Singaporeans are evidently obsessed with Hong Kong – and the endless opening of Hong Kong gourmet brands on our sunny island is testimony to that fact. While most travellers only spend a weekend in the Pearl of the Orient, we strongly suggest you to re-visit the city this year.

From having breakfast at Honolulu Cafe, boarding a junk boat, hiking the Dragon’s Back, shopping till you drop at Citygate Outlets to partying at Lan Kwai Fong, here is a curated 4D3N Hong Kong Itinerary and 20 Tips On What To See And What To Eat.

DAY ONE IN HONG KONG

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT HONOLULU CAFE

Honolulu Coffee Shop is famous for their egg tarts. Having said that, do make it a point to visit in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts. There is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime. We also highly recommend their Pineapple Buns.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#2 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES MARKET

The Ladies Market is a popular night market that stretches across a few streets. Even if shopping is not on your to-do list, you should still take a stroll down the aisle and check out all the interesting items that have on sale.

Tung Choi Street
Mong Kok, Kowloon

#3 CHECK OUT THE FLOWER MARKET

Located on Flower Market Road, the Flower Market is actually a cluster of flower shops selling all sorts of flowers you ever dreamt of. Bouquets are readily available or if you would like, stalks of roses can also be bought at relatively cheap prices. It is Valentine’s Day every day here!

Flower Market Road
Prince Edward, Kowloon

#4 LUNCH AT KAM WAH CAFE

Kam Wah Cafe has a made a name for itself with its bo lo bao (pineapple bun). The local cha chaan teng is always crowded with locals and foodie tourists, but trust us, the pineapple buns are worth the wait.

G/F, 47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

#5 BOARD A HONG KONG JUNK BOAT

The picture of a junk boat against the picturesque skyline of Hong Kong says everything. Cruising along the sea on a Hong Kong junk boat is an unmissable experience! So gather your friends, charter a boat and sail into the sea while singing along to Moana’s soundtrack.

#6 DINNER AT RONIN

Ronin—a speakeasy style Japanese bar-cum-restaurant—is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. The dark, mysterious 20-seated bar’s primary focus is seafood and damn, it seriously is one of the best meals we ever had in our lifetimes. Of course, the divine meal comes at a costly price.

8 On Wo Lane
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 5263
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#7 BAR HOP AT SHEUNG WAN

Admittedly, the neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is immensely gentrified. However, we certainly do not mind the new addition of exciting cocktail bars! Some of our personal favourite watering holes include Aberdeen Street Social, Sohofama and NEO Cocktail Club.

DAY TWO IN HONG KONG

#8 BRUNCH AT MAXIM’S PALACE

If you are looking for a quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience with the comfort of a modern establishment, then head to Maxim’s Palace. They have retained its authenticity by serving dim sum on traditional trolleys like the good old days.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#9 HIKE DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts stunning panoramic views of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and the surrounding mountainous region. The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery minus the suffocating crowds.

#10 LUNCH AT YUM CHA

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the perfect place. The dining establishment is exceptionally popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums. It is worth mentioning that the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#11 COFFEE AT OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Fans of Japanese Omotesando Koffee can look forward to the specialty coffee bar’s high quality espresso-based beverages and baked custard cubes at Hong Kong’s outlet. Take all our money already!

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

#12 SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

Ladies, remember to increase your credit card’s spending limit prior to visiting Citygate Outlets. This shopping centre this is where you can find global brands such as Burberry, Club21 and OnPedder at slashed prices.

20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung,
Lantau, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tung Chung

#13 DINNER AT YAT LOK

Yat Lok might be notorious for their atrocious service, but it is their insanely delicious roast goose meat that kept us returning religiously each time we visit Hong Kong. It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

G/F, 34 -38 Stanley Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

#14 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

You have not experienced Hong Kong until you paint the town red at their nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong. There are countless of bars and clubs at this area and they open till an unearthly 6am. Not even kidding.

DAY THREE IN HONG KONG

#15 LUNCH AT HELLO KITTY CHINESE CUISINE

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine—the World’s First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant—has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Shop A-C, G/F, Lee Loy Mansion
332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 8202-8203
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Nearest MTR Station: Jordan

#16 SPEND THE DAY AT OCEAN PARK

Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s best attractions. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal place for families to spend an entire day at.

