Hong Kong and Macau were never on my bucket list because I associated them largely with skyscrapers, shopping, and casinos. However, I wondered if visiting them could act as a soft landing for my eventual trip to China one day, providing a cushion with their cosmopolitan cultures (“one country, two systems” until 2047 I am told). Add to that a visa-free entry for Indians and attractive airline deals, and a quick 4-day Hong Kong Macau solo adventure was born. I ditched the usual tourist traps for hikes and cruises, making this Christmas trip unforgettable.
There is so much you can do in Hong Kong and Macau. I tried to pack in a lot. Let’s see how much you can do.
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Essentials
Visa
Indians require a pre-arrival registration (link) for Hong Kong to stay visa-free for 14 days. No visa is required to visit Macau for a stay of up to 30 days.
Money
Hong Kong is an expensive city, much more than I imagined. Credit card is widely accepted, however you do need some cash.
My hotels were prepaid (costing ~ HK$ 2400 for 4 nights). Tours/entry tickets were pre-paid (costing ~ HK$ 1000 in total). Thus, my daily cash expenses were largely on food and reloading the Octopus card. For these, I withdrew about HK$ 500 from the airport ATM.
In all, including the trip to Macau, I spent about HK$ 4500 (US$ 575; INR 48k) on the 4-day trip (excluding airfare). You can reduce this further if you stay in hostels (I took single rooms throughout) or forgo local tours. Keep in mind, that it was peak season in December, so hotel prices were higher than usual.
Hotels
Here are the three primary areas where tourists set base in Hong Kong, each offering a unique flavour of the city:
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island—the heart of Hong Kong’s tourism and business—is where most visitors spend their time sightseeing. The island’s northern region, encompassing Central and Causeway Bay, is a hub of activity, replete with iconic landmarks, great shopping, and an awesome cultural scene. The Harbourview, Dorset, and Ibis are affordable mid-range hotel options.
Kowloon
Kowloon, situated across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island, is the best place for a first-timer to stay. Tsim Sha Tsui, in particular, boasts easy access to various attractions and transportation options. I stayed at Urban Pack Hostel in a single room with a shared bathroom for one night (USD 98/night for the room) and at LongWin Hostel in a single room with an ensuite bathroom for three nights (USD 70/night for the room). Both hostels are conveniently located just off Nathan Road (the main thoroughfare in Kowloon) in Tsim Sha Tsui, placing you right in the heart of the action.
I preferred LongWin Hostel to Urban Pack. It was conveniently located right next to Jordan MTR. The airport bus (A22) left from Woosung Street, a 3-minute walk away. The Temple Street Market was also only minutes away. Everything was close by. Note though that the room is super tiny with a wall-to-wall bed (so everything, including dinner, is done sitting on the bed), but the room and toilet were spotlessly clean. It has an ensuite shower, which is a blessing. However, taking a shower is quite an experience 🙂 Overall, it was good for the price paid, considering Hong Kong, and the season I travelled in.
Hong Kong Island versus Kowloon
Stay in Hong Kong Island if you prefer
- Skyscrapers and malls.
- Hiking and views: Victoria Peak tram is a must, plus hidden trails galore.
- Nightlife and bars: e.g. Lan Kwai Fong.
Stay in Kowloon if you prefer
- Local markets and street food: e.g. Temple Street.
- Cooler neighbourhoods: Mong Kok’s neon lights and hipster Sham Shui Po.
- Budget stays: Kowloon has more affordable options.
- Action-packed and noisier.
However, Hong Kong is a small city, and travelling from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon or vice versa using the MTR is short and easy.
Lantau Island
Lantau Island is where the airport is located, along with Hong Kong Disneyland and the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha). The best place to stay in Lantau is Four Points by Sheraton, Tung Chung, which is located near Tung Chung station and offers free shuttles to and from the airport. It is also well priced, at USD 140 per night. Lantau Island is a convenient choice for travellers with early morning flights or those who plan to explore the island’s attractions upon arrival. Compared to the urban intensity of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, Lantau offers a haven of peace and greenery.
