Hong Kong on a Budget
A famously expensive city has a properly cheap Star Ferry crossing and free harbourfront views, here’s how to keep the rest of the costs down too.
Hong Kong has a genuine reputation for being expensive, but several of its most iconic experiences, the Star Ferry, Temple Street’s atmosphere, cost next to nothing. Here’s how to keep the rest of the costs down without cutting the trip short.
The Star Ferry and Temple Street cost next to nothing
A Star Ferry crossing costs a fraction of most transit fares elsewhere in the world, properly one of the best-value sights in Hong Kong. Wandering Temple Street Night Market is free too, only individual purchases cost money.
Visit outside Chinese New Year for lower prices
Chinese New Year, usually falling in late January or February, brings Hong Kong’s highest hotel prices and heaviest crowds. Booking outside this window offers noticeably lower rates.
Use the MTR and an Octopus card over taxis
Hong Kong’s MTR is genuinely excellent, clean, efficient and considerably cheaper than taxis for nearly every journey. An Octopus card covers the whole system and most convenience stores too, worth picking up on arrival.
A dai pai dong beats a tourist-priced restaurant
Street food from a proper dai pai dong stall is widely a Hong Kong institution, considerably cheaper than a sit-down restaurant near Victoria Peak. A cha chaan teng, a Hong Kong-style diner, remains one of the better cheap eats options too.
Consider Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po over Central
Hotels right in Central sit at the top of the price range given the location. Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po, both a short MTR ride away, run noticeably cheaper while offering a genuinely strong, more local food and market scene of their own.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
