Exploring Hong Kong & Macau: 7 Nights 6 Days Trip
I never thought of exploring Hong Kong—until curiosity got the best of me. Was Disneyland really the happiest place on Earth? Was the city as overwhelming as it seemed? Six days, five nights, and countless surprises later, I had my answer.
Day 1:
I landed in Hong Kong after an almost 10-hour trip from Dubai. June wasn’t the best season to visit since it was rainy, but I pushed through. Exploring Hong Kong was a detour before visiting my home country. The immigration was pretty straightforward. I filled in the arrival card, queued and then got my passport stamped.
I had already researched the best way to my hotel and opted to take the train. The ticketing booth for the Octopus card was easy to spot.
The ticketing booths at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) accept cash and major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, etc.) to purchase Airport Express tickets.
💡 Insider Tip: Instead of buying a single Airport Express ticket, get an Octopus Card. You can load it with cash or link it to your card, and it works on MTR, buses, ferries, convenience stores, and even some restaurants—making your trip much smoother.
There were many ATMs in the airport, so I withdrew a little cash before getting to my hotel. This was just in case I stumbled into a store that didn’t accept cash, although most shops I’ve been to accept major debit and credit cards.
💡To get to the Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong from the airport, I used my Octopus Card and took the Airport Express to Kowloon Station (about 22 minutes, HKD 100). From there, I walked to Austin Station, took the West Rail Line to Tsim Sha Tsui (just one stop), and then grabbed a quick taxi ride to the hotel. Overall, it was a smooth trip with some walking mixed in and a convenient way to get around the city. Just be conscious of your luggage—lugging it up and down the stairs at some stations can be challenging. Alternatively, you could take the A21 bus from the airport to Nathan Road / Kimberley Road, which takes longer but costs only HKD 33.
I checked in at the Kimberley Hotel, which is in the heart of the bustling streets of Tsim Tsa Tsui. Some of the hotel’s floors have already been renovated and given a modern touch. My room hasn’t been renovated yet, so it felt like I was transcended in time—with an old-school bathtub and low-lying bed.
I explored the neighborhood and bought snacks. Coming from an arid region, the pitter-patter of the rain was refreshing. The gloomy weather was welcoming, reminding me I was close to home.
Day 2: Food Crawl and Michelin–featured shops
The second day was gloomier, and it rained heavily early in the morning. It gave me time to laze in my comfortable bed and slow down. After all, the goal is just to wander Hong Kong, visit Disneyland and see Macau. Besides these activities, I am a free bird. I can gallivant anywhere, any time, without any specific itinerary or destination.
When the rain calmed, I hit my 10k-step goal, exploring the food scene around Tsim Tsa Tsui. The first stop was a local food shop specialising in noodles and dim sum. I was curious about the seaweed noodles and paid around 55 HKD. I had such high expectations of their taste, but they were underwhelming, although filling.
So as not to continue the disappointment, I did a quick TikTok search on food shops I need to try. Here are a few of them:
Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai – I had the two original pan-fried buns and two black truffles at 40 HKD. They were similar to xiao long bao, although juicier and crispy at the bottom. Be careful when eating since they can be piping hot. The waiting queue could be crazy long here, so it’s best to be early or avoid peak hours.
Dim Sum Here I’ve not had enough dumplings, baos, hakaw, and noodles, so I went to the Dim Dim Sum. This highly rated local shop has a mouthwatering selection at an affordable price. I was ambitious and got spring rolls, haka, dim sum, and xiu mai in pork, shrimp, and truffle. In the end, I was so full that it felt like I would explode, so I took the remaining food home as takeaway. It was so good and reasonable at 100HKD.
Sunshine Restaurant—After a few hours of exploration, I was jonesing for good old coffee. Sunshine has a cafe vibe with a vibrant ambiance. I ordered an excellent combination of Vietnamese iced coffee and egg tart for only 40 HKD.
The night drew in before I knew it. It was a great day to eat my way to Hong Kong’s rich food heritage and culture. Day 2 wasn’t just spent on food crawling; I also went to Kowloon Park and enjoyed a panoramic view of Victoria Harbor from a building’s rooftop.
Later that night, I met with a friend who happened to be in Hong Kong. We went to Kaboom Rooftop bar, located on Peking Road. It has an alfresco shisha bar for those who like to smoke. The alfresco scene was laid back and intimate, giving enchanting views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. We stayed indoors and caught up over cocktails.
Hong Kong at night was gorgeous. The gloomy weather made it poetic as we traced our steps to Victoria Harbour. Although late at night, a few people still walked, strolled, and loitered around the vicinity.
Day 3: Macau, the Las Vegas of Asia
Visiting two countries in one trip is very typical of me. I wanted to go to Macau since it’s nearby, but I didn’t have an itinerary in mind. I decided to take the ferry to Macau.
I rode the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui Station on the Tsuen Wan Line (red line) to Admiralty Station. Then, I switched to the Island Line and stopped at Sheung Wan.
