Three days to understand the city
Three days in Hong Kong is enough to experience its essential character — the harbor, the dim sum, the street markets, the skyline, and the surprising amount of nature within the city’s boundaries. Here is the plan I would actually follow.
Day 1: The harbor and skyline
Morning: Victoria Peak via Peak Tram (book online to skip queues). The 360-degree view from the Sky Terrace 428 (HKD $55) is the best orientation for the city. Walk down the old Peak Road through jungle to the residential neighborhoods of Mid-Levels (45-60 minutes, beautiful). Afternoon: Star Ferry across the harbor (HKD $3.40, one of the world’s great short journeys). Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for the Avenue of Stars and the famous skyline view. Evening: Temple Street Night Market for street food and atmosphere.
Day 2: Old Hong Kong
Cha chaan teng breakfast (Hong Kong milk tea, pineapple bun, eggs on toast — under HKD $50). Morning: Sheung Wan’s dried seafood street, Man Mo Temple (incense coils hanging from the ceiling, extraordinary atmosphere). PMQ complex for local design. Afternoon: Sham Shui Po for electronics and fabric markets — the most local of any shopping district. Dinner in Yau Ma Tei: Mido Cafe for Hong Kong-style comfort food.
Day 3: Dim sum and Lantau
Proper dim sum breakfast at a traditional restaurant — Tim Ho Wan (Michelin star, affordable) or Lin Heung Tea House (old-school trolley service). Then Lantau Island: Ngong Ping 360 cable car (book online), Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery. Return via ferry for the harbor view at sunset.