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2-Day Trip to Hong Kong: Weekend Travel Itinerary

Feb 13th, 2025 | By Stella Che

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with its stunning skyline, busy harbor, and a mix of eastern and western cultures. But beyond the hustle and bustle, there are also peaceful and relaxing spots to explore. Last summer, We spent two days discovering this amazing place. In this itinerary, I’ll share the best highlights of Hong Kong while giving you time to enjoy its unique atmosphere.

 

I also have a video guide showcasing Hong Kong. If you want to take a closer look at each location, feel free to check it out!

Table of Contents

When to visit Hong Kong

Travel Itinerary 

Day 1
1. Tram Tour
2. Stone Slab Street
3. Tai Kwun
4. Hong Kong Observation Wheel
Day 2
1. Avenue of Stars

2. Stanley

3. The Star Ferry9.

4. Symphony of Lights – Victoria Harbour 

More places to visit in Hong Kong

Travel resources

More travel inspiration

When to visit Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a year round destination, but the experience can vary depending on the season. Whether you’re into hiking, city exploring, or food adventures, here’s the best time to visit based on weather and activities.

 

Best Time: October – December (Autumn & Early Winter)

Reason: Pleasant weather (18–25°C), low humidity, clear skies, and perfect for outdoor activities.

Best for: Hiking, street photography, night markets, and enjoying the skyline without heat or rain.

Activities: You’ll catch festive lights leading up to Christmas.

 

Also Great: March – May (Spring)

Reason: Mild temperatures (17–26°C) with blooming flowers, though it can be a bit humid.

Best for: Visiting parks, temples, and street markets before the summer crowds hit.

Activities: Hong Kong Arts Festival & Flower Show.

 

Avoid: June – September (Summer & Typhoon Season)

Reason: Hot (28–34°C), humid, with frequent typhoons and sudden rainstorms.

Best for: Indoor activities like shopping, museums, and dim sum feasts.

Activities: Dragon Boat Festival (June) if you don’t mind the heat.

 

January – February (Winter, But Not Too Cold)

Reason: Cool and dry (14–20°C), but it can be cloudy.

Best for: Chinese New Year celebrations (dates vary), temple visits, and food lovers.

Downside: Some shops close for the New Year, and it’s not the best for hiking.

 

Travel Itinerary

Day 1

1. Tram Tour

We started our day with a ride on Hong Kong’s famous Ding Ding tram. It gets its nickname from the bell sound and it makes to signal its approach. Running since 1904, it’s one of the city’s most iconic ways to get around. The entire route is 16km long and takes you across Hong Kong Island. If you’re planning to ride, check out Hong Kong Tramways for more info.

 

One of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong is hopping on these double-decker trams to explore areas like Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. It’s the best spot for taking in the views, snapping photos, and enjoying the city from above!

   Travel Tips:

  • The tram lets you hop on and off as you explore different areas for one fare.

  • The tram station is in the middle of the street, with a stop marked by a number and street name.

  • For the best views and photos, sit at the front of the top deck.

  • Get on at the back and pay when you exit from the front.

  • Make sure to have coins ready since trams don’t give change, or use the Octopus Card, or Moblic Payment for convenience.

2. Stone Slab Street – Location Map

After that, We headed to Stone Slab Street. It is a historic street in the Sheung Wan neighborhood. The street is paved with stone slabs, a common feature in old Hong Kong before modern roads replaced them.

 

Now, the street blends nicely with the surrounding urban buildings. It’s one of my favorite photo spots, where the mix of old buildings and narrow alleys really shows the true vibe of old Hong Kong.

   Travel Tips:

  • Stone Slab Street is easy to reach by the Ding Ding tram, so you can visit it before or after your Tram Tour.

  • The stone slabs on the street are uneven, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes for a better walk.

  • You can also check out nearby spots like Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road, Tai Kwun, and more.

  • There are lots of small local shops around, so make sure to bring some cash if you want to buy anything.

3. Tai Kwun – Location Map

Just a 3 minutes walk from Stone Slab Street, We arrived at Tai Kwun. It used to be Hong Kong’s Central Police Station in the 19th century during the colonial era. Back then, it served as the city’s main police headquarters and prison.

 

Now, Tai Kwun is home to historical exhibits, art galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

 

We also checked out the Former Site of Victoria Prison, which has beautiful red-brick buildings from the Victorian era. Inside, you can see old prison cells, exhibition rooms, uniforms, and more. It was really interesting to learn about the prison’s history and its role in Hong Kong’s past.

 

If you’re into history, this is a great place to visit!

   Travel Tips:

  • Tai Kwun is free to enter, but some exhibitions and shows may need tickets.

  • There are also several attractions within a 10-minute walk, like Lan Kwai Fong, Fringe Club, and the Mid-Levels Escalator, so you can easily add them to your itinerary.

  • You can spend 2–3 hours walking around and exploring. It’s easy to get there by MTR or tram.

4. Hong Kong Observation Wheel – Location Map

Then, our last stop of the day was Hong Kong Observation Wheel. It is located on the Central Harbour front, and it is one of the popular spots for enjoying the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and city’s skyline. For more details, check out the Hong Kong Observation Wheel website.

 

We skipped the Ferris wheel ride because the line was too long, so we enjoyed the harbor view instead.

 

Just a short walk away, I found a great photo spot at Central Pier No. 10 that’s less crowded. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the view and snap some Instagram-worthy photos!

   Travel Tips:

  • To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays or as soon as they open.

