Introduction

This was my second independent travel experience to Hong Kong. Since the trip was relatively short, I quickly planned the entire journey the night before departure.

Besides arranging flights, purchasing tickets for Ocean Park, and the Peak Tram (this was my second visit), I recommend buying tickets for these confirmed attractions in advance through relevant channels. Not only can you enjoy better prices, but you can also save time by avoiding long queues on-site.

Flights

All flights for this trip were provided by Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, with meal services offered during the flights. There was no need to specifically calculate the weight of carry-on luggage, but the total weight allowance for checked luggage was 46 kilograms, which is a restriction to keep in mind.

Expenses in Hong Kong

Overall, prices in Hong Kong are relatively higher compared to Taiwan. Based on the exchange rate on September 10, 2024, 1 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) equals approximately 4.174 New Taiwan Dollars (TWD).

Since many goods in Hong Kong rely on imports, such as imported soy milk and water, the prices of daily essentials tend to be slightly higher than in Taiwan.

The average cost for three meals per day is about TWD $255. Adding snacks and other small bites, the total daily food expenditure comes to approximately TWD $820, making the total for four days TWD $3,268 per person.

For a four-day, three-night trip, including flights, food, accommodation, and souvenirs, the total cost is around TWD $18,500 per person.

⚠️ It’s advisable to check with the hotel to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Detailed Expenses for Four Days and Three Nights

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the expenses for a four-day, three-night trip, including meals and accommodation for one person.

Itinerary

This trip spanned four days and three nights, with one day planned for indoor activities like visiting the Museum of History and the Hong Kong Science Museum, and another day dedicated to exploring Ocean Park. The remaining time was left flexible, allowing for adjustments depending on the situation.

While the planned and actual itinerary might differ slightly, this flexible approach made the journey more relaxed. After all, traveling should be about going with the flow rather than feeling pressured to rush through attractions.

Day 1 (Saturday, September 14, 2024)

Since the flight was scheduled for 11:43 AM, there was no need to wake up particularly early; arriving at the airport two hours in advance was sufficient.

1:00 PM: Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport

The expected time to complete immigration procedures and collect luggage was about 45 minutes.

In reality, queuing started at 1:10 PM, and luggage collection was completed around 1:57 PM, taking a total of 47 minutes. It’s recommended to allocate at least an hour for this process to ensure sufficient time.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, I noticed many foreign tourists, mostly from Korea and mainland China, likely taking advantage of the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.

2:00 PM: Collecting QR Code for Hong Kong Tourism Board Activities

The Hong Kong Tourism Board was running a promotion called “Hong Kong Summer Fun,” which included:

1. Sightseeing transport coupons: Enjoy transport discounts and explore more of Hong Kong with ease.
2. Shopping coupons: Spend HKD $200 and receive an exclusive HKD $100 coupon.
3. Dining coupons: Spend HKD $200 at designated restaurants and get a HKD $100 discount.

I used the shopping discount and a HKD $20 day pass for the panoramic tram tour.

The promotion ran from July 11, 2024, to September 15, 2024, just in time for me to use it on the last two days.

2:10 PM: Taking the MTR to Yau Ma Tei

The journey via the Airport Express ➔ Tung Chung Line ➔ Tsuen Wan Line ➔ Walk took about 48 minutes.

It’s advisable to use Google Maps to familiarize yourself with the routes beforehand to avoid confusion. MTR trains run frequently, so there’s no need to worry about catching a specific train.

3:20 PM: Arrival at The Salvation Army Booth Lodge

• Address: 11 Wing Sing Lane, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
• Check-in and a brief rest (luggage can be stored if you wish to head out).

The lodge had a slightly humid interior, with the air conditioning turned up high to dehumidify. Considering the price, the accommodation quality was decent.

Since we planned to visit Victoria Peak for the sunset, we decided to set off early.

4:45 PM: Arrival at Peak Tram Station

After waiting in line, we boarded the tram at 4:57 PM, almost exactly as scheduled.

During the pandemic, the Peak Tram underwent a complete renovation. The current sixth-generation tram is more modern, featuring a classic green exterior and panoramic glass windows, offering a full view of the scenery during the ride. The design, especially the skylights, allows passengers to enjoy the sky whether it’s day or night.

After arriving at the Peak, we grabbed a quick bite before heading to the observation deck to wait for the sunset.

