Have you already planned your 3-day Hong Kong Macau itinerary? If not yet, here’s a guide on how you can
A normal traveller will be able to spend around 2-3 days to travel a specific place. And, as a frequent traveller myself, 2-3 days isn’t enough to cover all the places that you want to visit. Particularly if you are traveling to cities like Hongkong and Macau on a tight itinerary.
Not unless of course you have all the time in the world and that you have the budget to cover all the expenses that you will need. The key to having a well-spent vacation, as frequently advised, is to have an itinerary planned ahead.
Take for example our recent trip to Hong Kong and Macau with my travel buddy (husband) and some of my closest friends. We had 3 days to explore Hong Kong and Macau and a budget to match.
It does help of course, if you have a friend whose pretty keen on budgeting and keeping a detailed itinerary. Cheers! ;).
With a budget running from 198 – 397 USD (10,000 – 20,000 Php), excluding airfare, we were able to visit the places that matters most and stay in a clean and secure hostel. You can also check our tips when traveling on a tight budget to help you.
Here is how we planned our Hong Kong Macau itinerary for 3 days:
Hongkong Macau Itinerary: Day 1
We arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at around 9am, queued the immigration line and went directly to the Bus Stop for our ride to Mong Kok.
Our companions had gotten us our Octopus Card at the Airport Express Customer Service Centre before we arrived (our flight was from Cebu while theirs was from Manila).
The Octopus Card is pretty much helpful if you are visiting Hong Kong for a few days. You can use it to pay your public transport (e.g train & bus fare), shopping and food spree. Also, grab a map of the city, with the MTR System Map.
The airport has its designated stand where you can get pamphlets and city guides. It is such a big help especially if you want to explore the city on your own.
We stayed at the Johnson Hostel on Sincere House at Argyle Street, Mong Kok – a very nice choice and good value for money. The place and the rooms are very clean, has Wi-Fi and is located near affordable dining and shopping options.
This is a nice change from our previous visit in Hong Kong where we stayed at hotels, but was not worth the price we paid since we were out all day.
After a quick lunch, we took the MTR train to Diamond Hill Station. We wanted to explore the Nan Lian Garden in Fung Tak Road. The garden is such a refreshing sight from the sprawling city of Hong Kong, with its hills, springs, waterfalls and ponds.
There are no entrance fees upon entry so you can visit the garden numerous times during your stay in HongKong.
You can grab a pamphlet at the entrance for more details about the garden and just roam around the beautiful scenery, taking in the temples, trees and rock formations.
Adjoining the garden is the Chi Lin Nunnery, connected by the Nan Lion Rock. We did not get to explore the entire area, but we have enjoyed its picturesque exterior nevertheless.
For tourists, one of the must-see places in Hong Kong that you can include in your Hong Kong Macau itinerary is in Kowloon. Particularly at the Victoria Harbor waterfront where you can see the iconic Hong Kong Island skyline (the Symphony of Lights can be viewed here daily, weather permitting, at 8PM).
Here you can also visit the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Clock Tower and the Avenue of Stars (which was sadly closed for repairs at the time of our visit).
After watching the Symphony of Lights, we walked to the 1881 Heritage just across the Hong Kong Cultural Center and the Hong Kong Space Museum.
The 1881 Heritage is one of the city’s historical sites that preserves the Victorian-era Hong Kong. It is a luxury hotel and boutique shopping mall with dining options. This is a favorite photo location especially at night when it is illuminated.
You can also visit the Victoria Peak, one of Hong Kong’s must-see. We were unable to explore it during this trip due to limited time and the unavailability of tickets to the Peak Tram.
But if you really want to explore the Peak, it is advisable to get the ticket in advance to avoid the long queues. You may purchase your ticket to the Peak Tram online, at the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus or any appointed travel agents.
It is really worth it with its amazing views and cool air.
Hongkong Macau Itinerary: Day 2
On the 2nd day of our Hong Kong Macau itinerary, we decided to take a day-tour to Macau. It is an hour- ride from Hong Kong via TurboJet.
We availed the Goldspark Macau Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour, a pretty great choice since its a hop-on and hop-off bus that will take you to Macau’s scenic spots and historical sites.
There were approximately 11 break points/ stops, but we just decided to take 3 of them and just enjoy the view aboard the bus.
You may get your tickets online or at the Arrival Hall of the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal should you wish to try it too.
Our first stop was at the Macau’s Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a large leisure and themed entertainment complex full of amazing structures. Indeed a lovely place to stroll around.
The New Yaohan stop was our next destination to visit the Senado Square and of course, the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
The Senado Square’s wave-like floor pavement pattern is such an eye-catcher that you will just love taking pictures of it. It was also bursting with tourists and locals, all making their way to the various interesting places that the place offers.
There are plenty of shopping centers and dining options near here so it is a great place to roam around for hours.
