How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong

You could live in Hong Kong for decades and still not finish exploring this multifaceted city. So how on earth do you decide what to see, do and eat in just two days?

We’ve come up with an itinerary that showcases the very best food, fun and culture the city has to offer, with guided and self-directed tours, iconic experiences, delicious eats, and opportunities to take in that magnificent skyline from every angle.

Day one: Hong Kong Island

Morning

Start your Hong Kong trip with a bucket-list must: a trip up Victoria Peak. Rather than queue for the Peak Tram, lace up your trainers and hike there first thing in the morning. The walk will take you about an hour but the incredible views of skyscrapers surrounding Victoria Harbour are so worth it.

Mid-morning and lunch 

Ride the Peak Tram back down to Central and join a 3-hour Hong Kong tour . This guided tour will take you through Sheung Wan and Central’s most fascinating historical and cultural sites, from the revamped Central Police Station, Tai Kwun, to Man Mo Temple.  

For a quintessential dim sum experience with a view, head to City Hall’s Maxim’s Palace , where trolleys laden with bamboo steamers roll between tables, set against a backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Get there early as the queue swiftly builds around peak lunch hours or alternately download The Gulu , an app which allows you to queue virtually – letting you to continue sightseeing before swiftly heading to your table. Famed dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan is also nearby, tucked away in nearby Hong Kong Station for a speedy and satisfying meal.

Afternoon 

After lunch, grab your camera and explore Hong Kong’s hidden street art scene. From a mural of kung fu legend Bruce Lee to swirling rainbow portraits, the best of it is located in Sheung Wan. Perfect for shutterbugs, you’ll learn about the artists behind the works and graffiti’s place in the city on this Hong Kong street art tour.

After all that walking, you deserve some pampering, so head to one of Hong Kong’s massage parlours for some rest and rejuvenation. We recommend reflexology retreat Ten Feet Tall  for a relaxing foot massage – or for those looking to indulge, The Oriental Spa offers a variety of treatments such as their Qi-enhancing Chinese Meridian massage and restorative Jet Lag Cure.

Evening 

Once you’re feeling suitably relaxed, head to Victoria Harbour for another look at that spectacular skyline from the deck of the Aqua Luna , an authentic Chinese sailing junk whose iconic red sails can often be spotted on the water. Enjoy an evening cruise with cocktail in hand on this beautiful craft – and remember to take plenty of pictures.

Dinner 

Hungry again? Tuck into a delicious handmade pizza at Spiga in Central. If you’re still full from lunch, you can stick to light bar bites, while soaking up the atmosphere at the restaurant’s breezy outdoor terrace.

Or why not opt for one of the city’s quintessential dining experiences: hotpot. At longstanding local favourite, Megan’s Kitchen , a bubbling broth will be brought to your table, into which you can toss and swirl your own raw ingredients – dumplings, noodles, thinly sliced meats and fresh veggies – until they’re ready to eat. Then dip in sauce and enjoy! 

Once you’ve had your fill of delicious food, head to a rooftop bar such as Popinjays  or Cardinal Point for a post-meal tipple. These bars boast some of the most breathtaking views in the city – and the cocktails won’t disappoint either.

Day two: Kowloon

Morning 

It’s another early start! This time, head to Lantau Island for a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car , choosing between a standard or glass-bottomed crystal cabin. You’ll touch down at Ngong Ping Village, where you can visit the Big Buddha bronze statue and walk the Wisdom Path. Once you’re done exploring, you can either take a side trip to Tai O fishing village, or head back to town. 

Mid-morning 

Return to Tung Chung and make the most of Hong Kong’s swift public transportation with a ride on the MTR to Kowloon Station. You’ll find the Sky100 here – an observation deck inside the ICC building, and the highest viewing gallery in Hong Kong. Take in the view over a drink and delectable bites at Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton .

Lunch 

Hop in a taxi and head to The Langham hotel, where plenty of dining options await. Chow down on grilled steaks and seafood towers at Bostonian Seafood and Grill or opt for classic Cantonese fine dining at three Michelin-starred T'ang Court . Afterwards, explore downtown Tsim Sha Tsui – the Hong Kong Art Museum, Space Museum and Victoria Dockside are all within spitting distance of The Langham.

Still keen for adventure? Grab your Octopus card and take the MTR to Mongkok to see where Hong Kong’s trendiest kids shop along Argyle Street, or nip up to Prince Edward to for its famed floral-strewn street market.

Afternoon 

It would be a shame to leave Hong Kong empty-handed, so head to Harbour City , Hong Kong’s largest mall, for some retail therapy. This vast shopping centre made up of three malls: Gateway Arcade, Ocean Terminal and Ocean Centre, and can be somewhat tricky to navigate. Let yourself get lost amongst the glitzy lights of the stores and take your time browsing all the mall has to offer – from luxury designer brands and must-have electronics to homeware and high-street favourites.

Evening 

Hong Kong comes alive after dark, and in our book, there’s no better time to discover Kowloon – also known as the ‘Dark Side’ of the city. Big Bus Hong Kong operates an hour-long panoramic night tour that will take you to the revamped Temple Street Night Market, down buzzy Nathan Road, past the Clock Tower and on to the Hong Kong Coliseum, with pre-recorded commentary to keep you informed and entertained.

Dinner 

It’s your last evening meal in Hong Kong, so why not take the opportunity to enjoy one final meal with the Victoria Harbour as your backdrop? Conveniently located in Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal, Harbourside Grill offers diners cinematic views of Hong Kong Island and a delicious grill-centric menu. Not yet had your fill of Asian cuisine? Hutong ’s fiery Northern Chinese food is considered some of the best in the city – as is the view from their H Zentre location. Watch the sun go down behind Hong Kong’s iconic skyline as you enjoy your final moments in the city. Spending even more time in Hong Kong? We’ve curated a whole range of guides to ensure your next visit here is your best one, from the hottest new restaurant openings to thrilling events taking place each month. Hong Kong is also a fantastic transit point to explore the rest of the Greater Bay Area and beyond, check out the rest of our Inspiration stories to discover your next holiday.

Hong Kong travel information