The best way to experience a city is by getting out there and exploring–and Hong Kong is no exception. When you’re on a tight budget, it can be hard to know where to start. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 26 great inexpensive things to do in Hong Kong.
1. Walk the TST promenade – one of the best things to do in TST
Hop on the Star Ferry to TST, walk towards the right, and you can enjoy a delightful walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) promenade. You’ll quickly come across K11 MUSEA, which is a relatively new shopping mall; it’s got a really funky vibe and even has a whole floor dedicated to art. The entry is free. If you time your walk right, you’ll be able to see the daily light show at 8 pm as you walk along the promenade.
2. Yuen Po Street
Visit the songbirds on Yuen Po Street in a garden designed to showcase an authentic Chinese garden. It houses many exotic birds and bamboo cages. You can purchase mini birdcages as souvenirs, too.
3. Eat dim sum – one of the best inexpensive things to do in Central
Feast on one of the most famous Cantonese foods, dim sum. Try steamed shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, spring rolls, fried turnip cake, and more. We suggest you visit Tim Ho Wan, the world’s cheapest Michelin starred restaurant.
4. Explore Soho and Sheung Wan
Wandering around Soho and Sheung Wan on foot is fun – you never know what you’ll find! But do try to make it to Man Mo Temple (burn incense), PMQ (fun shopping), and Tai Kwun (fabulous location for lunch, dinner, or drinks!). Also, be sure to check out Cat Street, where you will find some quirky shops.
5. Visit Hong Kong Park
At Hong Kong Park, you’ll find turtles, a waterfall, a bird aviary, ponds, amazing kids climbing equipment, and much more. You can get there by bus, train, or MTR. Generally, the easiest way to access this park is via Pacific Place.
6. Visit The Peak
One of the most popular attraction centers in the city is “The Peak” — the city’s highest point and the view is spectacular. If the weather is good, the views are simply glorious. You can take a bus up to the top, the tram, or you can hike up. The Morning Trail is a very popular and relatively easier route up the peak. Once you reach the top, check out Lion’s Pavilion which has a free viewing platform, or visit the Sky Terrace in the Peak Tower for a fee.
7. Ride the Mid-Levels escalator
Ride the world’s longest escalator at 2,624 feet, a worthy bucket list contender. It links Queen’s Road on Hong Kong Island all the way up to the top of Mid-Levels, and along the way, there are numerous dining spots and shops to visit. Start your trip at Queen’s Road Central and head up to Conduit Road.
8. Go to Stanley via bus
Head to Stanley to see where the British took their last stand against the Japanese in 1941. Originally a fishing village, today, it’s home to hundreds of souvenir shops and even the beautiful Lake Pier and Murray House. Getting to Stanley is fun, take a double-decker bus from Exchange Square, sit on the top deck and enjoy the experience of this bus weaving throw the winding narrow roads to Stanley.
9. Hit up Ocean Park
Ocean Park is a beautiful theme park nestled on a mountain right next to the ocean. Ok -this is one of the more expensive items we have listed, but for cheaper tickets, check out Klook. If you have an HK-ID card, you can get a free ticket to Ocean Park on your birthday.
10. Walk from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay – best free activity to do in Hong Kong!
For an inexpensive fund activity in Hong Kong, walk the foreshore from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay. This is one of my favorite activities to do in the whole of Hong Kong!!! Grab scooters and bathers, and enjoy the beautiful stroll along the water’s edge.
Once you arrive at Repulse Bay, you can enjoy swimming or let the kids enjoy the outdoor play activities. Fortunately, adults can grab a coffee or pizza. And if you walk a little further ahead to the end of the shopping area, you’ll find a lovely temple. This inexpensive activity will be sure to please everyone. If you’re going by bus from Central, take buses 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 and hop off at Deep Water Bay.
11. Visit Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay
Located near the Tin Hau subway station (exit A1), this temple is worth the visit. The temple has a very beautiful roof structure with architecture dating back over 200 years old- the temple is dedicated to the Goddess of The Sea. No charge for entry
12. Eat dinner at Under Bridge Spicy Crab
Visit the modest-looking Under Bridge Spicy Crab for dinner in Causeway Bay, and enjoy the signature fried crab with great prices and a good crowd.
