3 Days in Hong Kong – The Ultimate Itinerary & Things To Do Travel Guide

Hong Kong was the final stop on my three-week China adventure with my mum, and after travelling through Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Sanya, and Yangshou, we were definitely ready to slow things down a little on our first day. We had four nights in total, with plenty of time to enjoy our hotel, explore, eat, shop, and, of course, see some of Hong Kong’s most famous sights.

From riding the Peak Tram and taking in those incredible city views to exploring Stanley and Repulse Bay, cruising around Hong Kong on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus, and watching the city light up around Victoria Harbour, we saw a lot without completely exhausting ourselves.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and wondering how many days you really need, where to stay, what to see, tips and recommendations, and how to get around, this travel guide covers it all. This guide is based on my experience visiting Hong Kong, including what we actually did, useful tips, and how to plan three full days in the city. You ready? Let’s go!

Join the Everything Travel community on Facebook to ask and find answers to any travel-related questions.

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a little something as a thank you. There is no extra cost to you, promise!

Is 3 Days Enough in Hong Kong?

Yes, 3 days in Hong Kong is enough for a great first taste of the city, especially if you plan your days well. Hong Kong is also one of those places where you could easily spend a week exploring and still have more neighbours, islands, and attractions to discover. But if you’re visiting as part of a bigger China trip, or you just don’t have enough time, three full days can work really well.

During our mum-daughter trip, we had four nights in Hong Kong after travelling China for 2.5 weeks. When we arrived, Mum and I decided to relax on the first and last days, then focus on Hong Kong’s biggest attractions in between. With that in mind, I’ve created this three-day itinerary.

With three full days, you can explore both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, visit Victoria Peak, take in the famous harbour views, explore Stanley and Repulse Bay, wander around Tsim Sha Tsui, and fit in some shopping and good food along the way.

If you have 4-5 days, you can slow the pace down and add some extra experiences or day trips. This is ideal if you want to visit places like Lantau Island, Ngong Ping, and the Big Buddha. If you only have 2 days, don’t worry, you can still see some of Hong Kong’s biggest sights. You’ll just need to be more selective with your time.

Hong Kong is truly iconic!

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Where you stay in Hong Kong can make a big difference to your trip. The city is made up of different neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere, and some suit sightseeing, shopping, nightlife, or being in the middle of the action better than others.

Where We Stayed: Hopewell Hotel

For our stay in Hong Kong, we stayed at the 5-star Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai, and honestly, it was a nice way to end our time in China. The hotel felt classy and elegant from the moment we arrived. It was also a little different from anywhere I’d stayed before because the hotel is connected directly to a shopping mall. You could literally get in the lift, head downstairs, and be in the centre of the shopping centre, which was surprisingly convenient.

Our room was massive, clean, and beautifully presented, and we were lucky enough to be on one of the highest floors with some pretty cool views over Hong Kong. It had everything we needed, including a TV, kitchen area, fridge, iron, safe, slippers, bathrobe, and the small things that matter.

Click on image to expand

Hopewell Hotel had plenty of facilities, including a swimming pool. It also had a sauna, steam room, gym, and rooftop area. The rooftop and gym were particularly nice, although I thought the pool area was just okay and the sunbeds weren’t the nicest.

The hotel also had several restaurants, but they were more fine-dining and could get quite expensive. Luckily, having the shopping centre underneath was amazing. There were loads of shops, plus a big supermarket on another floor, so we could grab breakfast and snacks without eating at the hotel every day.

One thing to keep in mind: Hong Kong felt noticeably more expensive than anywhere else we visited in China. Our four-night stay at Hopewell Hotel came to £447.98, which doesn’t seem particularly expensive compared with UK hotel prices, but even though we loved Hopewell Hotel, it felt fairly pricey coming from other hotels in mainland China (some £30 a night). But if you don’t mind the price, Hopewell Hotel is an awesome stay!

Best Areas to Stay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has plenty of great areas to stay, and the best one depends on what you want from your trip. If it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong, Central or Tsim Sha Tsui offers easy access to major sights. For shopping or food, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, and Wan Chai are better options. Whether you’re looking for famous sights, city life, or harbour views, these are some of the most popular areas to consider.

📍Central. Best For: First-Time Visitors, Sightseeing & Nightlife

Central is in the heart of Hong Kong Island, surrounded by skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping, and many of the city’s famous sights. It’s a great choice if you want to be in the middle of the action, with easy access to Victoria Peak and other parts of Hong Kong Island. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Butterfly on Wellington – A modern, spacious stay with better rates compared to other hotels in the city.

