Hong Kong 3-Day Itinerary: Harbour, Peak, Markets and Lantau

Three full days in Hong Kong let you dedicate one day to Hong Kong Island and Victoria Peak, a second day to Kowloon's markets and waterfront museums, and a third day to the mountains and fishing villages of Lantau or the southeastern coast. Load your Octopus card upon arrival at the airport.

Day 1: Central, Sheung Wan, Ding Ding Tram, Victoria Peak & Star Ferry

• Morning in Central & Sheung Wan: start with a classic cha chaan teng breakfast or morning dim sum in Central, then ride the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator uphill to explore the restored courtyards of Tai Kwun, browse independent design shops at PMQ, and walk west along Hollywood Road to the giant spiral incense coils of Man Mo Temple and Upper Lascar Row.
• Midday tram ride to Wan Chai: hop onto the rear door of an eastbound double-decker Ding Ding tram in Sheung Wan and ride the upper deck through Central and Admiralty to Wan Chai for a lunch of crispy-skinned roast goose or wonton noodles.
• Late afternoon on Victoria Peak & evening harbour crossing: head to the Garden Road terminus in late afternoon to ride the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak; walk the shaded cliffside loop of Lugard Road as the skyline lights up at dusk, then descend to Central Pier 7 to cross Victoria Harbour on the upper deck of the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Day 2: Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok Markets, M+ Museum & Temple Street

• Morning dim sum & Kowloon street life: begin with bamboo steamers of har gow and siu mai, then ride the MTR to Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok to walk through the Goldfish Market, Bird Garden, Sneaker Street and the Ladies' Market.
• Afternoon in West Kowloon: head south to the harbourfront lawn of the West Kowloon Cultural District to spend two to three hours inside the M+ Museum or the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
• Evening: stroll the Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars along the water, then walk north to Temple Street Night Market in Jordan for claypot rice and street snacks.

Day 3: Lantau Island (Big Buddha & Tai O) or the Dragon's Back Hike

• Option A, Lantau Island (Ngong Ping & Tai O): ride the MTR to Tung Chung early in the morning to board the Ngong Ping 360 cable car over the mountains to the Tian Tan Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Wisdom Path, then take Bus 21 down to the stilt houses and tidal creeks of Tai O fishing village before dinner.
• Option B, Coastal Ridge & Beach: take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan and Bus 9 to hike the breezy Dragon's Back ridge trail down to Shek O Beach, then spend your final evening riding the tram to Causeway Bay or sipping a drink in Soho.