Hong Kong isn’t cheap. Whether it’s your tiny, overpriced hotel room, eating out at a nice restaurant, or trying to find a cocktail that costs less than HK$200.00, it’s easy to burn through your cash while here– especially on Hong Kong Island.
But there are in fact many free things to do here. Sometimes all it might take is the cost of public transportation which, thankfully, is still affordable and awesome.
Check out our Cheapo list to ten fun and free things to do on Hong Kong Island. You’ll thank us, and your wallet will thank you.
1. Take a free walking tour
Need a guide but don’t have the bucks?
The first free walking tour in Hong Kong offers guided walks on Hong Kong Island (as well as Kowloon).
Note: The volunteer guides operate on a tips-only basis, so even though the walk is free, make sure to have a little something for your guide.
2. Hit up the museums
There are plenty of interesting museums and historic galleries on Hong Kong Island. Here are our top picks:
- Explore a jail cell at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum in Stanley.
- Learn about China’s history at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Museum in Mid-Levels.
- Step into an 18th-century Hakka walled village at the Law Uk Folk Museum in Chai Wan.
- Batten down the hatches at the Fireboat Alexander Grantham, moored in Quarry Bay.
Pro Tip: Read our handy Guide to Hong Kong’s Best Museums to learn more.
3. Sip and learn
Don’t know your oolong from your elbow?
Get a crash course in Chinese tea at the Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware in Central. The free tasting event has only ten seats per session, you need a reservation. Through the demonstration, you’ll learn about the fine art of tea brewing and different kinds of tea. On Saturdays afternoons guests are treated to a live performance of classic Chinese music.
Other places to explore tea include Ming Cha (Chai Wan) and Plantation (Sai Ying Pun).
4. Lunch and listen to music
If you’re heading to dim sum lunch at the famous Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, Central, go a bit early (like 11am) so you can catch the 12:45 pm ‘Good Music This Lunch’ series. This free lunchtime chamber concert by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, held at the Hong Kong City Hall Foyer, is specially designed to lift the spirits of weary office workers.
Pro Tip: A number of their other events are also free to observe. Keep an eye on the events calendar.
5. Hike up to The Peak
If you can, we do recommend taking a ride on the Peak Tram.
However, you can work off those dim sum pounds by legging it up to Victoria Peak. Trust us, it’s not as intimidating as you might think.
One easy one is to follow Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. It goes past the scenic Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, and up into the hills until it reaches the Peak. Part of it is the Pok Fu Lam Family Walk—but stay on the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to get to the Peak. The views are fabulous along the way.
Pro Tip: See our full guide to hiking up Victoria Peak.
6. Watch some global cinema
Watching some French cinema might seem like a strange thing to do in Hong Kong, but Alliance Française offers film fans the chance to see French movies, for free, with English subtitles. The Mexican Consulate also has a free film club, Cineclub Mexico, held on the last Thursday of every month, plus they’ve got popcorn.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind spending a little money, Golden Scene Cinema in Kennedy Town offers morning shows that set you back under HK$60.00.
For a look into the world of Hong Kong cinema, head to the Hong Kong Film Archive located on the waterfront of Sai Wan Ho. This venue regularly hosts exhibitions, screenings, and seminars perfect for cinephiles.
7. Participate in Poetry OutLoud
Talking about the Fringe Club, if you happen to enjoy poetry, be sure to check out their free Poetry OutLoud event, held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
The Fringe Club also holds a number of free art exhibitions, so be sure to check their website to see what’s on.
8. Tour the Blue House
The iconic four-storey Blue House in Wan Chai is a Grade 1 Historic Building which was, at different stages of its life, a hospital, a tenement, a temple, and a martial arts school.
Today Blue House has been revitalised and preserved, and you can join a free one-hour public tour in English if you make a reservation.
9. Catch a live show at the Tai Kwun
The Tai Kwun Center for Heritage and Art in Central holds a weekly ‘Afternoon Series’ every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. Whether theatre, mini concerts, jazz, comedy, or dance, there’s always something interesting going on at this heritage complex which once was a prison, police station, and magistracy.
10. Celebrate your birthday
If it’s your birthday and you have a Hong Kong ID (sorry tourists, this one isn’t for you), you can skip the lines at Madame Tussauds at Victoria Peak with their special birthday offer for Hong Kong Residents. The same birthday deal applies at Ocean Park, (and at Sky100 though that’s over on Kowloon side), but you’ll have to go with one companion who actually is buying a ticket.
Pro Tip: Read this guide for more birthday ideas in Hong Kong.
Bonus
Need more freeness? Check out our events page for lots of fun, free things across Hong Kong, and also be sure to read our guide to 10 Free Things to Do in Central, All in One Day.
