8 Things to Do in Hong Kong on a Budget

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a picture of signs above a street in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an expensive modern metropolis, yet it is possible to enjoy the city on a tight budget, and there are many things to do in Hong Kong on a budget. The little things can add up when you're trying to save money in Hong Kong. Walking around old Hong Kong and taking in the sights won't cost you nearly as much as a scenic bus ride, but you can see all the sights and sounds of the city without spending a dime.

Freebies such as tram tickets, free SIM cards, and city maps are typically handed to tourists in the arrivals area of an airport. Read through our helpful guide to budget activities in Hong Kong to make the most of your trip.

Go and explore Hong Kong Island using the ding ding

A ding-dong ride around the northern shore of Hong Kong Island costs only $2.6, so there's no reason to spend more on a Big Bus trip. One of Hong Kong's oldest forms of transportation, trams (or ding-dings), run by several of the city's most famous landmarks, including the ancient Western Market, Central's skyscrapers, Victoria Park, and, if you take the Happy Valley loop, the Happy Valley Cemetery and racetrack. That is considered one of the best things to do in Hong Kong on a budget. Hong Kong has incredible things to offer. But summertime is the best. You will find the most amazing things to do in Hong Kong during the summer.

Victoria Peak is a great place to start with

If you are only in Hong Kong for a limited time, you should see Victoria Peak, the city's most famous landmark. On a clear day, the view from the top of Hong Kong Island, which stands at a lofty 552, is breathtaking, taking in the city's famed Victoria Harbor and the beautiful skyline. At night, you can take a stroll and admire the cityscape while breathing fresh air.

There are three routes to the top, and all of them are free. There are other options for getting there than walking if you don't like the hike. In this case, we propose taking the 1350-meter-long Peak Tram. The tram's eight-minute ride up the 30° slope is well worth the 125-year-old structure's reputation as Asia's first funicular railway.

Hong Kong - Viktoria Peak

 

Hong Kong Park is a must-see attraction

Hong Kong Park is situated in Central (Hong Kong's busy business sector), and it is a smartly built urban hideaway that provides a welcome relief from the city's frantic pace. Throughout the day, it's nice to take a walk or picnic amid the gorgeous trees and plants. There are peaceful, isolated locations with beautiful views of Hong Kong's metropolis.

Whether you're visiting the city on your own or with a big party, lounging by the lily ponds and watching the koi and turtles is a terrific way to unwind. After all, travel therapy is a thing. Nature in Hong Kong may undoubtedly assist you with that. So go to the aviary and marvel at the approximately 80 different types of beautiful birds, some of which are unique. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department are collaborating to provide a free guided tour for anybody interested in bird watching (or curious about giving it a try).

View the skyline of Hong Kong from the top of the Star Ferry

Despite predictions that the service could be discontinued soon, Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferries continue to make the ten-minute passage of Victoria Harbor between Kowloon and Central every day. It's not only a commute; it's also the world's cheapest cruise, with prices starting at just a few cents per passenger. Hong Kong Island is home to some of the world's tallest skyscrapers (almost 500 of them are more than 150m/492ft tall), and this is the most excellent way to see the city and the surrounding jungle-covered mountains. And such delight is one of the things to do in Hong Kong on a budget.

a picture of a paifang in Hong Kong

 

The night races are famous in Hong Kong, and you should go

Every Wednesday night, hundreds of people come to the Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island to watch the horses gallop around the track, put a few bets, and guzzle a few beers while taking in the show. Live music and extravagant wigs fill the club every night, and admission is just HK$10 with an Octopus (subway) card. Your nightlife in Hong Kong isn't complete until you experience this. The rock wall of enormous housing complexes dwarfs the oval racing track.

Relocating to Hong Kong

Anyone who visits Hong Kong will be quickly enchanted. It's reasonable to want another visit or a permanent return to Hong Kong following your stay there. If, on the other hand, you want to remain in Hong Kong for a lengthy amount of time or relocate there, you must apply for a longer-term visa. There is a handbook for expats migrating to Hong Kong in 2023. Therefore, you should be prepared for everything with little effort. While the procedure is simple, you should speak with specialists before completing any required documents.

picture of a Hong Kong street full of neon signs
Moving to Hong Kong is a big decision you should think over more than once

 

Discover Hong Kong's urban temples

It's easy to ignore Hong Kong's many urban temples, which boast double-eave tiled roofs, in-house fortune tellers, and hanging coils of incense among their high-rise modernity. Some pay tribute to the Chinese military hero Che Kung, while others pay tribute to the sea goddess Tin Hau (Mazu). The gods of wisdom and war are represented in the same majestic manner as the Man Mo Temple. The most important temples in Hong Kong are generally free to visit, and the best times to go are during the city's yearly folk festivals. Traveling has great benefits after addiction recovery. Hong Kong offers many areas where you may rediscover yourself, so consider traveling and enjoying the wonders of life.

Shopping is also one of the things to do in Hong Kong on a budget

Other cities have fewer retail malls per square mile than Hong Kong. However, you can find the finest shopping in the city's streets and marketplaces. All night long, the Temple Street Night Market and the Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market are humming with bustle. While central and east Hong Kong island's vintage "cooked food stores" (da pai dong) provide homely treats like fish balls in soup and wok-tossed noodles, Cat Street is the place to go for antique and curio booths. So shopping is one of the things to do in Hong Kong on a budget. Who would have guessed?

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