There are several exciting things to do in Hong Kong in four days. Stay tuned and read more below.
Transportation
I used only the Hong Kong MTR (Mass Transit Railway) to get around.
First and foremost, get the Octopus card. It will not only allow you to move around with ease but also offer the convenience of cashless payments for food and more. Simply load up your Octopus Card at one of the many 7-Elevens in Hong Kong, including the one at the airport, and you are good to go. There are also card reloading machines at MTR stations. More details are below in the section on the Octopus Card. I prepurchased the card through Klook, picked it up at the airport, and reloaded it once at an MTR station.
HKtaxi and Uber can get you around as well but be prepared for busy roads. HKtaxi drivers take cash, so keep some aside for it. However, the MTR is a breeze to use and get around. You will need nothing else.
Getting to the city from the airport: The Airport Express is the best way to get to and from the Hong Kong airport to the city. However, I went straight to Lantau Island after landing; and on departure, an early flight meant catching an Airport Bus. More information on airport transport options here.
Octopus Card
The Octopus card is a convenient and widely accepted tool for making electronic payments in Hong Kong. It can be used on all public transportation as well as in a variety of stores and businesses. There are two types of Octopus cards available: a “Sold Tourist Octopus” that is meant to be kept as a souvenir, and an “On-Loan Octopus” that can be returned at the end of your trip. You can purchase an Octopus card at a variety of locations, including MTR Customer Service Centers, convenience stores such as 7-Elevens, and the Hong Kong International Airport. You can also buy it through Klook. However, I found only the “Sold” option at Klook (i.e. a Tourist Card. The Rental Card was not available). It came with HK$50 pre-loaded and no deposit required.
Loading a Card
How much should you load on the Octopus card if you are a budget traveller? I budgeted HK$40 for travel per day and loaded an additional HK$40 for the airport bus on the last day. This came to HK$200 (~USD 25) for transportation over four days. Load more if you want to pay for food using the Octopus Card.
Redeeming a Card
Before you leave Hong Kong, grab your leftover Octopus cash (deposit + stored value) at Airport Express Counters (Arrivals Hall). The card can also be redeemed at any MTR Customer Service Center or designated Octopus-authorized redemption locations.
If purchasing the Tourist Card through Klook (versus the Rental Card), you cannot return and redeem. Luckily for me, I managed to use up the whole amount on the last day by buying some snacks at a 7-Eleven.
Using Klook
Klook is a travel booking platform that offers great discounts in Hong Kong. Klook is generally awesome for all Asia-based bookings, but especially for Hong Kong since it is also headquartered there as well.
Klook offers a variety of discounted offers and cards for Hong Kong. For the four-day tour, I had shortlisted the following:
- Octopus card (Preloaded with HK$50): USD 12.45 (Pickup at the airport)
- HK 7-Day Unlimited data SIM card: USD 8.70 (Pickup at the airport)
- [Klook Designated VIP Lane]: Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket—One-way standard cabin fare: USD 25 | return USD 34.65
- Aqua Luna Victoria Harbour Cruise Experience (5:45 PM Sunset Promo): USD 34.65
However, I found a better way to do 3 and 4. I purchased a Klook Pass for Hong Kong.
Klook Pass Hong Kong: Klook offers an attractive Hong Kong Activity Pass that is valid from the booking confirmation date for 30 days from the first activation date. Full refunds are issued for non-activated passes, and the pass appeared to be value for money if staying for a longer period in Hong Kong. The best part about the pass is that you can cancel it, unlike individual bookings, which are mostly non-cancellable. For the HK Klook Pass, you have the option of 15 standard attractions plus 2 premium ones (Disneyland and Ocean Park). I purchased the two attractions, Klook Pass, for USD 43.49, a > USD 25.81 discount if I’d done individual bookings.
Flying from India
Both Indigo and Vistara have direct, inexpensive flights from Delhi to Hong Kong. I flew Indigo from Mumbai and returned to Kolkata by Indigo, with a stopover in Delhi both times. The timing was convenient and the flights were on time.
On Landing
If you have an early arrival in Hong Kong like I did, here are things you can do.
