Hong Kong has long been known as “Asia’s World City,” a place where ancient temples stand close to neon-lit towers, and where centuries of Chinese heritage meet global influences.
In this five-day itinerary, you’ll experience the many sides of Hong Kong: dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, wandering through Chinese gardens, stepping into incense-filled temples, and even chartering a private yacht to hidden islands. Along the way, you’ll find insider tips, cultural insights, and a few hidden gems that even locals treasure.
Come discover Asia’s World City with Revigorate, and let us help you discover the layers that make Hong Kong truly unforgettable.
Begin the day at Kowloon Walled City Park, a peaceful reclamation of what was once the most densely populated neighbourhood in the late 1980s. The gardens here are laid out in classical Jiangnan style, with pavilions, ponds, and stone bridges, perfect for an early morning stroll.
Next, take a 7-minute walk to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of Hong Kong’s most visited temples. Local worshippers often come here to light incense and have their fortunes told by kau cim (fortune sticks). If you’d like to take part in this practice, remember to bow three times before shaking the bamboo cylinder, and then shake the bamboo cylinder until a numbered stick falls out. More importantly dress modestly, with your shoulders covered.
Continue your journey to Nan Lian Garden, a 3.5-hectare Chinese classical garden, designed in the style of the Tang dynasty. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, serene water features, ancient trees, and striking contrast with the surrounding modern city skyscrapers. Allot at least one to two hours if you want to fully explore both the Nan Lian Garden and the Chi Lin Nunnery, next to it.
Next to Nan Lian Garden is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a large Buddhist temple complex, built without a single nail. It is considered one of the largest handmade wooden buildings in the world. Explore the temple halls and find a moment of reflection. Keep in mind to dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum.
Cross over to Hong Kong Museum of History, a large public museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, that showcases Hong Kong's cultural and historical heritage from prehistoric to modern times. Here, you’ll find the comprehensive permanent exhibition "The Hong Kong Story,” which details Hong Kong's prehistoric past to the 1997 handover.
From history, let’s now head over to Kowloon Park, a large public park in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Here, you can enjoy a range of activities from garden strolling, bird watching, and attending cultural events. Locals go here to practice tai chi or sip tea in shaded courtyards. It’s a nice place to visit to get the feel of Hong Kong’s culture.
Cap off your day at Hong Kong’s historic landmark and the only surviving part of the old Kowloon Station. Built in the Edwardian Classical Revival style with red bricks and granite, the tower has stood since 1915 as a monument to Hong Kong's railway history. From here, you can enjoy the nightly "Symphony of Lights" show over the harbor from the nearby promenade.
Today takes you out of the city and into the quieter landscapes of Lantau Island. Start early with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, the ride will take about 25 minutes. Opt for the crystal cabin with a glass floor for a bird’s-eye view of the South China Sea and forested slopes.
Your first stop is the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. It’s one of the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statues in the world. Arrive before 10 a.m. if you prefer to enjoy the terrace relatively crowd-free. The climb up the terrace takes about 256 steps, but you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view over Lantau Island.
Next to Tian Tan Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery, a major Buddhist sanctuary in Hong Kong. It was founded in 1906 and known for its beautiful architecture. Here, you can explore the monastery's many halls, including the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha and the impressive Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas.
Next, follow the short forest trail to the Wisdom Path, where 38 wooden columns form an infinity symbol on the mountainside, each inscribed with verses from the Heart Sutra. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the South China Sea, and the Shek Pik Reservoir.
Take a 13-minute drive to Tai O Promenade, a historic fishing village where you can see stilt houses perch over tidal flats. Life here is simple and unhurried, you’ll see fishermen mend nets, market stalls sell dried seafood, and boats shuttle visitors through mangroves where pink dolphins are sometimes spotted. Take time to explore side lanes where they sell shrimp paste and traditional snacks.
Begin on the West Kowloon Cultural District, where the Hong Kong Palace Museum brings treasures from Beijing’s Forbidden City into contemporary galleries. The museum showcases over 900 priceless treasures from Beijing's Palace Museum, alongside artifacts from other major international institutions. The museum also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Victoria Harbour.
