A holiday in Hong Kong is evidently far from cheap; according to research, the Asian metropolis has been ranked as the world’s most expensive city for expats and also the most expensive Asian city for business travels.

But that doesn’t mean you should rule out a trip to Pearl of the Orient from your bucket list as some attractions and activities are completely free.

Here are 10 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong. Perfect for travellers on a budget!

Source: Globe Holidays

#1 VISIT THE MUSEUMS

Most museums in Hong Kong offer complimentary general admissions on Wednesdays so do make it a point to visit these attractions on hump day. Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Space Museum are highly recommended.

#2 ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM THE PEAK GALLERIA

The Peak Galleria’s Observation Deck is exceptionally popular for it offers an enchanting glimpse of Hong Kong’s picturesque skyline. Be blown away by the sheer number of skyscrapers surrounded by rolling hills and glistening waters.

Read: 5 Things To Do At The Peak.

118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2849 4113
Nearest MTR Station: Hong Kong

#3 EXPLORE HONG KONG PARK

Spanning across eight hectares is Hong Kong Park, a public recreational area that is interestingly surrounded by lush greenery and tall infrastructures. A leisure stroll around this park will lead you to the Edward Youde Aviary, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and Forsgate Conservatory.

Admission to all these places in Hong Kong Park are free of charge.

#4 HIKE ALONG DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. It was ranked by TIME Magazine in 2004 as Asia’s Best Urban Hiking Trail.

The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery without the crowds.

#5 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

This one is for the ladies. Lan Kwai Fong is a legendary nightlife district that has truly lived up to its hype. However, a big night out could be a wallet-damaging experience as drinks in Hong Kong are incredibly pricey.

But thanks to Ladies Night which happens every Thursday, ladies don’t have to pay for cover charges to nightclubs. In addition to that, most of the clubs offer free drinks too.

#6 PRAY AT MAN MO TEMPLE

Constructed in 1847, Man Mo Temple is a popular tourist attraction and a place of worship. It pays tribute to both the God of Literature and God of War. This historic building – which happens to be Hong Kong’s oldest temple – is a Declared Monument. It is very common for parents to take their children to Man Mo Temple to pray for good academic results.

124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2540 0350
Nearest MRT Station: Sheung Wan

#7 TAKE AN OOTD AT SAIWAN SWIMMING SHED

You would have seen this on Instagram several times by now. If you are still wondering what and where it is, it is Sai Wan Swimming Shed in Kennedy Town. Despite being a swimming shed, Sai Wan Swimming Shed is actually very much a popular photography spot. There is even a queue to have your photos taken at the now-iconic “bridge”!

Read our guide on Kennedy Town – Where To Eat And What To See.

Source: Wikimedia

#8 VISIT TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS MONASTERY

The premises of Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery comprise five temples, four pavilions and one pagoda. The Buddhist temple is located in Sha Tin, New Territories and one would have to conquer 430 uphill steps for approximately 20 minutes before arriving at the religious site.

Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 852 2691 1067
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest MTR Station: Sha Tin

Source: Hong Kong Hotels

#9 WATCH THE SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

A spectacular 13-minute long laser light show takes place every night at 8pm and the glitzy performance showcases Hong Kong’s cityscape at its very best. This brilliant multimedia show is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’, where more than 40 buildings from both sides of the harbour are involved.

Avenue Of Stars is currently closed till the end of 2018, but you can still catch the Symphony of Lights from Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

#10 WINDOW SHOP AT MONGKOK’S STREETS

We aren’t expecting you to purchase pets or lug plants home, but it is nevertheless an unmissable experience to take a walk down Mongkok’s Flower Market and Goldfish Market. The former sells a splendid variety of flora while the latter is home to commercial aquariums and pet shops. Should neither of these interests you, then head over to Ladies Market.

It interesting to window shop through Ladies Market’s chaotic crowd. The “luxury goods” sold here are ridiculously cheap only because they are counterfeit. Police raids do happen – though not often – and it is incredible how the makeshift stalls could disassemble instantaneously.

Read: 29 Reasons To Love Hong Kong

It has been slightly over a year since Kennedy Town MTR Station has opened and today, the Hong Kong town is an up-and-coming destination with so much that awaits.

While the dining landscape at Kennedy Town is transforming rapidly with its high turnover rate, we have to admit that it is definitely currently one of Hong Kong’s hottest hangout spots. It is really a different world there.

From making a trip to Instagram Pier, grabbing liqueur from Sunday’s Grocery to having a meal at Cobo House, here is our Beginner’s Guide to Kennedy Town in Hong Kong.

