20 FREE places you must see in Hong Kong!
Hong Kong is one of my all-time FAVOURITE places that I’ve visited.
Although, to say I JUST visited might be an understatement.
I actually lived in Hong Kong for a year.
Whilst it is small geographically, it is such a diverse place!
If you didn’t already know, Hong Kong is made up of three main islands: Lantau, New Territories and Hong Kong Island (there are also other small surrounding islands).
There is a tube system called the MTR which connects all the islands so that you can seamlessly get from one side to the other.
The MTR is the BEST way to get around. If you thought the London tube was quick, you’ll be very impressed with Hong Kong!
This is the perfect place to visit if you’re on a travel budget, that’s for sure!
Apart from the potentially pricey flights if you’re traveling from afar, once you’re there you’ll be able to stick to a pretty minimalist travel budget!
What I love about Hong Kong is, there’s truly something there for everyone.
I’ve also written a trip planner for 3-days in Hong Kong, check it out here!
You can make your trip to Hong Kong into anything you want it to be!
How?
Well…if you’re into city breaks and shopping, you can stay on Hong Kong island and go to all the markets.
You’re more of a beach person?
Well, get your flip flops on…there’s a number of beaches you can try out!
You may prefer outdoor activities like hiking or camping?
In that case, stay on New Territories island, there’s plenty of hiking trails, take your pick!
If you want to do more traditional Chinese activities…
…you can go to the Chinese opera, or visit the Budhist temples.
Maybe you’re more of a party person hey?
Trust me…the bars are open until all hours and the Hong Kong nightlife is INSANE!
See what I mean!?
You can literally turn the trip into whatever suits you or your mood.
There is so much variety it’s untrue, which makes it a great place to live!
You’ll never get bored!
Anyway, I digress.
In spending so much time in Hong Kong, and receiving visitors throughout the year, I came up with the top 20 things I would do if I was showing someone around Hong Kong.
I have done ALL of the things on this list and some places I have gone back to again and AGAIN!
There’s obviously LOADS of things to do in Hong Kong and I’m not even talking about the paid stuff here!
…But I genuinely think that if you did all or half of the things on this list, you would have really made the most of your time in Hong Kong and seen it’s true colours.
I can’t believe how many FREE things there are to do in Hong Kong!
Compiling this list has actually amazed me!
It’s practically a budgeter’s heaven!
All the locations on this list can be reached by MTR, which takes away the stress of actually working out how to get to the places, so that you can just enjoy the city.
So take a deep breathe, and let’s dive in.
Ready to have your bind blown?
These 20 recommendations have been split into categories so that you can jump to those activities that interest you the most…
Hong Kong Sacred Places
1. 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
Get off at Shatin MTR station (New Territories) and follow the signs to the 10,000 Buddhas.
You will be taken to a pathway that leads up to the top of the hill.
At the top of the hill is a temple, and on the way up, you’ll be greeted by thousands of golden Buddha statues on either side of the walkway.
The best bit is…
They are all different sizes and have different expressions, which makes the walk somewhat entertaining.
So, I particularly like this spot because it is a little off the beaten track and I’ve not seen many tourists here.
It’s a really UNIQUE site!
I’ve never seen anything like it! Just so many Buddhas in one place!
It’s worth a gander if you are in the area, but perhaps not worth the journey if you only have a few days, as there are more important things to see!
You can tie this in with a trip to Shatin shopping centre or the Heritage Museum.
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
2. Chi Lin Nunnery
A 5-minute walk from Diamond Hill MTR station, Chi Lin Nunnery is a lovely paradise in the middle of the bustling city.
Made up of traditional infrastructure and landscape gardens, beautiful!
This place is worth a visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
3. Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Big Buddha is based on Lantau Island.
Honestly, it is a bit of a trek to get to, so will take up a lot of the day.
Get off at Tung Chung MTR station and follow the directions to the bus terminal which will take you to the Big B.
If you’re daring enough, there are hiking trails which lead up to the Big Buddha, but make sure you have the right footwear as you’ll be trekking through jungle-type terrain.
Going by bus is definitely the easier route, but be prepared to wait a while to get on one during busy periods.
The queues can take hours, so you need to time it right!
Chinese New Year is probably the busiest time. So, a better time to go would probably be on a week day during non-holiday periods, either in the early morning or late afternoon.
