9 Ultimate Things to Do in Hong Kong for Free

With dazzling intensity, towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Hong Kong also boasts of a number of budget-friendly sights and activities giving a place for people who are traveling on a shoestring budget. You can explore the vivid Hong Kong city with smart planning and make the most of your Hong Kong with these free things to do.

     The List of 9 Ultimate Things to Do in Hong Kong for Free

Hang around the Symphony of Lights

Have you ever watched flashing Hong Kong skyscrapers in a range of neon-colored lights? Head to the Avenue Stars and watch the iconic ICC Light & Music Show at 7:45 PM, and 9 PM on every night.

Watching the impressive ‘Symphony of Lights’ which synchronized with the music is a must-do activity during your Hong Kong trip. The attractive ICC show has earned a Guinness World Record for “the largest light and sound show on a single building”.

Take a hike on the Dragon’s Back

Escape the bustling city of Hong Kong and enjoy hiking. Start your trip from Chai Wan’s fascinating Cape Collinson Catholic Cemetery to Dragon’s Back and enjoy the incredible views of Hong Kong Island with mountains and excellent seashores.

Enjoy this best hiking trail and view the fantastic coastal scenery from the Dragon’s Back.

Visit the Top Museums

There’s always a museum around the corner in Hong Kong dedicated to science, art, history, coastal defense, etc.  And the best part is, enjoy free access to the major museums on every Wednesdays and some museums even offers free guided tours.

Can’t make visit on Wednesday? Don’t worry, Hong Kong museums are budget-friendly to visit. The entry cost is just HK$10.

Top museums in Hong Kong

• The Museum of History
• Hong Kong Heritage Museum
• Space Museum
• University Museum and Art Gallery
• Hong Kong Museum of Art

Get On-board on One of Hong Kong’s Oldest Tram

Hop on a tram – locals affectionately called “Ding Ding” which runs along some of the best places in Hong Kong. Hong Kong trams are the best way to get to know the city. Trams run in two direct – eastbound and westbound. Decide that in which direction you’re heading and hop the tram.

The fare is as low as HK$2.30 irrespective of the length of the journey.

Tour Hong Kong’s Historic Temples

The country boasts of a number of places to worship. And usually offers free access. There are hundreds of temples, mosques, nunneries, churches, and synagogues. You can visit to experience the history and architecture or simply for contemplation. Don’t miss visiting the Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City and Kowloon Masjid in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is traditional holiday that honors life and death of Qu Yuan (Chinese scholar). The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. In 2018, the Dragon Boat Festival will be celebrated in 18^th June. Rice dumplings (zongzi) are specialty of the festival. On this day people enjoy participating in the dragon boat races and a lot of energetic colorful events. Tourists can enjoy watching the exciting boat races for free.

Insider Tip: Can’t attend the Dragon Boat Festival? Don’t worry! Hong Kong hosts similar kind of festival every month. Look forward to the Hungry Ghost Festival in August, the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, Chinese New Year in January or February, and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival in May.

Head to the Horse Races

Enjoy the jovial atmosphere at the Happy Valley horse races from the counters for free. For entry to the horse race pavilion a basic admission fee is charged – HK$10. Spectators can enjoy the horse races for 2 hours at the race track level. There is also a seated public area and the admission costs at HK$20.

The racing season mostly runs from September to July and the races take place on Wednesdays and weekends.

Just Sit & Relax as the Scene Unfolds

Enjoy incredible panoramas which don’t cost you a single penny. Hop a tram and ride to The Peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Instead of paying for the Sky Terrace, follow escalators to the rooftop of The Peak Galleria mall to enjoy panoramic views of the city for absolutely free.

Several skyscrapers offer observation decks or public spaces. The Bank of China Tower’s viewing platform offers incredible views of the city from the 43^rd floor. IFC Mall is another hot spot to enjoy uninterrupted city views.

Watch a Free Movie

This is the country of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Maggie Cheung. Hong Kong Film Archive located near the Sai Wan Ho MTR Station is the best place for movie buffs.  It regularly hosts a number of exhibitions and screenings which are usually free. The Alliance Francais’s Cine-Club is another option to catch free movies. One Wednesday in every month, La Médiathèque shows a free French film with English subtitles.

Hong Kong may be one of the most expensive countries to travel, but there are plenty of free things to see and do to without spending anything. These are our favourite Hong Kong freebies. What’s yours?