6:00 PM: Sunset at Sky Terrace 428

Arriving around 6 PM was just right, with the estimated sunset time at 6:27 PM. Spending about 30 minutes on the platform is sufficient, as it can become repetitive, and the crowd grows larger as it gets later.

By 6:50 PM, we took the Peak Tram back down and barely had to wait in line.

8:40 PM: Strolling and Dinner at Temple Street

After descending from the Peak, we walked to Hong Kong Station to purchase a day pass and inquired about some transport questions.

We then took the MTR to Jordan to explore Temple Street. However, the overall atmosphere wasn’t particularly impressive. It felt like a touristy night market with a slightly chaotic vibe, and we weren’t quite sure what we were looking for.

Eventually, we found a Chiu Chow-style restaurant called 潮味莊 for dinner. Overall, the experience was quite pleasant.

Day 2 (Sunday, September 15, 2024)

11:00 AM: Heading to Tsim Sha Tsui

One of my travel companions, full of confidence, decided to go and buy Jenny Bakery's Teddy Bear Cookies right away. With 5 kg of luggage in tow, we set off for the day.

11:50 AM: Hong Kong Museum of History

We took the MTR to Hung Hom station, followed by a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of History, arriving around 11:50 AM.

Initially, I thought this museum would offer insights into what Hong Kong is and its relationship with Britain, among other topics. However, it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and much of the content was dominated by this theme.

Instead of learning about Hong Kong’s history, the museum emphasized the inseparable connection between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Hong Kong, highlighting topics like Hong Kong student movements being labeled as acts of treason, and showcasing Chinese achievements. Those who are sensitive to this type of content might want to skip this museum.

The visit took about an hour, but much of the narrative felt one-sided, leaving me with a superficial understanding of Hong Kong’s history, which was a bit disappointing.

12:50 PM: Hong Kong Science Museum

This attraction was much more engaging, with a blend of education and entertainment that drew large crowds of family visitors, creating a lively atmosphere.

The museum features a wide variety of scientific displays, including exhibits on volcanoes, electricity generation, ion spheres, tsunamis, tornadoes, and an array of minerals. These exhibits were not only interesting but also provided a deeper understanding of natural phenomena and scientific principles.

Compared to the earlier visit to the history museum, this experience was more enjoyable and interactive, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Overall, it’s a highly recommended attraction, and you can easily spend about an hour here.

1:00 PM: Strolling Around Hong Kong

After visiting the main attractions, we casually searched for a place to have lunch. Using Google, we decided on Master Chef Congee, where we ordered century egg congee and rice rolls. Though the menu was simple, the food was satisfying—a humble but fulfilling meal.

Afterward, we wandered over to K11 Art Mall, where we still had some shopping vouchers to use. We picked up four small cakes to enjoy as an afternoon dessert.

On a whim, we also stopped by Regal Ice Cream to grab a cone. Then, we leisurely strolled through the MTR underground walkway, eventually arriving at the Hong Kong Space Museum.

4:20 PM: Hong Kong Space Museum

This spot wasn’t originally in our itinerary, but since it was nearby, we decided to take a look.

Personally, I found space science to be rather abstract, with much of it dealing with vague concepts. The exhibits briefly touched on many technical terms without much explanation. Rather than answering questions, it seemed to raise more. I would not recommend this attraction, and we left after about 30 minutes.

4:50 PM: Wandering Around Tsim Sha Tsui

The remainder of the day was spent casually wandering around. The area surrounding Tsim Sha Tsui is filled with shops and snack stalls, making it a great place to stroll, grab a snack, or enjoy some local dim sum.

We returned to the hotel to drop off the 5 kg of souvenirs, which made walking around much easier, and then headed out again for more exploring. Dinner was at Kowloon Café, followed by a stop at KFC for a chocolate egg tart. Later, we picked up some coconut water and alcohol to bring back to the hotel, wrapping up a relaxed day.

Day 3 (Monday, September 16, 2024)

10:00 AM: Ocean Park

We specifically chose to visit Ocean Park on a Monday, hoping for fewer visitors. However, due to the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, the park was packed with tourists from mainland China.

We left the hotel at 9:45 AM and arrived at Ocean Park around 10:10 AM. During the MTR ride, we encountered a brief 10-minute rain shower, but the weather cleared up by the time we reached the park, and it became extremely hot.

Ocean Park is divided into the animal zone and the amusement zone. We started the day by visiting the animal exhibits. After taking the Ocean Express train up to the summit, we had a quick lunch and continued to see penguins, arctic foxes, sea lions, and played on a couple of rides. Later, we also visited the dolphins and jellyfish.

When leaving the summit, we opted to take the cable car back down to the animal zone to see sloths and marine animals. We finished exploring the entire park at around 5:35 PM. I would recommend allowing at least 8 hours to fully experience everything.

However, the layout of Ocean Park is a bit disorganized, making it easy to lose track of your route. The park has many slopes and ups and downs, so it can be tiring after a full day of walking.

6:20 PM: Dinner at McDonald’s

We were still deciding on dinner when we came across a McDonald’s, so we decided to grab a quick meal. This time, we tried the Hong Kong-exclusive “Crispy Chicken Thigh Burger” and “Bacon Crispy Chicken Thigh Burger,” along with special items like the “Melon Yoghurt Drink,” “Blueberry McFlurry,” and “Yuzu Custard Pie.”

The drink options also included “Coconut Latte,” and overall, we felt that the value of McDonald’s in Hong Kong far exceeded that in Taiwan.

7:20 PM: Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

This was an unplanned activity, but after checking out the Hong Kong Tourism Board website, we decided to experience this unique Mid-Autumn Festival event.

After dinner, we took the Ding Ding Tram to Tin Hau station and walked to Tai Hang to watch the Fire Dragon Dance performance.

This event was truly special, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting Hong Kong during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The dates and times for the 2024 event are as follows:

• Monday, September 16, 2024: 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
• Tuesday, September 17, 2024: 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM
• Wednesday, September 18, 2024: 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Location:

• Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, from Wun Sha Street to Causeway Bay Road (The Fire Dragon Dance will move to Victoria Park on September 17 at 10:30 PM for a special performance).

Due to the event’s popularity, arriving late or taking the MTR might result in traffic restrictions. We arrived at 7:00 PM, and the crowd was already large, so I recommend getting there early. Since it gets very crowded, it may not be the best environment for young children.

Nearby Victoria Park also had a lively lantern festival, adding to the festive atmosphere.

On the way back, we couldn’t resist stopping by McDonald’s again for another “Yuzu Custard Pie” as dessert.

Day 4 (Tuesday, September 17, 2024)

Originally, we had planned to have breakfast at the famous “Australia Dairy Company” in Jordan, but upon arrival, we found it was closed. We then made a quick change of plans and headed to the nearby “Aberdeen Fishball King” for breakfast.

After the meal, we considered visiting the Mong Kok markets, but due to the intense heat, we decided to cool off at Mong Kok Center instead and take a bathroom break. By the time we finished, it was around 11:00 AM.

We adjusted our itinerary and proceeded to take the MTR to Hung Hom station to visit the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition.

11:30 AM: “Station Rail Voyage” Exhibition

This exhibition requires prior reservation. Our original booking was for 1:15 PM, but upon arriving at the venue, we were informed by the staff that we had to wait until the designated time. Fortunately, we met a group of Hong Kong tourists who had extra reservations, and they kindly allowed us to enter early.

The exhibition’s theme, “Station Sight,” symbolizes both seeing the station and seeing people. It features a variety of railway-related historical memorabilia. The flow of the exhibition was well-organized, providing an easy introduction to the history of the MTR and the merger of two railway companies.

The highlight of the exhibition was the opportunity to step inside three different retired train carriages: No. 56 I. B. Trevor, Yellow Head, and Fly Head. At the end of the tour, they even gave us a commemorative train ticket, making it a pretty worthwhile experience.

The entire exhibition takes about an hour if you explore it leisurely.

Exhibition Period: April 27, 2024, until the end of the year, free admission.

Booking Opens: From 10:00 AM on April 20, 2024, online ticket reservations are available.

Visiting Times: Each session lasts 75 minutes, with sessions at 9:45 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:45 PM.

Reservation Process: Once confirmed, visitors will receive a confirmation email. You must present this email or the reservation number upon entry. Bookings are non-transferable.

1:30 PM: Lunch at 雄記美食

For lunch, we stuck to our planned choice of “雄記美食” instead of “Kam’s Roast Goose,” which was crowded on the main street. Hung Kee is a small eatery tucked away on Clutter Street in Wan Chai, with a modest storefront that was undergoing renovations at the time. You have to pay extra attention to notice the shop. Despite it being peak lunch time, there was little wait for seating.

We visited 雄記美食 based on a recommendation from Mill MILK, who praised the restaurant’s beef brisket. After trying it, I can confirm that the beef brisket was excellent. The restaurant is clean, decorated with a collection of small figurines, and the service was friendly.