Once you arrive, walk up the steps to the top where the Buddha is, you will be treated to AWSOME views!
If you only had a short time in Hong Kong, I would honestly HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place.
Estimated duration: half a day
Explore the Hong Kong Markets
4. Ladies Market
Get off at Mong Kok station and you’ll easily find this massive market.
It goes on for streets and streets!
If you’re looking for a real bargain, this is the place to be. It sells all sorts!
There are lots of souvenirs to be sold here as well as technological goods, clothes, bags, you name it.
You can easily barter and haggle here, and you won’t get hassled by the stall owners.
Although it is open in the day, I’d suggest going at night to get a more ambient experience.
But, be careful with your valuables, this can be a really busy market.
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
5. Stanley Market
Located by Stanley beach, the nearest MTR stop is Chai Wan, but it is quite a trek from here!
The market is based next to the beach, surrounded by glorious mountains.
It is worth noting…
The best way to get to it is either by taxi or bus from the MTR, or a good old hike. The views are stunning, so it is definitely worth incorporating this into a nice long walk.
The market is fairly big and is filled with lovely gifts and handmade things.
It’s not as cheap as Ladies market but the goods are mostly of better quality.
It is nice to tie this in with Stanley beach.
You could have a wander around the trails, go along the pier, or simply sit and take in the scenery.
Estimated duration: 2-3 hours
6. Flower market
The flower market is a sight to see!
Located a short distance from Mong Kok East, it is what it says on the tin!
This place is fascinating, I’ve never seen so many flowers sold in one market.
Also, if you can’t get enough of markets…
There is also the bird market nearby which you may also want to see while you’re in the area.
Estimated duration: Less than 1 hour
7. Goldfish street
You guessed it, it’s a street filled with shops selling goldfish.
You may feel a big claustrophobic looking at these little dudes.
Again, in Mong Kok East, it’s quite a humorous spectacle.
Have you ever seen bags of fish in water, hanging everywhere!?
Estimated duration: less than 1 hour
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Spectacular sights with a view of Hong Kong
8. Victoria Peak
This is a must see! It is one of the most incredible sights I’ve ever seen.
Breathtaking!
Up here you can see all of Hong Kong’s skyline.
You can pay to go to the observatory if you desire, but it is free to walk the footpaths around the mountain and take in the incredible views.
I have not been to the observatory myself, as I find the free zones satisfying enough.
You can get there by taking the peak tram. It’s a really steep ride and an experience in itself!
It doesn’t take long to get up to the peak by tram, but if you go at “peak time” (pun intended), then you’ll be queuing up for a while!
Alternatively, you can get a bus, taxi or walk to the peak from Central MTR station.
People like to go by the tram because it is a traditional Hong Kong tram, and it’s probably the fastest means of getting to the top, if you discounted the queues of course.
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
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9. Ozone bar
If you’re looking for a spectacular night view of Hong Kong, look no further than this rooftop bar.
Get off at Central MTR station and head for The Ritz Carlton.
I have been to this bar twice… Once, just to take in the views of Hong Kong, and the second time I actually bought a drink there.
The cocktails are pricey, but the service is five star and the view is amazing, so, well worth a treat I’d say!
Estimated duration: variable
10. Dragon’s back mountain hike
Given the amazing views, it’s definitely worth tackling the hike, even if you’re not an accomplished walker.
Shaped like a dragon’s back, you definitely feel like you’re riding on one!
The nearest MTR stop is Chai Wan, follow the footpath signs from there.
Estimated duration: half a day
Nightime novelties in Hong Kong
11. Symphony of Lights
This is a nightly light show which is displayed across the whole of Victoria harbor.
Make sure you’re on the right side though!
Get off at Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and follow the exit signs to the harbor, the show starts at 8pm sharp– so don’t be late!
You should know…
Its worth a look if you are in the area, but don’t beat yourself up if you miss it.
The light show, while enjoyable, is relatively modest.
Given that it is performed each night, it does not have the specular grandiose effect that other lightshows or firework displays have that take place during special occasions, like at New Years Eve.
It is something different however and it should certainly put a smile on your face!
The aim of the show is to enlighten you (ha.ha) as to the different buildings across the harbour.
The show explains what each building is using the novelty of lights and music.
