Get ready to discover one of the most fascinating Asian cities, Hong Kong. Learn here 20 things to do and eat during a 3-day trip in this mega city!

 

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Hong Kong needs no more introductions. With 7 million people, it’s one of the most densely packed cities in the world. But it’s also packed with amazing food and all kinds of crazy things.

The rich history and cultural marriage between East and West make Hong Kong always a fascinating place to visit.

In this post, I would like to share with you 20 things you should do and eat from my short 3-day trip to Hong Kong. Hopefully, this serves as an inspiration for your own future itinerary.

As always, I will also provide some HONEST tips and information to help you prepare for your trip, even before you arrive in Hong Kong.

 

20 Things to Do and Eat in Hong Kong: 3-day itinerary

 

Pre-arrival

To help you prepare your visit before you arrive in Hong Kong, here are a few essential things to keep in mind.

 

#1 – Get familiar with the Hong Kong area

Hong Kong consists of 3 geographical regions, originated from the division established during the British colonial time: Kowloon (the northern island), Hong Kong Island (the southern island), and the New Territories (the vast area north of Kowloon towards mainland China, including Lantau island).

If you only visit Hong Kong for a few days, the best area I would recommend for you to stay and explore is the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. This is also the focus of the itinerary covered in this post.

Kowloon has the old Hong Kong atmosphere and home to Hong Kong’s legendary districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mongkok and Sham Shui Po.

On the contrary, Hong Kong Island represents modern Hong Kong, surrounded by high-rise buildings and luxurious apartments. Hong Kong Island is also home to the Hong Kong Central business district.

 

#2 – Hotels or Airbnb?                                       

Accommodation in Hong Kong is generally quite expensive. Hotel price in Hong Kong is somewhat similar level to that in Japan, Europe or the US.

And because the city is so dense, the hotel room in Hong Kong can be quite tiny. It’s also worth noting that accommodation price at Kowloon is in average lower than at Hong Kong Island.

I myself stayed at The Mira in Tsim Sha Tsui. This is one of the funkiest hotels in Kowloon, strategically located on the corner of Nathan Road and Kimberley Road.

If you’re looking for a good mid-range hotel, I would highly recommend Royal Plaza Hotel in Mongkok. This 4-star hotel has one of the most modern and spacious rooms in Hong Kong at a decent price.

Starting at around $120 a night, you can stay in a modern and spacious room at one of the best locations in Kowloon.

Image Courtesy of Royal Plaza Hotel

If you want to find more budget-priced accommodations, I would suggest moving farther away from Hong Kong Central. One area that you can explore is Sai Ying Pun on Hong Kong Island.

If you choose Airbnb instead, there are also plenty of good quality options. However, don’t expect to get them as cheap as in other Asian cities, and the space you get will perhaps not be bigger than a hotel room.

To help you bring the cost down, don’t forget to use this link to get €30 off for your first Airbnb booking.

 

#3 – Currencies, payment, and tipping                                        

Although Hong Kong is officially part of China, the currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), instead of the Chinese Yuan (CNY). As of now, the exchange rate of USD to HKD is around 8 HKD (1 USD = ~8 HKD).

Cash payment is still heavily used in Hong Kong, especially in night markets or food stalls. A credit card is only limited in use at large restaurants, malls or supermarkets.

As always, instead of exchanging a lot of money at home, I would suggest doing so in Hong Kong upon your arrival, as you will tend to get a better rate.

To find the best money changer in Hong Kong, I would suggest shopping around in Chungking Mansion on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. This place may look dodgy, but it is actually safe. Just ignore those sleazy salesmen in front of the building, and you’re going to be ok.

Unlike in the US, tipping is absolutely not necessary in Hong Kong.

 

Upon arrival

If you fly to Hong Kong, you will arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

This grand airport is built on an artificial island of Chek Lap Kok, near Lantau Island, about 35 km to the west of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

To get you from the airport to the city, the best way is to take the Airport Express Train. In just under 25 minutes, it will take you to Kowloon Station for HKD 105 one-way, or Hong Kong Station in Central (Hong Kong Island) for HKD 115.

From there, you can take either a taxi or ride-hailing service like Uber to get to your hotel. Perhaps even a better solution, at Kowloon station, there is a free shuttle service to some major hotels in Kowloon. You can check here whether your hotel is listed or not.

