48 Hours in Hong Kong: The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary for Fun in the 852

Welcome to our 48-hour travel guide to Hong Kong! Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning traveller, there's something special about this bustling metropolis. From its neon-lit skyscrapers to its eclectic fare of international cuisine, Hong Kong offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern city living.

During your weekend in Hong Kong, you'll experience the city's vibrant culture, explore its bustling markets, and discover its hidden gems. This guide will provide you with the perfect itinerary to make the most of your 48 hours in Hong Kong for the city's must-see attractions, the best places to eat, and the best places to stay.

Friday evening: Explore SoHo’s dining scene

Like its New York and London cousins, SoHo hosts the finest Asian and western restaurants, cafes, and eateries. As you whizz into the centre of the action for Hong Kong, head to Ho Lee Fook, a nearly ten-year-old Chinese restaurant that blends tradition with modern takes. If you’re in the mood for love, whisk over to BEDU for tasty, shared Lebanese dishes filled with warmth. The Globe is a recommended spot for jovial and heavy British pub grub meals.

Friday late night: Drink and party in Lan Kwai Fong

As you leave SoHo and head to the watering holes for drinks, your direction should be towards Lan Kwai Fong for Hong Kong’s best bars and clubs for your night to continue. For where the good vibes begin, start your night at FAYE rooftop bar for cute cocktails and shisha as you see the sun set. Yurakucho is your next stop for enjoying the wicked Japanese izakaya culture in Hong Kong for plenty of sake shots and highballs. And get your groove on inside CARBON, where techno and house play all night long.

Saturday morning: Brunch in Central

Nurse your hangover and achy feet with a brilliant brunch in the morning, before you kickstart your first full day in Hong Kong in style. Central is one of your best bets for Western-style dining, including Mr. Wolf’s weekend brunch menu, packed with hearty specials from the U.K. and throughout Europe. Right next to Lan Kwai Fong, Oolaa Central is an airy space to enjoy your brunch meal with a spicy Bloody Mary to seize the day. Brunch Club is a great bet above SoHo for more affordable and customizable brunch plates.

Saturday midday: Hike up The Peak for lunch

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without a stopover at one of the best mountain tops to view the expansive Kowloon skyline and urban life on Hong Kong Island below. Catch a ride at Central Terminus for The Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak, and enjoy lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. atop, Hong Kong’s Forrest Gump-themed seafood restaurant. For views of the opposite southside, The Peak Lookout offers scrumptious western classics. British-Indian mess hall-inspired Rajasthan Riffles is a must for a spicy meal with a great view.

Saturday afternoon: Chill in Wong Chuk Hang for art and coffee

Hop over to the Wong Chuk Hang district for some creative inspiration. Take a stroll around the area, relax with a cup of coffee, and explore the various local art galleries. Be sure to take the time to appreciate the unique works of contemporary Asian art at the local Parisian outpost of de Sarthe Gallery. The neighbouring Rossi & Rossi gallery hosts a unique archive of rare antiques and lesser-known Asian artists in its Hong Kong space. For a taste of Africa, Africa Coffee & Tea promotes fine cups of continental beans and vibes in a hidden shop.

Saturday evening: Explore Tsim Sha Tsui with fancy dinner

After a bit of TLC in the quiet southside and rest up at your hotel, we recommend you head to the harbourside and glitzy neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui to meander around promenade to catch the daily Symphony of Lights show at 8PM. Spend a bit of time after window shopping at the K11 Art Museum, before venturing inside Bayfare Social tempered Spanish fare. North of Rosewood Hotel is Bushra, a Mediterranean restaurant worthy of your visit. And if you prefer more European vibes, Sabatini is an old gem that serves fine Italian meals.

Sunday morning: Get your art on at M+ Museum and Grand Palace

On your last day, we recommend a venture out to West Kowloon Cultural District for a morning of stunning views, sunshine (hopefully), and art. Hong Kong’s newly opened centre of visual culture and modern art, M+ Museum exhibits 20th century and modern design, architecture, and visual art pieces in Asia’s largest art museum. The Hong Kong Palace Museum partners with Beijing’s Palace Museum to loan over 900 priceless antique Chinese treasures exhibited in the wonderful Kowloon home.

Sunday midday: Dine on some dim sum in Mong Kok

Mong Kok is where the real action of Kowloon is, bursting in the seams with bustling street life, rushed eateries and great Cantonese food. The man family-style dim sum restaurants are where Mong Kok shines. Creative with its name, London Chinese Restaurant is one of the more established dim sum eateries with comfortable seating for large families. Michelin-starred Ming Court offers elevated dim sum dishes in the Cordis Hotel. Dim Dim Sum Mong Kok is a more affordable alternative where food is prepared in advance and always hot.

Sunday afternoon: Get lost in Hong Kong Disneyland

As you near the end of your weekend away in Hong Kong and head to the airport in Lantau Island to sadly depart, prepare for a little stop over at Hong Kong Disneyland to lose yourself in the world of fantasy and make lasting magical memories. Enjoy a day of fun and excitement as you explore the many rides and attractions, most notably Hyperspace Mountain, the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway, and Jungle River Cruise. Spend some time shopping for Mickey souvenirs and take lots of pictures to remember your day!