Next, take an 8-minute drive to Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong’s first public art museum, housing an extensive collection of Chinese antiquities, paintings, and calligraphy, along with international art.
Cross the harbour to Quarry Bay for a glimpse of Hong Kong’s cinematic urban side at the Yick Cheong Building, nicknamed “the Monster Building.” It’s a well-known, high-density residential complex constructed in the 1960s to provide government-subsidized housing during a period of population growth. It’s been featured in a number of films including Transformers: Age of Extinction and Ghost in the Shell.
Next, take a 10-minute drive to Hong Kong Park, located on the former site of the Victoria Barracks. The park contains several artificial lakes, ponds with koi fish and turtles, and a waterfall that you can walk behind for a unique view. Wander through the aviary, climb the viewing tower, or linger by lotus ponds for a meditative experience.
Experience Hong Kong’s nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong, home to over 90 restaurants, bars, and clubs, the district comes alive in the evening and is most vibrant on Friday and Saturday nights. The place is known for its legendary holiday parties, especially the Halloween revelries, and other festivals throughout the year, such as the annual LKF Beer & Music Fest.
Begin the day in Sha Tin with the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. The walk up is part of the experience, with over 400 golden, life-sized statues lining the steep path, each with unique expressions and postures. It takes about 20 minutes to climb, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. At the top, you’ll find the main hall with its walls lined by thousands of miniature Buddhas.
This is not an active monastery which means no monks live here, but it’s still considered a sacred space, so keep voices low, dress modestly, and avoid pointing directly at statues. Morning visits are best to avoid the heat and to have the terraces mostly to yourself.
A short 8-minute ride away is the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, showcasing Hong Kong's unique history, art, and culture. One of its popular exhibitions is dedicated to the legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. Some notable exhibitions are Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, Jin Yong Gallery, Hong Kong Pop 60+, and Children's Discovery Gallery.
Next, take a 22-minute drive to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, located on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, the city's highest mountain. Here, you can visit enclosures housing rescued animals that cannot survive in the wild, such as leopard cats, muntjac (barking) deer, and reptiles. Or explore a variety of meticulously maintained plant collections, including the Orchid Greenhouse, Butterfly Garden, Fern Walk, and Magnolia Garden.
Venture north to the Hong Kong Wetland Park, a 61-hectare ecotourism facility that features a large wetland reserve and a visitor center called the Wetland Interactive World. Explore trails and view wildlife in their natural environment. You can also visit the famous crocodile, Pui Pui. The croc has a home in the park where you can learn about her story and crocodile conservation. Wear light clothing and walking shoes as the trails are easy, but the humidity can rise quickly. Bring insect repellent as well.
Return to the city and spend your last afternoon in Hong Kong at Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Stroll down Nathan Road for a glimpse of neon shopfronts and luxury boutiques, or slip into quieter side streets for tailor shops and tea houses.
Make your way back to the Victoria Harbour promenade for one final look at the skyline. If timing permits, stay for the Symphony of Lights show at 8 p.m., when lasers and projections animate the buildings on both sides of the harbour.
Autumn (October – December) is the best time to visit. You’ll enjoy clear skies, mild temperatures, and low humidity, which is perfect for hiking trails like Dragon’s Back or exploring temples without the summer heat. Harbour views are especially scenic at this time of year, making it a great season for photography.
Spring (March – May) is a lovely time to visit, with mild temperatures and blooming gardens. The humidity rises by May but stays manageable. The parks and trails are at their most colourful at this time of year, with cherry blossoms in the New Territories and colourful floral displays across the city.
Hong Kong calls itself “Asia’s World City,” and for good reason. It’s where East meets West, the Chinese heritage, colonial history, and global influences all shaping the city’s character. Here, you might sip tea in a centuries-old monastery one moment, then cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry next. Hong Kong is both a gateway to China and a cosmopolitan hub of its own, a city rooted in tradition yet always moving forward.
At Revigorate, we create journeys that let you experience Hong Kong’s mix of tradition and modern life. Contact us or give us a call at (+1 800 672 0517 | +351 289 009 580 | +44 808 189 0647) and begin your Hong Kong journey with us, or expand your travels through our guides to Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, and even aboard Japan’s most exclusive sleeper trains.
Our offices: