3 Days in Hong Kong – Itinerary and Tips

If you only have 3 days in Hong Kong, here is a sample itinerary so you can maximize your stay in a short period. Even if you are a first-time or seasoned traveler, this itinerary will also try to make your trip save a few bucks so you can have another trip as soon as possible. We also have video guides on some parts which can help you too. So, here is the Hong Kong Sample Itinerary for 3 days

Disclaimer

• Restaurant suggestions are one of the cheapest but have quality dishes.
• Everything is a suggestion only, you can tweak it to match your likeness.
• The sample origin is from the Philippines. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

You can read the whole write-up about the itinerary for 3 days in Hong Kong or skip and go to the Summary at the end.

Click here to go straight to the summary: ITINERARY SUMMARY

If you are purchasing any entrance tickets, hotels, airport transfers, tours, insurance, or even flights, you can book it through KLOOK, and use our code HAPPYANDBUSYTRAVELS to get a 5% or 3% discount for your 3 days in Hong Kong.

Table of Contents

• What is Hong Kong?
• How to get here?
• What is the Best Season to Visit?
• Where to Stay?
• Optimal Number of Days to Visit
• Currency and Mode of Payment
• Detailed Itinerary
• Summary of Itinerary

What is Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China which is a top tourist destination in Asia. People visit Hong Kong because it is rich in culture, has a lot of activities to try, and has good food too!

How to Get Here?

The most common way of getting here is through an airplane. From the Philippines, there are a lot of airlines that cater direct flights here.

Low-cost airlines: Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Hong Kong Express, and Greater Bay Airlines

Full-service carriers: Philippine Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways

What is the Best Season to Visit?

Hong Kong has 4 seasons, Winter (December to February), Spring (March to May), Summer (June to September), and Fall (October to November). Even though there are 4 seasons, there is no snowfall in the country.

The best season to visit is during Winter because the temperature is cold but not cold enough for snow. You can freely go around Hong Kong without thinking about too much heat, and rain is not that much expected.

Where to Stay?

There are a lot of areas to choose from, but here are some of the main areas that we highly recommend that you stay.

Recommended Areas

Tsim Sha Tsui / Mongkok

These are the areas that you would like to stay in if you are looking for cheap hostels, shopping areas, and affordable food. Just take note that these areas also tend to get very busy. We prefer staying in this area because we can find everything that we need here and it is very accessible to all areas.

Central

This is the financial district, so it’s more likely to be busy on a weekday. But if you are for upscale shopping, you must stay here because there are a lot of luxury stores here. If nightlife is your priority, you must also stay here because Lan Kwai Fong (a famous area for nightlife) is located here.

Recommended Hotels

Atlas Guesthouse and Backpackers (Budget Friendly)

We usually stay here whenever we go to Hong Kong because their location is great and the room rates are not high. You can book it from Klook:

Klook.com

Here is a video of our quick review and experience from Atlas Guesthouse and Backpackers.

@happyandbusytravels Where to stay in Hong Kong? Here is an affordable hostel with good location. Near MTR, bus stop, and tourist spots. 🏨 #HongKong #travel #hotel #wheretostayinhongkong #traveladdict #traveltiktok #travelph ♬ Simple, light and bright song – Kohrogi

Mini Central (Good for couples)

Our next favorite hotel in Hong Kong is Mini Central which is very close to the Peak Tram, Lan Kwai Fon, ferry to Macau, and shopping areas. This is best for couples since the door of the comfort room is all glass. You can book it too from Klook:

Klook.com

Here is a video of our quick review and experience from Mini Central.

@happyandbusytravels Replying to @pawbedia874722 dito po kami sa Mini Hotel Hong Kong Central. Pag may nag ask Where to stay in Hong Kong, eto ang sagot 😁 #HongKong #Wheretostay #tip #hotel #travel #vacation ♬ 小熊饼干（纯音乐） – BlackDD

Optimal Number of Days to Stay

Each guest needs at least 7 days to experience Hong Kong. But, most of the tourists can only stay for 3 to 4 days, which is just okay, you can experience the basic tourist attractions in 3 days.

