Hong Kong is an ideal city stopover, as well as a great long weekend getaway, but can you see the best of Hong Kong in only 3 days? We find out!
A Hong Kong stopover is a popular choice. It’s an exciting city to visit and there are loads of fun things to do here. It’s easy to get into the city from the airport and there’s a great choice of hotels and restaurants.
However, it can be hard to know what you can fit into just 3 days. So we’ve put together a rough itinerary below. It’s a busy itinerary, so you can pick and choose what you think will suit you.
We have tried to mix up some of the top family attractions, such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, with some more cultural places to visit in Hong Kong, like visiting the Big Buddha and sampling some of the local Hong Kong dim sum.
Whatever you choose to do during your three days in Hong Kong, you are sure to have a fun and memorable trip!
Table of Contents
Day 1 Hong Kong Itinerary with Kids
Morning: The Peak
Start your Hong Kong family trip with a ride on the iconic Peak Tram. Travelling 428m above sea level on the world’s steepest funicular, you will be spoilt with views over Hong Kong’s dramatic city skyline.
The tram ride, while very steep, is actually quite short, so you will have plenty of time to explore around the top of the peak. There is a Madam Tussauds as well as plentiful shops and cafes to be found.
From the Peak, there’s the Lugard Road walk, an easy gradient 3.5km walk if you are with strollers or little legs, and a stop at the Mt Austin playground is a must.
We also like to book an outdoor table at the Peak Lookout for a coffee or lunch.
You can purchase your Peak Tram tickets here to avoid queuing.
Lunch/Afternoon: Explore Hong Kong Island
It’s fun to spend some time just exploring the streets of Hong Kong. First, we recommend heading to Maxim’s Palace City Hall for an authentic dim sum experience. Then hit the streets to walk off your lunch!
Head towards The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator to ride up the longest system of escalators in the world. There are more than 20 escalators and moving walkways winding their way from Central all the way up through Soho to the Mid-Levels.
It carries more than 60,000 commuters every day along its 800m length, running downhill from 6am – 10am, then uphill from 10.30am til midnight.
To ride the whole thing would take around twenty minutes, but you can hop on and off at each road that it bisects along the way. From a visitor’s point of view, it is a great way to get a feel of Hong Kong life, particularly through the Soho section where you have great views down over the bustling streets.
Alternatively, jump on a Hong Kong tram for a fun, nostalgic and very cheap sightseeing option. Grab a seat at the front of the top deck for the best views, and enjoy the lurching and rocking movement and the distinct ‘ding ding’ of the bell as you perch above the crowds.
You can jump on a tram on Des Voeux Road Central and ride it along to the Western Market. Here you can explore the dried seafood streets of Sheung Wan and call in at the Man Mo temple.
If you’re looking to chill out, Hong Kong Island’s Southside has a choice of beachside areas to choose from. Take the
- Repulse Bay has a great beach, with a beachside playground and a small shopping mall with dining options. We love Limewood for afternoon cocktails and Caribbean-inspired food.
- A bit further around you’ll find Shek O beach, a gorgeous beach with one of our favourite beachfront restaurants, Cococabana.
Dinner: Soho Area
In Soho you will find a lot of restaurants in this area, but most will not take bookings. If you go early enough with the kids, you should have no problem getting tables. People tend to eat out later in Hong Kong.
Mak’s Noodle is legendary and we love Ho Lee Fook and Chom Chom too.
Day 2: Hong Kong Itinerary with Kids
Morning: Big Buddha
Get an early start and head to Lantau Island to see one of the city’s most famous landmarks, Big Buddha. Half the fun is getting there as you take the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung Town Centre – easy to reach by MTR.
You will arrive in to Ngong Ping Village. Take the time to explore the Po Lin Monastery before making your way to Big Buddha itself, a 34m high statue and a mere 268 steps to reach the base!
As a side trip, you can also add on visiting Tai O fishing village, a short bus ride from Ngong Ping Village or take a taxi. You can find more tips on visiting Big Buddha and Tai O Fishing village here.
Afternoon: Explore Kowloon
Take the Star Ferry from Central and head across to Kowloon on the mainland to explore the markets. There is the Ladies Market during the day, as well as the Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei to explore.
Dinner: Temple Street Night Markets or Hutong
Staying on Kowloon side, there are two eating options at either end of the budget scale!
You will get an authentic street food experience at Temple Street Night Markets, but if you’d like a special treat, see if you can get a babysitter for the night and check out the phenomenal views and culinary experience of Hutong at H Zentre.
Evening: Star Ferry or Evening Junk Ride
For a traditional cruising option, choose from the Duk Ling or the Aqua Luna. The Duk Ling is Hong Kong’s oldest surviving sailing junk, having been built in 1955. Originally a fishing boat, it now takes tourists for sightseeing trips around the harbour.
Both the Duk Ling and the Aqua Luna offer afternoon and evening harbour cruises, including ones that coincide with the Symphony of Lights light show at 8pm every night.
For a cheaper, quicker and more casual option, take the Star Ferry back to Central and simply enjoy the magical nighttime lights of the Hong Kong city skyline.
Day 3: Hong Kong Itinerary with Kids
All Day: Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park Hong Kong
Today is all about the kids and visiting one of the city’s exciting theme parks. Normally on a short break, we prefer not to shift hotels but on this occasion, we’re going to recommend you stay at one of the parks for an extra something special, and convenience!
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is smaller than other Disney parks around the world, but for this reason, it is easier to tackle in one day with small kids, and generally less crowded – although it can still get very busy at weekends!
The park consists of seven themed lands to enjoy including favourites Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Tomorrowland (Star Wars fans!) & Adventureland, along with some unique Hong Kong rides.
We recommend you get there well before opening time and have an advanced booked ticket.
You can read all our Tips for visiting Hong Kong Disneyland here.
Disneyland Hong Kong is located on the same island as the airport, Lantau Island so for ease of departure, you may want to stay at one of our suggested Disney Hotels, such as Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Explorer Lodge.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Alternatively, many Hong Kong residents & visitors actually prefer Ocean Park Hong Kong to Disneyland (but if you have the time, do both!).
Ocean Park is part aquarium, part zoo, part amusement park, part water park! At the waterfront level, the Grand Aquarium is a favorite, but the stars of the show are definitely the two resident pandas, Ling Ling and Le Le.
It does get super busy, especially at weekends so advance purchase your tickets here.
When the kids are finished with the animal attractions, jump on the cable car which will take you to the park summit and amusement rides (or head straight here if you want to beat the ride queues.)
Although arguably the amusement rides are slightly better suited to older kids due to height restrictions, your little ones will love it too for the variety on offer. You can find a great guide to tackling Ocean Park with younger kids here.
If the kids are more into water parks, you’ll find one of those here too, that could easily keep them entertained for another day!
More Family Actvities in Hong Kong
If you have more than 3 days in Hong Kong, the best thing to do is explore more of Hong Kong’s “backyard” and get to the outer islands. Some day trip ideas include:
- Take the free ferry from Central over to Lamma Island, famous for its strip of seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan. here there are also calm beaches good for small children.
- Hike the Dragon’s Back, a 2-hour hike offering spectacular views of Hong Kong’s Southside and ending at Big Wave Bay Beach.
- Join a dolphin watching tour to find Hong Kong’s famous Pink Dolphins.
Read more Fun Things to do with Kids in Hong Kong here.