Hong Kong might be known as one of the world’s more expensive destinations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the city on the cheap. Here are seven wallet-friendly things to do in Hong Kong.
Take a ferry ride
Star Ferry (Image: loss in MK used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
For less than $1 USD, you can sail across Victoria Harbour and take in the sights of Hong Kong from the Star Ferry. If you feel like splurging, you can always book a harbor cruise for less than $10 USD.
Dine at a dai pai dong
Budget travelers will appreciate that Hong Kong is one of those destinations where the best food is served on street – and on the cheap. During your stay, don’t miss the local flavors at a dai pai dong, or street food stall. You’ll find everything from noodles and rice dishes to sweets and teas.
Feast on Michelin-starred dim sum
Dim sum at Tim Ho Wan (Image: cherrylet)
You don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability in Hong Kong. Tim Ho Wan serves Michelin-starred dim sum at decidedly un-Michelin prices. You’ll find most dishes run less than $3 USD, so load up on some of Hong Kong’s best dim sum without worrying about blowing your travel budget.
See the Big Buddha
This bronze statue is one of Hong Kong’s most famous attractions, and luckily for budget-conscious travelers, it’s free to visit. A bus ride from Hong Kong to the Big Buddha will cost less than $3 USD, and then it’s a 268-step hike up to the buddha. After taking your photos at the top, you can load up on cheap street food across from the monument.
Get your Tai Chi on
Tai Chi (Image: marinalwang)
Every morning, parks throughout Hong Kong fill up with locals practicing their daily Tai Chi. You can stand back as a spectator or join in with a free beginner’s class, held several times a week.
Visit the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Enjoy 14 acres of blooming flowers, lush landscapes and tropical trees at this free botanical garden. The area is also home to a small zoo, where you can see more than 500 species of birds, reptiles and mammals.
View the Symphony of Lights
Symphony of Lights (Image: Flyeast used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
Get yourself to Tsim Sha Tsui come nightfall for the best views of the Symphony of Lights, a light show that illuminates the Hong Kong skyline every night. Dozens of skyscrapers and buildings along the water light up with lasers for this nightly performance.
(Main image: zoonabar used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
Marissa Willman