The owner primarily speaks Cantonese, and even if you ask questions in Mandarin, they will respond in Cantonese. Due to the limited space, it’s not ideal for large groups, and you’ll likely end up sharing a table with other diners. It’s better suited for 1–2 people.

We ordered Ngau zap (HKD $55), curry beef brisket with rice (HKD $55), and a glass of iced Cha Cha (HKD $10). The prices were very reasonable, the portions were generous, and the food was delicious—highly recommended!

2:30 PM: Bakehouse for Egg Tarts

In the afternoon, we hopped on the Tramways to Wan Chai to buy egg tarts from Bakehouse. Perhaps due to the Mid-Autumn Festival, tram rides that day were free.

3:00 PM: Wong Tai Sin Temple

We made a quick stop at Wong Tai Sin Temple. The area was packed with people, but due to the scorching weather, we offered our prayers and quickly left without staying for long.

4:40 PM: Collecting and Checking Luggage

We took the MTR from Yau Ma Tei to Hong Kong Station, checked in our luggage, and completed the process by around 5:00 PM.

6:00 PM: Apple Store at the International Finance Centre

This wasn’t part of the original itinerary, but since we were near the IFC Mall, we decided to visit the Apple Store there and experience the Vision Pro. The wait time for the demonstration was about 15–30 minutes, but the staff were very friendly and accommodating.

The experience was truly impressive, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested. It’s well worth adding to your list of things to do in Hong Kong.

7:00 PM: Airport

Finally, we took the Airport Express to Hong Kong International Airport, picked up some last-minute souvenirs, had a quick meal, and then smoothly boarded our flight back to Taiwan.

Conclusion

This four-day, three-night trip to Hong Kong offered a well-paced and flexible itinerary, allowing us to comfortably cover the major attractions and savor local delicacies.

The trip was designed with flexibility in mind, enabling us to explore Hong Kong’s rich culture and attractions within a limited timeframe. Highlights included the breathtaking views from Victoria Peak, the diverse wildlife and attractions at Ocean Park, and the Mid-Autumn Festival’s unique Fire Dragon Dance. We also made sure to enjoy local cuisine such as beef brisket rice, congee, and classic Hong Kong-style dishes, while visiting cultural landmarks like the Science Museum.

Initially, we had considered a day trip to Sai Kung, but given the time constraints and the likelihood of water activities, we decided to skip it.

Six years ago, in August 2018, I visited Hong Kong for the first time and explored locations like Hong Kong Wetland Park, Ngong Ping 360, and Choi Hung Estate Car Park. This time, I revisited The Peak Tram to admire the spectacular views once again. While some sites were not included in this trip, there are still many places in Hong Kong worth exploring, such as Kowloon Peak Viewing Point, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and Lai Chi Kok Park. Should I return to Hong Kong in the future, these spots will definitely be on my list.

Overall, this self-guided trip was a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. The only slight disappointment was the Hong Kong Museum of History, which was largely focused on celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, with little emphasis on Hong Kong’s own history. For travelers who are sensitive to political content, this museum might not meet expectations and could be skipped. That said, those with a neutral perspective might still find it informative.

Additionally, we encountered a number of mainland tourists at Ocean Park, with some children being rather noisy, and even experienced some frustrating moments of queue-cutting. One individual told the person in front of us, “I’m behind you,” and then said to us, “I’m ahead of you,” creating an awkward and confusing situation. This made me wonder if Hong Kong Disneyland might have similar issues.

As a vibrant international city, Hong Kong offers a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travelers, from food and shopping to sightseeing. The convenience of transportation, safety, and the use of traditional Chinese characters all contribute to a positive overall impression of the city.

References

1. 4.22為未來 全城齊走塑
2. 「樂在當夏」夏日三重禮 | 香港旅遊發展局
3. 參加「香港·樂在當夏」活動　領取「夏日三重禮」（附領取攻略）
4. 【香港景點推薦】第六代山頂纜車開箱！
5. 麥當勞韓國熱賣 煙肉脆爆雞腿飽
6. 大坑舞火龍 | 香港旅遊發展局
7. 「站見」鐵路展網上預約
8. 港鐵紅磡站「站見」鐵路展！3款退役列車/送復刻版車票/過百件鐵路珍藏
9. 灣仔任性牛雜小店營業時間好難捉摸 平均一星期營業五天 每次最多6小時