3-Day Hong Kong Itinerary (with Budget Tips!)

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Hong Kong is a global destination – and with 3 Days in Hong Kong, travelers can experience the highlights of this magnificent city. That said, the cost of a 3-Day Hong Kong trip can be exorbitant. As budget-conscious travelers, we were determined to keep our spending in check.

We devised a plan to experience of the best of Hong Kong on a budget. Our 3-Day Hong Kong Itinerary – which includes ample HK cost-saving tips – is an ideal way for fellow budget travelers to follow in our footsteps!

Hong Kong Itinerary 3 Days

The 3 Day Hong Kong Itinerary that we outline below showcases the best of HK. On the first day, we go to the top of The Peak, tour Central and dapple in the nightlife of famous Lan Kwai Fong. Day 2 is spent in Kowloon, enjoying the sights, markets and amazing food. The last day of our Hong Kong Travel Itinerary is spent sightseeing on Lantau Island.

3 Day Itinerary Hong Kong…on a Budget

Hong Kong has risen in the ranks to one of the most expensive cities in the world, no doubt deterring budget travelers. In a place where a cup of coffee can run upwards of $7 USD and a one-day ticket to Hong Kong Disneyland costs more than $80 USD, it is easy to assume that all of Hong Kong is expensive. The truth is that visiting Hong Kong can be affordable – and we proved it with our budget trip to HK!

How To Create a Budget 3 Day Itinerary for Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a financial hub, therefore we designed our itinerary based on maximum return on investment! We stuck to a tight budget, while still being able to experience Hong Kong’s top sights. During our trip, we relied on public transportation and our own two feet, rather than organized tours. Plus, we avoided high-dollar sights by seeking out cheaper alternatives.

Instead of paying an entry fee for a skyscraper view, we discovered towers with observation decks that are open to the public for free. As a substitute to purchasing a ticket to The Peak’s 360-degree viewing platform, we strolled the circumference trail for free. Rather than paying for a Hong Kong Harbor Cruise, we hopped on the cheap Star Ferry. And, in lieu of a package tour to Lantau Island, we figured out a way to visit the sights on our own for a fraction of the cost.

Our trip was also highlighted by some of the Best Food in Hong Kong – without excessive spending. We do understand that everyone’s Hong Kong budget will be different. Therefore, we offer money-saving tips that fit a range of travel styles throughout our 3 Days in Hong Kong Itinerary.

BEST 3-DAY HONG KONG ITINERARY

Our trip plan features the top things to see in Hong Kong in three days – and we do it all at a budget price. Now, let’s get to the day-by-day details of the trip itinerary!

Day 1: The Peak and Central

Start your first day with a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong from The Peak. Then explore Hong Kong Central via a self-guided walking tour before ending the day in SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak – or simply ‘The Peak’ – is Hong Kong Island’s tallest mountain, reaching 1,811 feet – and it’s a must-see during your three days in Hong Kong!

Tourists and locals alike flock to The Peak not only for the phenomenal views of Central, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and surrounding islands, but also for the cooler temperatures and a bit of exercise. While the highest point is off-limits to visitors (it’s stacked with cell towers), there are parks, paths, viewing points and a shopping complex near the top.

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Budget Tip: Skip the indoor shopping and pass on buying a ticket to Sky Terrace 428. Instead, jump on the Peak Circle Walk trail for spectacular views of Hong Kong…for free! Allow an hour to complete the easy circumference trail, stopping to enjoy the scene along the way.

Getting To Victoria Peak

The Peak Tram, which first operated in 1888, is a popular (and pricey) option to get from HK Central to the top of Victoria Peak. A second (and cheaper) option is to catch bus 15 from the Central Ferry Piers for a ride up the mountainside, passing posh Hong Kong residences along the way.

The bus ticket costs a mere fraction of the tram and offers the best money-saving option. However, if the roundtrip tram ride and visiting Hong Kong’s highest viewing platform are at the top of your HK Must-Do List, purchasing The Peak Combo Ticket will save you money.

Walking Tour of Hong Kong Central

Next up is Hong Kong’s vibrant Central Business District and a top area for exploring on foot. Located on Victoria Harbour, HK Central is dense with skyscrapers. Interspersed among these soaring towers are historic sights as well as green spaces.

Take a stroll through HK Central District and into the surrounding neighborhoods to get acquainted with Hong Kong Island. Top things to see are the tallest buildings (like 2 International Finance Center), the Mid-Levels Escalator, Hong Kong Park and Aviary and the Golden Bauhinia Square. We share specific details in our Free Self Guided Hong Kong Walking Tour!