📍Tsim Sha Tsui. Best For: Victoria Harbour, Shopping, & Sightseeing

Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most popular areas for visitors, particularly if you want those famous Hong Kong skyline and harbour views. You’ll also be close to Victoria Harbour and the Symphony of Lights at night, plus attractions like Avenue of Stars, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and malls nearby. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 The Royal Garden Tsim Sha Tsui – 5-star stay with gorgeous rooms, views, and a swimming pool.

📍Wan Chai. Best For: Central Location & City Life

Wan Chai is a great option if you want to stay on Hong Kong Island and in the action. It’s located between Central and Causeway Bay, making it a convenient base for exploring different parts of the city. We stayed there too, though we didn’t explore much of the surrounding area since we had so much on our doorstep at Hopewell Hotel. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Hopewell Hotel – Where we stayed; wouldn’t change the recommendation, super stunning!

📍Causeway Bay. Best For: Shopping, Food & Lively Atmosphere

If shopping is high on your Hong Kong list, consider Causeway Bay. It’s packed with shopping centres and always has plenty going on. It’s also well connected to the rest of Hong Kong, making it a great place to stay. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Harbour Grand Hong Kong – A beautiful 5-star stay with unreal interior design and stunning sea views.

📍Mong Kok. Best For: Markets, Street Food & Kowloon

Mong Kok is one of Kowloon’s liveliest areas, known for its markets, shops, street food, and busy streets. It’s a good option if you want to experience a different side of Hong Kong and don’t mind a bit more hustle and bustle. Here’s a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Lodgewood by Nina Hospitality – A clean, modern stay, with simple but classy rooms. Plus great views.

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!

How to Get Around Hong Kong

You can get around Hong Kong in plenty of ways, from the MTR and buses to taxis, ferries, and the city’s famous trams. However, for our trip, we mainly used the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Uber. Honestly, we felt it was the best way for us to explore the city.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

If you’ve followed my travels before, you’ll probably know that the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (HOHO Bus) is one of my favourite ways to explore any new destination (they should fully sponsor me at this rate). It’s convenient: you can see loads without worrying about navigating public transport, and sitting on the open-top bus with the city passing by is a great way to take it all in.

There’s also an audio guide via headphones, available in many languages. I love the audio because it’s usually fun, and you can learn about the places you pass rather than just looking at them.

For Hong Kong, I booked a 48-hour HOHO Bus ticket online. The bus stops were really easy to find, with clear signs showing where to go. I also planned our routes in advance so we could make the most of our two days on the bus and visit the different areas in an order that made sense for us.

The HOHO Bus is a great way to see much of Hong Kong

The three routes were: Red Route (Hong Kong Island); Green Route (Stanley & Southern Side); Blue Route (Kowloon).

The bus frequency depends on the route. The Red Route currently run approximately every 45 minutes, the Green Route every 30 minutes, and the Blue Route every 60 minutes. The app lets you see where the buses are in real time, which is handy. It makes it easier to plan when to hop back on.

At £76.21 per person for 48 hours, it wasn’t cheap; in fact, it was one of the more expensive HOHO Bus experiences we’ve paid for globally, alongside Dubai. But we still thought it was worth it. It’s great for first-time visitors and always a stress-free experience for me.

MTR (Hong Kong’s Metro)

The MTR is Hong Kong’s main metro system and one of the easiest ways to get around the city. It connects Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, with plenty of stations close to major attractions and shopping areas. It’s worth considering for travelling, especially if you want to get between areas quickly without dealing with traffic.

The system is well connected, with signs and station information in English and Chinese. As a tourist, you can pay for MTR journeys with an Octopus card, a contactless bank card, or a QR code. I preferred booking all my train trips on Trip.com, as it was easy and convenient.

If you’re arriving or leaving via Hong Kong International Airport, the Airport Express is another option. It connects the airport with Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Tsing Yi stations, and the journey from Hong Kong Station to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

Taxis & Uber

Hong Kong has plenty of taxis, and you can also use the Uber app. We used Uber during our trip, mainly when we wanted a quicker, more convenient way to get somewhere without figuring out extra logistics.

One thing I really liked about using Uber was that it was no different from back home here in the UK. It was quick and convenient… but expensive. Traditional taxis are also easy to find around the city. Hong Kong has three types of taxis: red Urban taxis, green New Territories taxis, and blue Lantau taxis, though you’ll most often see red taxis in central Hong Kong.

