Budget-Friendly Hong Kong: 10 Affordable Activities for Thrifty Travelers
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Hong Kong?
Exploring Hong Kong on a small budget is very possible, despite the city’s reputation as an expensive modern city with seemingly endless luxury dining and shopping opportunities. Planning wisely is key to living cheap in Hong Kong. A scenic bus tour is rarely free, but you can easily head out on foot and soak up the atmosphere of old Hong Kong for peanuts.
Look out for lots of tourist perks while at the airport: tram tickets, free SIM cards, and city maps are often available in the arrivals hall. Ready our guide on affordable things to do in Hong Kong so that you can make the most of your vacation, spending next to nothing while doing so.
1. Witnessing the Symphony of Lights
A breathtaking light and music show
Good for: Budget, Nightlife, Photo
Symphony of Lights Hong Kong is a classic performance that everyone must see at least once. Every night, this impressive spectacle combines interactive lights of 45 key buildings on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical scores by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Symphony of Lights showcases the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of Victoria Harbour, creating an all-round vision of colored lights, laser beams and searchlights. It lasts around 10–15 minutes and is best seen from the Avenue of Stars promenade on Kowloon, or from one of Hong Kong’s many rooftop bars. Read more
Location: Kowloon Public Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hongkong
Open: Daily from 8 pm to 8.10 pm
Witnessing the Symphony of Lights
2. Spending a day on a beach
Versatile sandy havens await
Good for: Photo, Budget
Spend a leisurely day on one of the over 50 beautiful beaches in Hong Kong and on its surrounding islands. Whether you are looking for big waves for surfing, a secluded camping spot or family friendly weekend escapes, there’s a beach in Hong Kong that suits your preference. As for getting there, plenty of buses and boats run daily from central areas and won’t cost you more than a few dollars.
To save even more, go shopping for picnic essentials in a local supermarket or fresh produce market and enjoy an al-fresco lunch without breaking the bank.
Spending a day on a beach
3. Walking tour around historical Hong Kong
Exploring the city’s past on foot
Good for: Adventure, Budget, History
Take a self-guided walking tour around historical Hong Kong and learn about the intriguing past of this metropolis. Comfortable shoes and clothes will be needed, but for immersing yourself in a new city, nothing beats taking to the streets armed only with a map (or smartphone) and a sense of adventure.
Developed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, there are several official Hong Kong Walks. You can choose to tour around Mong Kok, visit local markets and night markets, learn about the colonial edifices in Central and Sheung Wan, or take the Ping Shan Heritage Trail in the New Territories.
Walking tour around historical Hong Kong
4. Enjoying the skyline from a free viewpoint
Where to take memorable holiday photos
Good for: Budget, Photo
Hong Kong boasts stellar free viewpoints where you can enjoy breathtaking city views. There are skyscrapers, shopping malls, and mountain viewpoints you can visit for free and snap stunning landscape photos.
You can walk or take a bus up to Victoria Peak and enjoy the views for free from the surrounding areas, including the Peak Circle Walk, which offers panoramic views. The 43rd floor of the iconic Bank of China Tower has a viewing area that is open to the public for free during weekdays. It’s a great spot to see the city from above. Located in Central, the rooftop of IFC Mall offers free access to outdoor seating areas with stunning views of Victoria Harbour.
Enjoying the skyline from a free viewpoint
5. Big Buddha in Lantau
Only a ferry-ride away from the city center
Good for: Photo, Budget
The Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) in Lantau is a 34-meter-tall bronze structure depicting Buddha sitting on a lotus platform. Located on the Ngong Ping Plateau, it’s the centerpiece of the Po Lin Monastery. Be sure to have your camera ready for stunning sunset photos.
There are several interesting attractions to enjoy, including a tea plantation, a country walk called ‘The Wisdom Path’, and meditation retreats. You’ll have to pay for a ferry ride to Lantau Island from Hong Kong, but entrance to the monastery is free. Read more
Location: Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Big Buddha in Lantau
6. Kung fu demonstrations in Kowloon
A great Sunday afternoon activity
Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual
Watching a kung fu performance is a dive into the Hong Kong’s lively past and present. Hong Kong’s parks and gardens offer many cheap or free activities to enjoy, but our favorite takes place every Sunday when you can enjoy two hours of classic kung fu action in Kowloon Park.
The demonstrations showcase kung fu’s more acrobatic aspects and they have been tailored for visitors. So, you probably won’t see the most technical features, but you’ll witness some impressive displays of dexterity and even lion dances on special occasions.
Location: 22 Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Open: Sunday from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Kung fu demonstrations in Kowloon
7. Visiting museums on Wednesdays
For history buffs and art lovers
Good for: Budget, History
Hong Kong has some fabulous museums, and you can enjoy many of them for free every Wednesday. The list of venues includes some of Hong Kong’s finest museums, such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, and Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Do note that some museums, such as the Sun Yat-sen Museum, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery or Heritage Trail Visitors Centre, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense, and Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware are free to enter every day.
Visiting museums on Wednesdays
8. Tai chi class in Kowloon
Early morning exercises to get you going
Good for: Budget, Couples
A free activity that takes place around several Hong Kong parks every morning is tai chi, an ancient Chinese art form incorporating low impact martial art and meditation. There are many free classes starting just after sunrise in many centrally-located spots, including Kowloon Park.
Feel free to take part, though it’s still enjoyable just to watch from the sidelines and listen to the early morning birdsong. If you’re not familiar with tai chi, you can do your routine next to a more experience practitioner and learn the sequences as you go.
Location: 22 Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tai chi class in Kowloon
9. Horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse
A popular spot for horse racing enthusiasts
Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo
Happy Valley Racecourse has long been Hong Kong’s premier horseracing track. It’s a great place to go and enjoy superb horseracing while soaking up some genuine Hong Kong culture. Tickets for the public enclosure are generally affordable, which will get you access to all public areas including the stand, betting hall, and restaurants.
Note that only visitors above 18 years old are allowed to enter the racecourse and that ticket prices can vary based on the race day, special events, and availability. Check the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, as well as details on any promotions or special events that might be happening during your visit. Read more
Location: Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +852 2966 5895
Horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse
10. Star Ferry Hong Kong
City views with a cooling breeze
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor, enjoy the ride, and sense the living history that’s still present in Hong Kong. Since 1898, ferries been shuttling busily between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Point your camera at the skyscrapers, the famous Hong Kong cityscape, or the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Or simply sit back and enjoy the views.
The ferry is a great way to meet locals and get glimpse of their everyday life. Fares are affordable and children up to 12 years get a discount.
Phone: +852 2367 7065
Star Ferry Hong Kong
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