Let's start with the tips we received from Alexandra and Ioan . Like many travelers, we look for as much real information as possible about the destinations we choose and don't just listen to reels on Instagram or Facebook. The tips below were accurate, they were spot on and come from a couple who I believe know Hong Kong like a local.
Hong Kong, step by step. A city that can be discovered on foot, by water, by tram, subway and bus
The plan you will read below is structured for the five days we spent in Hong Kong. We managed to tick off some experiences , others we will experience on our next visit to the metropolis of the future. The first tip comes for accommodation. Hong Kong is known for its very small rooms. We received the Novotel Century Hong Kong as an accommodation tip and it was good value for money, as the Americans would say. The room was large, the bed was quite wide (we could fit all three of us), the location was very good (we arrived from the airport directly by bus A11), close to the marina where you can take the ferries.
Hong Kong is not a city you "check off". It's a city you walk through. You feel it from the tram, you taste it from a place with steamed windows that simply says dim sum, you see it from the water and you understand it only after you take a detour, up the mountain . The itinerary below is not about the "top 10 attractions", but about how a first encounter with Hong Kong naturally flows.
Day 1 – Landing and first contact
If you land around lunchtime, don't rush. Go straight to Wan Chai and stop at any place that says dim sum. The name doesn't matter. The steam, the full tables, and the brisk pace matter. It's one of the best introductions to the city: excellent food, no frills, no frills.
After lunch, take a stroll through the city or hop on the famous ding ding, the tram that connects the island from east to west. Get off at Central, then take the famous escalator to Soho. This is not about a destination, but about the route: terraces, bars, stairs, narrow streets that invite you to stop without a plan. Here we gave in because we were with Arina in a stroller, and the escalators were stopped on New Year's Eve. But if your legs can handle it, don't miss it!
In the evening, stay in Soho. Dinner at Finni's comes with an unexpected but memorable combination: fries and prosecco. Simple, relaxed, just what you need after a long drive. The return to Wan Chai is also done with ding ding, to feel the city at night, from the inside.
Day 2 – Lantau, the mountain and the city
The morning is for Lantau Island. From the subway you quickly reach the cable car and go up to Ngong Ping with the "crystal" option - the experience is worth it. Tickets can be bought on the spot; most of the time the queues are small or non-existent. Up there, time flows differently. Tian Tan Buddha imposes peace, and Wisdom Path is a short walk, 10–15 minutes, which perfectly complements the visit. In total, 3–4 hours are enough so that you don't feel rushed.
When you get off, a surprisingly pleasant outlet mall awaits you below, if you feel like shopping. Then change the register completely: take the subway to Kowloon. The promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui, Avenue of Stars and, if you are with children, the Hong Kong Science Museum. If your legs can handle it, go up Nathan Road: shops, malls, food courts where you can eat without stress.
In the evening, if it's dark, head to Temple Street Night Market, getting off at Yau Ma Tei. At 20:00 PM, return to the promenade for the Symphony of Lights. The crossing back to the island with the Star Ferry is part of the show. Alternatively, you can do the opposite: at 19:55 PM, take the ferry from the island and see the lights directly from the water. Here, the show is so touristy. The buildings are beautifully lit, messages about Hong Kong appear. It's worth checking out, but you can also miss it.
Day 3 – A break on the island
After two intense days, Lamma Island is the perfect reset. From Wan Chai you can quickly reach Central Piers, then the ferry takes you out of the city rhythm in a few dozen minutes. The village is easy to explore, without rushing. The road to the beach takes about 15 minutes, with a little up and down, but the reward is worth it: peace, greenery, sea.
On Lamma you can find one of the best pizzas in Hong Kong, at Lamma Express. The owner also has a bar with a terrace right on the pier opposite. You can stay here for half a day or a whole day without feeling like you are missing out on the "big city".
Day 4 – Above the city
Hong Kong is truly understood from above. Victoria Peak can be climbed either by bus or by Peak Tram, a nice monorail that is worth checking off as an experience . At the top, avoid the paid terrace on the Peak Gallery – it's expensive and doesn't add much.
Instead, take the flat, circular route that circles the peak, taking about 30 minutes. From here you have some of the best views in the city. Take water and sandwiches with you, especially if you want to catch the sunset. The Peak Gallery closes at 10pm, but the city remains there, lit up, long after that.
Day 5 – Fun and alternatives
If you're with your family, Ocean Park is a full day of fun. I admit that my feet got swollen from all the walking. Aquarium, botanical garden and zoo, experiences for the little ones. What a real Disneyland. Here I'll add a tip I discovered by chance. Instead of waiting for hours in line at the cable car, it's better to use the submarine (actually a train decorated like a Nautilus) that crosses the entire mountain . The same route as the gondola, but you save hours of waiting in line.
If you don't want to go to Ocean Park, Hong Kong has enough alternatives to stay for a few more days without getting bored: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Kowloon Park, or a bus trip to Monkey Mountain, where thousands of monkeys live - naughty but peaceful.
For the sea and fishing villages, Tai O and Pui O are excellent options. And Stanley rounds out the list with a completely different vibe. In Kowloon, the markets – sneakers, ladies, bird market – are more than just shopping: they are urban experiences in themselves. If you get here, I bet you won’t leave empty-handed.
Finally, just one piece of advice. Hong Kong is not something you can consume quickly. It is explored, mixed, and discovered exactly like that: up close.
Let's get to the budget:
Five days of accommodation in the heart of Hong Kong – 1000 euros
Food – between 20-30 lei per portion at locals/ 40-50 lei at restaurants
Local transport - I used the Octopus app (fares like in Romania )
Shopping - at least 20-30% cheaper than in Romania (Hong Kong is tax free)
PS- for electronics enthusiasts it's heaven on earth
