Ask a Cathay member: how would you spend 48 hours in Hong Kong?

The perfect Hong Kong stopover is an art form – between the soaring peaks, world-class attractions, and culinary gems, where do you even begin? We turned to our network of savvy Cathay members and frequent flyers to distil the essence of this dynamic city into an ideal 48-hour adventure. Follow their lead for a journey that balances iconic sights with authentic local flavours. 

"People in Hong Kong always plan their day around food! So, my perfect morning in Hong Kong has got to be breakfast and a dip at Repulse Bay Beach – enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Southside while it’s still relatively quiet. Next, I’d take the Peak Tram to enjoy lunch up on Victoria Peak,  before walking back down the summit to shop around the trendy Soho area. Of course it’s always fun to make the most of happy hour drinks at one of Central’s many rooftop bars with great views of the city. After a few martinis I tend to end the night with food and more drinks with friends and family on or around Peel Street."

"On day two, I would mix things up with a local breakfast at a cha chaan teng in Causeway Bay or Wan Chai before riding the MTR over to Mong Kok for shopping and dim sum. I always feel satisfied spending the afternoon soaking in all the inspiring exhibitions at the West Kowloon Cultural District museums, especially when it’s too hot or rainy outside. I’d end the evening with dinner at the Regent Hong Kong or K11 Musea, mesmerized by the sweeping harbour view from the ‘dark side’.” 

"Day one would start at Australia Dairy Company for a quick breakfast before taking a walk through the M+ Museum exhibitions and a stroll along the West Kowloon Cultural District waterfront. In the afternoon, I’d take the iconic Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai. I always enjoy this ferry ride! Visiting a wet market is also a must to taste the real culture of Hong Kong so I’d recommend experiencing the local wet market in Wan Chai before going for lunch at the Causeway Bay Cooked Food Centre or the Bowrington Road Market and Cooked Food Centre in Wan Chai. My go-to is the curry and pork chop rice. If you’re not too tired from all the walking, do a bit of shopping in Causeway Bay, before heading back to The Upper House in Admiralty and having dinner at The Upper House 's restaurant, Salisterra. I tend to have a late-night meal as well, and I like to go to Always Joy .” 

"On day two, I start my day with a hike through Hong Kong Park to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens and have a traditional breakfast of dim sum at Yuk Lok Tea House. In the afternoon, I like to take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator to Tai Kwun for some sightseeing or take a ride on the historic Ding Ding aka the tram. I also try to make time before my flight to have dinner at Duddell’s at the airport.” 

“Travelling on the slow ferry to the island of Cheung Chau has always been a favourite, sitting on the open-top rear deck and watching the majestic skyscrapers surrounding Victoria Harbour pass by. Paddle boarding is a passion of mine, and there are boards to rent from Hing Kee Beach Store on Kwun Yam Beach – a great spot to relax in a deck chair, with a drink and newspaper in hand. After enjoying a seafood dinner on the waterfront Hing Lok Restaurant, we buy the famous mango mochi and sweet tofu at Wan Sing Dessert before heading back to Central. The views from the ferry top deck are even better in the evening, with the world-class Hong Kong harbour lights twinkling by.” 

"Starting on Hong Kong Island for the second day, I’d take a return trip on the Star Ferry, and wander along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for a while. Afterwards, I’d recommend walking up Victoria Peak from Old Peak Road and looping the Victoria Peak Circle Walk for more spectacular views. For dinner, I’d suggest The Chinese Library at Tai Kwun , the former Central Police Station Compound. The site once housed a prison and magistracy – where I once represented clients in the early 1990s – but has now been beautifully restored as a heritage conservation project, home to galleries, restaurants and bars, including one in the old prison cells. Dinner can be followed by a walk along Staunton Street in Soho, a buzzing neighbourhood full of shops, cafés and restaurants, then down the Peel Street steps past the burning incense of a streetside shrine, and back along the lively Wyndham Street. If you know a friendly member, there might be time to visit the classic round bar at the Foreign Correspondents Club .”

"If you're looking to experience the authentic side of Hong Kong, far from the bustling crowds at tourist spots, then Tsuen Wan offers a refreshing escape."

"Start your journey at Tsuen Wan Promenade, which I think of as the sister of Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars. Easily accessible by MTR or bus, this serene waterfront stretch invites you to take a leisurely stroll while soaking in breathtaking views. On a clear day, you can catch sight of the islands of Ma Wan and Tsing Yi across the water. A simple, yet soul-soothing experience."

"Next make your way to The Mills, Tsuen Wan’s art and culture hub. Once a textile factory, this repurposed space now hosts creative exhibits and pop-up stores. Grab a coffee, explore the galleries, and feel awed by Hong Kong's homegrown artistry.” 

“What do I love most about Hong Kong? That the cyberpunk spectacle of the world’s biggest assembly of skyscrapers somehow coexists with the natural splendour of protected parks, craggy mountains, carless islands and pristine beaches – meaning you can bounce between the buzz and concrete of city life and the peaceful call of green and blue in just minutes."

“So, with 48 whole hours, let’s do both. I could easily lose a day wandering Kowloon’s knotty maze of side streets, camera in hand. I’d start at Lai Chi Kok and work slowly and erratically south, before – cliché alert! – finally arriving at the Star Ferry at dusk. After crossing to Hong Kong Island, I’d catch a show at a beloved indie music venue: The Aftermath for rock, or Coda for jazz.”   

“On day two I’d head out to Lantau Island early, and tackle the gruelling double header of Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak, before taking in the sunset from the remote Cheung Sha Beach, and riding a relaxing slow ferry home from Mui Wo.”