If you’re up for exploring a different side of Hong Kong, my trip might be just the inspiration you need. This guide details the exact route I took, making it easy for you to navigate the city using public transportation. You'll a find a carefully crafted itinerary, a suggested schedule, and insider tips on the best spots to eat, drink, and shop along the way.

Cheung Chau, Hong Kong

Ngong Ping Village, Ngong Ping Road, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Tai O, Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Easygoing Hong Kong: A Guide to Food, Experiences, and Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail

And just like that, we’re all set! Honestly, there are so many more places in Hong Kong I wish I could have explored, like Lamma Island, Shek O, and Green Egg Island. I can’t help but feel a little regretful about only booking five days because there’s still so much to see, including must-visit spots like The Peak and Victoria Harbour. But when I think about the costs,  I feel a little better about not staying longer.

If you're staying for a full week or flying out of Macau, absolutely add it to your itinerary! But with just five days in Hong Kong and a round-trip flight, I chose to slow down and savor the city at my own pace. And I’m so glad I did! I got to fully enjoy the magic of Hong Kong without feeling like I was racing the clock.

If shopping is your game, Tsim Sha Tsui is your playground. This bustling area is a shopper's paradise, mixing luxury brands with quirky local boutiques. Plus, you're just a hop away from Mong Kok, another treasure trove for retail therapy.

Before my trip, I came across tons of guides suggesting a side trip to Macau, and I seriously considered it. After all, with Hong Kong Disneyland as my main goal and a few extra days to spare, it seemed like the perfect add-on. But navigating the ferry or bus, dealing with immigration, and cramming in all the sights only to rush back—honestly, it felt like more stress than fun.  

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) might be a bit out of the way in the New Territories, but getting into the city is pretty straightforward. You’ve got these options: the Hong Kong Express train, a taxi, or the bus. I chose the bus since it's way cheaper, and the stop was just a quick 5-minute walk from my hotel.

If you're heading to Rosedale Hotel or staying around Causeway Bay, just hop on Bus A11 from HKIA Terminal 1, get off at Sugar Street; Yee Wo Street, and you're just a short walk away.

No need to stress about booking tickets ahead of time—just follow the signs at the airport and they’ll take you straight to the ticket counter. If you’d rather take the train, you can grab tickets on Klook and enjoy a speedy ride into the city.

I highly recommend booking an early flight so you can hit the ground running. Aim for one that lands around 8 AM. Between clearing immigration, freshening up, and grabbing essentials like a SIM card and an Octopus card (you’ll need this must-have reloadable card for trains, buses, and ferries), expect to spend about two hours getting settled. Add in the hour-long bus ride into the city, and you'll be ready to explore by mid-morning.

Anyway, here’s how to get to Central Market: hop on the tram at Shelter Street, get off at Pottinger Street, and take a short walk to the market.

With most hotels having check-in around 2 PM, you can easily drop off your luggage at the reception and head out for a bite to eat. I suggest starting your day at Central Market. To get there, hop on one of Hong Kong’s famous trams. These iconic double-deckers, only found on Hong Kong Island in areas like Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay, are a must-try experience. It’s one of the best ways to soak in the city’s vibe!

After lunch, you should still have plenty of time before check-in. Antique Street is just a short 10-minute walk from Central Market, so you can easily head over and browse some vintage items.

To head back to Causeway Bay, simply take a leisurely stroll over to Hillier Street and hop on the tram back to Shelter Street.

Once you check in at the hotel, take some time to recharge. When I was there, I woke up just in time for dinner and felt refreshed and ready to go. I decided to explore a bit and headed to Dim Dim Sum Mong Kok for a bite to eat. 

To get there, simply hop on the train at Causeway Bay Station and alight at Admiralty Station. From there, switch to the Tsuen Wan Line and get off at Mong Kok. You’ll only have a quick 3-minute walk to your destination!

Let’s dedicate some time to exploring Lantau Island on day two! It's located in the New Territories, a bit far from Causeway Bay, so it’s best to set aside a whole day for this adventure.

If you're looking for something to eat nearby, head to Causeway Bay Station Exit F2. If you’ve ever been to Taipei, this area has a vibe similar to Ximending Night Market. It’s lively, with plenty of shops, food stalls, cafes, and even street performers. 

To get there, just take the MTR to Tung Chung Station. Once you arrive, you’ll find the cable car station that will take you to Ngong Ping Village.

