Wondering how to spend 2 days in Hong Kong? Well, that’s a complicated question, and there’s no easy answer to it. But I think I’ve put together the ultimate 2 days in Hong Kong Itinerary to make the most of your time in this absolutely mesmerizing city!
I first visited Hong Kong many years ago during Chinese New Year, and since then, it’s been one of my favorite destinations in Asia. Complete with massive skyscrapers as far as the eye can see, wondrous city lights, and some of the most delicious food you’ll ever try – I think exploring Hong Kong in 48 hours is just enough time to make you fall completely in love with it!
With one of the most impressive skylines in the world, delicious cuisine, amazing viewpoints, hikes, day trips, and so much more — Hong Kong is a city that’ll have you wanting to come back for more than just that.
If you’re traveling on a budget, check out my guide on the best Hong Kong hostels to make the most of your Hong Kong budget.
Where To Stay During Your Two Days in Hong Kong?
There are so many incredible hotels to choose from in the city, but it’s also one of the more expensive places for accommodation. The “budget hostels” aren’t that cheap for backpacker standards, and even the mid-range hotels are super pricey. Here are a few recommendations for Hong Kong accommodation!
InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong – Out of all the hotels in Hong Kong, I would choose to stay here at InternContinental. Why? Well, because when I was a young backpacking travel blogger, I went inside one of them and asked if I could check out the pool and take some photos. The management team was super friendly and said that wouldn’t be a problem at all. The hotel is absolutely stunning, the pool is amazing, the rooms are luxurious, and the price is relatively affordable, starting at around $230 per night. It’s well-located, has amazing reviews, and will be the perfect hotel for exploring Hong Kong in two days!
Chungking Mansion (budget travelers only) – If you search on Booking.com or Agoda for the cheapest rooms in Hong Kong, they are pretty much always going to be located here in the Chungking Mansion! I stayed here for four nights when I was backpacking in Southeast Asia, and it was a super interesting experience, to say the least. When you enter the mansion, you’ll be overwhelmed with lots of noise, people trying to sell you stuff, and trying to figure out where to go. It’s honestly an adventure all on its own, but it is definitely for the real budget/solo travelers of the world.
Getting Around Hong Kong
An amazing aspect about visiting Hong Kong is that public transportation is truly next level, and the underground system can get you pretty much anywhere you need to go! While I did find myself utilizing the Uber rideshare app (yes, you can use it in Hong Kong), I’d recommend avoiding it. Why? Well, Hong Kong traffic can get crazy. When using public transportation for this Hong Kong itinerary, 2 days will be enough.
When I would research where I was going, I would just type in my destination on Google Maps and follow the public transportation directions. It was super easy, and even the most novice travelers will have no issue finding the right bus or MTR station.
Hong Kong 2-Day Itinerary: What to Do
Let me start off by saying that when visiting Hong Kong, 2 days isn’t nearly enough! There’s a lot to cover, so you’ll want to get an early start and hit the ground running. Still, I believe that with this 2-day itinerary, Hong Kong will be super fun for you.
The Peak & Sky Terrace
First things first – head up to Hong Kong’s most iconic lookout, The Peak, to get a better understanding and appreciation for how epic this city truly is! There are a lot of different things you can do up there, and if you get there early enough, there shouldn’t be that large of a line. There’s no metro to get to the top, obviously, so you’ll need to either take a cab or the peak tram, which I highly recommend. Round-trip tickets cost around $88 HKD (around $11 USD).
“The venerable Peak Tram is, as most passengers agree, the only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong’s natural wonders. Tens of millions of people from every corner of the globe have taken the ride, which affords a uniquely spectacular perspective of the city.”
When you get to the top, there are tons of free viewing areas, but the absolute best is going to be from the Sky Terrace, which is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong, offering a stunning 360-degree panoramic view across Hong Kong. Entrance tickets cost $75 HKD (around $10 USD).