  • Check the operating hours before you go, as they vary on weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

  • On clear days, you can see as far as Tsim Sha Tsui and Lion Rock.

  • The ticket is only HK$20 (about USD $2.50) per adult. You’ll get three full rotations in 15 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the views and snap some photos.

Day 2

1. Avenue of Stars – Location Map

We started our day at the Avenue of Stars, a place where you can feel the spirit of Hong Kong’s film industry while enjoying the beautiful waterfront. There are star plaques for famous actors like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, plus handprints, just like in Hollywood, embedded in the walkway.

 

Aside from the Avenue of Stars, the area also offers a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island across the water. Personally, I think the best time to enjoy the view is at night, so I plan to come back later.

 

Sometimes, events are also held in the area, like this Doraemon Exhibition. It brought back some great childhood memories!

   Travel Tips:

2. Stanley – Location Map

One thing I was really excited about on this trip was experiencing a different side of Hong Kong, away from the busy city where I could enjoy a peaceful and relaxed vibe. Stanley, on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, was the perfect spot for that.

 

You can get there by car or bus, and the ride along the coast is super scenic. Make sure to sit on the right side of the vehicle for the best views.

 

There’s so much to do here! We explored the colorful buildings and art along Stanley Main Street, took a stroll along the Stanley Promenade for beautiful waterfront views, and enjoyed the scenic sights of Stanley Bay and the surrounding mountains, also checked out the South China Sea from the Victorian-style Blake Pier. It’s the perfect spot for snapping some stunning landscape photos.

   Travel Tips:

  • You can take buses 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 from Central to Stanley, and takes about an hour to get there.

  • If you have time, Stanley Market, Tin Hau Temple and Stanley Main Beach, also a great spot to explore.

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you’re visiting in summer.

  • Some small market stalls don’t accept credit cards, so bring some HKD cash for shopping.

3. The Star Ferry – Location Map

There are many ways to enjoy the amazing views of Victoria Harbour, and taking a ride on the Star Ferry is one of the most iconic, affordable, and scenic options.

 

The ferry runs from Central Ferry Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, taking about 10 minutes one way. The views along the ride were breathtaking, with the stunning skyline all around. I think the best time to take the ferry is from sunset to the blue hour when the city lights up with colorful lights. 

   Travel Tips:

  • The Central Ferry Pier is right in front of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, so you can easily visit both in one trip.

  • Ticket prices vary depending on the day and which deck you choose. On weekdays, the upper deck costs HK$3.2 (about USD $0.41), while on weekends and public holidays, it’s HK$4.2 (about USD $0.54).

4. Symphony of Lights | Victoria Harbour – Location Map

Our last stop was to watch The Symphony of Lights, a huge light and sound show that takes place every night at Victoria Harbour. It features amazing laser beams, colorful LED lights, and music, creating a stunning display.

 

The best place to watch is from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, where you get a panoramic view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. I think it’s a great way to experience a different side of Victoria Harbour at night. 

   Travel Tips:

  • No tickets are needed, just find a spot and enjoy the show.

  • It starts at 8:00 PM every night. 

  • If you’re planning to capture long-exposure shots, don’t forget to bring a tripod. 

  • To get a good viewing spot, it’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

More places to visit in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak – Location Map

It is the highest hill in Hong Kong and offers amazing views of the city skyline, Victoria Harbour, and nearby islands. The best time to visit is at sunset or night for the most stunning scenery. You can get there by the historic Peak Tram, bus, or even a scenic hike. There are also shops, restaurants, and walking trails to explore at the top.

Temple Street Night Market – Location Map

 It is a busy and exciting market in Hong Kong, known for its cheap shopping, tasty street food, and fortune tellers. It’s a great place to soak in the local nightlife and try some delicious snacks.

Ngong Ping 360 – Location Map

It is a cable car ride on Lantau Island with amazing views of mountains, the sea, and the Big Buddha. It goes from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village, making it a great way to see both nature and culture in the area.

Lantau Island – Location Map

Lantau Island is the biggest island in Hong Kong, famous for its beautiful nature, hiking trails, and cultural spots. It has the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping 360, and Tai O Fishing Village. You can also find lovely beaches and Hong Kong Disneyland there. It’s a great place for a day trip!

Big Buddha – Location Map

The Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is a huge bronze statue on Lantau Island. It stands 34 meters tall and represents peace and harmony. You can climb 268 steps to reach it, enjoy amazing views, and visit the nearby Po Lin Monastery.

Tai O – Location Map

It is a historic fishing village on Lantau Island, famous for its stilt houses, seafood markets, and scenic canals. It gives a glimpse of Hong Kong’s past with its narrow streets, local culture, and a peaceful vibe, offering a break from the busy city life.

Cheung Chau – Location Map

It is a small, pretty island near Hong Kong. It’s known for its fishing village, nice beaches, and hiking trails. The island is famous for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival and is a peaceful place with temples, seafood, and beautiful views.

Lamma Island – Location Map 
It is a peaceful island near Hong Kong, with beautiful hiking trails and beaches. It’s a popular place for outdoor activities, seafood, and experiencing rural life. There are no cars, and it’s just a short ferry ride from the city, offering a relaxing escape.

Travel resources

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About the author - Stella

Hi, I’m a travel photographer from Vancouver, Canada. Here, you’ll find my travel experiences, offer helpful guides and tips, reveal photogenic locations, and showcase stunning images and videos captured through my lens from around the world. Hopefully, my passion for travel and photography inspires like-minded people.

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