Things to do in Hong Kong: A 5-Day Itinerary

On the southern coast of China is Hong Kong, an area with an interesting and detailed history marked with periods of turbulence and triumph. According to a report published by The Wall Street Journal in 2014, Hong Kong is the most visited city in the world, drawing nearly 25 million tourists to its bustling city streets each year. There’s a lot to see and plenty of things to do in Hong Kong, which is why we’ve laid out a 5-day itinerary to help you make the most of your adventure.

Day 1: Victoria Peak and Infinity Pools at Intercontinental

Settle in and acquaint yourself with Hong Kong by making your first stop at Victoria Peak. The panoramic views offered allow visitors to take in the incredible skyline and gorgeous harbours that have helped make this area such a tourist hot spot.

It’s important to unwind after a long day of travel, which is why the Infinity Pools at Intercontinental on Kowloon are a must. Though by no means inexpensive (a night stay at this hotel could easily set you back a few hundred US dollars), visitors are treated to an exquisite spa deck that is perched directly on the edge of Victoria Harbour and guests are afforded the opportunity of dipping in any one of the three different temperature infinity pools. To say that these pools are sublime is an absolute understatement!

Day 2: Chungking Mansions

Now it’s time to see what the “real” Hong Kong is all about. Located on the Kowloon peninsula, Chungking Mansions is an area of Hong Kong that “never sleeps”, with visitors and residents basking in the restless energy and witnessing the constant buying, selling and swapping of virtually anything and everything imaginable. Stop by the three level arcade and get your gaming on, and be sure to enjoy a local curry lunch or dinner at one of the several South Asian restaurants on one of the many floors above.

Day 3: Head Out to Sea

While Hong Kong is often regarded as being a single island, in actuality it is an archipelago or string of some 260 islands. The rugged coastlines and desolate coves are a must-see for any tourist, and visitors can take in the most by hiring a “junk” or Chinese fishing boat. Many companies offer eight-hour long charter tours that offer on-board lunch, drinks and waiter service, though seasoned seamen can rent a boat, pack their own food and drink and venture out on their own.

Alternatively, for those who are strapped for time or who are prone to sea sickness, take a night cross-harbour ferry and catch a nightly Symphony of Lights show.

Day 4: A Day at Disneyland

Hong Kong is home to one of the few Disneyland theme parks, located on Lantau Island. Opened in 2005, the park sees up to 34,000 visitors every day who want to peruse the shops in Main Street USA, fly away with Dumbo the Elephant, see the nightly fireworks in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Fantasyland or step foot in one of the many rides in the newest theme land, Mystic Point.

Day 5: Aerial Tour and The Temple Street Night Market

Visually bask in the sights and sounds of Hong Kong on your last day by first taking a sky high adventure where you’ll be given the best vantage points of this area. As the day comes to a close, pay a visit to central Kowloon and pick up any last minute souvenirs for friends and loved ones at the Temple Street Night Market. This rowdy market resonates with that which many expect from a classic Chinatown market, with bare hanging illuminated light bulbs casting a spotlight on a number of strange and surreal items. Stop and take a moment to enjoy a song sung by a troupe of Chinese opera singers or have your future unfold before you by one of the many talented fortune tellers in the area.

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