Hong Kong and Macau Itinerary: How to Do Both in One Trip
So you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and Macau? Good call.
I’ve been to Macau many times, and it’s one of the best add-ons to a trip in Hong Kong: easy to get to, and a completely different in feel.
While Hong Kong is fast-moving and vertical, Macau’s a slower mix of colonial-era streets, flashy casinos, and some of the best food in the region (yes, the egg tarts are worth it).
The best part is you can easily do both cities in one trip, whether it’s a day visit or an overnight stay.
Below I’ll walk you through exactly how many days you need, how to get between Hong Kong and Macau, and, most importantly, how to make the most of your time without feeling rushed.
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1. How Many Days Do You Need for Hong Kong and Macau?
So, how long do you need to see both Hong Kong and Macau without feeling like you’re in The Amazing Race? It depends on your travel style:
3 Days: The Fast & Furious Version
If you’re short on time, you can squeeze both cities into three days, but it’ll be go-go-go. Think one full day in Hong Kong, a day trip to Macau, and one more day in Hong Kong for whatever you missed. Expect a lot of walking, quick meals, and minimal downtime. Doable? Yes. Ideal? Not really.
4-5 Days: The Sweet Spot
This is the perfect balance. Three days in Hong Kong gives you time to hit the big sights (Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, temples, markets, food spots) without rushing. Then you have a full day in Macau, and if you stay for five days, you can either spend a night in Macau (worth it if you want a more relaxed visit), or add an extra day in Hong Kong for day trip to an outlying island, or a well-earned spa session.
6-7 Days: The Luxe & Leisurely Trip
If you like to explore at a slower pace, soak up the atmosphere, and throw in some shopping, rooftop drinks, and maybe a foot massage or two, then give yourself at least six days. You can do all the highlights and have some downtime to enjoy your boutique hotel, sip tea by the harbour, or spend a full evening in Macau instead of rushing back.
Verdict?
If you can swing it, 4-5 days is the best mix of adventure and relaxation. But no matter how many days you have, I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of them with this Hong Kong and Macau Itinerary.
2. How to get From Hong Kong to Macau
One of the best things about adding Macau to your Hong Kong trip is how ridiculously easy it is to get there. You’ve got three options, depending on your budget, schedule, and love for boats.
The Macau Ferry – Classic, Comfortable & My Top Pick
Cost: Around HKD $160–200 ($20–25 USD) one way
Time: About 1 hour
Best for: Almost everyone. It’s easy, reliable, and gives you a nice little boat ride
Personally, I love the ferry journey.
It’s smooth, comfortable, and gives you a chance to sit back and enjoy the ride.
The ferries are frequent, affordable, and run late, so you can easily do a full-day trip without worrying about getting stranded in Macau.
There are two main ferry companies—TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet—and they run from:
- Hong Kong Island (Sheung Wan Ferry Terminal) Best if you’re staying on the island.
- Kowloon (China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui) Convenient if you’re based in TST.
- Hong Kong Airport (SkyPier) Perfect if you’re heading straight to Macau after landing.
THINGS TO KNOW:
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge – Budget-Friendly & Smooth
Cost: Around HKD $65 ($8 USD) one way
Time: About 45 minutes
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a bus ride
If boats aren’t your thing, you can take a bus over the world’s longest sea bridge.
Buses leave every 5–10 minutes from Hong Kong’s port (located near the airport) and drop you at Macau’s immigration checkpoint. It’s cheap, efficient, and no risk of seasickness.
THINGS TO KNOW:
The Helicopter – Bougie & Time-Saving
Cost: Around HKD $4,000+ ($500+ USD) one way
Time: 15 minutes
Best for: If you feel like James Bond (or need the ultimate splurge)
Yes, you can literally fly between Hong Kong and Macau in 15 minutes.
The helicopter departs from Hong Kong’s ferry terminal and lands at Macau’s Outer Harbour.
It’s insanely cool, but unless you have cash to burn, it’s more of a “because I can” experience than a practical choice.
🛑A Word of Warning: Don’t Get Stuck Like I Almost Did!
Before you hop on a ferry or bus, double-check your passport validity. I once made the mistake of heading to Macau without realizing I had less than six months left on my passport. That’s a big no-no. Macau immigration didn’t want to let me back into Hong Kong, and for a hot second, I thought I’d be stuck at the border with no way back.
After a bit of pleading (and a lot of sweating), they finally let me in, but don’t take the risk. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity so you don’t end up in an awkward situation like I did.
So, Which One Should You Take?
3. 5-Day Hong Kong & Macau Itinerary
Day 1 – Hong Kong’s Highlights & Skyline Views
Welcome to Hong Kong. Today is all about getting your bearings and soaking in those incredible city views.
Morning: Victoria Peak & Central
Start at Victoria Peak, because let’s be real, you can’t come to Hong Kong and not go up The Peak.
