As usual, my budget is limited, but I still want to indulge in some of my favorites: delicious coffee (yes, the $6 coffee at The Coffee Academys is worth it!), exquisite cocktails with a view at rooftop bars (although I skipped the world’s highest rooftop bar, Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton, in favor of a more budget-friendly option), tasty pizza (much-needed after months of Asian cuisine, and the renowned Brooklyn-style Motorino hits the spot), underground bars, and a decent place to stay.
Considering all these aspects, I attempted to do everything in Hong Kong as inexpensively as possible, and I believe I succeeded. Transportation is quite affordable, and there are many places you can visit for free. While I opted to forgo high-end dining in Hong Kong, the cost of food is also very reasonable (though there’s the added bonus of trying Michelin-starred cuisine at places like Tim Ho Wan for around $10).So, my advice pertains to experiencing Hong Kong on a budget:
Entering Hong Kong on a budget:
There are various options for getting from the airport to Hong Kong, with the most expensive being taking a taxi. The cost from the airport to Central Hong Kong can range from 250 to 350 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 32 to 45 USD). The Airport Express train (which, by the way, is faster and more comfortable than a taxi) is a bit more budget-friendly. The fare to Kowloon is 105 Hong Kong dollars or 13.55 USD (round trip 185 Hong Kong dollars or 24 USD), and to Central Hong Kong, it’s 115 Hong Kong dollars or 14.85 USD (round trip 205 Hong Kong dollars or 26.50 USD).
If you wish to explore Hong Kong at an affordable cost, you have two economical options:
Option 1: Take a bus to get to Hong Kong. Buses departing from Kowloon to the airport are priced at 39 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 5.02 US dollars). In Kowloon, you can transfer to the subway with fares ranging from 5 to 15 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 0.65 US dollars to 1.95 US dollars), depending on the number of stops.
Option 2: Alternatively, you can board the S1 bus to reach the Tung Chung MTR station (approximately 15 minutes from the airport, priced at 3.50 Hong Kong dollars or 0.45 US dollars), then transfer to the MTR – Tung Chung Line, which takes about thirty minutes to reach Kowloon (priced at 18 Hong Kong dollars or 2.30 US dollars).
Public transportation in hong kong
Let’s delve into the details of public transportation in Hong Kong. Thankfully, Hong Kong boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation network, making it unnecessary to spend money on taxis. Navigating the city is a breeze with the help of the “Public Transit” feature on Google Maps, which always provides me with the right bus or subway routes to take.
Looking for the most economical way to get around? The tram system covers some areas of Hong Kong Island, with fares as low as 2.30 Hong Kong dollars (about 0.30 US dollars). As mentioned earlier, subway fares range from 5 to 15 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 0.65 US dollars to 1.95 US dollars), and buses are even more budget-friendly.
For a picturesque and incredibly affordable journey from Kowloon to Central, or vice versa, the Star Ferry is the way to go, with a fare as low as 2.50 Hong Kong dollars (0.32 US dollars).
Hong Kong offers a card system known as the Octopus Card, similar to London’s Oyster Card. You can use it for public transportation and also make payments at places like 7-Eleven stores. You can conveniently recharge your Octopus Card at 7-Eleven convenience stores or MTR service centers. Do keep in mind that you’ll pay a deposit of 50 Hong Kong dollars (6.45 US dollars) on the card – be sure to reclaim this deposit before leaving Hong Kong.
Budget accommodation in Hong Kong
Accommodation is undoubtedly the most expensive aspect of traveling to Hong Kong. Comfortable three-star hotels typically start at around $110, and you can find quality hotel deals for under $200. My suggestion: do your research in advance and take advantage of lower prices – you can discover some incredible hotel bargains through online reservations.
My first trip to Hong Kong turned into quite a painful experience due to the terrible accommodation choices I made. I didn’t book anything in advance, and when I had to make selections, I had very few options, which were also quite awful (like constantly switching hotels). On my first visit, I stayed in Kowloon, but I found that I preferred staying in Central. This preference for Central also held true during my second visit. I also discovered that the quality of hotels in Central was generally better.
If you’re visiting Hong Kong on a limited budget, you can expect to pay $25 for a hostel dorm bed or $50 for a private room. Here are three fantastic hostels in Hong Kong, known for their central locations, small dorms (not the common 12 or 18-bed setups in Hong Kong), and friendly staff:
- AMU Dreamhouse – Located in Kowloon, it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the Avenue of Stars and 15 minutes from the Star Ferry Terminal. Dorm beds start at $23, and double/twin rooms start at $40.
- Panda’s Hostel – Also situated in Kowloon, it’s less than a 15-minute walk from the Star Ferry Terminal. They offer 6-bed dorms starting at $20, 4-bed dorms starting at $24, single rooms from $41, and double rooms from $49.