Since April 2026, Hong Kong taxis have also had to offer passengers at least two electronic payment options, so you can pay without relying solely on cash.

Buses, Trams & Ferries

Hong Kong has an extensive public transport network beyond the MTR, including regular buses, the famous double-decker trams, and ferries connecting different parts of the city and its surrounding islands.

Buses are a useful option if the MTR doesn’t serve your destination directly. Several operators cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, making them especially handy for reaching areas farther from the main tourist centre.

Trams, often nicknamed the Ding Ding, are one of the most iconic ways to get around Hong Kong Island. They run between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, passing through areas including Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. They’re slower than the MTR, but they’re also a fun, cheap way to see the city.

Ferries are another great way to travel around Hong Kong, particularly if you want to cross Victoria Harbour or visit one of the outlying islands. Regular ferry services run from Central to destinations including Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, and Lamma Island.

Transport is easy to use in Hong Kong

Do You Need an Octopus Card?

If you’ve heard about the Octopus Card before visiting Hong Kong, you might be wondering whether you actually need one. The short answer is no. But what is it? The Octopus Card is a rechargeable contactless travel card you can use across much of Hong Kong’s public transport network, including MTR, buses, trams, and ferries. You can also use it to pay at some shops and other businesses.

We didn’t use an Octopus Card during our trip, so I can’t give you a first-hand review. However, we didn’t need one; if you plan to rely heavily on public transport, it can be convenient and means you don’t have to figure out payment for every journey. But if you’re only in Hong Kong for a few days, you can just use a contactless bank card.

3 Days in Hong Kong at a Glance

If you want to make the most of three days in Hong Kong without rushing around like a maniac, I’d recommend grouping your sightseeing by area. This makes it easier to get around and gives you more time to actually enjoy each place. This is how I’d structure three full days:

Day 1 Itinerary – Victoria Peak, Stanley & Tsim Sha Tsui

Our first proper sightseeing day in Hong Kong focused on some of the city’s biggest sights, and we packed quite a lot into it (as we do). We started by hopping on the Red Route of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (HOHO Bus), which took us around Hong Kong Island and towards one of the city’s most famous attractions, Victoria Peak.

From riding the Peak Tram and taking in the views over Hong Kong, to exploring Stanley and Repulse Bay before heading over to Tsim Sha Tsui for the evening, it was a pretty full-on day, but one of my favourites from our time in Hong Kong. Here’s exactly how we spent it.

HOHO Bus Red Route

We started our first full day of sightseeing by jumping on the Red Route HOHO Bus from one of the stops, which takes you around Hong Kong Island. I’d already planned our route before we set off, so we knew roughly where we wanted to get off and what we wanted to see along the way, which helped the day feel more organised.

The open-top HOHO Bus was honestly such a fun way to start the day and get a feel for Hong Kong’s vibe. Taking in the skyscrapers and city views along the way made it even more exciting when we hopped off. Our main stop on this route was the Peak Tram, so we hopped off there to start our next adventure.

Peak Tram & Victoria Peak

After getting off the HOHO Bus, we headed to the Peak Tram, one of Hong Kong’s most famous and iconic attractions. The historic funicular takes you steeply uphill from Central towards Victoria Peak, with the city skyline getting better as you climb.

Riding the tram was an experience in itself. The journey is fairly short, but the steep incline and window views make it a fun way to reach the top. Tickets are inexpensive, and you can book one-way or round-trip. I opted for a one-way ticket because I wasn’t sure Mum would be okay with it; she’s not a fan of heights, but in the end she was absolutely fine.

Once we reached Victoria Peak, we looked around. There were a few food spots and random shops, plus a Wax museum and more entertainment across a few floors. We loved the doughnuts from the first stall on arrival! Then, as we made our way to the top Sky Terrace, we were greeted by those famous dramatic panoramic views over Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, Victoria Harbour, and the mountains.

I’d definitely recommend visiting Victoria Peak during your trip, especially if it’s your first time in Hong Kong. The views alone make it worth adding to your itinerary, and the Peak Tram makes getting there part of the experience.

Click the image to expand

Walking Down Victoria Peak

So, because I didn’t pre-book a return ticket for the Peak Tram down, we decided not to buy one and walk all the way down instead. And when I say walk, I mean WALK. Well, Mum ran; she couldn’t help it. It was super steep.

The route down took us a little over an hour, and it was much steeper than I expected. There were some nice views along the way, but it wasn’t exactly an easy walk; you have to tense your legs and grip the ground as you go down, and after an hour, you’ll definitely feel it.

