Hong Kong & Macau: A 4-Day Itinerary

You’re likely to arrive at Hong Kong International Airport early in the morning. Take a pitstop at your hotel with some early coffee before you head to Hong Kong Park, which is a peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling city. You’ll find that the park follows a water flow theme, so you’ll be met with an abundance of tranquil waterfalls, streams, and ponds.

It’s a short walk over to the Victoria Peak tram which will take you to Victoria Peak, which gives you access to some of the best views of the Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, and the remaining Hong Kong skyline. The tram is one of the oldest funicular railways dating back to 1,888, making it a truly historical experience. Make sure to sit on the right side of the tram going up for the optimal viewing experience where it seems like the buildings are leaning. Going up all the way takes you through a series of souvenir shops and restaurants (check out the capsule toy machine store) before you arrive at Sky Terrace 428, a 360 degree viewing platform of Hong Kong.

Once you’re done at Victoria Peak, stop at Mott 32 for one of Hong Kong’s iconic dishes: Dim sum. Dim sum is a Chinese cuisine consisting of a variety of small bite size dishes that are shared like dumplings and buns, usually with tea. I would recommend Peking duck, steamed dumplings like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), and buns like char siu bao (barbecued pork buns).

Visit Hong Kong Observation wheel to take in the vistas near Hong Kong’s Central district looking towards Tsim Sha Tsui. Also, make sure you try the vanilla soft-serve ice cream for a refreshing snack.

From there, check out the K11 Musea mall to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the luxury stores to shop from. Walk along the Avenue of Stars promenade to soak in the vibrant cityscape and street vendors. If you prefer a more formal dining experience, check out Hutong.

It’s time to head for Macau. I recommend taking the ferry from the Shun Tak Ferry Terminal and getting there 35–40 minutes before departure. Don’t forget to bring your passport as Macau is a separate administrative region and will have its own immigration laws. From there, head over Ruin of St.Paul, a 17th century church that later partially burned down in a fire. After that, wind your way down the narrow and cobbled streets of Senado Square.

Take a diversion to Fisherman’s Wharf for a different perspective of the city. This themed complex has a mock-Roman amphitheater with an ocean promenade. Next, visit the MGM casino lobby for the stunning Dale Chihuly glass installation, which is a magnificent display of hand-blown glass flowers. These decorations add an incredible splash of color and artistry to the space and are perfect for photo opportunities. For lunch, take a quick walk over to Dom Galo Portugese restaurant for a fusion of Portugese and southern Chinese food.

The rest of the day is all about shopping and casinos. Travel to the Cotai strip, where you’ll divide your time between the Venetian and the Parisian. The Venetian has jaw-dropping canals and gondolas, while the Parisian has a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. Feel free to spend 3–4 hours walking around before making your way back to Macau Outer Ferry Terminal for the ferry back to Hong Kong. Keep in mind that both the Venetian and the Parisian offer complimentary shuttles back to the ferry terminal.

When you’re back in Hong Kong, check out VEA Restaurant, which is a blend of Cantonese and French palettes. I’d recommend dishes like Striped Jack with Longan juice and roasted sea cucumber.

Leave the urban jungle of Hong Kong behind for a day trip to the city’s largest island, Lantau Island, a peaceful escape filled with natural beauty and spiritual landmarks. To get there, embark from Hong Kong Central MTR station and board the Tung Chung Line. The scenic MTR journey will take you across the water to Tung Chung, the gateway to Lantau Island. From here, you have a choice to begin your day: either board a bus for a winding, 45-minute journey up the mountain, or, for the most spectacular views, take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. I’d highly recommend the 25-minute ride on the cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and the South China Sea.

At the top, you’ll arrive at Ngong Ping Village, a charming cultural hub with eclectic souvenir shops and activities. From here, you’ll be on your way to see the majestic Tian Tan Buddha, a massive bronze statue seated on a mountaintop. Ascend the 268 steps to truly appreciate the scale of this magnificent figure. From there, take a moment to meditate at the nearby Po Lin Monastery, an ancient Buddhist complex with beautiful halls and a serene atmosphere. Later, you can enjoy the monastery’s renowned vegetarian restaurant. I’d recommend their tofu noodles, spring rolls, and taro curd

In the afternoon, continue your journey to the charming fishing village of Tai O, with its traditional stilt houses built over water. Wander through the narrow lanes, taste the local shaved ice and cold-pressed juice, and consider a boat tour to get a closer look at the unique homes. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the elusive pink dolphins that inhabit the waters nearby. Before the sun sets, head back to Tung Chung via cable car and take the train back to Hong Kong through the MTR line. For dinner, to mix it up from the usual Cantonese food, I’d check out the Japanese restaurant Zuma Hong Kong, known for its vibrant ambiance and expertly crafted seafood and steak dishes.