Currency and Mode of Payment in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Currency is Hong Kong Dollar. Most establishments here accept debit or credit cards, but almost all vendors accept Octopus Cards. Cash payment is still a widely popular mode of payment so don’t be ashamed of paying through cash.

Day 1 – 3 Days in Hong Kong – Sample Itinerary

Airport

Arrive 3 to 4 hours before your flight at NAIA because there might be a lot of people in line at the check-in counter and immigration. Passing by these two counters is a must for international flights.

After passing by the immigration, pick up your Pocket Wifi if you are departing from NAIA terminal 3. You can rent on the spot, or rent from Klook. This is one of the best Wifi for rent in Asia because it will be dropped in the box when you come back to the Philippines. No need to worry about forgetting to return the Wifi router. You can get it from here:

Klook.com

After a 2-hour flight, you will arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Then, you have to pass by immigration and get your checked-in baggage. An embarkation card is required for all incoming visitors to Hong Kong.

Here is a video guide on How to Go to Hong Kong:

@happyandbusytravels Here is How to go to Hong Kong 🇭🇰 may few tips din dito. Hopefully this can help you lalo na open na open na ang tourism nila! Marami na nag hoHong Kong! #howto #tip #diy #hongkong #airplane #travel ♬ Live Your Beautiful Life – Gray Griggs

Exit at the arrival hall and get your Octopus card, or SIM Card (or E-SIM if ever you do not have any Wifi yet). Octopus cards can be purchased from Klook in advance, or you can also buy/rent from any MTR stations or 7-Eleven stores. You can get it from here:

Klook.com

Check out the video below on how to pick up your Octopus Card in HKIA.

@happyandbusytravels Replying to @msc7890125 About Octopus Card po ba? Eto po cya where to use and where to buy Octopus Card 😁 #howto #travel #hongkong #diy #tip #octopuscard ♬ So Cute – Audiosphere

Exchange a little bit of your money at the airport, or withdraw from the ATM. If you opt to exchange a little bit of your money, before starting the tour make sure to drop by Chungking Mansions because the money changers at their ground floor have one of the best rates.

Going to the City

There are three ways to get to the city, the cheapest but slowest way is by riding a bus.

Next, one of the fastest but costs a little bit more than the bus is the Hong Kong Express train. You can buy tickets in advance from Klook.

You can get it from here:

Klook.com

Here is a video guide on how to ride the Hong Kong Airport Express Train:

@happyandbusytravels Replying to @happyandbusytravels The Hong Kong Airport Express train na super fast nasa city ka na agad. #HongKong #travel #train #Howto #DIY #airporttransfer ♬ Dimple Couple – Byun Dong Wook

Lastly, the fastest, most convenient, but the most expensive way is to get private airport transfers. You can also book one through Klook in advance:

Klook.com

Hotel Arrival

As soon as you arrive at your hotel, either Atlas Guesthouse and Backpackers or Mini Central, ask if you can check in early. If not, feel free to leave your bags at their reception because these hotels allow guests to leave their bags.

Start of Tour

Victoria Peak Tram

After leaving your bags at the hotel, go on the Victoria Peak Tram so you can get to Victoria Peak. You can also ride a bus going to the peak but riding the Tram is a different adventure and it is the fastest way to get here.

You can buy your tickets at the Victoria Peak Tram ticket booth, or book in advance from Klook. We suggest that you get the “open date” tickets so you can be flexible. If the weather is foggy, you can go back the next day. Get your roundtrip open-dated tickets via Klook through this:

Klook.com

Here is the guide to riding the Peak Tram.

@happyandbusytravels Here’s a guide to Victoria Peak Tram para sulit ang pagpunta mo 😁 #travel #traveltip #HongKong #traveltiktok #travelPH ♬ Cute retro piano for cooking and work videos(873280) – Single Origin Music

Victoria Peak

After arriving at Victoria Peak, go around the peak because there is a lot to see here. The usual tourist spots here are Sky Terrace 428, Madame Tussauds, and Monopoly Dreams. You can see the view of the city from Sky Terrace 428, the wax figures of different celebrities at Madame Tussauds, and the world of Monopoly in Monopoly Dreams. Entrance tickets can be also purchased  at their ticket booths or through Klook:

Klook.com

Lunch

Then, have your lunch at Men Wah Bing Teng at The Peak Tower. This is one of the most affordable but delicious dining options here. After eating, go down and use the Peak Tram again.

