This two-day itinerary of Hong Kong was first featured in EXPLORE, a complimentary travel magazine curated for members of Westpac Concierge and Lifestyle Services.
Put on your walking shoes to explore bustling thoroughfares with historical gems and tranquil green spaces along the way.
Hong Kong encapsulates a diverse landscape where towering skyscrapers stand alongside 19th-century low-rise tong lau houses, tranquil mountain vistas, and sandy shores. From cooked food markets and street treats to Michelin-starred restaurants, it tantalises with a kaleidoscope of flavours deeply rooted in its vibrant culture and history.
Join us on a curated two-day itinerary through the Fragrant Harbour, where every moment is an invitation to discover and savour this city that never sleeps. From tranquil peaks and soul-stirring temple visits to shopping sprees and leisurely strolls through some of the world’s most densely populated streets, where luxury boutiques mingle with traditional tea houses and street food stalls, Hong Kong promises to ignite your senses.
This itinerary has been curated with the help of Westpac Concierge travel experts. From booking you a stay at a five-star property overlooking Victoria Harbour or at an elegant hotel reminiscent of the city’s colonial past, to securing tables at Michelin-starred restaurants serving top French or Cantonese cuisine, these locally based specialists are on hand to guarantee a one-of-a-kind experience. Click below to check if you’re eligible for this complimentary service.
Here’s what to do if you’re spending two days in Hong Kong
Day 1: Feel the pulse of Hong Kong Island
Meander up Hollywood Road to Man Mo Temple, dedicated to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo), where incense-laden air adds mystique as locals seek blessings. Across the street, explore Upper Lascar Row, where antique shops share the pavement with hipster cafes, reflecting the eclectic vibe of Sheung Wan neighbourhood.
Continue your journey along Queen’s Road Central and hop on the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. Pause halfway to explore Tai Kwun, a historical prison complex turned cultural hub housing galleries, shops, and dining spots such as The Chinese Library and Madame Fu, where you can stop for an elevated dim sum lunch experience.
Take a postprandial stroll through Central’s streets, lined with luxury boutiques, en route to Wan Chai. In Wan Chai, peruse local markets and delve into the district’s vibrant history at Stone Nullah Lane, the heart of soybean milk production in the early 20th century, contrasting with neighbouring Causeway Bay’s crowded shopping scene.
Relax your feet aboard the iconic ‘Ding Ding’ tram back to Central and enjoy up-close views of the city’s landmarks. Once there, either queue for the Peak Tram or hail a taxi to ascend Victoria Peak for a breathtaking sunset against the glittering skyline
Conclude your day with a culinary adventure at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants. Options are numerous, but Cantonese restaurants Lai Ching Heen (GF, Regent, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui) and Lung King Heen (Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central) serve exquisite dishes that complement the panoramic harbour views
Day 2: Unveil Kowloon’s soul
Kowloon faces Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour, and with nearly half of the city’s population calling this part of the peninsula home, this bustling area pulses with vibrant energy.
Start today’s adventures at the serene Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, a majestic Tang dynasty-style Buddhist site dating back to 1934, in the Diamond Hill neighbourhood. A leisurely 30-minute walk or a quick taxi ride leads to Kowloon Walled City Park. Explore the remnants and history of this once lawless enclave that was transformed into a green space in 1995.
Next, immerse yourself in the lively Prince Edward Flower Market and Mong Kok’s Sneaker Street, where you can browse the latest sports shoe trends and indulge in street snacks, such as the area’s famous egg waffles. Don’t fill up on anything because we’ve reserved a gourmet teatime experience for you.
Make your way to Tsim Sha Tsui either via MTR train or by a stroll with opportunities for shopping and taking photos, perhaps even detouring through Kowloon Park where you might catch sight of rare birds or witness people practising Kung Fu.
Now in Tsim Sha Tsui, indulge in the British era inherited tradition of afternoon tea – either at the iconic Peninsula or at Regent – where it’s complemented by harbour views. If energy permits, take a short taxi ride to West Kowloon Cultural District and visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum, home to nearly 1,000 artefacts from the Forbidden City in China, for a cultural finale.
When you’re ready to visit the Fragrant Harbour, the travel and dining experts at Westpac Concierge can with every aspect of your travel, including booking flights and arranging hotel nights with upgrades. Remember yo check if you’re eligible for the service already.