If you don’t want to spend the money, then I’d recommend just taking a FREE stroll down along LUGARD ROAD. “Built in 1913–14, this road is named after Hong Kong’s 14th governor, Sir Fredrick Lugard. The sections that are narrow, cliff-side paths are called ‘plank roads’. After about 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Lugard Road lookout, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of Victoria Harbour.” The views are absolutely stunning, and it’s a great way to spend an hour or two!
Private Hong Kong Food & Walking Tour
I’m absolutely obsessed with Hong Kong cuisine, and I really think it’s one of the most important parts of visiting this city! If you only have two days in Hong Kong, then the BEST way to try the tastiest local food is this Hong Kong street food tour!
This private four-hour tour is absolutely fantastic, and you’ll treat your taste buds to several delicious Hong Kong tastings. To top it all off, you’ll have a local guide by your side telling you all about the city.
“On this private tour, you’ll learn all about the variety of ingredients that make Hong Kong cuisine so unique. You’ll join a local host who is a foodie that will take you through the Kowloon district or through the Sheung Wan or Sham Shui neighborhoods as you eat your way through the delicious markets and street food stalls and discover what incredible ingredients go into these dishes.”
Tour cost: $190.29 USD per person (around $1495 HKD)
Time: 4 hours with a private guide
Among the tour highlights is the tasting of six to eight different delicacies in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, learning about where each dish originated, and passing by some of the city’s top attractions.
You could also check out this 2-hour walking tour in Hong Kong Central for another local experience of food, history, culture, and much more!
Visit the Man Mo Temple
As one of Hong Kong’s most iconic temples and important Buddhist sites (alongside Lantau Island’s Tian Tan Buddha statue), no visit to the city would be complete without a quick pit stop at the Man Mo Temple. It’s truly stunning, and there are nearly 13,000 gilded ceramic statuettes inside that will certainly leave an impression.
The Man Mo Temple is an incredible tribute to two respective gods, Man (the God of Literature) and Mo (the God of War). The two were worshiped by students who wanted nothing but success at the civil examinations of Imperial China. Since its completion in 1847, it has stood as the largest Man Mo temple in Hong Kong. Taking a pause underneath its massive hanging incense coils is the perfect opportunity to take a breather from the fast-paced financial district close by.
Photo via Creative Commons
Take the Star Ferry To Kowloon
While there are several different transport options between Hong Kong Island & the Kowloon Peninsula, the best and most scenic way is going to be the budget-friendly Star Ferry. It’s a Hong Kong must, and you’ll get some really cool views of Victoria Harbor from the boat.
The view is so stunning; in fact, crossing Victoria Harbor on the Star Ferry was named one of the “fifty places of a lifetime” by the National Geographic Traveler. So, you don’t have to take my word for it, but you can’t miss out on an experience that comes highly recommended, right?
By getting on the Star Ferry, you have the chance to step back in time à la Back to the Future and experience an era when third-generation Star Ferries were the main mode of transport between the entire Hong Kong island and the Kowloon Peninsula on Victoria Harbour.
The fabulous double-decker Star Ferry, nicknamed “Shining Star,” is a masterful recreation of the ferries that were used in the 1920s. On board, you can sip on a cup of coffee or soak up the sun on the open decks while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.
Add to the fun by heading to Kowloon at night to see the ferries lit up around the roof while they cross Victoria Harbour, with the Hong Kong island skyline as the perfect backdrop.
The Temple Street Night Market & Ladies Market
Last on the agenda for the day is the famous Hong Kong night markets because they are truly an experience that can’t be missed! The city simply comes alive at night, and who doesn’t love a bit of late-night shopping?
Both the Temple Street Market & Ladies Market is within walking distance of each other and will provide a fantastic stroll through mesmerizing neon lights.
At first, the Temple Street Market was a popular social meeting spot at which hawkers and street vendors sold food and items to the people socializing outside the temple. It has been a regular market since the 1920s, but hawkers and vendors were forced away from the temple as the area got more and more developed.