Central Pier

Along the pier, you can see the observation wheel, which you can ride. But if you are in a hurry you can just take a photo with it. Also, usually, there are events beside the observation wheel, so you can experience them too.

Afterward, you can go on your way and ride the ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tsim Sha Tsui

After the ferry ride, you are now in Tsim Sha Tsui (abbreviated as TST). This area has a lot of tourist spots that you can go to. You can visit them in this order:

• Harbour City
  • This is a mall but usually, there are events on the large space near the pier.
  • 

• Clock Tower
  • 

• Hong Kong Cultural Center
  • 

• Hong Kong Museum of Art
  • 

• Avenue of Stars
  • 

• K11 Musea
  • 

Dinner at Cafe de Coral

If you are on a budget and looking for affordable but delicious Chinese food, you can try and eat at Cafe de Coral in Harbour City. but if you have a lot of budget for food, go and splurge on your dinner in any restaurant in K11 Musea.

Aqua Luna Victoria Harbour Cruise Experience

After Dinner, go to Pier 1 and show your tickets to ride the Aqua Luna Victoria Harbour Cruise. Pier 1 is just along Avenue of Stars and near K11 Musea. There are a few cruises available here but this is our recommendation since it looks like the historical ships that the Chinese used. This ride includes 1 drink, you can choose between juices or alcoholic beverages, and this ride lasts for 45 minutes.

It is a must to get your tickets in advance because the seats here are limited and usually slots are sold out (especially on peak days). You can get your tickets from Klook:

Klook.com

Optional: NIGHT MARKET

After the cruise, I think you are already tired since you’ve been up early morning for your flight. So, you can walk back to your hotel to rest. But if you still have the energy, you can shop at the night markets. Some of the popular night markets are the Ladies’ Market, Temple Street Night Market, and Mongkok Night Market.

Get your tickets in advance from Klook so you do not have to fall in line at the ticket booths at the park.

Klook.com

If you have chosen Disneyland, we highly suggest that you purchase Meal Vouchers from Klook because this can save you time in paying and save a few bucks. This is the meal voucher in Klook:

Klook.com

Here is the video comparison between buying food with and without meal vouchers:

@happyandbusytravels How to save on meals while in Hong Kong Disneyland? Here is our tip. #hongkongdisneyland #hack #tip #foodhack #disneylandhack ♬ A bright, ridiculous, loopy song – Junya Watanabe

The best restaurants to use your food vouchers are The Royal Banquet and Comet Cafe.

Day 3 – Hong Kong Sample Itinerary

Citygate Outlet Shopping

Get up early, have your breakfast, and prepare to check out. When you are ready (make sure to be ready before 9AM) check out bring your luggage and head to Citygate Outlet Mall. You can leave your luggage here for a minimal fee.

This is near the airport already that’s why we suggested that you bring your luggage already. However, sometimes the lockers are already full, so another option is to leave your luggage in your hotel. Our suggested hotels allows guest to leave their luggage even after checking out.

Ngong Ping 360

Start your day by riding Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, it opens at 10 AM, so be there before the opening time.

It is better to get roundtrip tickets in advance so you do not have to fall in line at the ticket booth. You can get your tickets from Klook:

Klook.com

Here is also a video to guide you:

@happyandbusytravels Here is the guide on How to go to Ngong Ping 360 via cable car 😁 #travel #traveltiktok #HongKong #ngongping360 #Howto #travelph ♬ So Cute – Audiosphere

You can also ride a bus going to Ngong Ping Village if the line of the cable car is very long.

Ngong Ping Village

After the quick cable car ride, you will soon reach Ngong Ping Village. There are a lot of attractions here, but due to the limited time, here is our suggested area that you should visit:

• Big Budha
  • 

• Po Lin Monastery
  • 

• Wisdom Path
  • 

Lunch at Cafe de Coral

As mentioned earlier, Cafe de Coral is one of the most affordable restaurants to eat, so you can again have your lunch here at their Fu Tung Plaza branch.