In case your hotel is not on the list, don’t be discouraged. I would still recommend taking the shuttle anyway and pick a hotel on the list that is located nearest by to your hotel.

Free shuttle bus from Kowloon station, seen at Holiday Inn Hotel. Image Courtesy of Hongkongextras.com

Not forget to mention, Hong Kong has one of the best and affordable public transport systems in the world. So I would highly recommend taking public transport (MTR, tram) to get around in town.

But before boarding any public transport, I would highly recommend you to get yourself a public transport card, Octopus card. This card will make your life much easier when using public transport. You can even use it to pay at 7-Eleven or some restaurant chains like Café de Coral.

You can buy the Octopus card at any major MTR stations and at the airport.

 

Itinerary and Food

Day 1 – Kowloon

Things to do:

#1 – Nathan Road

Image Courtesy of UrbanCapture.com

Let’s start to explore Hong Kong from Kowloon’s main boulevard, Nathan Road.

This boulevard is the main artery road of Kowloon, and runs literally from north to south Kowloon, starting from Sham Shui Po to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Nathan Road is jam-packed with a plethora of shops, cafes, restaurants, clubs, hotels, and malls. You can walk up and down the street, trying to find the best shopping deals or the most delicious food.

This road is also the place to see and to be seen. Don’t be surprised if you bump into some Hong Kong celebrities (if you can recognize them) partying at some swanky clubs on Nathan Road.

Tired of walking? No problem at all. Many (if not all) double-decker buses in Hong Kong are passing through Nathan Road. So just jump in and start exploring!

Location: Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

 

#2 – Kowloon Park

Image Courtesy of Tickikids.com

Want to escape the hustle of bustle of Kowloon a little bit? Then let’s head to Kowloon Park.

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Park is a green and serene sanctuary in the middle of hectic Kowloon. You can wander around this 33-acre park and relax among the lush green trees and beautiful roses.

The park also boasts several attraction places, such as Kowloon Park Sports Center, swimming pool, and Avenue of Comic Stars. Or if you are into history, you can visit the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Center Museum.

To reach the park, you can take MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui (Red Line). The entrance of the park is located on Nathan Road.

Location: Kowloon Park, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

 

#3 – Harbourfront (Victoria Harbor)

When the sun starts setting and the lights start shining, there is only one place you have to go: the Harbourfront.

Harbourfront in Hong Kong is similar to what the Bund is in Shanghai. From the Harbourfront, you can enjoy the view overlooking Victoria Harbor and the skyline of Hong Kong Island, with its magnificent lighting in the evening.

At 8 PM, make sure you are at Harborfront’s area near Hong Kong Cultural Center to watch the spectacular light show Symphony of Lights, where the lighting on the buildings forms a harmonious dance with the music played by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to that, Harbourfront also boasts several other attractions, such as Avenue of Stars, where you can find Bruce Lee’s statue and handprints of Hong Kong celebrities, as well as Hong Kong Museum of Art.

Location: Harbourfront, Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

 

#4 – Star Ferry (Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, and back)

After enjoying the view of Victoria Harbor and watching the light show at Harbourfront, what can be more awesome than taking a Star Ferry to cross the Victoria Harbor?

The Star Ferry is a legendary transportation mode that exists almost 130 years, connecting Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since 1888.

A one-way ferry ride from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island costs only HKD 0.50, making this the cheapest tourist attraction in Hong Kong.

You can board the Star Ferry from the Star Ferry Pier, located just next to the Hong Kong Cultural Center at the Harbourfront.

Location: Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

 

PROTIP – Before getting into food tips, I’d like to inform you that many restaurants in Hong Kong do not provide napkins. So if you find it important to have one, bring one with you.

 

Food:

#5 – Hong Kong Breakfast

Image Courtesy of ThatFoodCray.com

Why don’t start your day in Hong Kong with a typical Hong Kong breakfast?

Perhaps totally unexpected, a typical Hong Kong style breakfast does not only consist of dim sum and congee.

Due to its British colonial history, Hong Kong has also embraced typical Western breakfast staples such as French toast, elbow macaroni soup and scrambled eggs with ham. However, Hong Kong people have made their own twist of these breakfast goodness.

