Hey guys! I’m SO excited to share today’s post with you. I recently got home from a trip to Asia (Hong Kong and Vietnam) and if you follow me on Instagram, you know what a HUGE fan I am of both cities, but especially Hong Kong! I visited 7 years ago and was so excited to go back. It’s such a wonderful city, with so many amazing things to do, places to eat and drink, and of course the most delicious dim sum restaurants. I just had to write up the ultimate hong kong itinerary for you guys and show you how to spend 5 days in Hong Kong!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong: On a Budget
My Hong Kong stay was split into two hotels in two different areas. The first couple nights I stayed with my friend Henry, who was there for work. We stayed at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Mongkok, which was REALLY nice and really accessible to everywhere we wanted to go by the metro.
It was great because he visits Hong Kong twice a year so is really familiar with how to get everywhere from Mongkok, but if I was on my own or visiting with people who didn’t know the city as well, it wouldn’t be my first choice area.
Once Henry left, I moved to Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan and absolutely LOVED it. I got the room for a great deal and it was in the PERFECT location. Sheung Wan is walking distance to Soho and Central, and the area itself is filled with amazing cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopping- pretty much everything!
The room at Ibis was big and spacious, especially for Hong Kong standards, and I got upgraded to a harbour view when I checked in. The staff are so friendly and accommodating and I will definitely be staying here when I go back!
8 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Hong Kong
1. One Dim Sum
One Dim Sum is known to have some of the best dim sum in Hong Kong. The first time I visited there was only one location and you knew you were always going to have to wait in line to get a seat. They’ve since opened a second location across the street, and we were able to get right in (although, we did go for dinner rather than typical dim sum lunch).
The dishes were fresh and tasty- the rice noodle roll with shrimp and leeks was a definite stand-out, as were the prawn dumplings, fried shrimp wontons, and the sticky rice lotus leaf (can you tell I like shrimp?). The mango custard rolls are also a must for dessert!
2. The Coffee Academics
Henry brought me to The Coffee Academics the first day we explored the city and I LOVED it! It has such a cool vibe and the food is awesome (they also have coffee cocktails which was really cool!). They have a few locations around Hong Kong, and luckily there was also one close to where I stayed when I was solo at Ibis.
I went for a second time and got the avocado toast with smoked salmon and again, it was delicious! If you’re looking for a break from dim sum while you’re in Hong Kong, I definitely suggest The Coffee Academics.
3. Yardbird
I didn’t dine at Yardbird on this trip, but I went with my mom and sister seven years ago and it still sticks out as one of my favourite meals, so I had to put it on this list. Choose from an array of small plates, from cucumber salad to kanpache tartare, a list of yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken), rice and noodle dishes, and “bigger” plates like sweet corn tempura and yuba gyoza. You have to go here- if you’re in Hong Kong- it’s a must!
4. Din Tai Fung
If you want to try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung is the place to go! We ordered the steamed black truffle and pork ones and OMG were they GOOD! The soup dumplings don’t come cheap, but they have lots of other dishes on the menu! We also got Chinese greens, hot and sour soup and a few other (non-soup) dumpling dishes!
5. Dim Sum Square
When I moved to my Sheung Wan hotel, I asked my the front desk for the best and closest place to get dim sum and they suggested Dim Sum Square. I immediately ventured over since it was lunch time and I was starving and it didn’t disappoint. It’s not the BEST dim sum I’ve ever had, but it’s super affordable and they serve all the classics. There’s usually line to get in, but it goes by quite quickly, so don’t be turned off!
6. Little Bao
Little Bao is super delicious- and how cute is their name! Located in Soho, the menu boasts their signature bao sandwiches, as well as a number of sharing dishes, drinks and an ice cream dessert. We shared the smoked eggplant salad to start, which I would definitely recommend. I ordered the vegan bao, which I really enjoyed and Henry got the crab! Apparently the pork belly bao is a must-try, but I don’t really eat pork!
7. The Pawn
The Pawn is a super cool indoor/outdoor bar- definitely take a seat on the patio if you can! You can look over the city while sipping on a cocktail, and what can be better than that? I ordered my favourite- Aperol Spritz. I didn’t have any of the food, so I can’t vouch for it, but it’s a great spot to stop in for a drink- and fun fact, it’s also situated in one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks, dating back to 1888, so it’s worth checking out!
8. Happy Paradise
The night we went to Little Bao for dinner, there was about a 45 minute line, so we walked over to Happy Paradise for some drinks. It is SO cool inside- I LOVED the vibe so much and the cocktails were fantastic! We sat at the bar so got to watch them make all the different cocktails people ordered- it’s such an art! I got the ‘Rose Rose I Love You’ with longjing tea infused fords gin, grapefruit, raspberry, rose shrub and could drink it ALL the time.
6 Best Cafes in Hong Kong
1. The Coffee Academics
I raved about The Coffee Academics above, but had to add it in the “cafe” section too. Perfect place to grab a coffee, whether you want to stay in or take it to go. This photo is from my breakfast at The Coffee Academics in Sheung Wan.
2. Classified
I think I went to Classified three times on this trip. It was somewhere me and my mom and sister went when we were there last, and it’s such a great spot to grab a drink and some food! I brought the kale salad back to my hotel a few times, and also enjoyed a drink outside on their patio while I read my book.