It was a quick two-stop journey: Tsim Sha Tsui → Admiralty → Sheung Wan. Super easy! Once I arrived, I made my way to the Shun Tak Centre Pier, the terminal for ferries to Macau.
I paid HKD 170 for a TurboJET Ferry for an hour trip to Macau. It was a bumpy ride since the weather was gloomy.
What to Do in Macau
✔ Hire a Local Guide – I met Joanne, a Filipina tour guide, who made the trip hassle-free. I paid HKD 350 overall, and transportation and fantastic pictures are included. She showed me around the spots where you can take excellent posts for the ‘Gram.
✔ Visit the Ruins of St. Paul’s – Macau’s most famous historical landmark. It was also a food haven, with plenty of stores offering samples of sweet treats for souvenirs.
✔ Explore European-Style Architecture – Macau has strong Portuguese influences, and places like Senado Square and St. Dominic’s Church feel like a slice of Europe.
✔ Try the egg tart. Macau egg tarts are Portuguese-forward and have a distinctive taste different from Hong Kong’s.
Honestly, Macau surprised me since I didn’t have any expectations of the country. I particularly enjoyed their slowed-down lifestyle and chill vibes.
*Find out more about my Macau trip here, broke down my expenses, trips, and favorite places*
Returning to Hong Kong
I took the Macau Bus back to Hong Kong, which was cheaper than the ferry. Joanne was gracious enough to book my bus on the way home, so I didn’t have to hurry to the terminal to catch the bus. The bus costs 60 HKD.
Note: I’ll share a separate blog post detailing my Macau experience, so stay tuned!
Day 4: Disneyland
For a cynic, Disneyland initially was perfunctory. Although I was excited, I also held the anticipation. I’m 33 years old, after all. Disneyland is for the kids, right?
The MTR makes getting to Hong Kong Disneyland from Tsim Sha Tsui a breeze. I started by taking the Tsuen Wan Line (red line) from Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Lai King Station, just four stops away. I switched to the Tung Chung (orange) line and rode three more stops to Sunny Bay.
At Sunny Bay, I hopped on the Disneyland Resort Line, where the train was decked out with Mickey-shaped windows and handrails—a fun touch. After just one more stop, I arrived at Disneyland Resort Station, ready for a day of magic. The journey took 35 to 40 minutes and cost about 23HKD using the Octopus card.
I booked my Hong Kong Disneyland ticket through Klook because who doesn’t love a good deal? The original price for my ticket, which included food, was HK$1,018.83, but after using a voucher and a 10% discount, I paid just HK$916.95. Remember that the price can change depending on the season so it might cost a bit more during peak season. Thanks to the discount, I saved some money while still getting the Disneyland experience.
The pictures I saw online and from my friends didn’t do justice to the exhilaration I felt the first time I set foot in this magical place. Everywhere I go is worth the shots. I was initially overwhelmed with the number of activities I could do and shows I must watch.
The fireworks in the palace were the highlight of my Disneyland experience. I was a princess then; everyone relived their childhood. It was right there.
Note: I will soon write a blog post about my Disneyland adventure, with more details on the rides, shows, and park magic!
Day 5: Shopping Galore and Cafe Hopping
Wandering through the bustling city streets, I discovered hidden gems in Hong Kong’s vibrant neighborhoods. Mong Kok’s street markets were a treasure trove of souvenirs and local street food. After shopping for souvenirs and clothes, I went to Cupping Room Coffee Roasters for my daily caffeine fix. The cafe is famous for its Victoria Harbour views, perfect for your Instagram moments.
Pro Tip: The cafe can be crowded with people who also want to take their pictures. For uninterrupted main character moments, head to the top floor of Harbour City, and you’ll get an unobstructed view of Victoria Harbour. There are also cafes abounding on the same floor, one of which is Muji, which I enjoyed.
Day 6: Goodbye, Hong Kong
Before heading home, I treated myself to roasted duck and rice at Yat Tung Heen – Eaton HK. (HKD 78). I hesitated to try this dish, but it was one of the best meals of the trip—succulent, savory, and perfectly cooked.
A Trip to Remember
My time in Hong Kong and Macau was filled with culture, food, and unexpected moments. From the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui to the enchanting lights of Disneyland, the experiences were richer than I had imagined. If you’re planning a similar adventure, take your time to explore, eat, and immerse yourself in the culture. There’s so much to discover, and each day brings something new.
Insider Tips:
- Get an Octopus Card for easy and efficient travel. It’s accepted almost everywhere in Hong Kong.
- Plan for Macau—ferries can be bumpy, but they’re a scenic way to travel.
- If you’re going to Disneyland, arrive early to avoid long queues. You can also use the apps to check ride wait times and show schedules.
- Remember your umbrella—Hong Kong’s rainy season can be unpredictable, so be prepared for wet weather.
