Day 1 – Classic HK Island
Morning: Catch sunrise at Victoria Peak (Peak Tram opens 7am). Breakfast at The Peak Lookout with harbour panorama.
Afternoon: Explore Sheung Wan's street art on Hollywood Road, browse antique shops in Cat Street, then visit Tai Kwun – a former police station turned art centre.
Evening: Lan Kwai Fong's buzzing bars or Soho's gourmet restaurants. Try L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon for a splurge.
Day 2 – Lantau spiritual & coastal
Morning: Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Big Buddha. Climb 268 steps to the bronze giant.
Afternoon: After vegetarian lunch at Po Lin, take a ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau Island (45 mins). Rent a bike and explore the tiny island.
Evening: Feast on giant fish balls and seafood by the harbour. Return to Hong Kong Island by 9pm.
Day 3 – Dragon’s Back Hike & Stanley
Morning: Hike Dragon's Back (2-3 hours) – rated one of Asia's best urban trails. Start from Shau Kei Wan MTR, bus 9 to To Tei Wan.
Afternoon: Descend to Shek O beach for a swim and Thai lunch at Shek O Thai. Then bus 14 to Stanley.
Evening: Stanley Market for souvenirs and seaside dining at The Boathouse (fish and chips with a view).
Bus 14 from Shek O to Stanley runs every 20 mins. Taxi around HK$80.
Day 4 – New Territories Heritage
Morning: Climb 431 steps to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin – each golden Buddha is unique.
Afternoon: Stroll Tai Po Waterfront Park, then visit the Hong Kong Railway Museum (free entry) – vintage trains and carriages.
Evening: Make a wish at Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees – throw paper bundles onto branches. Dinner at Tai Po Market's cooked food centre.
Day 5 – Art & Urban Exploration
Morning: West Kowloon Cultural District – explore M+ museum of contemporary art and the Hong Kong Palace Museum (ancient treasures).
Afternoon: Sham Shui Po's gritty charm: Apliu Street flea market, fabric shops, and hipster cafes like Sausalito.
Evening: Toast your journey at OZONE bar on the 118th floor of Ritz-Carlton – the highest bar in the world.
Sham Shui Po must-eat: Kung Fu Tak Kee for award-winning clay pot rice.