After a week of whirlwind book tours in Europe and stuffing pastries in Paris, I returned to Australia. But as usual, I stopped in Hong Kong. However, my stopover is by no means long. If you’re wondering how to visit Hong Kong in 48 hours, read on.
With only 48 hours in the city and a jet lag under me, I was surprised to see how well it could fit such a short visit! If you find yourself too Hong Kong For such a short time, there is a perfect itinerary that matches here (there are several options, depending on the number of times you visit!)
Hong Kong in 48 hours
Hong Kong Island Vs. Kourun
There are two main options when you arrive in Hong Kong. Stay “on the island” or stay in Kouurun (a huge land on the other side of the water connected to mainland China). To be totally honest with you, I love both and each for a variety of reasons.
Hong Kong Island has the advantage of centrality and is within walking distance of the major attractions of many cities. Many of the islands have a more financial atmosphere, with many of Hong Kong’s businesses operating centrally. On the other hand, you have a town and will offer you a correct stay “in it” just a few minutes by the local market.
On this trip, we checked in at our new hotel, Kelly Hotel, a remote area away from the bustle of the country, while enjoying the views of the whole harbor. Other hotels I really enjoy are the groundbreaking Mandarin Oriental (a dream of a fashion blogger), the Four Seasons Hotel (one of the best views of Kowloon on the island), the Ritz-Carlton (one of the tallest hotels in the world – you literally wake up to the clouds), and the 3-4 star hotel hand.
Get the bearings: Take the Peak Tram!
You won’t be able to come to Hong Kong and visit Victoria Peak, the iconic mountain overlooking Hong Kong Island below, and get uninterrupted views of Couulun Harbor. When you travel to the peak where the price of a home wins millions (some of the most expensive properties in the world), keep an eye on it for a mountain apartment!
Grab lunch on Cat Street
Bang is located in the town’s most expatriates, Cat Street. Nevertheless, it retains the authenticity of offering local crafts, souvenirs and plenty of great food. Food is not as local as it is maintained in itself, primarily due to its foreign population and the logical sense of providing more Western food in this region (but most of these are fusions of western Asia, usually really clever and original in that approach).
Catch Star Ferry in Kouulun
No matter how many times I visit Hong Kong and continue to visit the future, I never got bored of the scenery and tranquility from the island to Korea for a very reasonable price of less than a dollar.
Walk along Kouulun Harbor
Starry Boulevard is as sticky and kitschy as you can hear, but offers one of the best views of the city’s skyline! We recommend arriving in time for sunset and watching the city evolve from day to night. Bring a picnic if necessary and watch the light show unfold every night at 8pm.
Night Market in Mongok
After peace and tranquility at the port, switch things up to equipment and head to Mong Kok, where Hong Kong’s famous night market is located at MTR. Over the years I have certainly fallen in love with the products (although there are almost always cheap copies of branded items, phone cases and souvenir t-shirts, the experience itself is just as fun as ever.
The most famous night markets are Temple Street Night Market and Ladies Market, but during the day check out Fa Yuen Street, the fish market and the flower market a little different.
Day 2: Visit the outer island
Experience Hong Kong is as much of a run as you would visit the city itself, if you’re only a day or afternoon! Much of Hong Kong’s beauty is located outside the city centre, with hiking, beaches and natural beauty. If this is your first trip to Hong Kong, you should make Lantau Island your first stop. Here you will need to see the famous bronze Buddha nearby and experience more of Hong Kong’s ancient culture and traditions.
If you’re already visiting Lantau, the options are endless! Lama Island is another great half-day trip for a more relaxed escape from the city and a beautiful beach that will quickly forget about the hustle and bustle.
Dinner in the hallIn the form
On this recent trip I found my new favorite dinner spot in Central thanks to my friend Morgan, who lived in Hong Kong last year and discovered the best the city has to offer. Now (It’s always changing very quickly).
Trust me when you say this is one of my favorite dining experiences in Hong Kong and there’s so much to compare! The food was exceptional. Lots of Asian flavours, a quirky cocktail menu and a modest setting in a dimly lit basement.
The options to entertain in Hong Kong are literally endless and impossible to list in detail. Below are some of my other favorite things that may take your fantasies, depending on what you want from your time in Hong Kong!
There’s more to do in Hong Kong
Disneyland – Perfect for young people (or younger in the heart!), but very easily reachable by train.
Ocean Park – Hong Kong’s famous water theme park (there are days of whimsical rides – beware!)
Stanley Market – A really nice day trip from town, but the market itself is quite kitschy, although slightly less than Mongok’s offering.
Causeway Bay – A truly lovely neighborhood to explore with great small cafes and cheap accommodation.
Macau – One of my favorite day trips is the ferry, which is only 45 minutes away. It is considered “Las Vegas in the East” (but a much cleaner version).
Central – One of my favourite neighborhoods wander around so many cool up-and-coming cafes and quirky eateries.
I visited Hong Kong from Europe as a stopover on my way back to Australia with Finnare. The flight time from Helsinki to Hong Kong is approximately 10 hours, followed by an 8-hour journey back to Melbourne. If you want to switch your internal clock before you get home, Hong Kong is just two hours behind Australia, creating the perfect stopover city between Oz and Europe. I hope you enjoyed this Hong Kong on your 48 hour itinerary!