5 Cheap Ways To Have Fun In Hong Kong And Not Break The Bank!

5 Cheap Ways To Have Fun In Hong Kong And Not Break The Bank!
Sarah J
Sarah J 
Published
| 5 min read

A former British colony and now a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, Hong Kong attracts many travellers keen to experience the hive of activity and the fascinating blend of cultures. A place where east and west collide, discover the multi-cultural society, taste delicious Asian cuisine, gaze in awe at modern towering skyscrapers before hunting out secluded traditional architectural gems, shop ‘til you drop in one of many gleaming malls, and create many happy memories as you discover Asia’s World City.

With a wide variety of free and low cost activities to mix and match with those that cost a few more dollars, a stay in Hong Kong really doesn’t have to be all that expensive.

Try these five low-cost attractions and activities when trying to maintain a budget in Hong Kong:

1. Victoria Peak

5 cheap ways to have fun in hong kong and not break the bank! | victoria peak

One of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions, many visitors believe that the Peak Tram is the only way to access the popular Victoria Peak. Costing 83 HKD (approximately 10.70 USD) for a return trip and 71 HKD (approximately 9.15 USD) for a one-way ticket, it is easy to see how the Peak Tram may not be so appealing to budget travellers. Fret not! There are also buses that travel to the Peak. Whilst these do take a bit longer than the funicular, the price is a lot more affordable. Tickets cost around 10 HKD (approximately 1.30 USD) for a one-way ride, and you can catch the bus from Exchange Square Bus Station.

If you are feeling energetic, why not walk?! Walking allows you to explore the various nature trails in the area, as well as being totally free.

The Peak Tower is filled with an interesting selection of shops and eateries and taking a good look around costs nothing. Some of the cafes, such as the Pacific Coffee Company, offer great views of the famous harbour skyline. You can also enjoy the free views from the Peak Galleria shopping centre.

For many people, however, a highlight is soaking up the views from the Sky Terrace 428. No matter how you reach the Peak, you cannot dodge the fee to enjoy Hong Kong’s highest observation deck. It costs 40 HKD (approximately 5.15 USD). If you do decide to pay and visit the Sky Terrace 428, sweeten the blow by declaring your undying love at the Peak! There are paper hearts for people to write sweet messages on, before tying them to a special statue dedicated to love. It’s free!

A word of warning before visiting the Peak – check the weather conditions! It can be quite windy at the top so make sure you secure all loose items such as hats and bags. And, perhaps more importantly, you don’t want to spend your precious cash only to find that the famous views are completely invisible through the thick fog.

2. Hong Kong Park

5 cheap ways to have fun in hong kong and not break the bank! | hong kong park

The large and lush Hong Kong Park is a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in a peaceful natural setting. Many people come to the park to exercise, and you may spot people jogging, stretching, and performing graceful Tai Chi. Free to enter and stroll around, you can enjoy the relaxing air and also admire an assortment of plants, flowers, ponds, fountains, and statues. There is a large amphitheatre called Olympic Square, complete with the instantly-recognisable logo of the five colourful interlocking rings.

It is free to enjoy the park, and there is also no charge to see the many colourful birds in the aviary, look around the lush greenhouse, or admire several elegant heritage buildings.

3. Symphony of Lights

5 cheap ways to have fun in hong kong and not break the bank! | symphony of lights

Head down to the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui or at Wanchai’s Golden Bauhinia Square a little before 8.00pm and watch the free sound and light show known as the Symphony of Lights. Set to music, various buildings light up in an array of bright colours, with laser beams cutting through the dark skies and reflections dancing seductively on the water’s surface. Held each evening, make sure you check the commentary language beforehand to avoid disappointment. The show is in English on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Mandarin on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Cantonese on Sundays.

4. Avenue of Stars

I saw Bruce Lee!!!
Source: Photo by user Benson Kua used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Take a stroll along the Avenue of Stars and see the names that once shone brightly in Hong Kong’s cinemas. The Avenue of Stars is located next to the waterfront in Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui. Celebrating local movie stars, there are stars on the floor and an assortment of interesting statues. Although you may only recognise a handful of names, it is still a nice place for a wander. And, it doesn’t cost a cent. You can also admire the attractive views of the Hong Kong Island skyline across the water.

Note - the Avenue of Stars will be closed for renovations from 2015 to 2017 / 2018. The nearby Garden of Stars and Starry Gallery will be home to the Avenue of Stars’ movie-related memorabilia throughout the restoration period. They are both free to enjoy.

5. Central – Mid-Levels escalators

5 cheap ways to have fun in hong kong and not break the bank! | central – mid-levels escalators

Starting at Central’s Queen’s Road and finishing at Conduit Roar in the Mid-Levels, the system of escalators and walkways passes through three of Hong Kong’s districts. Designed to make life easier for people navigating the city’s hilly slopes and steep pathways, the escalators are an important transportation method for many locals.

Visitors can hop on and off, stopping to explore small lanes and lively streets. Enjoy thriving shopping areas, fabulous art, a bustling antiques district, many cafes, bars, and restaurants, museums, markets, historical buildings, and more! The Central – Mid-Level escalators connect so many terrific places!

Climbing more than 135 metres and with a total distance of more than 800 metres, it is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. An attraction in its own right, the free escalator system is also an excellent transportation method when you are trying to watch the costs.

The escalators operate downhill between 6.00 and 10.00, carrying many commuters to work. From 10.30 to midnight the escalators carry people uphill. A staircase is located alongside the moving system in case you want to travel in the opposite direction to the flow.

Other free and cheap activities in Hong Kong

Many of Hong Kong’s numerous religious sites are free to visit, although small donations are gratefully received. Man Mo Temple, Chi Lin Nunnery, and St John’s Cathedral are just a few recommendations.

Hong Kong’s beaches, such as Repulse Bay, are free to enjoy, and there are lots of hiking opportunities through stunning scenery. The busy markets are well-worth a wander and most museums offer free admission on Wednesdays. Walk the Heritage Trail and Golden Mile for some brilliant sights and spend a few hours at the lovely (and free!) Hong Kong Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

There really are so many ways to cut costs and spend less on a visit to Hong Kong! Plan your trip to Hong Kong with confidence and have fun exploring one of Asia’s most diverse places.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Originally from the UK, Sarah has been mostly based in her second home of Thailand for the past five years. As well as exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and sampling lots of...Read more

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