Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in 📍Hong Kong with 48 hours to spare? Many travellers visit Hong Kong for transit but that doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the most iconic Hong Kong attractions that you can’t leave without visiting at least once. Get your backpacks ready, because we've got the perfect recommendations for you! From shopping to sightseeing and delicious halal food, this vibrant city has it all. 😉Let us share some of the best things to do in 48 hours in Hong Kong!
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For Shopping Sprees
1. Central Market
If you’re not sure where to start, Central Market is a great place to experience Hong Kong's local culture and shopping! Known as a popular spot for tourists, it’s located in the heart of Central and is easily accessible by public transportation. The market was closed in 2003 for redevelopment, but reopened in 2021 after a large-scale restoration project! The revitalised Central Market is now a three-level marketplace with a mix of food, retail, and cultural offerings.
On the ground floor, you can find fresh produce, and seafood, as well as a variety of cafes. The second floor is home to a variety of retail shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and home goods. The third floor is dedicated to cultural and community events, such as exhibitions, workshops, and performances! We’d suggest you take your time to browse through a wide array of stalls selling everything from fashion and accessories to unique souvenirs. Don't forget to haggle for the best prices!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 32 minutes
By Car: 30 minutes
Central Market
Admission: Free
Address: 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 10 am - 10pm
2. Harbour City
Credit: @malagastories on Instagram
Harbour City is a must-visit for any tourist in Hong Kong! It is the largest shopping mall in the city, with over 450 stores, including luxury brands, high street stores, and local boutiques. In addition, Harbour City offers a number of attractions, such as an observation deck with stunning views of Victoria Harbour, a cinema, and a gaming arcade. Harbour City is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is a popular tourist destination. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, and there are a number of hotels nearby too!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 1 hour 12 minutes
By Car: 30 minutes
Harbour City
Admission: Free
Address: 3 – 27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 10 am - 10 pm
Get A Taste of Hong Kong (Halal Food!)
3. JAJA
Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Causeway Bay, this cafe boasts a whimsical interior adorned with a delightful and adorable shade of pink. JAJA is renowned for its plant-based menu, which not only offers snacks and sharing platters but also showcases a visually appealing presentation. You’ll find a whole selection of delicious munchies including corn on the cob, sushi, various innovative milkshakes and juices as well as a 1-metre long pizza that’s perfect for a group of 10 (or if you’re really hungry!).
You can even dine al fresco and enjoy the sea breeze because JAJA overlooks Victoria Harbour. We’d recommend you snap a couple of IG-worthy photos with the food and scenery because it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 46 minutes
By Car: 33 minutes
JAJA
Halal status: Vegetarian food
Address: 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Daily; 11:30am - 10pm
4. Islamic Centre Canteen @ Masjid Ammar
Both tourists AND locals know this place well! The Islamic Centre Canteen which is conveniently located at Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, is the only place in Hong Kong that serves halal and authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum. Savour the flavours of handmade dumplings and steamed buns among the local community. You can also enjoy fried rice and porridge so we would suggest you visit the Islamic Centre Canteen at lunchtime.
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 57 minutes
By Car: 36 minutes
Masjid Ammar and The Islamic Centre Canteen
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Oi Kwan Rd, 40號伊斯蘭中心5樓
5. Imperial Patisserie
Looking for halal food souvenirs to bring home from Hong Kong? Treat your taste buds to some heavenly desserts at Imperial Patisserie! This halal-certified bakery offers an array of sweet delights, including egg tarts, pineapple buns, and mouth watering cakes. One of their bestsellers is their Palmier Series - a thin and flakey heart-shaped snack that’s super crispy and addictive! Their flagship store is located in Tsim Sha Tsui which is known for its shopping opportunities so you’d want to bring some reusable bags to store your haul.