Our main destination was to visit the Ruins of St. Paul’s, one of Macau’s most famous landmarks. The way to the ruins is marked with colorful stalls where you can get lost in.
There are also free food tasting here to which you can try out Macau’s delicacies. The facade of the Ruins is as amazing as it is on photos.
Personally, one of the highlights of our Hong Kong Macau itinerary was seeing the Parisian Macao’s replica of the Eiffel Tower. We spent a few minutes exploring the place, even getting inside the hotel to explore its magnificent reception area.
We ended our day tour at the Venetian Macao just exploring its interior and the Shoppes at Venetian – where the Gondola Rides can be seen and experienced.
From the Venetian, we took their free shuttle to the Macau Ferry Terminal to take the last trip back to Hong Kong. Whew!
Hongkong Macau Itinerary: Day 3
Our last day in Hong Kong was met with excitement as we were going to the happiest place on earth: Hong Kong Disneyland! Getting there is easy, you just have to follow the route to Sunny Bay Station on your MTR System Map :).
We were a bit early when we arrived but it was OK since this was a one-day exploration only. As a guide, you may also get the Hong Kong Disneyland Guide Map available at the entrance.
We spent most of our day walking through the theme park’s 7 lands and just choosing the rides that we wanted to try.
The musical stage performances, such as ‘Mickey and the Wondrous Book’ and the ‘Festival of the Lion King’ were awesome and has been a personal favorite of mine.
Fun rides such as ‘Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars’, ‘Hyperspace Mountain’, ‘RC Racer’ and the newest ‘Iron Man Experience’ were also tried out, perfect for those who are looking for that ‘adrenaline rush’.
You should also never miss out the Grand Parade, the ‘Disney Paint the Night’ Parade and the ‘Disney in the Stars’ at the main street. Seeing the Disney Characters and hearing those classic music will surely bring out the kid in you 🙂 !
We ended the short but amazing Hong Kong Macau itinerary in high spirits. Admittedly, it was tiring with all the walking that we had, but it was fun.
How about your travel experience to Hong Kong and Macau? Come and share with us your Hong Kong Macau itinerary and must-see places. We’d love to hear from you!
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Glad you made it to the city I call home. There’s so much to see and do in Hong Kong and if you do as the locals do it can actually be quite budget friendly. I love just wandering around the backstreets of each neighbourhood and eating way to much dim sum!
i know.:D you just need a good map and a sense of direction and you’ll be fine 🙂
Sounds like you guys had a blast! Hong Kong has so much to offer – take a trip out to Cheung Chau next time!
yes, we did! i agree, it would take more than just a few days to actually explore it all. 🙂 will include that on our bucketlist next time! 🙂
Loved this! I’ve always been fascinated by China and I can’t wait to go there. I’ll save this post for my future trip 🙂
thank you! 🙂
Your Hong Kong trip still largely depends on your budget, interests and needs ! During the late afternoon you can head on to Jordan Road and go to Temple Street to experience the Temple Street Night Market in Mongkok. It’s amazing how the place becomes very festive during the evening ! :-). And definitively, do not forget to taste a Mochi if you like desert. Let it cool down for 15 minutes before eating to feel the softness of the dough !!
i definitely agree! thank you for your inputs! 🙂
I’ve never been to Hong Kong but it’s on my list 🙂 I love your pictures of the Victoria Harbour waterfront. Macau looks like Las Vegas, I wouldn’t have expected it to look like that at all!
Hongkong is definitely a great place to visit. It was such an amazing trip full of wonderful discoveries 🙂
Your impressions made me want to go to Hong Kong, so many activities and places to explore, thanks for your detailed tips.
your welcome! i hope you can also go there and experience it! 🙂
Great travel tips! I had heard Hong Kong was a spendy place to visit. I would definitely go just for the Disney park alone! Everything looks so nice! Thanks for sharing.
Disneyland is a must-try indeed. Feels like a kid again after being there 😀
Always wanted to go to Hong Kong so this was really helpful! Going to save it for when I’m planning my trip!
yay! thank you!
Your really managed to see a lot of places in Macau and Hong Kong and that only in 3 days. I will definitely use this itinerary and advice when I go there. I would love to go to Hong Kong but so far have not made it there yet. We keep on hanging around Africa for now 😀
yes, indeed. 🙂 it was a fun experience (though very short) 🙂
Ah!! I always wanted to go to Macau and do the bungee jumping! Oh i think you were right 3 days will never be enough to explore them all!
We’ve seen it during our day tour. it was amazing! though i don’t know if i have the guts to try it for now. lol
What a great itinerary! So much in so little time and yet it doesn’t sounds like you were rushed at all.
