Hong Kong on a budget

Hong Kong is filled with world-class restaurants, action-packed theme parks and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to buy. That doesn’t mean you have to stretch your budget to have an unforgettable experience, though. Considering that Hong Kong is one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in, you might be surprised by how much you can see and do for free (or almost free) here. 

Get into jail free at Tai Kwun

The much-anticipated renovation of the Central Police Station, Former Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison has quickly become a favourite for both locals and tourists. The many bars and restaurants that spill out of Tai Kwun’s charming colonial buildings into the old prison yard might be a bit pricey. You can, however, drink in the atmosphere (rather than an Aperol Spritz) before heading inside to take a free peek inside original jail cells at the prison museum. There are often free or low-cost art exhibitions happening at Tai Kwun, too

Address: 10 Hollywood Rd, Central

Tel: +852 3559 2600

Website: www.taikwun.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Central, Exit D1

Hunt for a bargain in Sham Shui Po

Whether you’re on the hunt for bargain electronics or simply looking to sink your teeth into some of the best street food in Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po’s famous street markets have you covered. Check out Apliu Street for the latest gadgets and computer accessories; ‘Toy Street’ (Fuk Wa and Kweilin streets) for cheap toys and games; and the area around Fuk Wa and Pei Ho streets for excellent food at landmark restaurants like Yuen Fong Dumplings and Kung Wo Beancurd Factory. It’s up to you whether you want to track down deals or just take it all in and window-shop for free.

Address: 10 Hollywood Rd, Central

Tel: +852 3559 2600

Website: www.taikwun.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Sham Shui Po, Exit C2 

Hike to Tai Long Wan Beach

You can reach Tai Long Wan only two ways: by boat or the recommended way, by foot. A beautiful, roughly hour-and-a-half hike along stage two of the MacLehose Trail leads to this tucked-away white-sand beach north of Sai Kung. The effort is worth it: Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with what might be Hong Kong’s best stretch of sand. Make the most of this stunning location by grabbing some local food as the sun goes down, then take in the stars during your night hike back – just be sure to pack a torch.

Address: Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung

Tel: +852 2809 4558

Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Shau Kei Wan Exit A3 take bus no. 9 to Tai Long Wan Beach

Rock out at The Wanch

One of Hong Kong’s best live music venues, The Wanch hosts local bands and live events every night of the week. A cut above the neighbouring late-night haunts in Wan Chai’s backstreets, The Wanch offers free entry, but (of course) drinks are going to cost you. But the music more than justifies the price of a drink or two. So put on your best rock ‘n roll attire and drink it all in. You won’t regret it.

Address: 54 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai

Tel: +852 2861 1621

Website: www.thewanch.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai, Exit

Try Michelin-starred dim sum at Tim Ho Wan

Hong Kong’s eclectic dining scene boasts some of the world’s most expensive restaurants and fanciest eateries. And then there’s Tim Ho Wan, one of the cheapest Michelin-starred establishments in the world. The low-key, canteen-style restaurant chain is famous for its char siu bao —baked barbecue pork buns — among its other dim sum classics. Crisp yet yielding, sweet yet savoury and, best of all, delicious yet thrifty, a basket of three will set you back at HK$20.

Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing St, Sham Shui Po

Tel: +852 2788 1226

Website: www.timwanho.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: , Exit B2

Have a punt at Happy Valley Racecourse

Even on a budget, you can have a punt, if not a pint, at Happy Valley Racecourse. The stunning backdrop of lush green mountains and high-rise buildings makes this a unique experience everyone should try. Entry is HK$10, which is also the minimum bet amount. Every Wednesday during race-season there’s a different themed night featuring live bands, street food and drinks. You’ll have to hope your horse comes in a winner if you want to splash out on all of that, though.

Address: Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley

Website: https://entertainment.hkjc.com/

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Causeway Bay, Exit A

Take a ride on the Star Ferry

The Star Ferry has been carrying commuters and tourists across the harbour for over 100 years. Amazingly, it remains one of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to go from Central to TST. No wonder the iconic green and white boats carry over 50,000 passengers every day. With fares as low as HK$2.20, hop on for the best-value views of the harbour from a unique angle.

Address:

Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui

Central Ferry Pier, Central

Tel: +852 2367 7065

Website: www.starferry.com.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station:

Tsim Sha Tsui/ Tsim Sha Tsui East, Exit L6

Central, Exit A / Hong Kong, Exit A2 to Central Star Ferry Pier,

Wan Chai, Exit A1 to Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier

Hike the iconic Dragon’s Back

As Hong Kong hikes go, Dragon’s Back offers the best value in terms of the quality of the views to the amount of effort required. Take the number. 9 bus from Shau Kei Wan to Shek O Road and get off at To Tei Wan bus stop. Follow the signs along the gentle climbs as you enjoy the vistas over the eastern shores of Hong Kong Island. End your hike with a picnic at Big Wave Bay then hop on the number 9 again to get back to Shau Kei Wan MTR station. Total expenditure: 500 calories and HK$14.4 for the bus fares.

Address: Southern District

How to get there: Shau Kei Wan Station Exit A, walk to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Take bus 9 or the red minibus with the sign “Shek O” to the To Tei Wan stop on Shek O Road.

Indulge your sweet tooth at Kam Wah Cafe

Head to Kam Wah Cafe in Mong Kok for a taste of classic Hong Kong bakery favourites. Pineapple buns —named for their resemblance to the tropical fruit, not the use of pineapple as an ingredient — are a real indulgence, crisscrossed on top and stuffed with a generous slab of butter. The flaky, savoury-sweet egg tarts are another local marvel. Gulp down a cup of hot milk tea and some pastry for no more than HK$30.

Address: 4Bute St, Prince Edward

Tel: +852 2392 6830

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Prince Edward, Exit B2

Find inner peace at Wong Tai Sin Temple

Escape to the tranquillity of this beautiful temple, tucked away in the shadow of Lion Rock in Kowloon. A place of worship for three religions — Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism – Wong Tai Sin Temple commemorates the fourth-century monk of the same name who was later deified. He’s also known as the Great Immortal Wong, which is perhaps the best name given to anyone or anything, ever. The temple is famous for giving worshippers exactly what they pray for and a visit costs no more than a voluntary donation. A small price to pay for spiritual balance and inner harmony.

Address: 2 Chuk Yuen Rd, Chuk Un, Wong Tai Sin

Tel: +852 2327 8141

Website: www.siksikyuen.org.hk

How to get there: Nearest MTR Station: Wong Tai Sin, Exit B2