Ngong Ping Village has so much to offer! You can climb up to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha, visit the serene Po Lin Monastery, or even trek to some lesser-known Buddhist temples a bit further afield. But since I was in the mood for a more relaxed vibe during my trip, I chose to explore Ngong Ping Piazza instead. There are several cafes and restaurants there, making it a great spot for lunch.

I’ll be honest: some of the restaurants felt a bit pricey. But I did enjoy this ramen place I found because it had a Studio Ghibli-inspired interior.

The reason I recommended booking a one-way cable car ticket is that there’s a bus (Bus 21) right outside the village that will take you to Tai O. The ride is about 45 minutes, so it’s best to leave Ngong Ping Village after lunch to make the most of your day.

Tai O is a working fishing village, and that’s what makes it so charming. It feels authentic and hasn’t been overly commercialized for tourists. While you’ll encounter some visitors and boating activities, it retains its quaint character and is a joy to explore for free. Just a little tip: it can get crowded on weekends, and I can imagine how stressful that might be since the alleys are pretty narrow. Planning your visit during the weekdays is definitely the way to go!

As you explore the village, don’t miss Tai O Bakery, famous for its mouthwatering donuts. These delightful treats are incredibly soft, moist, and just the right amount of milky without being overly sweet. I had just visited Taiwan a month before my trip to Hong Kong, so I was feeling a bit underwhelmed by the food options here. But this donut completely changed my perspective and won me over!

Just a short stroll from the bakery, you’ll discover a charming little coffee shop called 'Solo.' The coffee here is fantastic—not overly fancy, but it definitely hits the spot. Plus, the café offers a beautiful view of the floating houses and the river, creating the perfect backdrop to relax and recharge after all that walking.

I didn’t get a chance to check the bus schedules with the locals, so I can’t say when the last bus leaves. To play it safe, it’s wise to stay in Tai O until just before sunset. If you have some extra time, consider hiking up to Fu Shan Viewing Point—it’s about a 15-minute trek. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge on one side and the picturesque Tai O Bay on the other. Just a heads-up: the trail can be a bit challenging with steep stairs that might leave you breathless. So, if you're trying to pack a lot into a short trip, this hike might not be the best fit.

When you’re ready to head back to the city, hop on Bus 11 and get off at Tung Chung Fire Station. From there, it’s just a quick walk to Citygate Outlets, a fantastic spot for shoe shopping. You’ll often find better deals here than at Sneakers Street in Mong Kok.

Tung Chung MTR Station is just a stone’s throw away, making it super easy to catch the train back to your hotel. On a whim, I decided to hop off at Mong Kok station. The bus ride from Tai O was pretty lengthy—around an hour and a half—so I had plenty of time to relax and recharge. I figured I’d take the opportunity to do some shopping at the bustling Ladies' Market and wander over to Sneakers Street to hunt for more shoes. 

I know this day might sound packed—and maybe not as laid-back as my guide suggests—but trust me, it’s totally doable if you follow my proposed schedule. Sure, you might feel a bit tired from all the walking, but that’s just part of the travel experience! I kept a comfortable pace with my eating and strolling, and I still managed to hit all the highlights without feeling rushed or worn out.

Can you truly say you’ve experienced Hong Kong without a visit to Disneyland? With only four Disney parks in all of Asia—two in Japan, one in Mainland China, and one right here in Hong Kong—it would be a shame to miss a day filled with that magical atmosphere. So let’s add this must-see to our itinerary and enjoy a classic tourist experience!

We’re keeping things easygoing, even with a theme park ticket in hand, so there’s no need to rush. Leave the hotel after breakfast, and you'll arrive at Hong Kong Disneyland just in time for the opening. I recommend having breakfast before 7 AM if you can because Disneyland is located on Lantau Island, and it takes over an hour to get there. Just hop on the MTR to Sunny Bay and get off at Disneyland Resort.

I had originally planned to enjoy some hot pot after a magical day at Disneyland, but the restaurants near Rosedale Hotel close around 9 PM. With the fireworks show ending after 8 PM, it was impossible to make it there in time.

For the best experience, I recommend snagging the lowest-tier ticket on a weekday to dodge the crowds. And if your budget allows, consider getting a FastPass. Queuing for hours is much more exhausting than zipping around on those thrilling rides.

