Things to do in Hong Kong: Why 72 hours is never enough

A special kind of regret sets in on the third evening of your first trip to Hong Kong

You’ve been wowed as you crossed the iconic harbour on the Star Ferry, feasted on delicate dumplings at a Michelin-starred dim sum spot, bargained in vibrant night markets and watched a stunning sunset from the Peak, glass in hand. 

As you pack your bags, however, you realise that you’ve barely begun to scratch the surface. The 72-hour city break may be a classic travel hop, but in Hong Kong it feels that many of the city’s best secrets still await. 

While a three-day visit whets the appetite, a longer stay in this extraordinary metropolis reveals an entirely different city. Beyond the skyline lie quiet island retreats, brilliant hyper-local kitchens, off the beaten track neighbourhoods and beaches where the sands are almost entirely yours.

You’ll have to find them as they’re often hidden away, but in cha chaan teng (tea restaurants) strong milk tea is poured with amazing precision honed over decades, having first been strained through a muslin sackcloth bag, giving it the unforgettable nickname of ‘silk stocking’ tea. Refined local bistros are similarly frequently tucked down alleyways, home to creative chefs crafting delicious plates, sometimes with global influences. Try Bouillon for a real-deal French bistro, or Kin’s Kitchen in Wan Chai, a true family spot for Cantonese comfort food.

While Hong Kong is famous for its vertical skyline of countless skyscrapers, outlying islands such as Lamma, Cheung Chau and Lantau also provide a lush counterpoint. The perfect spots for full day trips, visitors immediately feel a change in tempo whether hiking jungle clad trails, exploring charming seaside villages or visiting centuries-old temples looking out to sea. Many visitors are also surprised by the variety of Hong Kong’s beaches and golden sands beckon for extended time sunbathing or being more active with surfing, snorkelling or windsurfing just some of the options out on the waves.

An extended Hong Kong stay also offers the chance to experience the city’s world-class hotel spas, cocktail bars, and harbour-view terraces. Few holiday experiences are as relaxing as an afternoon spent in a spa, thanks to sublime treatments, beauty therapies or the pursuit of wellness. For those battling jet lag, unwinding or simply craving time to themselves, time spent at The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental offers a wonderfully indulgent escape.

Cocktail bars have become another Hong Kong culinary hallmark, whether in hotels or independent spots such as Bar Leone in Soho, named the very best in the world, along with acclaimed nearby mixology experts including The Diplomat, 001 and Coa. Darkside at The Rosewood Hong Kong is another draw with cool interiors, live jazz, beautifully crafted cocktails and small plates that make an evening last longer than you’d anticipate. 

Hong Kong is also a city that continually evolves with the seasons, meaning that compelling reasons to plan a return are on offer throughout the year. 

The energy of the Chinese New Year Parade in February 2027 comes when the city is at its most colourful and festive, as traditional Chinese customs and technology blend to memorable effect. Spectacular floats feature marching bands, local and international performers in a dazzling celebration of culture and creativity, all set against Hong Kong’s uniquely electric backdrop. 

Then, later in the year, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival in October transforms the harbourfront into a sophisticated celebration of global gastronomy with dozens of international chefs, local eats and excellent wines being just some of the draws over the three-night culinary adventure.

Ultimately, Hong Kong is not a destination that can ever be “finished” by a visitor, but continues to reward those who linger, with deep experiences and memories that last a lifetime.