One of the most popular places to get Hong Kong style breakfast is at Australia Dairy Company in Jordan, Kowloon (despite its name, there is actually nothing Australian in this “company”).

A set of Hong Kong style breakfast consists of toast, elbow macaroni soup and scrambled eggs with ham only costs HKD 32. While you’re there, don’t forget to also try their famous steamed milk.

In the morning there is always a long line at this place, so be patient. Also, make sure you know what to order quickly because they are famous for their food and unfortunately not for their customer friendliness.

Location: Australia Dairy Company, 47 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong.

 

#6 – Wonton Noodle Soup

Image Courtesy of TipTapTrip.net

Another local food that you should give a try is Hong Kong wonton noodle soup. Unlike other wonton noodle soup that you may have had before, in Hong Kong, this dish has been elevated to another level.

The noodle is always freshly hand-made bamboo noodle, referring to the traditional process of slowly kneading the dough with a bamboo stick. This ensures that the noodle has excellent texture, bouncy and al-dente.

The broth is traditionally made from dried fish, instead of bone broth mixed with salt and MSG. This gives the broth that unique signature flavor of Hong Kong wonton noodle soup.

One of the best local places to get Hong Kong wonton noodle soup is at Chee Kei. A bowl of wonton noodle soup costs around HKD 60.

Chee Kei has several locations in Hong Kong, but I would recommend the one in Tsim Sha Tsui. To reach the restaurant, take MRT to Tsim Sha Tsui (Red Line).

Location: Chee Kei, 52 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

 

#7 – Hong Kong Desserts

Image Courtesy of Foodolicious.wordpress.com

Let’s close the evening with desserts! Hong Kong people love desserts and they really take desserts seriously.

One of the best dessert places in Hong Kong is Chung Kee Dessert. At Chung Kee, there are tons of choices of desserts, ranging from traditional sweet sticky rice to mixed fruit with ice cream. The best thing about Chung Kee is that it opens until late in the AM!

All dessert items look very good here, and that will make it difficult for you to make a choice. But if you want to go local, why don’t you try the local favorite: durian ice!

Chung Kee Dessert has several locations in Hong Kong, but I would recommend the one in Jordan. To reach the restaurant, take MRT to Jordan (Red Line).

Location: Chung Kee Dessert, 23 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong.

Day 2 – Hong Kong Island

Things to do:

#8 – Victoria Peak

I am sure you have seen a lot of pictures of the above panoramic eagle-eye view of Hong Kong before. But do you know where they are taken? Yes, the Victoria Peak!

Victoria Peak is one of the must-go destinations on Hong Kong Island. It is the highest peak on Hong Kong Island and offers you breathtaking views of Hong Kong Central, Victoria Harbor, Lamma Island and other surrounding islands on the South China Sea.

To reach the Peak is an experience in itself. The best and iconic way to reach the peak is by the legendary Peak Tram. You can board the tram from the Peak Tram station in Hong Kong Central. A one-way ride costs HKD 32 and you can pay with your Octopus Card.

Another alternative way to reach the peak is by bus (number 15), costing HKD 9.80. Although it’s cheaper and the ride may be more scenic, it’s considerably far slower to reach the Peak. Therefore I would recommend taking the bus only on the way back to Hong Kong Central.

As you can guess, the Victoria Peak is very busy. The busiest time is during the evening when the city’s skyline is lit beautifully. During the normal hours in the morning or afternoon, you can expect to wait in queue for the Peak Tram at least for 30-45 minutes.

Location: Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

 

#9 – Wan Chai and Causeway Bay

Wander around and shop till you drop in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. These major shopping districts of Hong Kong Island are packed with big malls and boutique shops, carrying both locally made and imported fashion from around the world.

Causeway Bay is also very popular among Hong Kong’s youth. Especially on weekends, many of this fashionable youth flock to Causeway Bay wearing their most trendy outfits.

To make it easier for you to explore Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, why don’t you hop on the Hong Kong’s iconic 110-year old trams (called “Ding Ding” by locals).

Location: Wan Chai – Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.

 

#10 – Horse Racing, Happy Valley

Image Courtesy of CityAM.com

For those of you looking for a thrilling evening and something different than only sightseeing or shopping, I guarantee a trip to the horse racing track will be the right thing for you.