P.S. There are multiple branches you can visit during your trip to Hong Kong! You can even find one at The Central Market. For the full list of stores, click here!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 22 minutes
By Car: 7 minutes
Imperial Patisserie (Kowloon Flagship Shop)
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Shop 5, G/F, Haiphong Mansion, 53-55 Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Exit A1)
Opening hours: Daily; 10:30am - 9:30pm
For Sight-Seeing
6. Ngong Ping 360
There’s no other experience like this one in Southeast Asia! Ngong Ping 360 takes you on a trip high above the city's stunning landscapes. Now with its new Crystal Cabin, you’ll be able to (quite literally) see Hong Kong in the whole 360. When you take the cable car ride up, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic views of Lantau Island and its most famous Big Buddha statue! Explore the Ngong Ping Village and soak in the spiritual ambiance of the Wisdom Path nearby which is a popular nature path for both tourists and locals.
P.S. You may approach the staff to help you locate the prayer facility for you to do your obligatory prayers. The prayer room is complete with prayer mats, Quran and compass to ensure you have a convenient experience!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 48 minutes
By Car: 38 minutes
Ngong Ping 360
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
7. Hong Kong Disneyland
Did you know that you can conquer Hong Kong Disneyland in about a day? If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you should spend your day here to soak the ambiance and see all your favourite Disney characters! When you start feeling hungry after a day of fun, you can visit Tahitian Terrace Restaurant which serves a halal-certified menu featuring dishes like Seafood and Chicken Laksa and much more. What's especially great about Hong Kong Disneyland is that it's the only one in the world with halal-certified food!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 1 hour 3 minutes
By Car: 20 minutes
Hong Kong Disneyland
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
For Fun
8. HA Cube
Credit: HA cube 蝦立方休閒娛樂釣蝦場 on Facebook
HA Cube is Hong Kong’s first and only indoor fishing shrimp farm, where you can catch your own dinner! Grab a fishing rod, cast your line, and try your luck at catching prawns. Once you've caught a few, the staff will cook them up for you (or you can do it yourself!), ensuring a truly interactive and delicious meal. The venue provides everything from fishing rods and bait, all you need to do is sit back, be as patient as you possibly can, and wait for a fish to take the bait.
The best part about HA Cube is that it opens till 2am, so if you’re up for some late night seafood supper, you can pay them a visit and enjoy the late night ambiance!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 1 hour 10 minutes
By Car: 37 minutes
HA Cube
Halal status: Seafood options available. Alcohol may be served, we suggest you dine at your own discretion.
Address: Room D&E, 8/F, Maxgrand Plaza, 3 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun; 12pm - 2 am | Tue; Closed
9. Select 18
Wrap up your Hong Kong adventure with a visit to Select 18, an entertainment complex offering a variety of nostalgic souvenirs straight from the 80s. As you browse through Select 18’s selection (no pun intended) you’ll find hundreds of trinkets and knick-knacks that’ll transport you to the past! It’s a treasure trove for those looking for unconventional souvenir ideas including gems of the past such as old school vinyls and records, old Sony record players, 1970s Dunlop duffel bags, Pepsi thermos from 1988 and much more!
Estimated travel time from Hong Kong International Airport:
By Train (from Airport Station): 58 minutes
By Car: 34 minutes
Select 18
Address: 14 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Opening hours: Daily; 12pm - 7pm
Suggested itinerary idea:
Day 1 - Central Market, Harbour City, JAJA, Select 18
Day 2 - Disneyland
Day 1 - Ngong Ping 360, HA Cafe, Imperial Patisserie
Day 2 - Disneyland
For more Hong Kong content, check out our reel below for 3 unique things to do during your visit!
There you have it, an action-packed 48 hours in Hong Kong filled with shopping, delectable halal food, exciting sightseeing, and endless fun. Whether you’re visiting as a transiting passenger or determined to see as much as you possibly can, get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and charm of this incredible city. Hong Kong awaits you with open arms, so pack your bags and embark on this unforgettable journey!
This article was brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.