Yes, we weren’t. 🙂 My companions were very easy going and took our time enjoying every place we visited. 🙂
What a great guide, thank you for sharing! I’ve never been to Hong Kong or Macau but they seem like super interesting places. Love the photos too! Seems like Macau has many bits and pieces of Europe – I didn’t know that!
I hope you can visit Hongkong and Macau. European influence is very evident, particularly in Macau. 🙂
Great post and visual tour! I am always travelling on a budget and find these posts useful. Hong Kong Disneyland looks exactly where you’d find me!
Eb x
Thank you! Kids at heart will always be looking for fun places. I, in particular, don’t miss a trip to Disney whenever I’m in Hongkong 😀
Hong Kong is still my favourite Asian city and I try and visit every year. Make sure you get out to the islands next time as others have said !
yep, will do that. thank you!
That looks amazing! I had no idea there was a Venice in Macau too, how funny! I would LOVE to go to Disney in Asia, I’ve only been to the Paris & Los Angeles one!
We were pretty surprised too. We had a great time exploring Macau and there were times it felt like we weren’t even in Asia. 🙂
I’m so glad you posted this! I always have to do three or four day trips because I work full time so I love to find new inspiration for trips I can do in that time frame. I never thought of Hong Kong since I know it’s such a big city with so much to see but this really changed my mind! Adding it to my travel list ASAP! 🙂
Me too. Am not working full time but i don’t travel away from her too long. 🙂 Yep, it’s a big city indeed. We were very fortunate to have planned our itinerary well 🙂
This sounds like such a blast! I really hadn’t had a strong desire to visit Hong Kong before… but now I do! Thanks for sharing this great itinerary!!
I hope you do visit. It’s such a great city to explore! 🙂
I love Hong Kong! So much of this list I haven’t done though so that’s a great reason to go back
I hope you can try them too.. 🙂
Oh wow, Hong Kong looks fantastic! I’m missing it on this trip but after seeing this I will have to go back!
that’s great lara!
Although HK is so small, there’s so much to do! I definitely need to visit to experience the amazing food
Yep, me too! Haven’t really tried food tripping in Hongkong.. 😀
Wow thank you so much for the walk down memory lane – I lived in HK for 3 months and many of your pictures look familiar!
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Hi Ms. Marvi!
Tanong ko lang po, magkano suggested budget mo per meal?
Hi Lizyl, pwede kang magbudget around 40 HKD per meal 🙂 That’s 200+ Php, depending of course sa exchange rate 🙂 Hope it helps!
hi, how much was your airfare? i’m also from cebu. i’m planning to take my brother to HK and macau next year when i go home.
thanks 😊
Ours was around 7,000 Php per person. That’s already a round trip ticket.. 🙂 Wow! That’s so cool!. Hope you both have a great time! Happy travels, Vaughn! 🙂
There is no fun as great as enjoying a vacation on budget. And when you get to do so in a city like Hong Kong, what else one could ask for. Lucky that you got to stay in a clean and cheap hostel with Wi-Fi and affordable eateries and shopping outlets at nearby distance. I like the Octopus Card that can be used instead of cash for public transport, shopping, and eating. Could you elaborate on how and from where to secure it, including cost? One of the things that shouldn’t be missed in Hong Kong is watching the Symphony of Lights. The photographs of 1881 Heritage, and the Macau’s Fisherman’s Wharf looks great. The latter one seems on have built on Roman architectural style.
We purchased one upon arrival at the Airport – they had some at the MTR Ticket Station. It cost at around 150 HKD (at the time of our purchase). 🙂
Hi there! My family and I have been planning to go to Hong Kong for a 4d3n stay next year. Would be 4 adults and 1 toddler. Would like to ask when is the best time to go (what month?)
Is 90k enough for all of us? Para na sa lahat lahat including air fare.
Hi Lennie! If your traveling with a toddler, best time will be from March to April and October to November as it is neither too hot or too cold 🙂 Our budget for our trip was just 20k Php per head. I think 90k will be enough as long as you get cheap tickets (watch out for the seat sales 😉 ) and commute like a local (e.g use the MTR. It’s very efficient) 😉 Hope this helps! Happy travels!
Thank you very much ms. Marvi!!
Hello Marvi! Great article. I have some questions. How did you book your stay in Sincere Hotel? How much is the room rate/person? Thanks
Hi Josha! Thank you.. 🙂 Actually, we stayed at the Johnson Hostel. It’s inside Sincere House, 5th floor. We booked through Booking.com. Rate was HK$ 1,334 (for 2 persons, Queen Room) at the time of booking.. 🙂 Hope this helps! Happy travels!
i am ready to visit hong kong this year with my family .
Ohhh! Sounds exciting.. 🙂 Enjoy!
I can’t believe. Is it is possible to visit this much places within 3 days?. Then it should be a wonderful trip. How much it may costs?
Yes. It is possible… Our budget was around 20,000 Php (382 USD) for the entire trip. 🙂