Hong Kong has made horse racing a fun experience. There is no requirement to bet, and you can just have a great time by enjoying the race alongside live music, drinks and more.

Hong Kong has 2 world-class horse tracks, but in my opinion, you will get the best horse racing experience at the ultra-modern Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong Island.

The race in Happy Valley starts every Wednesday evening from around 19.00. But come early, as it can get very crowded. Alongside the race track, there are different live music podiums and beer garden.

Entrance costs only HKD 45 and you can pay with your Octopus card. To reach Happy Valley, you can take MTR to Causeway Bay (Blue line). Then you can take the tram to Happy Valley, or walk 15 minutes.

Location: Hongkong Jockey Club Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong.

 

#11 – Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo

Image Courtesy of DiscoverHongkong.com

Explore Hong Kong nightlife at Hong Kong’s most popular clubbing districts: Lan Kwai Fong and Soho.

Lan Kwai Fong is a historic district at Hong Kong Central with narrow street and alleys, lined with over 90 restaurants and bars. Here you can find many options for pub crawls or just relaxing wine bar.

Just a few hundred meters to the west at Staunton Street and Elgin Street, you will find the hip and happening SoHo. Check out the vibrant Man Hing Lane and diverse clubs and bars in the area.

Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo are both in Hong Kong Central and can be reached by MTR (Red or Blue line).

Location: Lan Kwai Fong – Soho, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.

 

Food:

 

#12 – Ichiran Ramen

Image Courtesy of Notey.com

If you read my previous guide on Tokyo, you may know already that I am very fond of Ichiran ramen.

For me, Ichiran is hands down one of the best ramen places in Japan and it also has increasingly gained popularity even outside Japan.

Ichiran is famous for the unique anti-social concept of its restaurant. At Ichiran, there are no communal table seats. Instead, each customer sits individually separate from each other on a bar-like setting. And there is no waiter either, as ordering takes place via a vending machine and a form.

Ichiran has several locations in Hong Kong, and one of them is in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island.  A bowl of ramen with soft-boiled eggs and cha siu cost about HKD 129.

Location: Ichiran Causeway Bay, Lockhart House, Block A, 440 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

 

#13 – Roast Goose (and other roast meat)

Image Courtesy of DanielFoodDiary.com

If there’s one single food item that is worth traveling all the way to Hong Kong, it is the Hong Kong style roast goose!

That crispy skin and juicy, succulent meat make my mouth watered even just from thinking about it.

And when you want to taste the best roast goose in Hong Kong, you must go to Kam’s Roast Goose in Wan Chai.

This establishment has even won and retained its 1 Michelin star for 3 years in a row, making it one of the cheapest Michelin-starred establishments in the world (for another cheapest Michelin-starred place in Hong Kong, make sure you continue reading this guide). A portion of roast goose leg over rice costs only HKD 93.

But if I may recommend you for the top item to order in Kam’s Roast Goose, it would be half roast goose and half suckling pig, on top of rice. I guarantee it’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before!

As with any other great restaurants in Hong Kong, there will be a line, especially during the lunch and dinner hours. But the line goes very quickly and the restaurant is very customer friendly (I guess that’s why they won the Michelin star).

To reach Kam’s Roast Goose, take MTR to Wan Chai (Blue line).

Location: Kam’s Roast Goose, 226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

 

#14 – Brisket Noodle Soup

Image Courtesy of Misstamchiak.com

Another local noodle soup that you need to try in Hong Kong is brisket noodle soup. This is the specialty of one famous eating place in Hong Kong Central, Kau Kee.

The combination of aromatic beef broth, succulent brisket, and chewy rice noodle will make you fall in love with this dish.

Besides brisket noodle soup, Kau Kee is also known for its beef tendon curry noodle soup. So make sure you try both when in Kau Kee.

A bowl of brisket noodle soup costs starting from HKD 45.

Location: Kau Kee, 21 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong.

 

Day 3 – Kowloon

Things to do:

#15 – Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Video Courtesy of HONG KONG

Start in the morning with a visit to International Commercial Center, the highest building in Hong Kong. Get a 360-degree view of Hong Kong from the Sky 100 Observation Deck, located on the 100th floor of the tower.