Getting There & Back:
- No. 15 Peak Bus from Central Cheap and offers great views through the city on the way up. This is my favourite way to get to the Peak. It takes about an hour.
- Peak Tram Iconic but gets crowded. I would come back via the Peak Tram. It’s quick and takes you right into Central.
- Taxi/Uber Best if you want zero hassle.
Once at the top, do the Peak Circle Walk for unbeatable skyline views (trust me, it’s worth the extra steps).
Head back down to Central on the Peak Tram and start your self-guided Things to Do in Central, Hong Kong walking tour. This covers all the must-visit spots, from the Hong Kong Botanical and Zoological Gardens to iconic Central street markets.
🔹 Lunch Idea: Ding Dim 1968 is a great place for lunch. It’s close to Tai Kwun and has all-day dim sum.
Afternoon: Star Ferry & Tsim Sha Tsui Attractions
Hop on the Hong Kong Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. It’s cheap, iconic, and one of my favorite Hong Kong experiences.
After your Star Ferry ride, spend the afternoon exploring Tsim Sha Tsui’s best attractions.
Tsim Sha Tsui Must-Sees:
✅Victoria Harbour Views
✅Hong Kong Museum of Art
✅K11 Musea Shopping Mall
✅Avenue of Stars
✅Kowloon Park
🔹 PRO TIP: Treat yourself to a posh High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel. It’s located across the road from the Space Museum. 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm (Last Order: 5:00 pm). On first come first served basis.
Evening: Big Bus Night Tour (Kowloon)
After a day of exploring, you’re going to have tired feet.
I recommend you take it easy and hop on the Hong Kong Big Bus Night Tour for a stress-free, open-top ride through Hong Kong’s skyline.
It’s a fantastic way to see the city lights without having to navigate the streets on foot.
The tour takes you past famous landmarks like Nathan Road, Canton Road, Temple Street Night Market, all glowing under the neon lights.
The Big Bus Night Tour Starts at 7 P.M outside K11 Musea Shopping Mall
🎧 Bonus: There’s an audio guide to give you insights as you ride along.
🔗 Book your ticket here: Big Bus Night Tour Make sure you book ahead; the tour is super popular, and I have missed out previously because I didn’t book ahead.
Day 2 – Cultural Hong Kong & Local Markets
Today, you’ll explore temples, street food, and Kowloon’s busy markets.
Morning: Serenity at Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden
Start your day at Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. It’s a quiet corner of Hong Kong that feels miles away from the city, even though it’s right in the middle of it.
Chi Lin is a Tang Dynasty-style Buddhist complex built entirely from wood, with elegant halls, lotus ponds, and golden statues. Next door, Nan Lian Garden is carefully landscaped and well worth a slow wander.
Both are located in Diamond Hill. The easiest way to get there is by MTR.
Afternoon: Kowloon’s Local Markets
Sham Shui Po Markets
Now, swap the calm for something a bit grittier and head to Sham Shui Po.
It’s not on most tourist itineraries, which is exactly why it’s worth your time. Come here for bargain shops, offbeat markets, and some local street food.
Sham Shui Po Markets to explore:
- Apliu Street Flea & Electronics Market Vintage cameras, second-hand gadgets, and quirky tech finds.
- Fuk Wa Street Market Cheap clothes, everyday accessories, and a slice of local life.
- Fuk Wing Street (“Toy Street”) If you love nostalgic collectibles, figurines, and childhood throwbacks, this one’s a must.
🍽 Snack break: Street food vendors are dotted around Sham Shui Po. Keep an eye out for Fish Balls and Sui Mai, two of my favourite Hong Kong street snacks.
Ladies’ Market
If it’s after 4 P.M. and you’re done exploring Sham Shui Po, head over to Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market.
It runs in the evenings and stretches across several blocks, good for picking up clothes, accessories, and classic Hong Kong souvenirs. It’s touristy, yes, but still fun, especially if you’re up for a little haggling. Aim to knock 20–30% off the asking price.
Since you’re nearby, you could also swing by the Temple Street Night Market. It’s not what it used to be, but it’s still worth a quick walk-through, especially if you’re hungry, there’s decent street food and a handful of local restaurants in the area.
This two-day itinerary shows you a condensed route through Hong Kong’s top experiences, which is perfect for a shorter stay.
Evening: Symphony of Lights & Dinner
Dinner at The Regent Hong Kong
Wrap up your day with a meal at The Regent Hong Kong. It’s located right on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and has amazing harbour views.
For an elegant yet budget-friendly option, dine at the Lobby Lounge, or splurge on the Harbourside’s renowned international buffet (reservations recommended).
After dinner, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for the Symphony of Lights, a nightly show of synchronized lights, lasers, and music illuminating Victoria Harbour.