But honestly, it was so funny, and such an experience, and we wouldn’t change it at all. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes if you decide to do it. We also saw some people walking all the way up, which probably takes a few hours, and it somewhat made us realise we have it easier going downhill (I was somewhat grateful, in fact).

I will say, if you don’t leave early to catch one of the first or second HOHO Buses of the day, I’d recommend skipping this walk back down as you have plenty more to fit into the day.

Stanley

After heading back down from Victoria Peak, we jumped back on the Green HOHO Route and headed to Stanley on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. The journey was lovely, with a completely different side of Hong Kong, away from the huge skyscrapers and busy city centre.

Stanley feels much more relaxed, with a waterfront, shops, restaurants, and the famous Stanley Market. We got off to look around and take in the area before continuing to our next stop, Repulse Bay. We would have loved to relax at the beach but knew we couldn’t afford to spend too much time here with everything else we wanted to see.

If you’re using the HOHO Bus, I’d definitely recommend spending more time at Stanley and skipping the downhill walk from Tram Peak. It’s a nice change of pace from central Hong Kong and makes the Green Route worthwhile, especially if you like beaches, pretty views, the sea, and shopping.

Repulse Bay

From Stanley, we continued along the Green HOHO Bus Route to Repulse Bay, one of Hong Kong’s most popular beaches. The coastline was lovely, with green hills in the background and the sea stretching out and glistening. What a scenic spot. If you’re looking for a beach day in Hong Kong, consider this spot.

We didn’t stay for long as we needed to head back before we missed the last Green HOHO Bus, but I could have easily spent the whole day here. If you’re travelling at a slower pace, I’d definitely recommend adding an extra day on your itinerary just for Repulse Bay; it deserves more than just a quick stop!

A contrast from city views to sea views in Hong Kong

Tsim Sha Tsui & Victoria Harbour

After Repulse Bay, we headed to Tsim Sha Tsui for the evening. After a busy day of sightseeing, it was nice to slow things down a little and take in the atmosphere around Victoria Harbour.

This is one of those parts of Hong Kong where you can just stroll and enjoy the views. The skyscrapers across the harbour towards Hong Kong Island are epic, definitely one of my favourite views of this city.

A huge shopping mall sits right on the harbour, so you can explore and shop before wrapping up your evening with the Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong’s famous evening light-and-sound show.

The Symphony of Lights from the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront across Victoria Harbour

Symphony of Lights

To finish our first full day in Hong Kong, we watched the Symphony of Lights from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. The show takes place across Victoria Harbour, with the skyscapers on both sides lighting up. It was cool to see the lights as the sky fell dark, with a completely different evening ambience.

I do have to be honest, though: if you had to choose between this and something else that evening, I wouldn’t prioritise it. As nice as it was, we found it a little underwhelming. We are glad we saw it, but I think we had high expectations because we’ve travelled across the world and seen huge light shows in places like Dubai.

Symphony of Lights sounds spectacular, so we expected it to be. That doesn’t take away from Hong Kong’s stunning views. Just don’t arrive expecting a massive, jaw-dropping light show. From where we watched, it felt more like a pretty little display of lights across the skyline for about 10 minutes than a full-on show.

Nevertheless, we still enjoyed seeing it, and I’m glad we spent our evening there to end day one. The whole Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is beautiful at night, and the skyline alone makes this area worth visiting after dark.

Day 2 Itinerary – Kowloon, Avenue of Stars & More

After a pretty packed first full day, we took things a little easier on our second full sightseeing day. This time, we hopped on the Blue Route HOHO Bus, which took us around Kowloon and let us see a different side of Hong Kong.

We stayed on the bus for most of the route, taking in the views and listening to the commentary before getting off to explore the Avenue of Stars and see the Bruce Lee Statue. It wasn’t quite as packed as Day 1, but it struck a nice balance of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation before heading back to the hotel in the evening for a sauna session, exactly what we needed after travelling around mainland China in the previous weeks.

Blue Route HOHO Bus

We started the day by jumping on the Blue Route HOHO Bus, which takes you around Kowloon. After our first sightseeing day exploring Hong Kong Island, it was nice to see more of Kowloon. This time, we stayed on the bus for most of the route instead of constantly getting off to explore. It was a much more relaxed way to start the day, and we could just sit back and listen to audio commentary about Kowloon along the way.