- Grab a SIM card at 7-Eleven in Arrival Hall B
- Head to Arrival Hall A for charging points and baggage storage (across from Pret a Manger – perfect for a coffee break!)
- Freshen up, activate your SIM, pick up your Octopus card at the Klook counter (opens at 8 AM)
- Hit the ATM for some HK$.
It was somewhat challenging to activate my China Mobile mobile SIM at first but a kind stranger saw me struggling and helped me. Phew! Where would we awkward solo travellers be without the good hearts of kind strangers?
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Day 1: Lantau Island
I’m glad I started my Hong Kong trip from Lantau Island. It offered a glimpse of Hong Kong’s pre-urbanization character, its lush greenery and slow-paced old-world charm, a welcome contrast to the modern city. While Lantau and the Big Buddha had “tourist trap” whispers, my visit defied expectations. The only crowd I saw was in the queue for the Ngong Ping Cable Car (worth the wait!). Operating weekdays 10 PM – 6 PM and weekends 9 AM – 6:30 PM, the 20-30 minute ropeway ride delivered stunning views. I also truly enjoyed my walk down Wisdom Path because I was on my own and the path was eerily tranquil. My last stop was at Po Lin Monastery, which was breathtaking and the canteen food was delicious although pricey (HK$ 20 cake!).
Landing at 7 AM, I reached the Big Buddha by 10 AM and enjoyed a serene experience. Though Sharp, Lamma and Cheung Chau Islands offer even more pristine and untouched beauty, Lantau seemed the most accessible on a four-day trip.
Big Buddha, Ngong Ping, and Tai O Fishing Village
How to go
From the airport: Take the bus from Hong Kong International Airport to Tung Chung Station (S1, 15–20 minutes)
From the city: Use the MTR to ride the Tung Chung (orange) line to reach Tung Chung Station. It takes about 40 minutes from Central Station.
What to do
Morning
- Arrive at Tung Chung Station.
- If you have luggage, drop it at Citygate Outlets, a large shopping mall near the station. Go to the basement next to parking (B2 and B3) and rent a locker. It cost me HK$ 10+20 to keep my luggage for about 7 hours.
- Walk 2-3 minutes to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up to Ngong Ping Plateau. The cable car ride offers stunning views of Lantau Island and Ngong Ping Village. Operating weekdays 10 PM – 6 PM and weekends 9 AM – 6:30 PM. Costs here.
- Explore Ngong Ping Village, a charming village with traditional Chinese architecture and shops selling souvenirs and local products. You will likely cross the piazza to go to the Big Buddha.
- Visit the Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha, a 34-meter-tall bronze statue that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hong Kong. The Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping Village, and visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the base of the statue.
- Come down from the Big Buddha and walk 10-15 minutes to reach Wisdom Path. Simply follow the signage. Then, walk along Wisdom Path, a tranquil 380-meter trail lined with 38 wooden monuments inscribed with verses from the centuries-old Heart Sutra prayer.
Afternoon
- Walk to the gorgeous Po Lin Monastery. Founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province in China, the monastery was originally called “The Big Hut” and was renamed in 1924. The main temple is home to three bronze statues of the Buddha representing his past, present, and future lives. It also has a Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas at the back which is a sight to behold. I found the temple colourful, resplendent, and peaceful. Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal at Po Lin Monastery. The monastery is known for its delicious and healthy vegetarian cuisine. Meal timing is 11 AM to 4:30 PM and costs HK$ 150 per person.
- Next, head to Tai O Fishing Village, a traditional stilt village known for its seafood restaurants and dried seafood markets. The village is also a popular spot for photography. The Ngong Ping bus terminus is about 5 minutes on foot from Ngong Ping Village. Take Bus 1, 11 or 21 to reach the Tai O bus terminus. You will see plenty of people queuing up.
