Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Hong Kong

48 hours may be a short visit, but with our handy little travel guide, you’ll know exactly where to go in Hong Kong to make it an unforgettable, wholly worthwhile visit. We’ll help you cover some of the most interesting spots and experiences, from getting hooked on delicious bo lo bao (pineapple buns), to snapping some Instagram-worthy shots of the city from atop Victoria Peak.

Day One

Morning

It’s 6am. You’ve just hit the hectic streets of Hong Kong after a red eye flight, and you’re feeling groggy, lethargic, and probably a tad grumpy. With no hotel to check into until 2pm, what is there to do? Tai chi, of course! Jump on the Airport Express from Airport Station to Kowloon Station, then take a short walk over to Kowloon Park. Here you’ll find groups of tai chi practitioners balancing their yin and yang to prepare for the busy day ahead. Simply watching is enough to relax your mind and body after a long flight, but if you need that extra boost, feel free to join one of the many beginners lessons held in the area.

Lunch

After all that qi regeneration, you’re probably feeling pretty hungry! Walk over to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, and while you’re there, pick up an Octopus card. For just HK$150, this trusty little card will get you all over Hong Kong on the MTR for the next 2 days, and can even be used in convenience stores and vending machines! Once you’ve got your card, take the MTR to Prince Edward Station, and take the 5-minute walk to One Dim Sum. Hugely popular amongst locals, this nondescript and humble restaurant retains much of the old school charm of a quintessentially Cantonese dim sum joint, without any of the typical Hong Kong brusqueness. To top it off, their food is super affordable, and incredibly tasty.

Afternoon

After stuffing your face with char siu bao, it’s time to check into your hotel. We recommend Hotel ICON at Tsim Sha Tsui for its incredible view and modern decor. Freshen up, and head back out for a quintessential Kowloon shopping experience. Make your way to Mong Kok Station, and spend the afternoon hunting for bargains along the bustling streets and markets. For a characteristic pedestrian street experience, check out Ladies’ Market. Here you’ll find great souvenirs, handicrafts, and cheap clothing. Sneakerheads should head to Fa Yuen Street (AKA Sneakers Street), and explore the huge number of sneaker stores that have set up shop here. It’s a great place to find authentic, rare and limited edition sneakers, so be sure to bring enough spending money!

Night

After the sun goes down, take a stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade, and marvel at the famous skyline of Hong Kong Island. If you’re there at the right time, you’ll catch the Symphony of Lights show, where more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour light up the sky with kaleidoscopic projections and dancing laser beams, making for a great photo opportunity. After the show, jump on a Star Ferry (itself a must-do in Hong Kong), and head across the bay to Hong Kong Island. Alight at Central Ferry Pier 7, and wander over to Lan Kwai Fong, ground zero of Hong Kong’s nightlife scene. Home to a couple dozen bars and restaurants, LWF is the go-to spot for local suits after a tough day at work. We recommend grabbing dinner at Brickhouse (give the ox-tail croquetas a try), before grabbing some seriously creative cocktails at Ozu.

Day Two

Morning

If you can drag yourself out of bed after last night, you can’t miss Hong Kong’s most famous attraction, Victoria Peak! First head to Central station on the MTR, (grab some bo lo bao from a nearby cha chaan teng for a breakfast on-the-go) and jump on the famous peak tram. Make sure to snag a seat on the right side of the tram for best views of the city on your way up! At the top, marvel at the view and snap some postcard-worthy photos from The Sky Terrace, before heading back down to explore the unusual collection of mammals, reptiles, and birds at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

Afternoon

While most know Wan Chai as another one of Hong Kong’s nightlife hotspots, the district actually has a rich and interesting heritage. One of Hong Kong’s earliest settlements, the area has a unique mixture of architecture from different periods. Spend the afternoon exploring the Wan Chai Heritage Trail and learn more about the areas architecture and culture.

Night

A trip to Hong Kong certainly wouldn’t be complete without a shopping spree! After your Wan Chai walkabout, hop on one of the famous Ding Ding trams and alight at Central. For everything from Alexander McQueen to Saint Laurent Paris, check out Landmark and Pacific Place, both great malls for high-end shopping. If you’re not lugging around too many bags of shoes and handbags, follow the throngs of locals to Yung Kee, one of Hong Kong’s best roast goose restaurants, for a perfect end to a perfect trip!

Angela Goh

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