Entrance fee is HKD 188 for walk-in (HKD 169 if you order online) for an adult. You can also enjoy the view while relaxing at the café on the 101st floor.

Location: Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, International Commercial Center (ICC), 1 Austin Road W, West Kowloon, Hong Kong.

 

#16 – Ladies Market, Mongkok

Image Courtesy of Placesweknow.com

Ladies Market in Tung Choi Street, Mongkok, is a mekka for bargain seekers of female clothing, bags, cosmetics, and accessories. If you want to hone your haggling skills, this is the place the go.

With hundreds of stalls in a 1-kilometer stretch, you can find literally everything here. But be prepared to go elbow-on-elbow with other customers to grab the best bargains.

To reach Ladies Market, take MTR to Mongkok (Red line), and walk 2 blocks along Nelson Street to reach Tung Choi Street.

Location: Ladies Market, Tung Choi Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong.

 

#17 – Temple Street Night Market

Image Courtesy of Blog.Secretescapes.com

Need to shop for souvenirs to bring back home? Then let’s spend the rest of the evening at the famous Temple Street Night Market.

Named after the Tin Hau temple located in the center of the street, this night market is not just about shopping.

Feeling a bit superstitious? Get your future revealed by the local fortune tellers. Feeling hungry? Temple Street is full of local street food vendors too (read below my recommendation). And hang around a little longer to watch local opera singer performance.

To reach Temple Street, take MTR to Yau Ma Tei (Red line), and walk to Temple Street.

Location: Temple Street Night Market, Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong.

 

Food:

 

#18 – Dim Sum, Tim Ho Wan

Do you know the saying “to save the best for the last”? Well, this is arguably one of the best food items in Hong Kong, which I save for you until the last day in Hong Kong.

You may have had dim sum before, but this is not an ordinary dim sum. This is dim sum from Tim Ho Wan, a 1-Michelin star restaurant in Hong Kong!

Everything in Tim Ho Wan is really good, but they are especially famous for the char siu bao (BBQ pork bun). And don’t forget to order shrimp dumpling and shiu mai as well.

Price for each dim sum item starts from HKD 14, making Tim Ho Wan the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world.

Tim Ho Wan has several locations in Hong Kong, but I would recommend going to their first flagship location in Sham Shui Po, which will give you a unique experience.

It opens at 10 AM, but usually, there is already a line around 9 AM. To reach Tim Ho Wan, take MTR to Sham Shui Po (Red line), and walk about 4 blocks to Fuk Wing Street.

Location: Tim Ho Wan, 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong.

 

#19 – Claypot Rice (Bao Zai Fan)

Image Courtesy of Timeout.com

Let’s continue our food journey in Hong Kong with a classic Cantonese dish, bao zai fan (clay pot rice).

This popular comfort food dish consists of rice, slow cooked in a clay pot on a charcoal, and topped with meat, mushroom or vegetables.

One of the best places for clay pot rice in Hong Kong is Hing Kee claypot rice in Temple Street. At Hing Kee, you can select many choices of topping, like chicken or salted fish. But my recommendation for you would be to order the classic bao zai fan, topped with preserved meat and lap ceung (Chinese sausage).

Hing Kee is just around the corner of Temple Street and Arthur Street in Yau Ma Tei, making it an excellent food stop while visiting Temple Street Night Market.

Price of a claypot rice at Hing Kee starts from HKD 39.

Location: Hing Kee Claypot Rice, 14, 19, 21 Temple Street & Arthur Street, Yau Ma Tei

 

#20 – Oyster pancake

Image Courtesy of Chowandthecity.wordpress.com

Oyster pancake is another classic Cantonese dish that should not be forgotten.

Fresh oyster fried in a mixed batter of eggs and potato starch is especially great for an appetizer or as an accompanying dish for drinking.

You can order this oyster pancake in many classic Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong, such as Hing Kee. So while you wait on your bao zai fan, you can enjoy this local savory goodness as an appetizer.

Location: Hing Kee Clay Pot Rice, Hi Lung Lane, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

 

——–

 

Are you ready to explore Hong Kong?

I hope you will find this itinerary and guide useful. If you visit Hong Kong, I would love to hear your experience and what you think about it. Please do so in the comment below, or send me a message.

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