Weekend Trip Guide – How to Make the Most of 48 Hours in Hong Kong
It is a bit challenging to squeeze Hong Kong into 48 hours. Nevertheless, I have managed to gather all my personal highlights in this guide to help you to make most of your (weekend) trip to one of my favourite metropolises.
Friday Evening – Arrival in Hong Kong
It’s party time – Hong Kong really knows how to party. I recommend heading to Wyndham Street because you will find many options there. I really like the new concept at Tai Kwun’s Barracks Block – a colonial building which has recently been renovated and turned into restaurants, cafés and museums. Madame Fù will be a great start into your weekend – you will feel as if you visited Hong Kong 100 years ago. (Shop 03-101a blk, 3, 10 Hollywood Road)
There are endless options for dining in the area, Enoteca (47 Elgin Street) and La Maison Libanaise (10 Shelley Street), both in Soho,are just two of my favourites.
For drinks, head over to ORIGIN (48 Wyndham Street) or Lily & Bloom (33 Wyndham Street, inside the LKF Hotel). If you want the “real” Hong Kong experience, head to Soho Corner (at the corner of Peel Street and Staunton Street). This place does not even have a website – but it is really popular. People have their drinks outside of the place. (Note: Do not be surprised, it is also popular to by drinks at 7-11 and drink on the streets.) For late night snacks, head to Ebeneezer’s (24 Hollywood Road) or The Flying Pan (9 Old Bailey Street).
Saturday Sightseeing
Hangovers are no excuse in Hong Kong – they city’s theme is “Work hard, party hard”. Get out of bed and make the most of the day!
It is a bit hardcore, but I would suggest to only have a quick breakfast and head to the Peak Tram as early as you can – it opens at 7 am. The best way is to purchase an Octopus Card upon arrival in Hong Kong and top it up – the trip up is HKD 53 (about USD 6.80, EUR 6). Without the Octopus Card, you need to queue for the ticket and then also for getting on the tram. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi/Uber up the Peak.
Enjoy the views over Hong Kong – from Lion’s Gate or pay the fee to enter the Sky Terrace. I think it is really worth it.
Take the tram down or enjoy walking down towards Central. Walk through the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens and the zoo. Make your way through Soho until you reach Oolaa for a well-deserved brunch/lunch. (1-9 Bridges Street) When you are done, just walk over to PMQ. These former police headquarters have been turned into a creative space with cafés, restaurants and small boutiques.
Leave towards Hollywood Road and walk to Man Mo Temple. Right across the street, there is a small antique market around the area of Ladder Street. Head down to explore the local shops with all their curiosities in Sheung Wan. Western Market is popular with tourists – I think you actually see the same if you explore Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun. Always pay attention to the side lanes to explore Hong Kong’s amazing street art.
Have a coffee break at Winstons, right next to Sai Ying Pun Station exit A1. (213 Queens Road West) (Find more coffee inspiration for Hong Kong in my post here.)
Take the MTR to Central and walk to the ferry pier. Hop on the ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui and enjoy the Hong Kong Island’s skyline.
For those who still have the energy, walk along Nathan Road until you reach Mong Kok for those iconic impressions of one of the most densely populated areas in the world. (Alternatively, you can also take the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui directly to Mong Kok Station.)
Head back to your hotel to change and have dinner and drinks at Wooloomooloo. (
Sunday – Chill
You deserved a chilled out day. Take the bus to Repulse Bay and enjoy the beach vibes. Check out my post about how to spend a day at this beautiful beach spot.
If you are still full of energy, you may want to think about a hike at Dragon’s Back.
Make sure to factor in enough time to go back to your hotel. Weekends can get busy on the South Side of Hong Kong island. (I recommend about 1 hour to be safe.)
Read More about Hong Kong
The Most “Instagrammable” Places in Hong Kong and if They Are Worth Visiting
Exploring Hong Kong’s Creative Hub at PMQ
Stanley, Hong Kong’s Seaside Village
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Guide
All information as of the date of publishing/updating. We cannot accept responsibility for the correctness or completeness of the data, or for ensuring that it is up to date. All recommendations are based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, no fees were received.
Hong Kong looks amazing, thanks for this post full of great tips and advices!
Thanks a lot for your feedback, Albína!