- The Mahjong – This hostel is in the northern part of Kowloon, and you can reach the Star Ferry Terminal in about 20 minutes by subway. The hostel boasts a modern and novel design with comfortable beds featuring privacy curtains. They offer 8-bed dorms starting at $27, 10-bed dorms starting at $22, and small 6-bed dorms with double beds for two people.
These options should provide good value for travelers with limited budgets while offering a comfortable and convenient stay in Hong Kong.
Sightseeing in Hong Kong on the Cheap
For touring Hong Kong on a budget, I believe there’s no need to spend money on sightseeing itself; you only need to cover transportation costs to get to specific places like the Big Buddha or Victoria Peak. However, if you, like me, enjoy combining sightseeing with exercise and choose to hike up to certain locations, you can enjoy these attractions for free. This can also save you the cost of a round-trip ticket for the Peak Tram, which is 40 Hong Kong dollars or $5.05.
To visit the Tian Tan Big Buddha, you can take the subway to Tung Chung Station. From here, you have the option of taking the scenic but relatively expensive cable car (round trip for 125 Hong Kong dollars or $16.10) or you can opt for a more budget-friendly choice by taking a bus (17.20 Hong Kong dollars or $2.22). Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain, although it’s a rather strenuous trek, it’s a cost-free option! 😊
Are other major attractions completely free in Hong Kong? Yes, many of them are! The Avenue of Stars, which is Hong Kong’s equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is entirely free to visit. The Symphony of Lights, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “world’s largest permanent light and sound show,” is also free. It takes place every night at 8 PM, and the best viewing spot is from the Avenue of Stars.
Strolling through markets like the Ladies’ Market or Temple Street Market is another free activity, and these markets are excellent for buying inexpensive souvenirs. Beaches are also free to access, with the only cost being the ferry ticket to reach them.
Moreover, walking the streets of Kowloon and Central is a fantastic way to explore Hong Kong without spending a dime. In Central, you can even take a free ride on the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, explore Chinese temples, and all of this is worth a visit without opening your wallet.
Two costly Hong Kong activities that you can easily replace with free alternatives:
- Instead of visiting the Sky100 Observation Deck (with the cheapest ticket at 169 Hong Kong dollars, approximately $22), you can opt for a free visit to the Sky Lobby on the 46th floor of the Central Plaza skyscraper in Central.
- Instead of taking an expensive hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus (with tickets starting at $57), you can explore the city with much cheaper local buses. This option is also better for observing street performances and only costs a few dollars.
Cheap food & drinks in Hong Kong
Affordable food and beverages in Hong Kong can be found primarily through street food. Eating a decent meal at a restaurant in Hong Kong costs about the same as it would in the United States. A cup of coffee is approximately $3, while a latte is around $6 (at a decent coffee shop, not a fast-food chain). A grande Americano at Starbucks sells for 27 Hong Kong dollars, which is approximately $3.48.
If you’re lucky enough to find a reasonably priced meal, it’ll cost you around $10. However, treating yourself to a nice dining experience can easily set you back over $20 for a main course and a beverage.
Local affordable fast food chains in Hong Kong include Café de Coral and Maxim’s MK, where you can enjoy a meal for less than $5, and they provide menus in English. McDonald’s offers a meal starting at approximately 30 Hong Kong dollars, which is about $4. In bars and restaurants, the price for a beer typically begins at $7, and a glass of wine costs around $10. If you’re looking for even cheaper options, you can find beer and wine at lower prices in 7-Eleven convenience stores or supermarkets. Hong Kong’s tap water is safe to drink, so if you’re traveling on a tight budget, there’s no need to spend money on bottled water.
Sure, let’s delve into more detail about affordable dining options in Hong Kong:
- Cafe de Coral and Maxim’s MK: These are popular local fast food chains where you can enjoy a meal for less than $5. They also offer English menus, making it easy for tourists to order.
- McDonald’s: A typical meal at McDonald’s starts at around 30 Hong Kong dollars, which is approximately $4. This provides a familiar option if you’re looking for something budget-friendly.
- Bars and Restaurants: In Hong Kong, you can find bars and restaurants offering beer starting at $7 and glasses of wine for around $10. While some high-end establishments can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from.
- Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: If you prefer to buy your own beverages, you can find even more affordable options at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or in supermarkets. This is a cost-effective way to enjoy drinks during your stay.
- Tap Water: Hong Kong’s tap water is safe to drink, so there’s no need to spend money on bottled water. You can save by refilling a reusable water bottle and staying hydrated without additional expenses.
By making use of these affordable dining options and knowing where to find budget-friendly meals and beverages, you can enjoy your time in Hong Kong without breaking the bank.
