7 Days in Hong Kong: The Ultimate Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Hong Kong seamlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic skylines, offering travellers an unforgettable experience where East meets West. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary will help you explore the best of this vibrant city while ensuring you're fully prepared for your journey.

Essential Travel Documentation & Planning

Passport & Visa Requirements Most visitors can enter Hong Kong visa-free for stays ranging from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport holders enjoy 90-day visa-free access. Ensure your passport is valid for at least one month beyond your intended stay, though six months is recommended for peace of mind. Check the Hong Kong Immigration Department website for your specific country's requirements before booking.

Travel & Health Insurance Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for Hong Kong. Medical care in Hong Kong is world-class but expensive for visitors, with emergency room visits starting at HKD 1,000 and hospital stays costing significantly more. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and COVID-19 related issues. Consider policies that include coverage for adventure activities if you plan on hiking Dragon's Back or visiting Lantau Island's attractions.

Currency & Money Matters The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the local currency, with exchange rates typically hovering around 7.8 HKD to 1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and major shops, but always carry cash for street markets, local eateries, and transportation. ATMs are abundant and offer competitive exchange rates. The Octopus Card, Hong Kong's rechargeable smart card, is indispensable for seamless travel on the MTR, buses, trams, and ferries, plus it works at convenience stores and many restaurants.

Best Season to Visit October through December offers the most pleasant weather, with comfortable temperatures (18-25°C/64-77°F), low humidity, and clear skies perfect for hiking and outdoor exploration. March to April brings beautiful spring weather but occasional rain. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and prone to typhoons, though hotel prices drop significantly. Winter (January-February) can be surprisingly chilly with temperatures dipping to 15°C/59°F, but it's less crowded and ideal for budget travellers.

Your 7-Day Adventure

Day 1: Kowloon Immersion Start with the Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at 8 PM, then explore the Temple Street Night Market for street food and fortune tellers. Visit the historic Wong Tai Sin Temple and stroll through the bustling Mong Kok district, where you'll find the Ladies' Market and vibrant street life.

Day 2: Hong Kong Island Highlights Take the iconic Star Ferry to Central, then ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for breath-taking panoramic views. Descend to explore the trendy neighbourhoods of Sheung Wan and Central, visiting Man Mo Temple and browsing antique shops on Hollywood Road. End your evening in Lan Kwai Fong for dinner and nightlife.

Day 3: Cultural Deep Dive Dedicate this day to Hong Kong's museums and cultural sites. Visit the Hong Kong Museum of History in Kowloon, then head to the newly opened M+ Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District. Explore the traditional fishing village atmosphere of Aberdeen and take a sampan ride through the floating community.

Day 4: Lantau Island Escape Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to see the magnificent Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Hike through the serene Lantau trails or visit Tai O fishing village with its stilt houses and dried seafood markets. If time permits, catch the sunset from the shores of this tranquil island.

Day 5: Island Hopping & Beaches Escape to Lamma Island for car-free streets, fresh seafood, and beautiful beaches. Alternatively, visit Cheung Chau Island for its famous bun festival tradition and laid-back atmosphere. These outlying islands offer a completely different pace from urban Hong Kong.

Day 6: Hiking & Nature Tackle the Dragon's Back trail, consistently ranked among the world's best urban hikes, offering stunning coastal views. Alternatively, explore the MacLehose Trail sections or visit the Hong Kong Wetland Park for bird watching and eco-tourism. Cool down at Shek O Beach afterward.

Day 7: Shopping & Final Experiences Spend your last day shopping in Causeway Bay and exploring the Hong Kong Park. Visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden for peaceful reflection, then head to the Avenue of Stars. Enjoy a final dim sum feast before your departure.

Food: A Culinary Paradise

Hong Kong's food scene is legendary, from Michelin-starred dim sum restaurants to humble dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls). Must-try dishes include har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu (barbecued pork), wonton noodles, pineapple buns, and egg tarts. Tim Ho Wan offers affordable Michelin-starred dim sum, while Lin Heung Tea House provides an authentic old-school experience. Budget HKD 50-100 for street food meals and HKD 200-400 for mid-range restaurants per person.

Essential Items to Pack

Pack light, breathable clothing for the humid climate, comfortable walking shoes (you'll clock 15,000+ steps daily), a light rain jacket, and sun protection. Don't forget a universal power adapter (Type G, three-pin UK style), your Octopus Card, a portable charger, and a small day pack. Include any prescription medications with documentation, hand sanitizer, and a reusable water bottle. In winter months, bring layers as indoor air conditioning can be aggressive.

Final Tips

Hong Kong's MTR system is incredibly efficient and English-friendly, making navigation simple. Download apps like City mapper and Open Rice for directions and restaurant reviews. Hong Kong is remarkably safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded markets. Mandarin and Cantonese are widely spoken, but English is common in tourist areas. Most importantly, embrace the energy of this incredible city and allow yourself to wander—some of the best Hong Kong experiences happen when you stumble upon hidden temples, local markets, or neighbourhood eateries off the beaten path.

Transportation Tips

The Airport Express train connects Hong Kong International Airport to the city centre in just 24 minutes, with convenient stops at major hotels and MTR stations. Purchase an Octopus Card immediately upon arrival for hassle-free travel throughout your stay. Taxis are affordable and honest, with colour coding by region: red for urban Hong Kong and Kowloon, green for New Territories, and blue for Lantau Island.

Your Hong Kong adventure awaits, ready to captivate you with its unique blend of tradition, modernity, natural beauty, and urban excitement!