WHERE TO EAT

The sheer selection of dining establishments over at Kennedy Town will leave you dizzy in glee. Perhaps it is the inviting sea that surrounds the neighbourhood but we love how each restaurant exudes laid-back chill vibes.

#1 BEEGER

Beeger is a specialty burger shop renowned for their handmade beef burgers. Bestsellers include Classic Handmade Beef Burger (HK$58), Handmade Beef Molten Lava Cheese Burger (HK$78), Portobello Mushroom & Handmade Beef Burger (HK$88) and Foie Gras & Handmade Beef Burger (HK$138).

Shop 5, G/F, Ka Fu Building
Western District, Ka Fu Building Block A
25 New Praya Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2812 2328
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

#2 COBO HOUSE

Coho House by 2:am Dessert Bar is an overseas venture by highly-acclaimed Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong. Most of her signature dessert creations such as Chocolate H20 (HK$128+), Purple (HK$78+) and Tsujirihei Green Tea Tart (HK$128+) can be found here.

G/F & 1/F, 8-12 South Lane
Shek Tong Tsui, Western District
Tel: +852 2656 3088
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Sat and sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: HKU

#3 COFTEA SHOP

Coftea Shop is an unassuming tiny brick-walled specialty coffee shop at the ground floor of Yue On Building. Owner Herbert Lau previously worked at award-winning coffee institution The Coffee Academics and now makes coffee at Coftea Shop with imported Italian-roasted Musetti beans.

Yue On Building
78-86 Catchick St, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 9104 2404
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

#4 FISH & CHICKS

As its name implies, Fish & Chick is the go-to place when you need some classic Fish and Chips. Choose from UK-imported Cod Fish (HK$130), Iceland-bred Haddock Fish (HK$130), New Zealand Monk Fish (HK$145) and locally-sourced Seabass (HK$120).

Shop 6, 25 New Praya
Kennedy Town, Western District
Tel: +852 2974 0088
Sun to Thu: 12am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

#5 SHOREDITCH

Aptly named after one of London’s inner city districts, Shoreditch is a trendy British gastro lounge serving tantalising dishes from United Kingdom itself. While the restaurant might come across as a little fancy, diners will be pleased to know that they can enjoy 50% off steaks and chops every Monday from 6pm.

18 Catchick St, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2242 3777
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 12am
Sat and Sun: 8.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

#6 SUN HING

Traditional Chinese restaurant Sun Hing is interestingly open from 3am to 4pm daily and is the perfect stop to curb your dim sum cravings during unearthly hours. Sink your teeth into your favourite dim sum – liu sha baos, fragrant siew mais and whatnot.

Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road
Kennedy Town, Western District
Tel: +852 2816 0616
Daily: 3am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

#7 SUNDAY’S GROCERY

Sunday’s Grocery is actually far from a full-fledged grocery store. The highlight of all the items sold at Sunday’s Grocery is the range of premium exclusive liquors that is almost impossible to find elsewhere. Grab a handful of snacks (choose from market chips, sandwiches to chickpea salads), a cup of Japanese Sochu (HK$50/ S$8.70) to go or a quirky printed t-shirt.

Kam Fu Mansion, 66-68 Catchick Street, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2628 6001
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

WHAT TO SEE

#8 INSTAGRAM PIER

Instagram Pier is one of the locals’ best-kept secrets and is also a great alternative venue to admire Hong Kong. Venture beyond the shipping cargo and you will be in a treat of Kowloon’s scenic cityscape. This is also where you can catch the sunset; it’s gonna be spellbindingly beautiful, we promise!

8 Fung Mat Road
Hong Kong Island, Kennedy Town, Sai Wan
Nearest Station: Sai Ying Pun / HKU

#9 LO PAN TEMPLE

Lo Pan Temple was constructed to honour Lu Ban (771–476 BC), a patron saint of Chinese carpenters and builders. The two-storey ancient structure is characterised by elaborate murals, ceramic figurines and poem engravings.

15 Ching Lin Terrace
Li Po Lung Path, Belcher’s Street
Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2802 2880
Nearest Station: Kennedy Town / HKU

#10 SAI WAN SWIMMING SHED

You would have seen this on many’s Instagram feed by now. If you are still wondering what and where it is, it is Sai Wan Swimming Shed in Kennedy Town.

Despite being a swimming shed, Sai Wan Swimming Shed is actually very much a popular photography spot. There is often a queue to get your photos taken at the now-iconic “bridge”!

Do note that the place is infested with mozzies, so brace yourselves with insect repellant. And oh, proper walking shoes would be great because to get to the swimming shed, you will have to climb up and down many flights of stairs and take uneven, bumpy roads. The journey there is pretty much a challenging one.

Nearest Station: Kennedy Town

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides.