: 200 – 400 HKD per day → 1,400 – 2,800 HKD

• Transport (trams, ferries, and Octopus): HKD 500 – 800

• Attractions: HKD 1,000 – 1,500 (including cable cars and theme parks)

Total: HKD 11,000 – 18,000 (about USD 1,430 – 2,350) (excluding flights)

*Please note that the prices mentioned above can tend to fluctuate, so recheck before planning.