The best viewing spot is near the Clock Tower, but anywhere along the promenade has a great view.
Day 3 – A Day on Lantau Island
Today’s about slowing down a bit. Nature. Culture. And some of the Hong Kong’s most famous attractions
Lantau is Hong Kong’s biggest outlying island, and it’s got a bit of everything: mountain peaks, stilt-house villages, a giant Buddha, and epic scenery.
Morning: Big Buddha & Ngong Ping
Take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car for amazing views on the way to the Big Buddha.
Must-sees in Ngong Ping:
- Big Buddha 268 steps to the top, but worth it.
- Po Lin Monastery Beautiful, peaceful, and great for photos.
- Ngong Ping Village Some of the best souvenir shops in Hong Kong
To get there, take the MTR to Tung Chung, where you can board the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. This is a scenic 25-minute ride with panoramic views of the mountains, coastline, and airport.
Afternoon: Tai O Fishing Village
From Ngong Ping, take a bus or taxi to Tai O, a traditional stilt-house fishing village where life moves at a slower pace. Wander the narrow streets, browse local seafood markets, and enjoy a meal with a view.
🍽 Lunch idea: Try salted fish fried rice or the famous Tai O doughnuts (These are delicious!!!).
🔹 Pro tip: Do what I did: buy the Ngong Ping 360 Tai O Pass ahead of time. It lets you skip the cable car queues, includes a return bus transfer to Tai O, and even comes with a boat ride. Great value.
Evening: Citygate Outlets
Since you’re already in Tung Chung consider stopping by Citygate Outlets.
This massive mall is right by the MTR and offers year-round discounts on big-name brands. I’ve been here myself and scored some great clothing bargains. All in Western sizes.
It’s perfect for a little retail therapy or grabbing a bite before heading back to your hotel and collapsing into bed after such a busy day.
Day 4 – Macau Day Trip
It’s time for a Macau day trip. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or the casinos, Macau’s got a mix that’s hard to beat.
The city is divided into two parts: the historic center on the Macau Peninsula and the glitzy casino district in Cotai.
It’s easy to hop between them by taxi or take advantage of the free casino shuttle buses.
If you want to extend your stay, you can always spend the night and catch the ferry back to Hong Kong in the morning.
Morning: Ferry to Macau & Historic Center
Take the Macau ferry early (before 9 AM) for a full day. I love the ferry ride: it’s relaxing, easy, and scenic.
Macau’s historic must-sees:
✅ Senado Square Feels like a European plaza with pastel buildings.
✅ Ruins of St. Paul’s The most famous landmark, perfect for photos.
✅ Monte Fort Great views over Macau.
✅ Macao Museum A fantastic museum that brings Macau’s rich history to life.
Afternoon: Amazing Food & Macau Tower
Make time for lunch because Macau’s food scene is next-level. Portuguese, Cantonese, and African influences all show up on the plate, and it’s one of the best reasons to come.
Menus in English are posted outside, and there are great set meal deals.
🍴 Where to Eat Macanese Food in the Historic Center
Riquexo This casual, cafeteria-style spot serves up authentic Macanese comfort food. Try the minchi (ground beef with potatoes and a fried egg) or African chicken (a creamy, spiced coconut dish). Address: Songbo Village, 69 Av. de Sidónio Pais, Macao
A Lorcha Just down the road from A-Ma Temple, this spot serves solid Macanese and Portuguese comfort food. Go for the clams in garlic sauce and the African chicken. The wood-panelled interior gives it a laid-back, old-school feel. Address: Rua do Almirante Sérgio
Restaurante Litoral A great choice for traditional Macanese cuisine in a lovely colonial-style building. Their prawn curry, tamarind pork, and Portuguese seafood rice are all fantastic, and they have a great selection of Portuguese wines. Address: MacaoR. do Alm. Sergio, 261
Other stops:
✅ Portuguese Egg Tarts Any bakery will do.
✅ Macau Tower Stunning views (or bungee jumping, if you dare).
✅ A-Ma Temple One of the oldest and most peaceful spots in Macau.
Evening: Casinos & Cotai Strip
Macau’s casinos feel like movie sets: soulless, but weirdly fascinating.
They’re everywhere, each one flashier than the last. Even if you don’t gamble, it’s worth popping into a few just to see the sheer scale of it all.
Best Casinos to See:
✅ The Venetian Indoor canals & gondolas, just like Venice (but indoors!).
✅ Wynn Macau Has a free fountain & light show.
✅ Grand Lisboa An iconic golden tower and a Macau landmark.
After a long but amazing day, take the ferry back to Hong Kong, or stay overnight in Macau and enjoy a more relaxed return in the morning.
Day 5 – Hong Kong’s Hidden Gems & Chill Vibes
Your last day’s about keeping it easy. It involves some low-key exploring, a dose of modern art at M+, and one last look at that skyline.
