Hong Kong is a futuristic city with great culture, unique history, impressive transportation and amazing tourist attractions. The city is children friendly and elderly friendly at the same time, so it is perfect for family vacations.
However, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, tied with Singapore and Paris. Does it mean that you can’t tour Hong Kong on a budget? The good news is, you can. Check out these helpful tips on how to tour Hong Kong even if you’re on a budget.
Commute to get around the city
Hong Kong attracts millions of tourists every year and you can book on this website or other similar sites to find the cheapest flights going to Asia’s World City, Vertical City (city’s dense skyscrapers) and Fragrant Harbour. So, once you get there, what is the best way to get around the city?
If you want to save money from expensive car rentals, it’s a good idea to use the public transport system to get around Hong Kong. It’s very cheap and it’s one way to encourage the masses to avoid heavy traffic in the city.
Here’s a quick guide on the major public transportation costs:
- Star Ferry Ticket: HK$3.40 or US$0.40
- Mass Transit Railway or MTR Ride: HK$12 or US$1.50 around downtown
- Tram: HK$2.30 or US$0.30 (unlimited tram trip)
*HK$1 is equivalent to US$.13 or about 8p British money.
Find cheap Cantonese restaurants or street foods
When it comes to filling and satisfying your appetite, you won’t burn your pocket eating out in Cantonese restaurants , which are located on every street corner in Hong Kong. Yes, you can enjoy eating a classic rice combo and char siu for as little as HK$30. All you have to do is to ask and patiently look for a restaurant that offers the best price.
Here are the other cheap foods to eat in Hong Kong:
- Chinese Barbecue: It is called “char siu” or “fork roast,” which involves meat skewers cooked in hungover open flames.
- Dim Sum: The prices range from $2 to $4 depending on where you purchase it. Street vendors are cheaper than restaurants.
- Buffets: Try Shamrock Hotel Cafe at Nathan Road, Kowloon, or Korea BBQ Restaurant at Wharf Road, North Point, for cheap eat-all-you-can buffets.
Free things to do in Hong Kong
While you save money for your next holiday, it’s a good idea to check out the free things you can do in Hong Kong in advance. This is why Hong Kong can be budget-friendly and affordable in terms of sightseeing.
Victoria Harbour, Street Markets and Victoria Peak are the most popular highlights. Also, museums and temples are all free of charge. Other attractions only charge a very low entrance fee of the ticket price.
Here are a few examples of the many budget-friendly things you can do in Hong Kong:
- Enjoy Victoria Peak’s panoramic city views
- Enjoy Victoria Harbour’s skyline and spectacular views
- Monasteries and traditional temple cultural experience
- Watch the dancing light show of skyscrapers
- Stroll for free in Tai Kwun Center to discover Chinese art and history .
Enjoy the natural beauty of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a modern city, but the city still preserves its natural beauty as seen on their public parks, where families on vacation can really enjoy. Children can learn about nature and wildlife for free.
Here are Hong Kong’s most popular parks:
- Hong Kong Park: Relax and enjoy the fresh air and natural views of the park.
- Kowloon Park or Tsim Sha Tsui: Discover and get a close encounter with flamingos.
- Zoological and Botanical Garden or Hong Kong Island: Be amazed at skyscrapers.
- Tamar Park: It’s near the central government offices of Hong Kong.
- Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park: View the magnificence over Victoria Harbour.
Hiking in hilly Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the home of the most popular hiking trails in Asia because the place is surrounded by hills, mountains and peaks. And of course, hiking is also free.
Check out the best hiking trails in Hong Kong:
- Dragon’s Back: It’s an 8.5km trail perfect for novice hikers, which takes about three hours to hike.
- Lantau Trail: For seasoned hikers, this trail is highly recommended because it is a 70km trail with 12 hiking stages.
- Lion Rock: It’s a mountain in between Tai Wai and Kowloon Tong, where you can find the beautiful skyline and get a view of the populated urban areas.
Conclusion: Book your next Hong Kong trip and keep all of these budget-friendly reminders and things-to-do in the city. While Hong Kong is considered one of the most expensive cities, don’t hesitate to explore other pocket-friendly options because the World City has a lot of affordable things to offer if you’ll only ask and find out for yourself.