Choi Hung Estate Basketball Court
Now this might not be for everyone, but this spot is perfect for people looking for an epic Instagram post! Hong Kong is truly a photographer’s playground, and the Choi Hung Estate has become quite a popular spot. I went there for an hour or two one morning and had a blast taking heaps of photos (and people-watching everyone trying to get the perfect Instagram shot)!
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, read this article on finding Choi Hung Estate Basketball Court in Hong Kong for some more inspiration/useful information. This is definitely one of my favorite spots mentioned in my Hong Kong 2-day itinerary! It really is cool to see it in person.
Garden Hill, Shek Kip Mei
There really is no shortage of amazing viewpoints of Hong Kong, but one of my favorite lesser-known places is called Garden Hill. It’s a favorite among locals, and it’s common to see people having picnics up there or using the steep staircases up to the top as a jogging/exercise route.
This is another amazing playground for photographers, and it would be an excellent decision to come here during the day or during the golden hour/sunset. Even if you’re not into photography, the views here are absolutely stunning, and the hike to the top (while a bit strenuous) only takes around 15 minutes.
Take a bus or train from any Hong Kong station to Sham Shui Po and follow Pak Tin Street going north. Make a left at the intersection with Berwick Street, and you should see a path that leads right up the hill. It might be a little hard for some to find, but it’s 100% worth it!
Hong Kong Waterfront Promenade + Symphony of Lights
I’ll never forget my first time walking along this promenade at night. It’s one of the places that had me fall completely in love with Hong Kong and made me realize how amazing it would be to live in the city. Everywhere you look is just massive tall scrapers, and it’s a very well-maintained area.
My suggestion would be to walk from the ferry terminal, past the giant ferris wheel, and just keep walking straight.
It’s also one of the best places to watch the famous Symphony of Lights, which happens every night at 8:00 pm, which I think is another Hong Kong must-do (and it’s also free). Add to the experience by catching it from the water with this Symphony of Lights Cruise experience.
“Symphony of Lights (SoL) has illuminated Hong Kong’s skyline for the enjoyment of millions of tourists since 2004. This multi-media show has always been the signature icon for Hong Kong, symbolizing its dynamic energy and contrasting culture. In December 2017, SoL took on a new direction and transformed Hong Kong’s cityscape into a true symphony. In grand style, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has recorded the new musical score, entwined with a vibrant and contemporary flavor, representing the charismatic rhythm of Hong Kong. Traditional Chinese flutes and string bowed instruments such as the Erhu, have been interwoven to create a truly distinctive sound, matching Hong Kong’s character of “east meets west.”
“With 42 buildings and two attractions featured in this incarnation of SoL, this symphonic approach joins each participating building into a harmonious and complete canvas, working effortlessly together to the beat in unison. The city of Hong Kong is SoL’s source of inspiration; the patterned symmetry of the skyline, modern metropolitan design, forested mountain terrain and expanse of the harbor, offer a truly all-encompassing visual and soundscape of the soul of Hong Kong. A myriad of searchlights, lasers, LED screens and lighting illuminate for this nightly spectacle that transforms the HK skyline into an outdoor audio-visual feast for the senses.”
Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Views + Avenue of Stars
No Hong Kong trip would be complete without marveling at one of the best city skylines in the entire world! While there are many places to do so, the most popular has to be along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. It’s perfect all day long, and you’ll be able to get some truly epic photos!
If you walk just a bit further down, you’ll come across the Avenue of Stars, which is just a small area on the walkway which pays tribute to the Chinese actors & actresses that helped make Hong Kong the “Hollywood of the East”. Here, you’ll find plaques containing handprints and autographs of popular stars and statues of figures like Bruce Lee and Anita Mui.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Are you a big Disney fan? I grew up in Anaheim, California – so I was raised going to Disneyland quite often! I had annual passes for several years and was even there for the opening day of California Adventure. Because of that, visiting Hong Kong Disneyland was a MUST for me.