The top deck offered plenty of interesting buildings, busy streets, and city views. Even when we weren’t getting off the HOHO Bus, I still enjoyed seeing the city from the open-top bus whilst listening to fun facts and interesting audio about Kowloon. Eventually, we got off and walked to one of Kowloon’s most famous spots, the Avenue of Stars.

Blue route on the HOHO Bus along Kowloon

Avenue of Stars & Bruce Lee Statue

After getting off the HOHO Bus, we headed to the Avenue of Stars, which runs along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour. It’s a nice area to wander, with pretty impressive views back across to Hong Kong Island. You’ll also find handprints and plaques celebrating some of Hong Kong’s most famous film stars, along with the iconic Bruce Lee Statue.

Of course, we had to stop for a few photos with Bruce Lee before continuing to explore. After seeing the harbour from different viewpoints the day before, it was nice to come back and see it again from the Kowloon side.

The Avenue of Stars doesn’t take hours to explore, so it’s an easy stop to add into your itinerary, especially if you’re already visiting Tsim Sha Tsui or looking for another great spot to see the Hong Kong skyline.

The iconic Bruce Lee Statue in Hong Kong

Shopping & Exploring Kowloon

After exploring the Avenue of Stars, we spent some time wandering around Kowloon and doing a little shopping. I enjoyed the slow pace of day two in Hong Kong; we weren’t rushing from one attraction to the next, so we could take our time. Kowloon has loads of shops, shopping centres, and busy streets, so it’s easy to lose an hour or two browsing and exploring.

We eventually made our way into a shopping centre, with a food court down the escalators inside. After all that walking, we obviously had to stop for food and milk bubble tea. It would be rude not to indulge in some delicious Chinese cuisine. After that, we fell into a food coma and had to nap.

Day 3 Itinerary – How I’d Spend an Extra Day

For our own trip, we didn’t have a third full sightseeing day. After travelling around mainland China for more than two weeks, we deliberately kept some downtime in our Hong Kong trip. But if you’re following this as a true 3-day Hong Kong itinerary, this is how I’d spend the extra day. I’d head over to Lantau Island, which makes a nice contrast to the busy streets and skyscrapers we’ve explored so far.

Ngong Ping & the Big Buddha

One of the main reasons I’d choose Lantau Island is to visit Ngong Ping and the Tian Tan Buddha, better known as the Big Buddha. The huge bronze Buddha sits high in the mountains and is one of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks.

Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping for panoramic views of the mountains, sea, and surrounding landscape. Once you arrive in Ngong Ping Village, explore the area before heading up the steps to the Big Buddha.

Po Lin Monastery

While you’re in Ngong Ping, I’d also add Po Lin Monastery to your day. It’s close to the Big Buddha and one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sites. The mountains, monastery, and enormous Buddha statue together will make this feel different from your previous days in Hong Kong.

Tai O Fishing Village

If you still have time, I’d continue on to Tai O, a traditional fishing village on Lantau Island. Known for its stilt houses, narrow streets, and traditional fishing culture, Tai O is a great addition to your itinerary and a nice way to end your final day in Hong Kong.

The famous giant Buddha, or Tian Tian Buddha, at Ngong Ping, Hong Kong. Credit: (Adobe) TMR Studio

Best Things To Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers much more than you can fit into three days. You can find a variety of fun experiences, depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s a fun collection of Hong Kong’s top activities.

Food To Eat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a dream destination for food lovers. You’ll find everything from traditional Cantonese dishes and dim sum to street food, noodles, rice dishes, and plenty of international options. During our trip, we mainly enjoyed grabbing random small meals and snacks, rather than planning our days around specific restaurants.

We found a great selection of food spots in shopping centres, food courts, and on the street. We didn’t feel the need to plan what to eat; we went with the flow and tried something new whenever we could, since we were sightseeing most of the time.

What Food Should You Try in Hong Kong?

If you’re visiting for the first time, some of the Hong Kong foods I’d recommend looking out for include:

One of my biggest tips is to eat where the locals eat. You don’t need to eat every meal in a fancy restaurant. Some of the best food experiences come from small, busy local spots. And if you are travelling on a budget, food courts can be a great option.

Roadside Chinese food, Dumpling Restaurant in the Ladies Market Area, Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. Credit: (Adobe) Chokniti

How Much Does 3 Days in Hong Kong Cost?

I’m not gonna lie, Hong Kong for us was the most expensive stop on our China trip. We noticed the difference after spending more than two weeks travelling around mainland China, where we sometimes found hotels for around £30 a night, taxis for £2, meals for £3, and activities from £20.

