I’ve crafted this 4-day itinerary based on my own trips to Hong Kong to help you maximize your experience. With visits to Hong Kong a few times, I’ve put together a mix of the city’s must-see attractions that I personally enjoyed. With this guide, you’ll be able to explore Hong Kong’s highlights without feeling rushed, giving you a balanced trip that includes the city’s famous landmarks and some lesser-known favorites. 

Transportation Costs Overview

Before diving into the daily itinerary, here’s a quick breakdown of public transportation costs using the Octopus Card, which is the most convenient way to travel in Hong Kong:

• Octopus Card Initial Cost: HKD 150 (includes HKD 100 of stored value and HKD 50 deposit)
• The Average Daily Transportation Cost is  HKD 50-80 per day, depending on your travel frequency.

Food Costs Overview

The average food cost per day in Hong Kong for a tourist can vary widely depending on dining preferences. Here’s a general breakdown:

Budget Dining

• Street Food / Local Eateries: HKD 30–70 per meal
• Daily Total: Approximately HKD 90–210

Mid-Range Dining

• Casual Restaurants: HKD 70–150 per meal
• Daily Total: Approximately HKD 210–450

Fine Dining

• High-End Restaurants: HKD 200–500 or more per meal
• Daily Total: Approximately HKD 600–1,500+

Average Cost

For a moderate experience, tourists might spend around HKD 300–600 per day on food. This budget allows for a mix of local street food, casual dining, and an occasional higher-end meal.

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Day 1: Lantau Island and Victoria Harbor

Morning:

Ngong Ping Village

Ngong Ping Village is a cultural-themed village nestled in the mountains of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It’s best known as the gateway to the iconic Big Buddha statue and the Po Lin Monastery, with plenty of attractions and scenic views that make the visit memorable.

Ngong Ping Cable Car

The Ngong Ping Cable Car, also called the Ngong Ping 360, is a popular cable car route on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It spans 5.7 kilometers, connecting Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village and taking about 25 minutes. Along the way, you get clear views of the surrounding hills, the South China Sea, and even parts of the Hong Kong International Airport.

There are two cabin options: standard and crystal, which has a glass floor for an extra view below. The cable car ride ends right at Ngong Ping Village, close to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

Tian Tan Buddha 

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a massive bronze statue located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, near Ngong Ping Village. Standing 34 meters tall, it’s one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Built in 1993, the statue sits atop a platform that visitors can reach by climbing 268 steps, giving a close view of its impressive details and surrounding landscapes.

Po Lin Monastery 

Po Lin Monastery, located on Lantau Island near the Tian Tan Buddha, is one of Hong Kong’s most significant Buddhist temples. Founded in 1906 by three monks from mainland China, it has grown into a large complex known for its traditional Chinese architectural style, grand halls, and tranquil surroundings. The main hall, known as the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, houses numerous statues and ornate decorations dedicated to Buddhist deities and teachings.

The monastery is an active place of worship where monks live, study, and conduct daily rituals. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, burn incense at the prayer halls, and admire the vibrant sculptures and carvings. There’s also a vegetarian restaurant on-site where guests can sample dishes prepared by the monks, adding a peaceful and reflective experience to any visit.

Path of Wisdom 

The Path of Wisdom, also called the Wisdom Path, is a scenic trail on Lantau Island, near the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. This trail is famous for its 38 tall wooden columns, each engraved with verses from the Heart Sutra, one of Buddhism’s most revered prayers. Arranged in a figure-eight pattern symbolizing infinity, the columns represent timeless wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.

The Path of Wisdom offers a peaceful walk with views of the surrounding mountains and the South China Sea, making it both a spiritual and nature-focused experience. It’s a simple yet meaningful stop for those exploring Ngong Ping, inviting reflection and connection with nature.

Afternoon/Evening: 

Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong is a promenade located along Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It celebrates Hong Kong’s film industry, honoring iconic actors, directors, and other film professionals. Key attractions include statues and handprints of local legends like Bruce Lee and Anita Mui, with plaques along the walkway to recognize their contributions.

The promenade offers fantastic views of Hong Kong’s skyline, making it a popular spot for both film fans and tourists. Interactive displays, kiosks, and seating areas make it easy to enjoy the harbor views, while nearby attractions like the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the nightly “Symphony of Lights” show add to its appeal.

Victoria Harbour Symphony of Lights

The “Symphony of Lights” at Victoria Harbour is a nightly multimedia show that lights up the Hong Kong skyline. Recognized as one of the world’s largest permanent light and sound shows, it combines synchronized music, laser lights, LED displays, and narration to showcase the unique architecture and energy of Hong Kong. Over 40 buildings on both sides of the harbor participate, lighting up in time with the show’s music and themes.

The show begins at 8:00 p.m. every night and lasts about 10 minutes. Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai are popular spots for viewing, offering the best vantage points to see the entire harbor light up in sync with the music.

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Day 2: Victoria Peak and Nan Lian Garden

Morning

Victoria Peak

Commonly known as The Peak, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. It stands at 552 meters above sea level and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Visitors can reach The Peak via the historic Peak Tram, a funicular railway that has been operating since 1888. The ride up provides an exciting ascent through lush greenery and residential areas. Once at the top, there are several viewing platforms, including the Sky Terrace 428, which is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong.

Sky Terrace 428 (Optional)

The highest viewing platform in Hong Kong, located at Victoria Peak. Situated 428 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the city, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. The terrace features a spacious observation deck with 360-degree views, making it a prime spot for photography and sightseeing.

Lion’s Pavilion

Located at Victoria Peak, is a well-known lookout point that offers spectacular views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour. Situated near the Peak Galleria, it features a large platform with a distinctive lion statue at its center, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers.

Afternoon/Evening:  

Nan Lian Garden

A Chinese garden located in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, it features a traditional Tang Dynasty style, showcasing beautiful landscapes, ponds, and carefully arranged rock formations. The garden is designed to promote harmony between nature and architecture, making it a peaceful retreat in the city.

Key features include the impressive Blue Pond, the Nine-Bend Bridge, and the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, which is a focal point of the garden.

Chi Lin Nunnery

A Buddhist nunnery located in Kowloon, Hong Kong, adjacent to Nan Lian Garden. Established in 1934, it follows the Tang Dynasty architectural style and features beautifully designed wooden structures, lush gardens, and serene ponds.

The nunnery is home to a community of nuns and serves as a place of worship, meditation, and education. Visitors can explore the main halls, which house a collection of Buddhist statues and artifacts, including a significant statue of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy).

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Day 3 : Disneyland

Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is a magical theme park located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It officially opened in 2005 and is the smallest of the Disney resorts but offers a unique blend of Disney magic with local culture. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, including classic Disney favorites like Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and the Haunted Mansion, along with unique attractions themed around Disney characters and stories.

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Day 4 : Macau Day Trip

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and as a major gambling and entertainment destination. Located just an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry, it offers a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences, reflecting its colonial past.

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Ngong Ping Village, Lantau Island, Hongkong – (Activities + Transportation Guide + Tips)