One of Asia’s busiest tourist hub, Hong Kong is definitely not the cheapest choice out there and it’s probably not going to be in the upcoming years. Accommodation is not the cheapest as they are usually 150 HKD to 650 HKD per night. Shopping outlets in Hong Kong will also play a major challenge in your vacation. As we all know, Hong Kong is a shopaholic’s paradise in Asia. From cheap stuff to luxurious designer clothing lines, you’ll easily find your heart’s desire while walking around Mong Kok or dropping by the Times Square. But despite its expensive taste, many are still head-over-heels with its charm because of the variety of touristy things that you can see and do in Hong Kong. Luckily, a lot of them are just free! Want a day-off from splurging a fortune? Now, you’ll never ever have to lock yourself in your hotel room as we bring you these 10 awesome free things to do in Hong Kong!
1. Take a stroll at one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, the Hollywood Road
Hollywood Road is one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong where you can see lots of antique shops and flea markets. It is one of the busiest streets in Hong Kong most especially late at night until past midnight where tourists go bar-hopping. Stores don’t open until late in the morning too. You can start your day window shopping some old chinese artifacts or you can try the coffee shops and restaurants in the area. You can also find a lot of contemporary street art and contemporary Chinese art from popular Chinese artists along the road. Lastly, don’t forget to visit one of the oldest and busiest temples in Hong Kong, the Man Mo temple.
How to get to the Hollywood Road
Hollywood Road stretches between Sheung Wan and Central so you can get there by taking an MRT to either Sheung Wan station or Central station.
2. Take a peek at Hong Kong’s history through the Ping Shan Heritage Trail
The Ping Shan Heritage Trail is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and it is a great addition in your Hong Kong itinerary if you want to take a peek of Hong Kong’s history. This 1.6 km heritage trail consists of old historical buildings like the renovated Old Ping Shang Police Station, study halls, ancestral halls, temples, and a walled village which existed even before Hong Kong became a colony. Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong can also be found in this trail.
How to get to the Ping Shan Heritage Trail
The Ping Shan Heritage Trail starts at the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda. To get there, get off at MTR Tin Shui Wai Station, Exit E. The pagoda is just right across Tsui Sing Road
3. Hike all the way up to the Big Buddha in Lantau Island
The Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau Island sits 34 meters high overlooking the beautiful island. If you want to experience this view on your own, you can take 268 steps all the way to the Big Buddha and enjoy the mountain and sea view from the top.
How to get to the Big Buddha
To get there, get off at MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B. You can ride the Ngong Ping Cable Car or take the New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Center. You can also catch a ferry from the Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo and ride the New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village.
4. Enjoy an afternoon walk at Kowloon Park
If you want to avoid a long hike but still want to get those feet working, Kowloon Park is your next option. It is not only perfect for strolling around but locals and even tourists who want a quick run or aerobics come here to do their thing. This 13.3 hectares public park consists of different attractions and the Aviary and the Avenue of Comic Stars are two of the most popular attractions here.
How to get to Kowloon Park
To get here, you can stop at the MTR Tsim Sha Tsui, exit from A1 or stop at MTR Jordan station, exit C1 and then walk along Nathan Road towards Tsim Sha Tsui to Austin Road. The park is open from 5 AM until 12 midnight.
Looking where to stay in Kowloon? Check this guide for the best places to stay in Kowloon.
5. Summon the Kung Fu Master at Kowloon Park
If you happen to be in Kowloon Park around 2:30 to 4:30 pm on a Sunday, you can also join the free Kung Fu exhibition at the Sculpture Walk. This is a fun afternoon activity for everyone who wants to learn the different styles of Kung Fu such as Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Dragon Style, and etc. You can watch at your own convenience or try to follow the steps in every performance.
How to get to the Sculpture Walk
The easiest way to get to the Sculpture Walk area in the park is to take the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR exit A. From there, you can easily follow the signs.
6. Get more of “The Hong Kong story” at the Hong Kong Museum of History
The Hong Kong story is a permanent and free exhibition in the Hong Kong Museum of History that guests can enjoy all year round. It exhibits folk culture and how Hong Kong developed since the Devonian period which dated 400 million years ago. The story of Hong Kong is divided into 8 galleries which you can finish in 3 to 4 hours.
How to get to the Hong Kong Museum of History
There are three ways to get to the museum. One is to take Exit B2 from MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, then walk along Cameron Road to Tsim Sha Tsui East. The second way is from MTR Jordan Station Exit D, then walk along Austin Road to Tsim Sha Tsui East. The last option is to walk along Chatham Road from MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Exit P2.
7. Visit the Garden of Stars
After spending an afternoon at the Hong Kong Museum of History, another free thing to do in Hong Kong is to take a short walk to the Garden of Stars. If you are an avid fan of the film industry in Hong Kong, you’ll surely get starstruck seeing statues of Bruce Lee, Anita Mui, and McDull. You can also find other exhibits which showcase the over a century-old Hong Kong cinema.
How to get to the Garden of Stars
To get there, start by getting off at Exit P1 of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. You can take the elevator and go to floor “Pd” or you can use the stairs adjacent to the Bus Terminus.
8. Watch the sunset behind Victoria Harbour
While you’re at the Garden of Stars, why not wait for the sunset too? Watching the golden hour with the Victoria Harbour in front of you is one of the best spots in Hong Kong that you can enjoy… for free!
How to get to the sunset viewing spot
How to get there is not rocket science. Simply take a few steps from the Garden of Stars, find a comfortable spot to wait for the sunset, and voila! You can also dig into your favorite snack if you want.
9. Start your evening with the magical Symphony of Lights
Now that you have been blessed by the beautiful sunset, you can also watch the spectacular Symphony of Lights in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8 pm to complete your night. This is one of the most awaited performance every night where the lights on the buildings start to dance in sync with the music. Although it only lasts for 10 minutes, this lighting performance will definitely be remembered for a lifetime most especially now that it keeps on improving over the years. One of the buildings to watch out for is the Bank of China and its grand lighting effects.
How to get to the best place to watch the Symphony of Lights
The Avenue of Stars is the best place to watch the Symphony of Lights. It is a walking distance from Exit L6 of MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Another way is to walk towards the Golden Bauhinia Square from MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A5.
10. Window Shopping in Temple Street Night Market
To end the night, you can take one last stroll at the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon where people can usually haggle and buy teaware, antiques, and trinkets. Appetizing treats can also be found such as seafood, noodles, and clay pot rice. There are also fortune tellers and opera singers for your entertainment. You definitely have to see this lively night market for yourself.
How to get to the Temple Street Night Market
To get there, take Exit C of MTR Yau Ma Tei station and turn to Temple Street at Man Ming Lane. Another way is to take Exit A of MTR Jordan station, walk to Jordan Road and turn right to Temple Street.
Looking to visit Hong Kong soon and don’t know where to stay yet? Check out the list of affordable and awesome hotels in Hong Kong here.
If you like what you read, please share! And also follow us through our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest accounts for updates.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