But here’s the scoop: there’s a Don Don Donki store right by the Causeway Bay MTR station where you can get a decent and generous dinner. As always, the meals were discounted at that hour—way better options than the convenience stores, where the choices can be a bit lackluster.

After three exhilarating days of exploring Hong Kong by every mode of public transport, it’s time to take it down a notch and enjoy a relaxing ferry ride to Cheung Chau Island.

Hong Kong is a city of vibrant districts, each offering its own unique vibe. It might feel overwhelming at first, especially if it’s your first visit, so let’s break it down.

Here’s where the hotel is located so you can check the rates:

If you have any more questions or need tips, feel free to ask!

For a more iconic Hong Kong experience, head to Central. Not only can you ride the famous trams (a must-do for budget travelers) but you’ll also find cafes, shops, and breathtaking views that capture the city's essence.

But if you're following my guide, I highly recommend staying in Wan Chai or Causeway Bay. It’s where I stayed, and its central location made exploring the city easy. 

After breakfast, head over to the Ngong Ping Cable Car station in Tung Chung. I’m not entirely sure if you can buy tickets at the counter (I think you might be able to), but to be safe, consider booking in advance through apps like Klook or Agoda. Make sure to book only a one-way ticket.

Anyway, feel free to tweak things to match your pace and interests!

Getting there is so easy! After breakfast, hop on the MTR to Central Station. From there, it’s just a short stroll to Central Ferry Pier No. 5. The ferry will whisk you directly to Cheung Chau Island in about 45 minutes to an hour. No need to fuss over buying tickets, either—just tap your Octopus card when you board, sit back, and soak in the views!

The moment you set foot on Cheung Chau, you'll instantly feel the contrast from the hustle and bustle of places like Causeway Bay, Central, or Mong Kok. First off, there are no cars or buses here; locals zoom around on bikes instead. It's such a refreshing change of pace! Even shops like Watsons and McDonald's have their own unique flair.

If you want to explore the island more easily, you can rent a bike, though walking is just as enjoyable. I found it easier to check out the local shops on foot.

As one of the Outlying Islands, the port serves as Cheung Chau’s main transport hub, and the sight of boats and ferries coming and going is a beautiful experience in itself. But if you’re seeking a quieter escape, head to the other side of the island and visit Tung Wan Beach. 

After a leisurely stroll around Tung Wan Beach, you might want to take a moment to unwind at a cozy café. Just a short walk away is All'bout Love Café, where the coffee is fantastic and they even offer free Wi-Fi! If you’re a digital nomad like me, this is the perfect spot to settle in, sip a delicious brew, and get a bit of work done while soaking in the island’s relaxed vibe.

I wouldn’t recommend getting dessert at the café, though. While it’s nice to enjoy something sweet with your coffee, Cheung Chau is famous for its fresh fruit mochi. You should definitely save room for that dessert while you’re here.

If you're up for a little souvenir shopping, check out this place near the mochi stall:

For lunch or an early dinner, I highly recommend making your way to Pak She Praya Road, where you’ll find generous portions of seafood. While I can’t recall the exact spot I dined at, the whole road is alive with locals eager to entice you with their culinary offerings. Also, the tables are set up right outside, just in front of the boat docks!

That wraps up the Cheung Chau adventures! There's still plenty more to explore, though, like hiking to Cheung Chau Observation Deck, visiting Coral Beach, or checking out the Cheung Chau Little Great Wall. But that would take us off the easygoing path, so let’s save it for next time!

When you're ready to head back, just catch the same ferry to Central Pier. I left just after sunset, which turned out to be perfect timing! The vibrant lights of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel lit up my walk back to the MTR station.

I had originally planned to catch the Symphony of Lights at Golden Bauhinia Square that day, but you know how it goes—I ended up getting lost in the shopping spree instead. If you’re interested in experiencing the show, it takes place every night at 8 PM and is just a short stroll from the pier.

You’ll find a variety of shops, food stalls, specialty restaurants, and souvenir stores inside. If you don't find what you're looking for, just step outside, and you'll discover plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area.

We've reached the final day of our adventure! I recommend booking your flight back home for the evening, ideally around 7 PM. This way, you’ll still have half a day to soak up the last bits of Hong Kong.

Easygoing Hong Kong: A Guide to Food, Experiences, and Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail

Buy to unlock full guide