I wrote an entire post about the ultimate guide to Hong Kong Disneyland to help you plan your travels and day in the park. While I do know that it’s not for everyone, it was a really fun experience for me! It’s not that big of a park, and you could actually do everything in about half a day. I went by myself, expecting to find other younger travelers to hang out with, but I was pretty much the only backpacker there, lol.
Hong Kong Disneyland is typically a full-day experience, so I’d recommend skipping it if you want to fully explore Hong Kong in 2 days. But if it’s something you really want to do – it is pretty fun. You can buy discounted tickets online to save a few bucks.
Quarry Bay / Montane Mansion
Up next is another really popular spot for photographers & Instagrammers making their way to Hong Kong. This is just an ordinary Hong Kong apartment residence, but it has become quite popular because the enclosed walls of the sky-scraping buildings make for pretty epic shots!
Montane Mansion can be pretty hard to find, so take a quick read through this post if you’re interested in making it there: Exploring Quarry Bay, Hong Kong | The Montane Mansion. It gives really great directions and is loaded with beautiful photos as well.
“Now that you’ve made it to the Montane Mansion in Quarry Bay, look up and enjoy the view. These stacked apartments are an incredible sight. Even if you aren’t a big fan of photographing architecture, anyone can appreciate how unique these apartments are in Hong Kong.”
Lan Kwai Fong
Last but certainly not least is Lan Kwai Fong, where nightlife is booming. While there are tons of amazing bars to check out in Hong Kong, the best place to experience the city’s nightlife is this small district. I went on the Hong Kong Pub Crawl when I was there many years ago, and it was absolutely amazing!! In this 2 days Hong Kong itinerary, it might be difficult to do it all with a hangover, but hey – sometimes you gotta party, lol.
Read this article about Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong Nightlife.
I will split LKF into three areas:
- Bottom: where you have tons of Shisha bars (especially at the alley), smaller bars, and the middle section with lots of people hanging outside.
- Up: where you have the more dancing-bar type of places
- Side: where you have Beijing, Play, Level 2, and Magnum. The big boys of clubs.
Other than LKF, you have Mid-Levels with smaller bars and restaurants. If you’re looking at a more peaceful and chill place, head for Mid-Levels. There’s a Yorkshire bar near the escalators and lots of quaint bars that serve good mulled wine during winter.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I honestly never travel anywhere anymore without booking a policy, and I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims within the app, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while in Indonesia where the charges are steep!
So, whether you need a single trip cover for a quick visit to Hong Kong, or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, and relax during your trip knowing that HeyMondo has your back. Nowadays I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many of those (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travellers I’ve met!
Thanks for reading my Post on What to Do in Hong Kong for 2 Days!
If you’re not already, be sure to follow along on my Facebook & Instagram for more of my international adventures around the world!
Planning a trip to Hong Kong…?
Check out a few of my other articles that might help you along the way. It really is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I can’t wait to get back myself someday soon.
The 6 Best Music Festivals in Hong Kong
4 Days in Macao | How to Explore Macao in 4 Days
Hiking in Hong Kong: 8 Trails with the Most Picturesque Views
THANK YOU FOR READING MY 2 DAYS IN HONG KONG ITINERARY!
SHARE THIS HONG KONG ITINERARY WITH YOUR TRAVEL SQUAD!
Pin me for later
Really i fall completely in love with this itinerary.
Hi, I am so glade to be part of jonesaroundtheworld.com family, I have gone through the blogs and tips for travel of jonesaroundtheworld.com, It is so useful for me, also the tips for adventure tour so great. during adventure i am worried about my important things like my debit/credit card, my jewelry and other things which i can’t put alone, with in my hand it not make me free to enjoy my adventure, I have found holster bag from and all my worries are resolved, I am enjoying so much with make my trip, thank you jonesaroundtheworld.com.