Guided Walking Tours in Hong Kong Central

Budget travelers can use our free walking tour to navigate to the top sights. However, it can be more interesting to tour HK with a guide. For a more formal introduction to the city, consider joining one of the guided small-group tours of Hong Kong.

Tips for Getting around Central Hong Kong

As we already mentioned, Central District in Hong Kong is best explored on foot. After touring the sights within Central and the adjoining Sheung Wan and Wan Chai Districts, get to the next stop on our itinerary by walking the shoreline promenade. If you’d prefer to give your feet a quick rest, ride an incredibly cheap (and classic) Ding Ding Tram to Central.

Alternatively, enjoy super Hong Kong views by using the inexpensive Star Ferry. Ride from Wan Chai Ferry Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) – and then hop on another ferry to Central. Visitors can also take an affordable night boat tour to see the Hong Kong Skyline when it is illuminated!

Join the Party in SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong

The streets in SoHo (South of Hollywood Road) and Lan Kwai Fong are famous for their chic bars and trendy nightclubs. Unfortunately for budget travelers, the bartenders at the best bars in Hong Kong pour drinks that come with very hefty price tags.

However, the atmosphere is lively and budget travelers shouldn’t miss joining in the fun. We recommend seeking out happy hour specials. The true bargain hunter, however, will hit up Club 7-Eleven (aka: the corner convenience store) to buy cheap beer to go. Somewhat surprisingly, there are no laws against alcohol consumption on the streets of Hong Kong!

Budget Hong Kong Tip: Fans of craft beer can still get a taste of Hong Kong while keeping the budget in check. 99 Bottles features a menu of local craft beer at fair prices.

Day 2: Kowloon Sights, Markets and Food

Today you’ll discover Kowloon and learn about the past at the Hong Kong Museum of History. After eating Dim Sum for lunch, wander through fascinating Kowloon neighborhoods, catch a laser light show, and end the day at Temple Street Night Market.

Tsim Sha Tsui District

Located on the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui sits opposite HK Central across Victoria Harbour. TST attracts tourists with prominent hotels, high-end shops, fascinating museums, green parks and a few historical sites. It’s a must-see district for your Hong Kong Itinerary for 3 days.

Visitors can easily route their way through the area on their own to see the top sights. The best things to see in TST are Avenue of Stars, Kowloon Park and Tin Hau Temple. Also nearby, in West Kowloon, is the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong.

Budget Travel Tip: The Sky100 Observation Deck is located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre and entry comes with an equally steep price tag. However, purchasing Sky100 Tickets in advance can save a little money (and the Sunset Happy Hour deal is even better!).

Hong Kong Museum of History

Next up is the fascinating Museum of History – which ranks as one of the best free things to do in Hong Kong! The permanent exhibition, “The Hong Kong Story,” is an excellent way to learn about the city’s turbulent past and its surviving culture.

The exhibit includes eight galleries covering 400 million years – beginning with the Devonian period and educating guests on the events that occurred throughout Hong Kong’s history to the reunification with China in 1997.

Pro Tip: In addition to the permanent exhibit, the Hong Kong Museum of History also offers specials exhibitions, some of which do not require a ticket.

Lunch at One Dim Sum HK

Lunch on Day 2 of your Budget Hong Kong Itinerary is at One Dim Sum, a Michelin Star restaurant that still serves inexpensive – and oh-so-delicious – local food.

Budget travelers rarely return from a trip abroad boasting about the Michelin Star restaurants they ate at while on vacation…except in Hong Kong! Several Hong Kong eateries have been awarded Michelin Stars, yet the prices have remained relatively affordable at a few of them

As is the case with One Dim Sum, a Michelin Star recipient in 2012. Frequented by both tourists and locals, One Dim Sum offers a wide selection of small plates at incredibly affordable prices (from $3-5 USD per menu item).

We highly recommend ordering the baked BBQ pork buns and steamed shrimp dumplings. Find more fantastic foodie tips in our guide to Hong Kong Food.

Hong Kong Travel Tip: To avoid waiting, aim to arrive at One Dim Sum in the mid-afternoon – between the lunch and dinner rushes.

Kowloon Markets

One of the most intriguing things to see in Hong Kong are the mind-boggling markets – and Kowloon is home to some of the best! From tourist souvenirs to live animals, the top Hong Kong markets in Kowloon are a feast for the senses.

In the Yuen Po Bird Garden, vendors sell several species of small birds. At the Flower Market, fragrant blooms and potted plants line the walkways. The Goldfish Market sells an array of aquatic creatures. The Ladies Market and Fa Yuen Street Market both sell fashionable clothing and bargain wares. Shanghai Street is the place to go to find traditional Chinese shops and Jade Street is known for shops selling precious stones.