13. Chill on Peel Street
Enjoy the nightlife in Peel Street, Soho with all the bars and restaurants you will need for the perfect nighttime experience. This street is also great for grabbing a coffee or having brunch.
14. Have a glass of wine at one of Hong Kong’s many rooftop bars
Sip a glass of wine or champagne and drink in the views at a rooftop bar. Hong Kong has plenty to choose from. Although not cheap, we really like Sevva for a luxe bar to enjoy the city’s magnificent views up-close. For the cost of a glass of wine, you really are getting a lot when you soak in the night atmosphere from this rooftop bar. Sipping your wine, you will feel as though one hand can touch Victoria Harbor, and your other hand can touch the majestic HSBC headquarters building.
15. Join a sunset cruise on the Aqua Luna or Dukling
You can’t come to Hong Kong without taking a famous sunset cruise – it never gets old or tired no matter how many times you go. The Aqua Luna is a refurbished old Chinese boat hosting cruises and dinners along the Victoria Harbour. Dukling is also one of the oldest Chinese junk boats in Hong Kong. Start from Pier 9 in Central; hop off at Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) for the daily evening light show starting at 8 pm.
16. Visit Tai O
17. Go to Disneyland and feel the magic
Disneyland is small and perfectly formed. A visit here will not only allow you to enjoy some of the typical Disney rides and attractions but a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland will also give you a bit of an insight into Chinese culture and traditions, and you’ll see how Feng Shui is incorporated into buildings. Buy a ticket from Klook to help save you money.
18. Visit Tian Tan Buddha
Visit the Tian Tan Buddha over on Lantau Island. Completed in 1993, the Buddha draws pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, all ready to climb the 263 steps to the top. Pop over to Po Lin Monastery for a hearty vegetarian lunch. Take the yellow line on the MTR to Tung Chung, or ride the cable car.
19. Visit Po Lin Monastery
Make an incense wish at Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island to attract God’s attention or invoke spirits. If Lantau seems too far, instead go to Man Mo Temple, which is centrally located on Hollywood Road.
20. Take the ferry over to Cheung Chau Island
There is so much to do at Cheung Chau from hiking, going to the beach, and exploring stores with interesting knick-knacks. We have an entire article dedicated to exploring Cheung Chau – it’s such a short ferry ride and you will find yourself in a completely new world.
21. Rooftop Playground at Elements Mall – one of the best inexpensive things to do with kids
The playground at Elements Mall is massive, and there’s something for kids of all ages. Easy to get to, and with plenty of restaurants nearby, we like to stop off for a snack or dinner on our way home. Head over to the nearby M+ Museum to make the trip even better. Coming from Central? Take the 962B bus from Connaught Road.
22. Visit Verm City in Hong Kong with your kids
This Climbing gym is perfect fun for the whole family. Verm City is located in the same building as Ryze – so take your pick. Climb at Verm City or jump at Ryze.
23. Visit Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum
This museum combines play and learning. Our little ones had a fabulous time playing on the Story Stage, learning about how to protect our environment and also experimenting in the Tinkering Lab. Go to their website for ticketing info and to book a time slot. A visit for two adults and one child is only $168! Now that’s a deal!
24. Walk the Central and Western District Promenade
This is a lovely walk to do with kids along the water. It runs for 600 meters along the foreshore near the Western District Wholesale Food Market. Bring a scooter and enjoy the kids climbing activities you will find along the way.
25. Safety Town – take your kids and their bikes
We’re regulars at the Pak Fuk Road Safety Town in North Point. A mini roadway complete with traffic lights, flyovers, and walkways. Don’t forget to bring bikes or scooters for your kids, if you don’t they will be pretty frustrated. Pro-tip–there’s a Frites not too far away; we stop there for dinner on our way home.
26. Ryze – one of the best things to do in Hong Kong with kids
You’ll find two floors of bouncing fun at Ryze! If you have little ones, we recommend going first thing in the morning, when it’s quiet. Yes, this is one of the more expensive activities we list, but we had to add it to the list given how unique it is and how much kids enjoy it.
Finally
With so many inexpensive things to do in Hong Kong, you can’t go wrong. Whether you’re living here or on a trip, there are numerous activities that will give you the full experience without breaking the bank.
If you think we’ve missed out on any great inexpensive things to do in Hong Kong, or you have any questions, please let us know in the comment section below.
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