Hong Kong Disneyland
When on Lantau Island, you can also consider going to Hong Kong Disneyland. Opened in 2005, it’s the first and only Disneyland park in Asia. It is also known to be smaller and easier to navigate. A taxi from the airport takes 12-15 minutes and costs around HK$170-210. There is a direct bus to Disneyland starting from 11 Skies. The MTR Disney Resort Line, which leaves from Sunny Bay Station, is a 30-minute MTR ride from the airport. You can also visit the Big Buddha, and take the MTR from Tung Chung to Sunny Bay Station to take the Disneyland Resort Line, doing both on the same day!
There are easier ways to do Lantau. Check the tours below.
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Day 2: Hong Kong City Tour
I took this all-inclusive 6-hour-long Hong Kong walking tour and was super-pleased with it. The tour ran from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. It was well organized and my guide, Christina, was fabulous—maintaining time and keeping us engaged. We hit all the major Hong Kong must-dos with tips for spending the rest of our time.
The places we visited were:
Central Market: We started at Central Market, located opposite Hang Seng Bank on 83 Des Voeux Rd Central. This is a one-stop shop for everything you need, including souvenirs. Founded in 1842, the market is the oldest wet market in Hong Kong. Reopened in 2021 after a major renovation, it’s now a proper mall for dining, shopping, and community events. You can get anything here: from local delicacies and artisanal crafts to hip cafes and global cuisine. It’s also one of the few pet-friendly markets in Hong Kong. That has my vote. Another fun fact: the building housed the first public female toilet in Hong Kong.
Tai Kwun: Next, we travelled on the world’s longest outdoor escalator to reach Tai Kwun, a former central police station compound from the 1920s. It once housed the Victoria Prison, Central Magistracy, and Central Police Station. It now boasts galleries, studios, heritage exhibitions, and space for events. Its most famous inmate was Ho Chi Minh, then yet to be the president of Vietnam, who was imprisoned here in 1931 for anti-colonial activities.
Hollywood Road: Then we moved to Hollywood Road, a 1 km long street winding through Central and Sheung Wan. It’s one of the oldest streets on Hong Kong Island, built in 1844 during British colonial rule. Known for its antique shops and art galleries, the street also boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars. Historical landmarks abound, including the Man Mo Temple (1847) and the Central Police Station (1864). Hollywood Road is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. E.g. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), and the Netflix TV show, Marco Polo (2014).
PMQ: Originally known as the Hollywood Road “Police Married Quarters”, PMQ was the first dormitory in Hong Kong open to junior Chinese police officers and their families. It has been operational for over 60 years. Today, it’s a vibrant hub for design, fashion, and lifestyle, supporting local young creatives. It also offers event space. A visit to PMQ is a must for a glimpse into the lives of Hong Kong’s civil servants and their living spaces.
Man Mo Temple: Dating from the 1800s, Man Mo is a Taoist Temple dedicated to Man Cheong (Literature God) and Mo Chuk Lan (Martial God), key figures associated with scholar and warrior success. There are several Man Mo Temples in Hong Kong, but the one in Sheung Wan is the largest. The temple is beautiful (albeit a bit dark). The architecture is a traditional two-hall-three-bay structure that echoes the Qing Dynasty style, with its double-eave green tiled roof and granite-paved floors. Our guide also taught us the ritual of reading our fortunes with wooden sticks and a weathered guidebook, which are available for free, courtesy of the Temple.
A Ride on the Ding Ding: I was looking forward to this one. I love riding on trams. Hong Kong’s “Ding Ding” trams are much more than just transportation. Weaving through bustling streets, they offer the cheapest rides and a leisurely way to see the city. This electric-powered, space-efficient (and they are narrow!), these colourful beauties are like no other. The Hong Kong tram’s “ding ding” bell is an essential part of the city’s unique soundtrack.
On Star Ferry: The Star Ferry is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hong Kong. Its green, orange, and white ferries have provided commuters with a convenient and affordable way to travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon for over a century. A ride on the Star Ferry also allows one to admire the beautiful Victoria Harbour skyline.
The Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower: Standing tall at 44 meters, the clock tower is the only remaining part of the former Kowloon Station, which served as the terminus for the Kowloon-Canton Railway from 1910 to 1975. The red brick and granite tower is considered the centre of Hong Kong, from where all distances are quoted.