Top Travel Tip: Visiting the Hong Kong Markets comes with a full dose of sensory overload. To experience not only the sights, scents and sounds of these bustling bazaars, but also get a local’s perspective, join an affordable Hong Kong Market Tour.

HK Symphony of Light Laser Show

After wandering through the many markets and neighborhoods, before 8:00pm, start making your way toward the TST Piers for the nightly Symphony of Light Laser Show. The 10-minute display features light effects that move to the beat of music and it’s an absolute must for your Hong Kong 3 Days Itinerary!

Top Tip: There are multiple excellent vantage points to see the show. The Clock Tower in Kowloon is a good spot, as is Golden Bauhinia Square across the harbor. Those who prefer a view from the water can join the evening Star Ferry Tour.

Temple Street Night Market

End your day at the enthralling Temple Street Night Market. Vendor stalls are crammed with merchandise, but the dynamic atmosphere is the real reason to go. From fortune tellers to karaoke singers to bargain shops and some of the best street food in the city, this market is a top Hong Kong attraction.

Sample bite-sized snacks as you make your way through the area, or sit down to a fabulous meal. We enjoyed dinner at Tak Kee Seafood, but it’s also wise to simply follow the locals to find the most popular Temple Street food stalls and restaurants.

Top Tip: Eating street food at Hong Kong markets can feel intimidating. If you would rather let an expert lead the way, join a Guided HK Market Tour.

Day 3: Lantau Island Hong Kong

Wrap up your 3 Days in Hong Kong with an adventure to Lantau Island. Visit the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Tai O fishing village.

Lantau Island: Sights and Attractions

Lantau is Hong Kong’s largest island and was once home to several quaint fishing villages. The area is comprised of mountainous terrain that boasts the second highest mountain in Hong Kong, Lantau Peak, which stands at 3,064 feet (almost double the height of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island).

Over the past few decades, numerous major projects have been built on Lantau. These include popular tourist attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and beach resorts at Silver Mine Bay and Discovery Bay.

Big Buddha Hong Kong

Officially named the Tian Tan Buddha, the Big Buddha bronze statue on Ngong Ping plateau in the middle of Lantau Island is 112-feet tall. Visitors can climb 268 steps to reach the statue and entrance is free (bypass the sales desk; they are selling meal tickets). At the base there are six more statues and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Po Lin Monastery

The Buddhist Po Lin Monastery is just a short walk from the Big Buddha and is another free thing to do in Hong Kong. Founded in 1906, the monastery complex includes multiple religious structures and places to burn incense. Don’t miss the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas in the back of the grounds.

Tai O Fishing Village

Once a thriving village of fishermen, Tai O has evolved to cater to tourists coming to get a glimpse of their houses built on stilts, which hover precariously above the water. An abundance of dried seafood shops and cafes line the streets of Tai O Village. To get a better look at these unique houses, boats take tourists through the ‘neighborhood’ and then out to sea in search of the elusive pink dolphins.

Visiting Lantau Island: Tour or DIY

Travelers can opt to take a guided tour of Lantau Island or see the sights on their own. While joining a tour will eliminate the hassle of planning transit routes and tickets, Lantau Island Tours can cost quite a bit.

Lantau Island Tours

Several companies run tours to Lantau Island attractions. The organization and information provided by the tour guide can make for a superb Lantau Island Tour, which includes transportation, the cable car and popular sights. If riding the cable car is at the top of your list of things to do in Hong Kong – but don’t want a guided tour – consider a combo package to save money.

Tips for Visiting Lantau Island on a Budget

Taking a day trip to Lantau Island is easily done on a budget. In fact, our Lantau Island visit only cost about $12 USD each. That amount accounted for our transit (both ferries and buses) and a quick boat ride at Tai O.

Our day started with a commuter ferry boat from Central to Mui Wo on Lantau Island. Then, we took a local bus from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping Big Buddha. After seeing the sights, we hopped on a bus from Ngong Ping to Tai O fishing village. After we explored the town on foot, we took a short boat excursion from Tai O. Then we got on a bus from Tai O back to Mui Wo to catch a ferry to Central.

The times and prices were clearly posted at the bus stops (which differed slightly from online information) and aligned well with ferry arrivals and departures. We weren’t sure what to expect in the way of food on Lantau Island, so we ate a big breakfast and brought snacks with us.

Budget Tips for Your 3-Day Hong Kong Itinerary

We’ve highlighted attractions that will appeal to a range of travelers – and specifically showcased some of the budget-friendly things to do in Hong Kong. That said, we have a few more Hong Kong sightseeing tips for those with additional time or a more robust budget.