#17 DINNER AT ICIHRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen is a ramen chain from Japan and boy, we are glad it has opened 24/7 outlets in Hong Kong. The dining concept is unique; diners sit in individual partitioned cubicles. The broth is unbelievably tasty—we will never get sick of it.

Lockhart House Block B
440-446 Jaffe Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2152 4040
Daily: 24/7

DAY FOUR IN HONG KONG

#18 BRUNCH AT SING HEUNG YUEN

Make your way to Sing Heung Yuen—one of Hong Kong’s very last few Dai Pai Dongs—and experience the local way of life by dining at this old-school roadside food vendor. The humble Chinese alfresco eatery has been around for nearly half a century and is especially well-loved amongst locals for its signature tomato egg noodles and yummy condensed milk buns.

2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sun and PH
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#19 VISIT DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

It doesn’t matter if you are a grown adult, because there is no age limit at Disneyland. Discover the magic, immerse yourselves in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend half a day at Disneyland Hong Kong and unleash the inner child in you.

#20 DINNER AT TSUI WAH

Tsui Wah is hands down the most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong. The menu is comprehensive but you can’t go wrong with their signature Hainanese chicken rice and fishball noodles. We are amazed by how the chain has successfully managed to keep its standards consistent throughout all outlets.

15 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Daily: 24/7
Nearest Station: central

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides to find out more about the best places to visit.

A holiday in Hong Kong is evidently far from cheap; according to research, the Asian metropolis has been ranked as the world’s most expensive city for expats and also the most expensive Asian city for business travels.

But that doesn’t mean you should rule out a trip to Pearl of the Orient from your bucket list as some attractions and activities are completely free.

Here are 10 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong. Perfect for travellers on a budget!

Source: Globe Holidays

#1 VISIT THE MUSEUMS

Most museums in Hong Kong offer complimentary general admissions on Wednesdays so do make it a point to visit these attractions on hump day. Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Space Museum are highly recommended.

#2 ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM THE PEAK GALLERIA

The Peak Galleria’s Observation Deck is exceptionally popular for it offers an enchanting glimpse of Hong Kong’s picturesque skyline. Be blown away by the sheer number of skyscrapers surrounded by rolling hills and glistening waters.

Read: 5 Things To Do At The Peak.

118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2849 4113
Nearest MTR Station: Hong Kong

#3 EXPLORE HONG KONG PARK

Spanning across eight hectares is Hong Kong Park, a public recreational area that is interestingly surrounded by lush greenery and tall infrastructures. A leisure stroll around this park will lead you to the Edward Youde Aviary, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and Forsgate Conservatory.

Admission to all these places in Hong Kong Park are free of charge.

#4 HIKE ALONG DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. It was ranked by TIME Magazine in 2004 as Asia’s Best Urban Hiking Trail.

The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery without the crowds.

#5 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

This one is for the ladies. Lan Kwai Fong is a legendary nightlife district that has truly lived up to its hype. However, a big night out could be a wallet-damaging experience as drinks in Hong Kong are incredibly pricey.

But thanks to Ladies Night which happens every Thursday, ladies don’t have to pay for cover charges to nightclubs. In addition to that, most of the clubs offer free drinks too.

#6 PRAY AT MAN MO TEMPLE

Constructed in 1847, Man Mo Temple is a popular tourist attraction and a place of worship. It pays tribute to both the God of Literature and God of War. This historic building – which happens to be Hong Kong’s oldest temple – is a Declared Monument. It is very common for parents to take their children to Man Mo Temple to pray for good academic results.

124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2540 0350
Nearest MRT Station: Sheung Wan

#7 TAKE AN OOTD AT SAIWAN SWIMMING SHED

You would have seen this on Instagram several times by now. If you are still wondering what and where it is, it is Sai Wan Swimming Shed in Kennedy Town. Despite being a swimming shed, Sai Wan Swimming Shed is actually very much a popular photography spot. There is even a queue to have your photos taken at the now-iconic “bridge”!

Read our guide on Kennedy Town – Where To Eat And What To See.

Source: Wikimedia

#8 VISIT TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS MONASTERY

The premises of Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery comprise five temples, four pavilions and one pagoda. The Buddhist temple is located in Sha Tin, New Territories and one would have to conquer 430 uphill steps for approximately 20 minutes before arriving at the religious site.

Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 852 2691 1067
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest MTR Station: Sha Tin

Source: Hong Kong Hotels

#9 WATCH THE SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

A spectacular 13-minute long laser light show takes place every night at 8pm and the glitzy performance showcases Hong Kong’s cityscape at its very best. This brilliant multimedia show is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’, where more than 40 buildings from both sides of the harbour are involved.