Avenue of the Stars: The Avenue of the Stars is a waterfront promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui, honouring celebrities from the Hong Kong film industry. Unlike Hollywood’s star-studded walk, the Avenue of Stars immortalizes Hong Kong film icons through bronze handprints on the railing that overlooks the bustling promenade. The avenue is approximately 450 meters long and free to visit. The statue of Bruce Lee at the end of the avenue is a major photography spot.
In addition, we also visited a traditional Dim Sum Restaurant, and along with the sumptuous dim sums, drank the milk tea accompanied by a delicious egg tart. All in all, a day well spent. Be prepared to walk and sweat a lot and jostle with the crowds.
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Day 3: Macau
About
Situated 60 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, Macau boasts a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences, shaped by over 400 years of colonial rule. A Special Administrative Region of China, similar to Hong Kong, it spans an area of only about 34 square kilometres. While primarily known for its casinos, its Historic Centre holds UNESCO World Heritage status, showcasing 22 buildings that illustrate the city’s cultural and architectural fusion. This compact city embodies an East-meets-West spirit, seamlessly blending old and new. It makes for a perfect day trip from Hong Kong, easily accessible independently without the need for an organized tour.
How to Go
There are several ways to get to Macau—a ferry, a bus, and even a helicopter! The most traditional way is to go by ferry.
By Ferry
- Walk or take the MTR to China Ferry Terminal which is only a few minutes’ walk from the Star Ferry Terminal, the MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station and Austin Station.
- Take the TurboJet to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (MAC). It takes about 1 hour and costs between HK$ 190 (morning ferry) – HK$ 220 (night ferry). You can book tickets onsite. Queues can be long on peak days and you may not get the time you want, in which case, book on the website.
- Reach Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
- Queue up for fairly quick immigration
Other Transport options
- Helicopter
- Take a bus from the cross-boundary Coach Terminus at East Kowloon Station
- You can also go to Macau from the airport directly. More information is here.
Getting the Macau Currency
The Macanese pataca or Macau pataca is the currency of the Macao. Isn’t it a cute name? Since pataca in Hindi means ‘firecracker’ or ‘flag’ depending on how you pronounce it 🙂
Now how do you get hold of some patacas and should you at all bother? If you are taking the local bus to do some sightseeing, you would need a few Patacas. You might also like to bring some home as souvenirs.
There is an ATM at the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal where you can withdraw patacas. However, for a day trip, you’ll only need a few coins for bus fare (as per my itinerary) as most other expenses can be paid for with a credit card. Bus fare is MOP 6 one way and currently requires depositing coins directly into a box next to the driver.
To get these coins, you have two options: (1) purchase a snack at the convenience store in the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal using HK$, receive Macau Patakas in return, and use the change for bus fare, or (2) bring Hong Kong dollar coins in exact denominations, as they are accepted at par value with MOP in Macau.
Sightseeing at Macau
- At the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, there are a handful of public buses you can take, such as routes 3 and 3A, which go to the Macau World Heritage Area. I took Bus 3 to Senado Square (quick) but returned in Bus 3A which took a circuitous route, where I was squashed in between people but also saw all the major casinos.
- There are free shuttle buses to the casinos, which you can use to get to the historical area. Take the shuttle bus to Casino Lisboa. Enjoy a quick 9-minute ride followed by a 600-meter stroll to Senado Square.
- There is also a Macau Hop-On Hop-Off bus, although I could not locate it. Tickets were available on Klook. See below.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Macau
According to UNESCO “Macao, a lucrative port of strategic importance in the development of international trade in Chinese territory, became a Portuguese settlement in the mid-16th century and returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1999. The inscribed property presents a group of 22 principal buildings and public spaces that enable a clear understanding of the structure of the old trading port city. With its historic streets and residential, religious and public Portuguese and Chinese buildings, the Historic Centre of Macao provides a unique testimony to the meeting of aesthetic, cultural, religious, architectural and technological influences from East and West.” Within the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Macau Historic Centre, several buildings merit a longer visit, but I have highlighted only a few which can be covered in an hour or two.