Estimated duration: about 10 minutes
12. Wan Chai- Ladies Night
I’ve spent many a night in Wan Chai, especially Wednesdays when some bars give unlimited free drinks for women up until midnight!
It’s a strange concept, but the idea behind it is that the women go to the bars and drink for free which attracts the men.
The men then stay for longer and buy more drinks!
Sorry guys, I appreciate that it’s not a fair deal, but for all you singletons, it’s a good opportunity to meet new people.
Estimated duration: Variable
13. Mid-levels escalators
These outdoor escalators take you up a hillside.
According to Trip advisor these are the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world!
You’re probably thinking… how is this a nighttime activity?
Well, the mid-levels go through Soho which is a filled with quirky bars and restaurants.
Also, the mid-levels are quieter at night!
Not what you see every day and a good opportunity to take in some of the sights without the need to go hiking!
And…you can stop off at the bars on your way up!
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
Discover the historic fishing villages of Hong Kong
14. Tai O
If you are able to go to Tai O, you are in for a treat.
It is a bit far out, located on Lantau Island.
If you have a few days in Hong Kong to spare, it is worth going out on a limb to get to Tai O.
You can tie it in with your visit to the Big Buddha, as they aren’t so far apart.
Tai O is an old fishing village on water, with shops and houses on stilts!
If you’re lucky you may even see the odd pink dolphin too!
Estimated duration: half a day
15. Sai Kung
If you have a bit of extra time, it is worth taking a day to visit Sai Kung.
Get a bus from Sha Tin MTR station.
Have a wander around this traditional fishing village, you could even get a boat ride around the port and beyond for a negotiated fee.
Watch the fisherman make their catches of the day and enjoy the sea food restaurants.
It’s a lovely little village with next to no tourists.
A local initially introduced me to this village and I took others to see it too.
It’s a calm and modest side of Hong Kong and so interesting, which is why I love it.
Estimated duration: half a day- a full day
Top Hong Kong Beaches
16. Clear Water Bay
This is a beautiful beach!
If I was to choose one beach to go to in Hong Kong, it would be this one.
Few people can be found on this beach. It is calm and peaceful, hence why people do Tai Chi here!
You can easily get a bus here from Diamond Hill MTR.
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
17. Big Wave beach
This beach is found at the end of the Dragon’s back hike, or, you can walk not too far from Chai Wan MTR station.
A great way to end the Dragon’s back walk and have a well-deserved rest.
Sheltered by the mountains, it’s a delightful place to sit or bathe. It is, however, more touristy than Clear water.
Watch out for the shark nets!
Estimated duration: variable
Hong Kong Museums
18. Hong Kong Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum is worth a visit if the weather is a bit poor.
The museum is all about the history of Hong Kong such as how it came to be taken over by the British, which I found to be interesting.
Take that from someone who doesn’t really enjoy museums!
They also show other exhibitions, so it’s worth checking whether there is anything displayed that tickles your fancy.
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
Must see walkways in Hong Kong
19. Times Square
This is an impressive area, situated at Causeway Bay.
If you are into shopping, then this is the place to be!
If you aren’t a big shopper, it’s still a really interesting area to visit.
It is like, the western world meets China. A mixture of both worlds in one place.
It’s also the business district of Hong Kong, so you’ll see people in suits strolling around.
But…the best is yet to come…
Estimated duration: variable
Avenue of Stars
Get off at TST East and take a left along the harbour at the intercontinental hotel.
Modelled on the Hollywood walk of fame, all the local Hong Kong film celebrities are found along the Avenue of Stars walkway.
It is better to go in the day time in order to properly see the markings on the floor.
I would recommend visiting the harbour at day and night anyway!
It’s like visiting two different places!
The atmosphere is different, and the views are different at varying parts of the day.
Don’t forget to look out for Bruce Lee!
Estimated duration: 1 hour
To conclude…
I told you there was something for everyone!
I’d say these are the highlights of Hong Kong, a taster of everything.
Obviously, there are plenty of other things to do, but as someone who has lived there, these places are the best to visit, in order to get a well-rounded picture of Hong Kong.
Better yet, they are all FREE to do!
You may want to have a look at my post with a 3-day itinerary in Hong Kong for people on a travel budget- here!
Yours,
Holly
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