Avenue Of Stars is currently closed till the end of 2018, but you can still catch the Symphony of Lights from Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

#10 WINDOW SHOP AT MONGKOK’S STREETS

We aren’t expecting you to purchase pets or lug plants home, but it is nevertheless an unmissable experience to take a walk down Mongkok’s Flower Market and Goldfish Market. The former sells a splendid variety of flora while the latter is home to commercial aquariums and pet shops. Should neither of these interests you, then head over to Ladies Market.

It interesting to window shop through Ladies Market’s chaotic crowd. The “luxury goods” sold here are ridiculously cheap only because they are counterfeit. Police raids do happen – though not often – and it is incredible how the makeshift stalls could disassemble instantaneously.

Read: 29 Reasons To Love Hong Kong

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without spending time at the world famous Hong Kong Victoria Peak. You may argue that it is touristy and cliche, but you cannot deny its beauty.

We frequent Hong Kong, and we never get sick of The Peak. There is this sense of familiarity when at The Peak – glimpses of scenes that we see in Hong Kong dramas (our favourite!), and places that we see in photos, they always ignite comfort.

Have no clue on what The Peak has to offer? Well, apart from the luxurious mansions that the wealthiest in Hong Kong owns, there are other viable experiences we mere mortals can enjoy.

From the wax museum to Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill that offers a resplendent view of the city skyline, here is our take on 5 Things To Do At Hong Kong Victoria Peak.

REACH THE PEAK VIA THE PEAK TRAM

This is the quintessential way of getting to The Peak – via The Peak Tram, a 127-year-old funicular railway that departs from its terminus on Garden Road and has served Hong Kong since 1888. It is one ride that takes you back to the older Hong Kong days, and it is one ride that evokes sentiments; we are suckers for all things retro like that.

As the tram climbs to the top, go through the time tunnel and be introduced to the 200 exhibits that take you back to Hong Kong in its journey of growing from the 19th to 21st century. It is one exhilarating experience that offers you an alternative perspective of the cosmopolitan city, the kind of experience that you will not soon forget.

#1 DINE AT WILDFIRE PIZZABAR & GRILL

Enjoy the best of both worlds by dining at Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill – enjoy an unobstructed 270-degree panoramic view of Victoria Harbour while feasting on Wildfire’s signature pizzas. This restaurant has the best spot in The Peak, with prized seats by the window for the ultimate dining experience.

The menu is a comprehensive one, and while some dishes were hits and some were misses for us, we still love the idea of dining at Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill. Let’s zoom in to the dishes we enjoyed.

The Lobster Risotto wowed us with the plump rice and even consistency, with generous chunks of lobsters stirred in to the rice dish. Our friends enjoyed the Wildfire Supreme Pizza (HK$168 for 12″), while our attention was actually on the Grilled Wagyu M5 Tomahawk Steak (HK$1,380). Damn, the beef was awesome!

There is also a platter to share – Wildfire Mixed Grill (HK$488), which comes with Sirloin Steak, Pork Rib, Bratwurst Sausage, Lamb Chop and Chicken Breast. And behold, the Wildfire Tiramisu (HK$178) is gigantic; it serves up to four!

Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill
Shop 2, Level 1, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak
Tel: +852 2849 5123
Daily: 12pm – 11pm

#2 GO FOR A LEISURE STROLL ALONG THE PEAK’S NATURE TRAIL

We are no hikers ourselves but we will not say no to a leisure stroll along The Peak’s nature trail. It is one incredible walk, we promise – even better when done in the morning. Breathe in the fresh morning air that is dewy and cool, and take the hand of your loved one as Nature wows you with its unfiltered beauty.

The nature trail starts from Mount Austin Road, and it winds up a mountainous landscape. Enchanting tropical trees and an extensive birdlife awaits.

#3 MADAME TUSSAUDS HONG KONG WAX MUSEUM

If we can never have the chance to get up close and personal with Brangelina, Lady GaGa and Donnie Yen, our only other alternative to feed our curiosity is the world famous Madame Tussauds’ museum, where wax figurines are made to look so similar to real-life people.

Madame Tussauds’ Hong Kong outpost is huge and enthralling, and it houses wax figures of superstars, accomplished sports people, politicians and royalties.