3. Halfway Coffee
I found Halfway Coffee on Instagram and it happened to be located really close to my hotel in Sheung Wan so I brought some work over one day and it was the perfect place to get some writing done! It’s a small space and has such a great, relaxed atmosphere. They’re known for serving their coffee in vintage Hong Kong porcelain cups, and the patio is also the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee or tea.
4. Teahka
My sister recommended Teahka to me because it was one of her favourite spots to go when she did her semester in Hong Kong. I’m so happy I checked it out because it’s such a cute spot! I ordered the roselle fresh mint iced tea and it was SO good- refreshing, flavourful and just a bit sweet! They have a couple seats inside and a few benches around the back outside for you to chat with a friend or read a book on your own.
5. Corner Kitchen Cafe
I went to Corner Kitchen Cafe for a slice of their cake! I got a recommendation to try their carrot cake (and I LOVE carrot cake), but they were sold out, so I decided to try their coconut cake. It was SO good! It would be the perfect size to share between two people as I felt a little sick after eating the whole slice to myself, but it just tasted too good not to finish lol.
6. Ollies
I went to Ollies for my final breakfast in Hong Kong and it was really delicious. I got the corn fritter with smoked salmon and egg, and topped with pomegranates. I also got an iced latte, which was really good! Ollies is located on High Street, which is also in a really great area to walk around!
8 Of The Best Things To Do In Hong Kong
1. Shopping in Mongkok and Causeway Bay
Hong Kong is known for its great shopping, and if that’s one of the reasons you’re taking a trip there, head to Mongkok and Causeway Bay for awesome shopping experiences! Mongkok is filled with beautiful flower markets, as well as cute one-of-a-kind clothing shops. In Causeway Bay you can find everything from streets lined with individual boutiques to SOGO, Hong Kong’s biggest department store, spread out over 13 floors!
2. Stanley Village
Stanley Village is a really nice area, and the perfect day trip from Hong Kong- only about a 40 minute bus drive from Central. It’s an affluent seaside town with beaches, restaurants and bars, and the Blake Pier. I didn’t go this time around, but went with my mom and sister when I was there last. There’s also the Stanley Market, which is known to be our priced, but still fun the walk around.
3. Victoria Peak
Going up Victoria Peak is a must if you’re in Hong Kong! You’ll get the most gorgeous panoramic views of the city and the tram up is fun too! You can take the tram or walk up to the peak- if you walk, make sure to bring lots of water, and it’s probably best to go early in the morning or late at night so it’s not so hot and busy.
4. Walk Around Soho
Soho is such a cool area and it’s perfect for walking around and exploring. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars for when you need a walking break. Make sure to head to ‘Cat Street Market’, a lane of market vendors selling antiques, art, and trinkets that make for awesome souvenirs.
5. Have Champagne Brunch at Zuma
Me and Henry did the champagne brunch at Zuma and it was amazing! We sat out on the patio, and it’s a buffet Japanese-style brunch that goes for 2.5 hours, with free flow champagne. The buffet was filled with tasty food, from sushi to tempura to sashimi, miso soup and so much more. And with the brunch, you also got to order a bigger dish a la carte from the menu. If you’re looking for a fun and fancy brunch in Hong Kong, Zuma is a great option!
6. Visit Hong Kong University
As I’ve mentioned to in this post, my sister did a semester at Hong Kong University, and my friend Ruby did a semester there too! So of course I had to check out the University campus and I’m so glad I did! Apparently I didn’t see the whole thing (I guess I’ll have to go back again next time!), but I really loved what I saw and I definitely think it’s worth it to visit if you’re in Hong Kong.
7. Go out in Lan Kwai Fong for Ladies’ Night
If you happen to be in Hong Kong on a Wednesday night, head to the Lan Kwai Fong area for Ladies’ night! Many bars offer free-flow drinks, cocktails, champagne and more for females. Me and my sister went with our two friends the first time I visited and it was such a blast! Hong Kong nightlife is amazing!
8. Check Out Man Mo Temple
Enjoy some peace and quiet at Man Mo Temple while taking in the lavish, traditional interior while incense burn overhead. It’s an iconic Hong Kong destination that once acted as a kind of court to settle disputes between locals before the official judicial system was created. Built in 1847, it’s now considered an unofficial monument, meaning its architecture and decor have to be preserved.
Hong Kong Solo Travel
For my final two and a half days in Hong Kong, I was on my own, and I have to say, Hong Kong is the perfect place for solo travel, especially in the Sheung Wan area. It’s a completely walkable area, and only about half an hour to central hong kong, plus you can walk through Soho on your way there.
I highlighted all my favourite things to do in Hong Kong up above, but I mostly explored, ate dim sum, and stopped at my favourite cafes to do some work or read.
I also booked a photographer through Airbnb experiences, which I would highly recommend if you’re traveling solo and want photos of yourself around the city! I did some research and found @hayleylyla. She had no available times, and I only had one day left in the city before I thought of this idea.
I messaged her and she squeezed me in and I was SO grateful! I’m really happy with the shots and highly recommend doing this for solo travel! You’ll also get to tour around the city with a local and find new awesome spots. Here are some of my favourite shots from our shoot!
As you can probably tell, I REALLY love Hong Kong, and already can’t wait to go back! I hope you loved reading my Hong Kong itinerary all about how to do 5 day in Hong Kong! Have any questions? Feel free to leave them in the comment section!
If you loved this post on how to spend 5 days in Hong Kong, make sure to share it on Pinterest!