Start at Senado Square and move your way along until you reach Casa Garden. A brief about the various points you will see in between:
Senado Square
Founded in 1918, Senado Square once pulsed as Macau’s administrative heart. Today, this charming cobblestone piazza pulsates with life, offering a blend of history and gastronomy. History buffs will find treasures like the Leal Senado Building and Holy House of Mercy, while foodies can indulge in a tapestry of Portuguese and Macanese flavours at the square’s many shops.
St Dominic’s Church
St Dominic’s Church was founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests, making it the oldest church in Macau still in use. It was originally constructed in Camphorwood and then rebuilt in stone in the late 17th century. It is built in the Baroque style with influences of Chinese architecture. It remains a popular landmark and active place of worship for the Catholic community and houses a small Museum of Sacred Art exhibiting religious paintings, sculptures, and vestments.
Lou Kou Mansion
The mansion, built in 1889 by Lou Kau, a prominent Chinese merchant and gambling tycoon, is adorned with spacious courtyards, ornate balconies, and stained-glass windows. The mansion offers a glimpse into the grandeur and lifestyle of wealthy Chinese families in Macau during the late Qing Dynasty. The mansion was featured in the 2008 Hollywood film “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”
Ruins of Saint Paul’s
The 17th-century Ruins of Saint Paul’s are a seminal part of the Historic Centre of Macau. The ruins now consist of just the stone frontispiece and sit on a small hill, with 68 stone steps leading up to it. On Christmas Eve it was overflowing with people. Carols were being sung on a makeshift stage. Pretty festive overall.
Na Tcha Temple
Behold this tiny temple behind the ruins. Constructed in 1888, the temple is dedicated to the Chinese deity Na Tcha, a mythical warrior child who possesses many magical abilities, including the power to fly, control the elements, and transform himself. The temple is believed to have been built to pacify a plague ravaging the area at the time. Despite its smaller size, the temple plays a significant role in Macau’s cultural landscape, and the annual procession dedicated to Na Tcha is a major local event.
St. Anthony’s Parish
The parish was founded in 1742, initially as a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. It was later renamed after St. Anthony of Padua, who is revered for lost articles and marriages. The parish is now a significant landmark and active Catholic church.
Old Cemetery
Established in 1823, the Cemetery located next to the Parish, was originally reserved for Portuguese residents and high-ranking officials. Later, it became a multi-cultural burial ground. The Old Cemetery features several unique tombs, including one shaped like a ship and another resembling a Chinese pavilion. I love cemeteries and I spent a few good minutes here basking in the peace it offered.
Casa Garden
Built in 1770 by a wealthy Portuguese merchant, Manuel Pereira, Casa Garden was originally used as a private residence and then rented to the British East India Company as their headquarters in Macau. It was later acquired by the Portuguese government and transformed into the headquarters of the Oriental Foundation. Casa Garden’s beautiful setting has been used as a backdrop for movies and music videos.
Eat and Drink
Drink Macau’s famous iced tea (Ga Geen Cha) and eat the famous beef jerky (Minchi) at Senado Square. Both Ga Geen Cha and Minchi are popular souvenirs. Ga Geen Cha is traditionally served hot, but Macau’s warm climate and tourist proclivities have led to the refreshing iced version. Minchi is hand-cut and air-dried under the subtropical sun, transforming into chewy, flavorful bites. It is enjoyed either plain or sandwiched in fluffy Macau-style buns.
A Casino Visit?
Macau is the Las Vegas of the East and while it has a fraction (only about 40) of the number of casinos in Las Vegas, its gross gambling revenue is much more, clocking about USD 2 billion/month compared to about USD 1 billion/month in Las Vegas. The Venetian here is even grander than the one in Las Vegas! Other popular casinos are Marina Bay Sands, Galaxy Macau, MGM Cotai, and Wynn Macau. Definitely, worth a visit to at least one of them.
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Day 4: More of Hong Kong
Hiking to “The Peak”
“The Peak” is arguably the most popular attraction in Hong Kong. And it’s easy to see why. From the Peak, you can admire the stunning beauty of Victoria Harbour laid out in all its skyscrapers and harbour glory. After all, Victoria Harbour is also the reason for Hong Kong’s existence. The deep waters between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula are why a collection of fishing villages grew to become an international centre of trade. Therefore, the view from the Peak is to understand Hong Kong’s essence.
