60 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong

Finding free things to do in Hong Kong may feel as rare as hen’s teeth, but in reality, the city is sprawling with free and cheap thrills! Save this page and work down our list.

Although Hong Kong may be notoriously known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, finding free things to do in the Fragrant Harbour is not as few and far between as you think! For starters, we have beautiful lush beaches for a dip, rewarding hikes for a free workout and numerous picnic spots for an al fresco lunch. Ahead, we’ve listed out 60 free things to do in Hong Kong, make sure you bookmark this page and come back as you work down the list!

Read More: 10 Unique Things To Do In Hong Kong

1. Head to the rainbow-coloured Choi Hung Estate or the famed Sai Wan Swimming Shed for a photoshoot. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, don’t miss these lesser-known IG-worthy spots we love.
2. Chill out at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade and feast your eyes on our beloved skyline.
3. Get down to the Lions Nature Education Centre in Sai Kung. This country park visitor centre is a real gem for eco-lovers.
4. If you happen to be on Lantau Island, it’s worth checking out the old, serene Lung Tsai Ng Garden.
5. Explore the ship that never sailed — we’re talking about the ship-shaped department store in Whampoa.
6. Marvel at the architecture of Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon.

1. Browse stall after stall of clothes, watches, electronics, paintings, keychains, toys, jewellery and antiques at the Temple Street Night Market. You don’t have to buy a thing, but it’s plenty of fun to have a look!
2. Escape the crowds and head up to Victoria Peak Garden for a breath of fresh air.
3. Visit the Governor’s Residence on Upper Albert Road — once an archaeological site, we love touring its impressive exterior. You may even find the building open to the public on certain days of the year!
4. It’s a bit of a trek but if you can make it up to Trio Beach in Sai Kung, it will be totally worth it. Alternatively, head here for more beach options.
5. From Lunar New Year to Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn, Hong Kong is known for its tradition of vibrant holidays, with each occasion usually coming with an abundance of free events to join. Head here to find out what’s happening now!
6. Take in Hong Kong’s rich culture including that of more underrepresented local ethnic minorities at Chungking Mansion.
7. Stop and smell the flowers at Mong Kok’s beloved Flower Market.

1. If flowers aren’t your thing, check out the Goldfish Market to spot some colourful fishies instead.
2. Roam around Lamma Island. There’s a temple, a market and a beach… need we say more?
3. Picnic in Sun Yat Sen Park — bring along sun cream and pray for sunshine.
4. If you’re interested in art, whet your appetite for the scene and go gallery hopping on Hollywood Road.
5. Walk a pooch at Hong Kong Dog Rescue. The team at HKDR are always looking for dog walkers!
6. Potter about in Stanley: there’s a street market to browse and a promenade to stroll down.
7. Kam Shan Country Park is for war history buffs and nature lovers. Bunkers and wildlife, what could be better? We’ve got to remind you though — DON’T feed the monkeys! You have been warned.
8. A Hong Kong classic, we couldn’t leave off the Edward Youde Aviary. The colourful, exotic birds there never fail to delight.

1. Lace up your hiking shoes and head over to Dragon’s Back for beautiful scenic views and a great workout! See more of our favourite Hong Kong hikes here.
2. Laze away on Shek O’s beautiful beach and cool off in the water after hiking Dragon’s Back.
3. Lose yourself in the peaceful and picturesque Nan Lian Gardens.
4. Feeling the need for speed? Cycling along the promenade on Shing Mun River up towards Sha Tin should give you a good workout!
5. Soak in Hong Kong’s history at Tai O fishing village.
6. Feel inner peace at Tsz Shan Monastery, entrance is free but you need to book your slots in advance.

1. Ride the tram system — okay, so we know this isn’t free but it is very, very cheap and fun for a ride around town!
2. Dig a little deeper into Hong Kong’s rich heritage at Kat Hing Wai Walled Village in Yuen Long.
3. If you’re en route to Lantau Island for a day trip, don’t miss Pui O beach — it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the water.
4. Go grilling at Tai Mei Tuk in Tai Po — it’s one of our favourite spots! Check out more of our go-to BBQ spots here.
5. Go for a stroll with friends along Bowen Road. It’s great for dog walking too!
6. Tamar Park is up there on our park hot spot list — it’s another great place for a laid-back picnic! See more picnic spots here.

1. Kowloon Walled City Park has to be our ultimate favourite park in Hong Kong. It’s also rich in history.
2. Get down to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and marvel over the Symphony of Lights, which is on every night at 8pm. Magic!
3. Unleash your inner geek and play around with interactive exhibitions at the Science Museum — did we mention it’s free admission every Wednesday?
4. Continue your museum adventure next door at the Hong Kong Museum of History and discover the rich cultural heritage of the city.
5. Listen to buskers play down at the Central Ferry Piers.
6. The beaches of Repulse Bay definitely deserve a mention, and it’s always fun to cross the Longevity Bridge to add three days to your life!

1. Go and enjoy the quirky Yuen Po Bird Garden in Mong Kok.
2. For a hike down colonial Hong Kong memory lane, meander down the 1km Ping Shan Heritage Trail in Yuen Long, and spot treasures such as the Hung Shing Temple.
3. Visit Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay and browse its extensive collection. Being the city’s largest public library, you’re bound to find a book you’ll enjoy.
4. Get your culture fix at the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, Hong Kong’s former Central Police Station. And don’t forget to add more revitalised buildings in Hong Kong to your list.
5. Cascade along with the Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls.

1. Plan your own street art tour around the city. Here are some of our favourite pieces around town to help you get started.
2. Stroll down Tsim Sha Tsui’s famed Avenue of the Stars which pays tribute to the biggest names in Hong Kong’s film industry.
3. Why not spend your birthday at Ocean Park? Simply present your HKID and voila, you’re in for free!
4. Looking for a free workout? Climb 268 steps to reach Hong Kong’s iconic Big Buddha.
5. While you’re in Ngong Ping Village visiting the Buddha, experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at the Li-Nong Tea House.

1. Spot flamingoes at Kowloon Park.
2. Find yourself surrounded by more than 1,000 different plant species at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
3. Make a wish by the famous banyan trees in Lam Tsuen.
4. Spend a day at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin which, for the record, actually contains closer to 13,000 buddha statues.
5. Bid farewell to the city and head to the oyster villages of Lau Fau Shan and Pak Ni — the little oyster market is great fun to visit and the perfect spot to catch the sunset.
6. Explore the Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei and you may leave with a beaded bracelet or two!

1. Hike up to The Peak, not only is this a great beginner-friendly hike, you can save a decent amount by not hopping on the tram and you’ll be rewarded with bird’s eye views on your way up.
2. Window shop vintage pieces at Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan.
3. Visit beautiful Tin Hau temples frozen in time but be respectful and dress modestly while you’re there.
4. Catch football matches or basketball matches at Wan Chai’s Southorn Playground, there are plenty of spectator seats so don’t be shy from grabbing one!
5. Explore Tai Ping Shan Street for a quick quiet escape, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems.

Editor’s Note: “60 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong” was most recently updated in January 2023 by Fashila Kanakka.