How to Spend 48 Hours in Hong Kong: The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Weekend

31 Mar

Written By SAVVI

Got just two days in Hong Kong? No problem. This city is an electrifying mix of towering skyscrapers, ancient temples, world-class dining, and a harbor view that never gets old. You could live here for years and still have something new to discover, but in just 48 hours, you can cover some serious ground. From jaw-dropping views to Michelin-starred bites, this guide will help you experience the best of Hong Kong—without wasting a minute.

Harbour City shopping mall in Hong Kong — *Harbour City*

Day One: Hong Kong Island—Skyline Views, Street Art & Skyline Sips

Morning: Hike to Hong Kong’s Most Iconic View

Wake up early and start your trip with one of Hong Kong’s most legendary sights: Victoria Peak. Instead of queuing for the Peak Tram, lace up your sneakers and hike up first thing in the morning. It’s about an hour-long trek, but the reward? A panoramic view of Victoria Harbour that will take your breath away. This is the city at its most cinematic—towering skyscrapers, lush green hills, and ferries gliding across the harbor.

Once you've soaked in the views, take the Peak Tram back down—because let’s be honest, you earned it.

Mid-Morning & Lunch: Historic Landmarks & Dim Sum Feasts

Back in Central, dive into Hong Kong’s history with a guided tour of Sheung Wan and Central. You’ll wander through the fascinating Tai Kwun cultural hub (a former police station turned art space), light incense at Man Mo Temple, and stroll through colonial-era streets that have shaped the city's past.

For lunch, it’s time for dim sum—because no visit to Hong Kong is complete without it. Maxim’s Palace at City Hall is a classic, where steaming baskets of dumplings arrive by trolley in a grand dining hall overlooking the harbor. If you're short on time, Tim Ho Wan (one of the cheapest Michelin-starred spots in the world) is just around the corner for a quick and delicious fix.

Afternoon: Street Art & Spa Time

After lunch, grab your camera and explore Sheung Wan’s street art scene. From vibrant murals of Bruce Lee to stunning rainbow-hued portraits, the city’s street art tells a different story on every corner. A Hong Kong street art tour can give you insights into the artists and the graffiti culture that’s taken hold in this fast-changing city.

Feeling a bit footsore? Treat yourself to some pampering. Head to Ten Feet Tall for a relaxing reflexology massage, or splurge at The Oriental Spa, where you can unwind with a Chinese Meridian massage or a Jet Lag Cure treatment to reset your energy.

Evening: Junk Boat Cruise & Rooftop Cocktails

Now that you're fully refreshed, it’s time to experience Victoria Harbour from the water. Step aboard the Aqua Luna, a traditional Chinese junk boat with striking red sails, and cruise past the illuminated skyline while sipping a cocktail. This is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Hong Kong at night—so get your camera ready.

For dinner, keep it casual with handmade pizza at The Pizza Project, or dive into a quintessential Hong Kong experience: hotpot at Megan’s Kitchen. Here, a bubbling pot of broth is placed on your table, and you cook everything yourself—dumplings, sliced meats, noodles, and veggies. It’s interactive, delicious, and a local favorite.

Cap off the night with drinks at a rooftop bar. Both Popinjays and Red Sugar offer spectacular city views and expertly crafted cocktails—because in Hong Kong, the skyline is part of the nightlife.

Day Two: Kowloon—Cable Cars, Markets & Michelin-Starred Bites

Morning: Sky-High Views & a Giant Buddha

Rise and shine! Today, you’re off to Lantau Island to ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car—and if you’re feeling brave, go for the glass-bottomed crystal cabin for unbeatable aerial views. At the top, visit the Big Buddha, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks, and take a peaceful stroll along the Wisdom Path.

If you have time, take a side trip to Tai O fishing village, where stilt houses, pink dolphins, and freshly grilled seafood await.

Mid-Morning: Sky-High Dining

After exploring Lantau, hop on the MTR and head to Sky100, an observation deck perched inside Hong Kong’s tallest building, the ICC. Here, you can sip coffee (or champagne—no judgment) at Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton while gazing out over the city’s skyline from 100 floors up.

Lunch: Michelin Stars or Seafood Towers?

For lunch, make your way to The Langham hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional experience, book a table at T’ang Court, a three-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant where every dish is a work of art.

After lunch, wander through Tsim Sha Tsui’s cultural district, where you can visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Space Museum, or Victoria Dockside.

Still craving adventure? Take the MTR to Mong Kok and explore Argyle Street’s trendiest boutiques, or visit Prince Edward’s Flower Market, a fragrant and colorful oasis in the city.

Afternoon: Shopping Spree at Harbour City

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hong Kong without a little (or a lot of) shopping. Harbour City, the city’s largest mall, is a retail paradise where you’ll find everything from luxury designer brands to homegrown fashion labels and must-have electronics. With three interconnected malls—Gateway Arcade, Ocean Terminal, and Ocean Centre—you could easily spend hours browsing.

Evening: Night Tour & Final Feast

As the sun sets, take a Big Bus Hong Kong night tour and watch the city come alive. This hour-long ride takes you through the bustling Temple Street Night Market, the neon-lit Nathan Road, and past the Clock Tower, offering a front-row seat to Hong Kong’s dazzling nightlife.

For your final dinner, make it one to remember. Harbourside Grill in Ocean Terminal offers a cinematic view of Victoria Harbour, paired with a menu of expertly grilled dishes. Alternatively, indulge in fiery Northern Chinese cuisine at Hutong, where the food is as spectacular as the skyline view from their H Zentre location.

Final Thoughts: Your 48 Hours in Hong Kong, Wrapped Up

In just two days, you’ve hiked to epic views, sailed across the harbor, indulged in world-class cuisine, discovered hidden art, and explored both sides of the city. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Hong Kong never stops surprising.