It might take the entire morning to hike to The Peak for that iconic glimpse of Victoria Harbour. While there are various ways to tackle it, I’ll outline the easier option, which might also take a bit longer. Of course, the simplest way to reach the peak is by taking the tram up. However, I prefer the hiking experience as it immerses you in local life, lets you walk alongside residents, and allows you to enjoy the natural greenery as the scenery unfolds gradually. On winter days, the hike is an easy stroll, but on summer mornings, starting earlier is advisable.
Up: Take the “Morning Trail“, a gentle meandering hike to the peak via Hatton Road (closest MTR stop: Sai Ying Pun, take exit C and go down to ground level) The road measures about 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) and is fairly easy. It starts north at the junction with Conduit Road, where it becomes Kotewall Road. Kotewall Road’s gentle curves eventually lead you to a scenic crossroads near High West. Here, it meets Lugard Road and Harlech Road, both of which ascend towards the iconic Victoria Peak, offering breathtaking panoramas of Hong Kong’s urban tapestry.
Down: Take the route via “Old Peak Road” – a much steeper, albeit shorter, route. Come down to Hillsborough Court, then to Magazine Gap Road and finally end at Admiralty MTR station. There are several downhill stairs along the way that lead you closer to your destination. Keep a lookout for them. The Old Peak Road also links the Peak with the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden.
An alternative to hiking up is to take “The Peak Tram”. The lower terminus is located at 33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, while the tram ends at the stop at Victoria Peak. It operates from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM every day and departs every 15-20 minutes. Tickets are around HK$ 88-108 depending on the day of the week. The journey takes approximately 8–10 minutes.
The Aqua Luna Cruise
Victoria Harbour cruises offer a short, leisurely way to enjoy the sights of the iconic harbour skyline with the wind in your hair and a drink in your hand. Cost can be a factor, however. I found the Aqua Luna Cruise (high-quality, on time, one included drink) well worth the price (~USD 27-30 or about 200 HK$) for its 45-minute journey. While cheaper, longer cruises with unlimited drinks exist, the boats weren’t my style.
Other Activities to Consider
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Located at 250 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, next to the clock tower, just before the Avenue of Stars, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a performing arts venue featuring a concert hall, theatres, and exhibition gallery. It showcases local and international performances, encompassing music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Tickets.
M+ Museum
M+ Museum in Hong Kong is Asia’s largest museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, showcasing over 8,000 works. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Herzog & de Meuron, the museum itself is a work of art. Explore interconnected galleries housed within light-filled concrete volumes, offering stunning city views. The Museum opened to the public in 2021, and I hear is well worth a visit.
Temple Street Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kowloon at Temple Street Night Market, a bustling bazaar that has been a Hong Kong tradition since the 1920s. Open from around 6 PM to 11 PM, it features over 200 stalls offering a diverse range of goods, from clothing and electronics to local crafts and souvenirs. Indulge in authentic Hong Kong street food, haggle for bargains, and immerse yourself in the lively local scene. There are also fortune tellers and street performers for added entertainment!
See nifty solo itineraries for other Asian destinations: Japan and South Korea.
- First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
- From TripAdvisor I often go to Viator to book day tours. I love their user friendly platform and flexible cancellation policies. Compare their offers with GetYourGuide, which is great too.
- I book my accommodations in Booking because of their flexibility and that the bookings are easily cancellable. The mobile app is great and the genius discounts are on point.
- I recommend getting the Priority Pass. It gives you access to airport lounges and has helped me through many long waits. It’s definitely well worth the money.
- And I am literally always on Skyscanner. I get to see the best airfares, and the airline / third party providers offering them. Try the “From: origin city” to “To: Everywhere” option to ignite your imagination on where to travel to next.
Hong Kong is a whole vibe—crazy skyline, sick street food, and the night scene is just next level. Feels like the city never sleeps, always something popping off