More Fantastic Sights in Hong Kong

Our HK Itinerary on a Budget provides an introduction to a variety of sights in Hong Kong – but is by no means a complete list. If it is within your budget, consider adding these Hong Kong activities to your trip plan. There really is something for everyone – and every budget – in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Sightseeing Passes

Looking for a way to bundle costs to experience the best of Hong Kong? A Hong Kong Sightseeing Pass – like this one – can save you money when used for entry into the most popular Hong Kong sights. The pass is good for The Peak Tram Combo, Sky100 Observation Deck, Ngong Ping Cable Car and much more!

Hong Kong Travel Tips

We have outlined what to do in Hong Kong in 3 days, but we have a few more important items to share with you that will help with planning your vacation.

Getting to Hong Kong

Unless coming from neighboring mainland China, you will most likely arrive in Hong Kong by plane. The Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located on Chek Lap Kok, a massive man-made island just off the north coast of Lantau. Use our Tips for Finding Affordable Flights – then start your search on Skyscanner.

The Airport Express Train quickly (in as little as 24 minutes) brings passengers from the airport to the city center and one-way tickets run about $14 USD.

Using the public bus from the airport to downtown Hong Kong is the most cost effective way into the city. Buses from HKG cost around $5 USD and only take about 15 minutes longer than the train to HK Central.

Public Transport in Hong Kong

Getting around Hong Kong using public transportation isn’t only convenient and efficient – it’s also very affordable. The network of public transit in Hong Kong consists of the subway, trams, ferries and buses.

Tickets and fares on the MTR subway system are based on distance. Intercity rides typically cost less than $2 USD. The famous double-decker Ding Ding Trams are incredibly inexpensive and are a really fun way to get around Hong Kong! The Star Ferry, which transports passengers across Victoria Harbor (Central to/from TST; Wan Chai to/from TST) cost less than $1 USD.

Hong Kong Buses and the Red and Green Mini Buses are another good way to get around, and only cost slightly more than trams and ferries.

Hong Kong Transit Tickets

An Octopus Card can be used to ride all forms of public transportation and is even accepted at convenience stores. Visitors can opt to purchase a Standard On-Loan Octopus Card, which is sold at the airport. The card is pre-loaded with an amount to use on public transport only.

If needed, Octopus Cards can be reloaded at ferry terminals or MTR stations in the city. Before departing Hong Kong, a refund of the initial purchase price, plus any remaining balance (minus a small processing fee) can be issued at the airport, as well.

We purchased Standard Octopus Cards and found it to work in our favor monetarily. There is a Tourist Octopus Card with one day of unlimited travel on public transportation and can be used at several other Hong Kong attractions, stores and restaurants.

Hong Kong Hop On Hop Off Bus

Exploring Hong Kong by foot can be tiresome – especially in high humidity. The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour is a fairly affordable transit route that takes tourists to all the top sights – and has the added bonus of optional upgrades.

Where To Stay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong hotels range from posh 5-star resorts to inexpensive hostel dorm beds. That said, budget options are limited. Use our tips for Booking the Best Hotels for Cheap to find an affordable place to stay in Hong Kong.

During our Hong Kong budget trip, we stayed at the Y Hotel Hong Kong in the Sheung Wan district. The boutique hotel, which is just steps from Central District, offers rooms at about $150 USD per night.

What To Eat in Hong Kong

With a little research (and discipline) eating in Hong Kong can be affordable, with meals often costing less than $10 USD. Check out our list of Delicious Things To Eat in Hong Kong for more about eating at the best places in HK!

What To Pack for a Trip to Hong Kong

Before you jet off to Hong Kong, we have a few tips about what to pack in your backpack or suitcase. Find more hacks on our Packing Tips Page. For now, grab your FREE Packing Checklist!

Walking Shoes for Travel

Our 3-Day Travel Itinerary for Hong Kong covers some ground! It’s important to wear a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes to take on Hong Kong. I (Sarah) like wearing versatile sneakers and Reef Flip Flops. Kris prefers wearing trail shoes by Merrell or casual kicks from Sanuk.

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Hong Kong! Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens, which takes amazing photos and is an excellent budget camera.

Day Pack

Be sure to have a good day bag for your Hong Kong travel adventures! We use small backpacks with zippered compartments where we can stow a HK city map and guidebook – plus all our everyday travel items, like a travel umbrella and sunscreen. Read our reviews on the Best Travel Day Bags to find the right one for you!

HK Trip Insurance

No matter how well you plan your Hong Kong Itinerary, luggage can get lost, flights can cancel and you could become ill. If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, check the robust coverage and affordable rates at World Nomads.

Organize Your Hong Kong Vacation

As you begin making plans and reservations, organization is key! Stay on top of all the details of your vacation with our Travel Planning Printables.

Start planning your trip to HK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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