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Hong Kong isn’t exactly the cheapest destination, and you’d quickly realize that the moment you book your accommodation. However, it certainly isn’t impossible to enjoy the city on a budget, and in fact, you can even say that the best experiences of the city can be done for free. Wondering what they are? Get these down in your itinerary and save your money for the fancy rooftop bars.
Hiking in Hong Kong
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Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Hong Kong, but it actually is one of the first things that you need to do to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds the chaos of the city. There are many hikes that you can choose from, depending on how much time and what you would like to see. One of the most iconic treks that you can go for is the Dragon’s Back trek that can take you a whole day with 8.5 kilometers. Hiking this trail, you will be treated to panoramic views of the Shek O Peninsula and the Dragon’s Back, and you end the trek at the Big Wave Bay just in time for a cool dip in the waters before getting ready for the evening.
Soak in the vibes of the Markets
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You might not think of shops and markets when you’re thinking of spending nothing at all. However, we’re not talking about wandering about soulless shopping malls but Hong Kong’s bustling markets that are full of vibrant colours, sights, sounds, and smells.
Visit a market in the day and at night to soak in different atmospheres. The Temple Street Night is one not be missed as antiques, curios, fake goods, and genuine fortune tellers come together to give you a sensory overload. A calmer day market to visit is the Cat Street antique market, where you can admire beautiful and intricate furniture and ornaments from dynasties gone by, along with propaganda art from the Cultural Revolution.
Giving in to shopping and need help haggling? Check out our guide that helps you bargain like a pro.
Get Cultured
Hong Kong, despite its reputation as the capitalist city of the East, is teeming with history, arts, and heritage. Visit the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Heritage Museum for starters and get acquainted with the richness of Hong Kong’s past. Admission to the permanent exhibition at the Museum of History is free of charge.
After the museums, explore the art galleries for a glimpse of Hong Kong’s art scene. Above Second is a space that is dedicated to pop culture and graffiti and features work by local and international artists. If you’re looking for art of the past, visit the Art Museum at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and admire pre-modern art and unique antique collections of calligraphy and jades of the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Enjoy Panoramic Views
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Hong Kong’s impressive skyline is breathtaking even for the seasoned city dweller. Head to The Peak to take in the postcard view of the city, You can spend the money on the tram takes you there quickly, or you can spend the time and calories to make your way to the top. One of the best experiences is to actually catch the sunrise and the night view from Luggard Road, which attracts photographers seeking the perfect shot.
Another way to enjoy the skyline is right on the ground by the Victoria Harbour, a scene of neon lights, skyscrapers, and traditional Chinese junks that give that unmistakable flavor of Hong Kong and its richness, past and present.
Visit the Temples
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There are many beautiful temples in Hong Kong, and some of them are well-known not just amongst the locals, but are visited by pilgrims from around the region as well.
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is unique in that it’s home to Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It’s highly popular as people believe in the temple’s wish-fulfilling powers, and is especially crowded during festive seasons. Don’t miss the chance to get your fortune told with the practice called Kau Cim, popular in Chinese temples. Wooden sticks are inscribed with a number that corresponds to Oracles and put in cups. You shake the cup vigorously while thinking of your question in mind and the first stick that falls will give you your answers. Take that number to the fortune -teller and receive your Oracle, and hopefully get somebody to translate it to English for you.