Apart from scrutinising everyone’s features from head to toe (literally), we enjoy reading about the process and fun facts of creating wax figures. And if you think you have been once and seen it all, you still need another trip back because they introduce new figures every 3-4 months, and there might be “surprise visitors” from other museums; we’d like to think of the figures going around on “exchange programmes”. You might not know, but the permanent figures are also given regular makeovers so that they stay relevant and are closest to the original personality’s current state and look.

#4 TAKE A BREAK AND HAVE A DRINK AT HONG KONG DAY

Who says there are only touristy restaurants up at The Peak? Hong Kong Day is a typical but no less popular cha chaan teng, and they have several outlets across the city, including one strategically at The Peak.

This is where we love to rest our feet from all the walking, and to quench our thirst with popular cha chaan teng-style drinks such as Milk Tea, Yuan Yang and Lemon with Honey. Sometimes, we treat ourselves to the Red Bean Fleecy with ice cream when we need something sweeter to complete the day. And of course, you can get your usual French Toast and Wanton Noodles here at Hong Kong Day as well!

Shop P102, P1/F.
The Peak Tower
Tel: +852 2849 7855
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

#5 ENJOY THE BEST VIEW OF HONG KONG’S MESMERISING SKYLINE

The Peak Galleria’s Free-Entry Observation Deck is where most people head to to catch a glimpse of Hong Kong’s mesmerising skyline. That iconic skyline that people from around the globe flock to to see with their own eyes, because it is only with seeing that you would believe just how gorgeous Hong Kong is. That sick view that always have us falling in love with over and over again; there is no return for our love for Hong Kong.

Whether you are at The Peak in the day or when night falls, enjoy the best view of the city from the observation deck all the same. By the way, are we the only ones who always look for Bank of China’s building first? We can never identify every single tall building, but if we see Bank of China, we know it is Hong Kong.

This post is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.

Are you looking for an easy hike with spectacular views? Look no further. Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking panoramic views of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region.

One can actually hike up and down Dragon’s Back within 90 minutes. Read on more to find out the nitty gritty details on where you should start, how to get to the starting point and our personal tips. The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery without the crowds.

The starting point of Dragon’s Back is not too far away from the CBD and provides a great sanctuary for those who wish to disconnect temporarily.

Most visitors have a misconception that the hike on Dragon’s Back would take at least half a day. But that is not true at all! You do not have to complete the entire Hong Kong trail (which would take you a whopping six hours).

GETTING TO THE STARTING POINT

For the quickest way of getting to Dragon’s Back starting point, one can simply grab a cab from Chai Wan MTR Station Exit C’s taxi stand.

Tell the cab driver to drive you up to To Tei Wan – a wooden signboard and a framed map will indicate that you are at the starting point of Dragon’s Back hiking trail. The taxi fare should cost around HKD 50 and takes about 10 minutes.

If you are taking public transport, board bus number 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station’s Exit A3. Sit on the upper deck of the bus and enjoy a scenic but bumpy 25-minute bus ride.

You can pay the bus fare with your Octopus card – it costs only about HKD 3.90 for a one-way trip. Remember to press the bell and alight at To Tei Wan bus stop. Depending on the day and time, the frequency of buses vary from every 7 to 30 minutes.

THE HIKE AND ITS DURATION

The one-way hike up Dragon’s Back would take you about an hour. However, it took us around two hours as we stopped from time to time to take pictures. There are many gorgeous vantage points throughout the trail so do factor it into your schedule if you know that you will be needing water breaks and/or taking heaps of pictures.

The climb is relatively easy but one would have to be cladded in sports shoes as there are unpaved and uneven pathways. Climbing downhill is way easier, hence taking you only about 30 minutes.

WHAT YOU SHOULD PREPARE

The sweltering heat and humidity might get unbearable, especially during summertime. We suggest you bring along a small bottle of water to quench your thirst whilst hiking. A face towel would also be handy as you are bound to be perspiring a lot. Do also slather on sunblock lotion to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays!

As mentioned earlier on, it is essential to wear sports shoes for a safe hike. Avoid wearing heels, flip-flops and other inappropriate footwear at all costs. Also, do monitor the weather forecasts before making your way up!

If you are sick of the glitzy skyscrapers in Hong Kong, head to Sai Kung for a refreshing change of environment. Here is our guide on what to do at Sai Kung in a day. Instructions on how to get to Sai Kung Waterfront, Sai Wan Beach and Sheung Luk Streams are included in this guide too.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.