Going Home

Go for a quick chopping at the Citygate Outlet Mall, and get your bags from the lockers. Then, head out to the airport. As soon as you arrive, check in your baggage, get your boarding pass, and pass by immigration.

Have your dinner here at the airport too. The food here is expensive, but the servings is big like my meal from Pu Tien.

After eating, make sure to head out to your boarding gates and wait for your boarding so you do not miss your flight.

Summary –  3 Days in Hong Kong – Sample Itinerary

Book your activities, hotel, airport pick up, insurance, and tour packages from KLOOK. Use our code for discounts:

DAY 1

1 to 2 AM – Arrive at NAIA 3 to 4 hours before the flight.

• Pay a travel tax of Php 1,620
• Check in your bags and get your boarding pass
• Pass by immigration
• Pick up Wifi (If pick up from NAIA T3)
• Board the airplane

5:00 AM – Departure from NAIA

• 2-hour flight

7:00 AM – Arrive Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)

• Pass by Immigration
• Get checked-in baggage
• Get a Pocket WiFi or SIM Card
• Get an Octopus card
• Buy tickets and Ride the Hong Kong Express train

8:00 AM – Depart HKIA via Hong Kong Express

9:00 AM – Arrive at Mini Central or Atlas Guesthouse and Backpackers (both are recommended hotels).

• Leave bags since it is too early to check in.

9:30 AM – Arrive at the Peak Tram

• Ride the Peak Tram

10:00 AM – Arrive at the Peak Tower

• Sky Terrace 428
• Madame Tussauds (optional)
• Monopoly Dreams (optional)

12:00 PM – Lunch at Men Wah Bing Teng

1:00 PM – Depart The Peak Tower

1:30 PM – Arrive Man Mo Temple

2:00 PM – Arrive Central Pier

• Hong Kong Observation Wheel

2:10 PM – Depart Central Pier

2:20 PM – Arrive at Tsim Sha Tsui Central Pier

• Harbour City
• Clock Tower
• Hong Kong Cultural Center
• Hong Kong Museum of Art
• Avenue of Stars
• K11 Musea

6:00 PM – Dinner Cafe De Coral Harbour City

7:00 PM – Go to Pier 1

7:30 PM – Ride Aqua Luna Cruise

8:30 PM – Walk back to the hotel

• Check-in properly

Optional if you still have the energy: Any Night Markets – Ladies’ Market, Temple Street Night Market, or Mongkok Night Market.

DAY 2

7:00 AM – Breakfast and get ready for the day

8:00 AM – Go to Disneyland / Ocean Park

• For Disneyland, use your Meal Vouchers

9:00 AM -Arrive Disneyland / Ocean Park

• Ride
• Have snacks
• Take pictures and videos
• Buy souvenirs
• Enjoy the day

9:00 PM – Depart

10:00 PM – Back to hotel lights out

DAY 3

9:00 AM – Breakfast and get ready for the day

• Check out early, bring your bags and leave it in the lockers at Citygate Outlet Mall or leave your bags at the hotel.

10:00 AM – Arrive at Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

10:25 AM – Arrive Nong Ping 360

• Big Budha
• Po Lin Monastery
• Wisdom Path

12:30 PM – Depart Ngong Ping 360

1:30 PM – Lunch at Cafe de Coral, Fu Tung Plaza

2:00 PM – Citygate Outlet shopping

4:00 PM – Get your luggage from the lockers or Depart Tung Chung and go back to the hotel to get your bags.

6:00 PM – Arrive airport

• Check in baggage and get your boarding pass
• Pass by immigration
• Dinner at HKIA

9:00 PM – Depart HKIA

11:00 PM – Arrive NAIA

If you have any questions, feel free to comment, and we’ll answer them so we can help you with your 3 days in Hong Kong.

More itineraries and tips at https://happyandbusytravels.com/category/tips/ so do not forget to check it out!