That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune in Hong Kong, though. Your overall budget will depend heavily on where you stay, where you eat, how you get around, and which tours you choose.

How Much Did We Spend in Hong Kong?

For our trip, our hotel was one of our biggest expenses. We stayed at Hopewell Hotel for four nights and paid £447.98 in total, about £112 per night. This didn’t include breakfast or any other food. Food was around £50 a day, so £200 in total. We spent most of this in the first two days eating at the hotel and buying drinks and snacks at the supermarket.

Tours came to nearly £200 in total, which isn’t crazy as we love doing tours and wouldn’t change any of that. But taxis were noticeably more expensive than on the mainland, with our Uber costs in Hong Kong reaching £250. We spent another £100 on random shopping bits, so our overall costs were around £1200 for two people for four nights. For context, we spent around £2700 for 2.5 weeks in mainland China.

If you’re travelling to Hong Kong on a budget, don’t assume you’ll need to spend as much as we did. We usually like to splurge and deal with the consequences after (oops). Cheaper hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are available, and you can easily choose less expensive ways to get around the city, plus find delicious food at lower costs.

Is Hong Kong Good for a Mum-Daughter Trip?

Absolutely! I think Hong Kong is a fun destination for a mum-daughter trip, especially if you want a mix of sightseeing, shopping, good food, and luxury. Mum and I spent around three weeks travelling around China in total, and as soon as we got back, we decided to do another trip since we both loved it so much.

Hong Kong offers a nice mix of things to do, from slow-paced to full-on, and with slightly different interests, we both found what we wanted. For us, sightseeing, shopping, food, and relaxation made Hong Kong a great way to end our mother-daughter trip to China together.

Hong Kong is an awesome mum-daughter getaway!

Is Hong Kong Good for Solo Travellers?

Yes, Hong Kong can be a great destination for solo travellers if you’re comfortable exploring a busy city on your own. Although I visited Hong Kong with my mum, I could definitely see myself travelling solo there. It’s well connected, with plenty to do on your own; English is widely used, and we felt safe during our stay. It also felt familiar, with cars driving on the left (if you’re from the UK) and modern architecture. If you’re considering your first solo trip, Hong Kong could be a great option!

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!

Best Time To Visit Hong Kong

The best time to visit Hong Kong is generally October to December, when the weather is cooler, drier, and more comfortable for sightseeing. Spring (March-May) is also a good time to visit, though you’ll still get some humidity and rain. Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, so summers can be extremely hot, humid, and wet.

Mum and I visited Hong Kong in May and found it quite comfortable, though slightly humid. It wasn’t overwhelming, and we enjoyed the weather overall. You’ll still want to prepare for some rain, but it is a nice balance if you don’t want the full intensity of the summer months. On our last day in Hong Kong, it was raining slightly, but we think Hong Kong was crying as we left.

If you are over the heat and want a cooler getaway, January and February are some of the coolest months in Hong Kong. Temperatures are much more comfortable, and days are cloudier.

Hong Kong Travel Tips

A few tips can make your trip to Hong Kong much easier, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s what I’d keep in mind before you go.

Wear Comfortable Shoes. For activities like the Victoria Peak walk, you’ll want comfy shoes. Expect lots of walking, stairs, hills, and on-foot exploration.

Carry Multiple Payment Options. Don’t rely on a single payment method. We used a mixture of payment methods during our trip. If you plan to visit mainland China, read this guide on payment methods in China.

Download Useful Apps Before You Go. Having your maps, transport information, and booking apps ready before you arrive can save you a lot of hassle. I also highly recommend getting an eSIM (with a VPN if you are exploring mainland China). Holafly was a great eSIM for us.

Book Some Activities in Advance. Although it’s rarely happened to me throughout my travels, I hate having to plan a whole day of sightseeing only to find that a particular activity or tour is unavailable. I like booking tours with Viator because they offer flexible booking options, including the ability to amend dates on eligible bookings.

That’s a Wrap!

Hong Kong was an amazing addition to our mainland China itinerary, and we’re so glad we got to experience it. What I loved the most was how much variety you get in such a relatively small area.

One minute you’re surrounded by enormous skyscrapers and busy streets; the next, you’re looking across the mountains or relaxing on a beach. For me, Hong Kong was a brilliant way to finish our China trip, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

It’s full of personality, and Hong Kong did not disappoint. If you’re planning a bigger China adventure, I’d definitely recommend making some room for Hong Kong in your itinerary. And if you’re visiting separately without mainland China, three full days are a great starting point.

So, are you ready to say YES and explore China?