How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is fast becoming a popular cruise destination for luxury lines like Crystal, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania Cruises. Royal Caribbean and Princess also visit the island, offering plenty of cruise itineraries to Southeast Asia, China, Japan and South Korea.

It is worth spending two or three days in the city to explore, before or after your cruise. And we have crafted the perfect itineraries to make sure you cover all the sights, the wonderful food and get some shopping done, before or after your cruise.

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Day 1

Morning

Calm Hong Kong’s hyperkinetic energy by soaring above the city on the famous Peak Tram. This all-metal icon has been elevating locals and visitors alike since 1888, a moving testament to the island’s blend of vintage charm and sharp modernity. Ascend 369 metres as the city unfolds amidst greenery framed by glimmers of harbour and hidden valleys. At the summit, step onto Sky Terrace 428, where one of the world’s most inspiring skylines rises in layers of glass and mist between mountain and sea. Back inside Peak Tower, choose from dim sum to diner classics in a breakfast spread as diverse as Hong Kong itself. Take the Peak Circle Walk for more stunning views of the south side, pausing to admire the way sunlight dances off the harbour waters below while you enjoy Hong Kong’s natural side. 

Afternoon

Descend from the clouds into Old Town Central, where skyscrapers melt into a maze of heritage streets and vintage storefronts. This beating heart of Hong Kong is a lively mix of old and new, bursting with visually stunning moments at every turn. Wander alleyways lined with old buildings and boutique shops, hunting for bargains at spots like Absolute Vintage and Glue Associates. Pause at heritage temples and murals, soaking in local aromas and catching glimpses of daily life unfolding in narrow streets. For a taste of tradition, settle into the legendary Luk Yu Tea House for dim sum and indulge in plates piled to the heavens with shrimp dumplings and Siu Mai. Afterwards, grab some famous HK-style egg tarts at Tai Cheong Bakery. Visit Tai Kwun’s galleries and courtyards, then stop at Dragonfly for a drink. When the sun dips, wander back through the lively streets of Central, ready to let Hong Kong’s nightlife and harbourfront views carry you into
the evening.

Evening

As night falls, catch the Star Ferry across the action-packed Victoria Harbour to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Stroll along the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s prestigious walk of fame, and pause to watch A Symphony of Lights, a pulsating nightly show that bathes skyscrapers in vibrant colours and lasers. Sample street snacks like claypot rice and curry fish balls amid the nightlife. It’s a short walk to innovative museum-shopping hybrid K11 MUSEA, where some of the island’s most unique boutiques are open until late. End with Shanghainese at Yè Shanghai, where upscale Shanghainese comes wrapped in spectacular harbour views. Finish the evening with a cocktail at Ozone, perched atop the Ritz-Carlton, where the city’s spark stretches below you.

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Day 2

Morning

Wake up early to explore the historic Kowloon Peninsula, where shopping, art and culture blur into one. Step back in time in Mong Kok at Kam Wah Cafe. This lively cha chaan teng (a classic Hong Kong-style cafe) dates back to 1960 and serves time-honoured recipes like freshly baked pineapple buns, flaky egg tarts and French toast. Catch a train down to the waterfront to explore Harbour City, a one-stop shopping paradise with over 450 retailers mixing local and international tastes. Take a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of Art to see unique pieces from both local and international artists. HKMoA, the first public art museum of the city, is now custodian of an art collection comprising over 19,700 items.

Afternoon

Head to Sham Shui Po, one of the island’s most authentic and dynamic neighbourhoods with a deep cultural pull that’s been defining Hong Kong for centuries. Creativity flourishes beside legendary food outlets, while modern boutiques sit next to heritage shops. Stop by Kung Wo Beancurd Factory for lunch, leaning on the century-old institution for its silky tofu pudding and enjoying the delicate sweetness of this fresh dessert. Art lovers should make their way to Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, a nine-storey cultural hub packed with galleries and workshops. Shoppers will love Ki Lung Street’s fabric and creative markets, where colours, textures and crafts fill the senses and invite unhurried exploration.

Evening

You’ve seen Mong Kok by day, but watch it truly come alive at night. This is Hong Kong at its most cinematic, with brightly lit signs and narrow streets packed with bars like J.Moon Lounge and the equally chic Moonkok. Explore the cocktail scene before heading to Octavium, a two-Michelin-star restaurant. The six-to-eight-course tasting menu showcases decadent Italian flavours with refined international touches, proof of Hong Kong’s global palate. For something louder, follow the rhythm of Wan Chai’s vibrant bars and live-music rooms over on Hong Kong Island. Ready for something a little quieter? End your evening at The Old Man, one of Central’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, where Hemingway-inspired creations (try the Cat in the Rain or The Sun Also Rises) and a mellow atmosphere offer a graceful close to the night.