Morning: Stanley Village
Hop on a double-decker bus from Central (6, 6X, or 260) and head to Stanley Village. This is a laid-back coastal spot about 45 minutes from downtown. It’s an easy place to spend a slow morning, with sea views, souvenir stalls, and plenty of space to wander.
Stanley Highlights:
✅ Stanley Market Great for Hong Kong art prints and souvenirs.
✅ Beachfront Restaurants Plenty of options right by the water.
✅ Stanley Plaza A low-key shopping centre.
✅ Murray House A 19th-century colonial building, moved here from Central.
✅ Blake Pier A quiet spot to sit by the water and take a breather.
🔹 Pro tip: Stay for lunch. Whether you’re craving Thai, Italian, or just a solid burger and fries, there’s plenty to choose from. Grab a table by the water and eat with a sea view.
Afternoon/Evening: West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District—or WestK, as locals call it—is a modern waterfront area that’s quickly become one of my go-to spots in Hong Kong.
It’s built for art and performance, but what I love most is the space. You’ve got galleries, grassy parks, skyline views, and room to breathe.
It still flies under the radar for most tourists, which makes it feel like a bit of a secret.
West Kowloon Highlights:
✅ WestK Promenade Killer skyline views, especially at sunset when the lights come on and ships drift into the harbour.
✅ M+ Museum Contemporary Chinese art and rotating exhibits. Even if art’s not your thing, it’s genuinely interesting.
✅ Hong Kong Palace Museum Skip it unless you’re really into ancient history.
✅ Sky100 On the 100th floor of Elements Mall. Huge views, barely any crowds. Honestly rivals The Peak. You can get your discounted Sky100 ticket here.
SKY100 Directions: Follow the walkway from WestK to Elements Mall. From 2/F access a direct walkway leading into Sky100. Simply look for the signs along the way.
After soaking in the views of Sky100, stroll back to the West Kowloon waterfront to watch the lights shimmer over Victoria Harbour (and maybe watch the Symphony of Lights from a totally different vantage point).
Grab a bite from one of the food trucks along the promenade. Perfect for a casual, delicious farewell to Hong Kong.
🚆 Getting there WestK: Take the Tung Chung Line or Airport Express from Central to Kowloon Station, then follow the signs to West Kowloon Cultural District which is just a short walk away.
If you’re undecided on the number of days to spend in Hong Kong, check out my other free Hong Kong itineraries.
6. Practical Tips for Your Hong Kong & Macau Trip
Before you jump in, here are a few practical tips to help your Hong Kong and Macau trip run smoothly, and save you some headaches along the way.
Currency Differences: HKD vs. MOP
When you’re in Hong Kong, you’ll be using the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), while in Macau, the currency is Macanese Pataca (MOP).
The good news is that MOP and HKD are interchangeable in Macau. Most places will accept HKD, but you’ll get a better exchange rate if you use MOP.
You’ll often see prices listed in MOP, and the exchange rate is roughly 1 HKD = 1.03 MOP (but don’t expect exact conversions).
Pro Tip: Keep a few MOP coins on hand for smaller purchases in Macau. For bigger purchases, you’re good to go with HKD in most places.
Tourist Octopus Card vs. Cash Payments
While you can still use cash, the Tourist Octopus Card is the ultimate game-changer in Hong Kong. It’s an electronic smart card that you can use for everything from MTR rides to buses, ferries, and even purchases at convenience stores. It’s a life-saver if you’re hopping on public transport or want to pay for things quickly and without fuss.
You can buy a Tourist Octopus Card Online or at any MTR station , and it’s super easy to top up as you go. It’s also valid for Macau ferries, so you’re good to go between both places with it.
Pro Tip: In Macau, cash is still more common, especially in smaller shops or markets, but many places accept credit cards. If you prefer using cash in Macau, make sure to exchange your HKD for MOP at the ferry terminal or hotel before you head out.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Hong Kong and Macau is typically in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it perfect for exploring.
- Spring: Ideal for cooler weather, with blooming flowers and outdoor festivals.
- Fall: The weather is balmy, perfect for hikes, outdoor markets, and sightseeing.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid with occasional typhoons, and winter (December to February) is cooler, but still pretty mild (except for some chillier evenings). If you’re not a fan of heat or rain, it’s best to avoid the summer months.
Final Thoughts on Hong Kong and Macau
Hong Kong and Macau work brilliantly together. Fast-paced city. Slower, old-world charm. Easy to move between. No stress.
Don’t try to cram everything in. Pick what excites you: great food, a bit of history, skyline views. Skip the rest.
Make it your own. Follow the plan or veer off course. The choice is yours.
Ready to dive deeper and look at hotels? Head to the Hong Kong Hotels page for my recommendations.
