Hong Kong Guide for Budget Travelers
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Hong Kong is one of the smallest city states in the world. With over 8 million people living in such a condensed space, it tends to get crowded. Nonetheless, this city is one of my favorite places in the world. With a vibrant nightlife, a delectable array of food and scenery to die for, Hong Kong has it all. The fun is endless in this beautiful city.
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Be prepared to spend more money than you are willing to. Read on for activities on what to do, hostel recommendations, cheap restaurants and more. |
Price of Services in Hong Kong
Hostels - Hostels in Hong Kong are relatively inexpensive. Depending on the day of the week, prices will vary. The weekend will typically be more expensive than a Monday or Tuesday. The starting price is 100HKD ($13USD or 11€). You'll get a 10-20 dorm room at this price. Anything under 10 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 140HKD ($18USD or 16€) or more for an 8 person dorm room. Private dorm rooms will start at 157HKD ($20USD or 18€).
Food Costs - Food in Hong Kong can be a mix of inexpensive and pricey. There are plenty of cheap local restaurants. Expect to pay 25HKD ($3.50USD or 2.75€) for a budget breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eating out in Hong Kong isn't expensive if you stick to local shops. I recommend Sister Wah for a 25HKD noodle soup with beef balls. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Cheap local shops are the way to go in Hong Kong. Stick to those. For beer, expect to pay 14HKD ($2USD or 1.75€) for a light beer (pint) or mixed drink at a 7/11. At a bar, expect to pay no less than 60HKD ($7.75USD or 7€) for a drink.
Transportation - Transportation in Hong Kong is cheaper than most big cities. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 255HKD ($33USD or 29€). Taxis will cost 27HKD ($3.50USD or 2.75€) for 3km (1.8 miles) of travel. The Airport Express MTR train from the airport to the city center will be a better option than a taxi for budget travelers. Expect to pay 65HKD ($8USD or 7.50€). Metro buses are are the best option for travel from the airport to the city center. Expect to pay 40HKD ($4USD or 3€). The main MTR train is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city. Don't expect to pay for than 21HKD ($3USD or 2.50€) for a ride from one end of the city to the other. Mini buses are popular for destinations outside the city center. The prices are cheap but may vary per location.
Activities - Popular sightseeing places such as Victoria Peak will cost 40HKD ($5USD or 4.50€). There are a lot of free activities to see in Hong Kong. Head to the beach for less than 21HKD ($3USD or 2€). For guided tours of the city, don't expect to find anything on the cheap end. Expect to pay 450HKD ($58USD or 51€) for these.
Food Costs - Food in Hong Kong can be a mix of inexpensive and pricey. There are plenty of cheap local restaurants. Expect to pay 25HKD ($3.50USD or 2.75€) for a budget breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eating out in Hong Kong isn't expensive if you stick to local shops. I recommend Sister Wah for a 25HKD noodle soup with beef balls. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Cheap local shops are the way to go in Hong Kong. Stick to those. For beer, expect to pay 14HKD ($2USD or 1.75€) for a light beer (pint) or mixed drink at a 7/11. At a bar, expect to pay no less than 60HKD ($7.75USD or 7€) for a drink.
Transportation - Transportation in Hong Kong is cheaper than most big cities. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 255HKD ($33USD or 29€). Taxis will cost 27HKD ($3.50USD or 2.75€) for 3km (1.8 miles) of travel. The Airport Express MTR train from the airport to the city center will be a better option than a taxi for budget travelers. Expect to pay 65HKD ($8USD or 7.50€). Metro buses are are the best option for travel from the airport to the city center. Expect to pay 40HKD ($4USD or 3€). The main MTR train is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city. Don't expect to pay for than 21HKD ($3USD or 2.50€) for a ride from one end of the city to the other. Mini buses are popular for destinations outside the city center. The prices are cheap but may vary per location.
Activities - Popular sightseeing places such as Victoria Peak will cost 40HKD ($5USD or 4.50€). There are a lot of free activities to see in Hong Kong. Head to the beach for less than 21HKD ($3USD or 2€). For guided tours of the city, don't expect to find anything on the cheap end. Expect to pay 450HKD ($58USD or 51€) for these.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store or 7/11. The local cuisine may get boring after a while, so buying food at a grocery store will give you more options. There are plenty of cheap ethnic restaurants in the city, but they aren't as cheap as the grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a pricey restaurant or bar. Beer in a grocery store is usually 14HKD ($2USD or 1.50€) per bottle.
Couchsurfing - Couchsurfing is almost impossible in Hong Kong due to cramped apartments. Hostels are your only option here. Spend less money on beer to save some cash for your hostel.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store or 7/11. The local cuisine may get boring after a while, so buying food at a grocery store will give you more options. There are plenty of cheap ethnic restaurants in the city, but they aren't as cheap as the grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a pricey restaurant or bar. Beer in a grocery store is usually 14HKD ($2USD or 1.50€) per bottle.
Couchsurfing - Couchsurfing is almost impossible in Hong Kong due to cramped apartments. Hostels are your only option here. Spend less money on beer to save some cash for your hostel.
Top 10 Things To Do in Hong Kong While on a Budget
#10 Big BuddhaThe Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island is a must see for travelers looking to be immersed in the Buddhist culture. 43% of the Hong Kong population is religious. Buddhism is a big chunk of that percentage.
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#9 AbeerdeenAberdeen, located on the south coast of Hong Kong Island, was one of the first places British troops landed in 1841. It is named after the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, George Hamilton-Gordon. Its Chinese name is “Heung Gong Tsai” meaning “little fragrant harbour” with fragrant being a reference to incense wood for burning.
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#8 Big Wave BayLocated close to the famous Dragon's Back trail, Big Wave Bay Beach is popular with the local surfers. Grab a fresh pineapple and head to the beach for some big waves.
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#7 Victoria PeakVictoria Peak has about 7 million visitors a year. It is the highest peak on Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 1818 feet. One of the best views in Hong Kong, Victoria is a must for photo junkies.
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#6 Victoria HarbourSituated between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Victoria Bay is the largest harbor in China and the third largest in the world, after San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro. The harbor bustles day and night with all types of watercraft ranging from the famous Star Ferries to cruise liners, cargo ships, and wooden junk boats.
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#5 Lan Kwai FongThe "it" spot for a night out in Hong Kong. Go for "Ladies Night" on Thursday for deals in every restaurant. There are 90 bars and restaurants that run up three main hills in the Central District of Hong Kong Island. The ages range from college students to high-end clientele. If your budget doesn't allow an expensive night out, grab a few cheap drinks in a 7/11 convenience store before going out. Buying a drink is not needed in these bars.
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#4 Dragon's Back TrailOne of the most beautiful hikes in Southeast Asia. Dragon's Back Trail will provide a hiker with stunning views, uphill trekking and animals roaming around the trails. This trail is only 1 hour outside the city.
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#3 Tai O Fishing VillageA hidden treasure tucked away on Lantau Island. The village used to be a big port for seafood in the early 19th century-20th century. It is now a must see for backpackers hoping to get a fresh caught fish for lunch.
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#2 Ham Tin Beach, Sai Kung Country ParkOne of the best parts of Hong Kong's character is Sai Kung Country Park. This beach gives backpackers a tropical paradise right outside the craziness of the city. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world (in my opinion). Grab a beer, a tent and friends and camp on the beach. Swim in the ocean while fish jump around you and nibble at your toes. If heights is your things, head to Shueng Luk stream where you can jump off a natural waterfall. It's a measly 20 minute walk from Ham Tin Beach.
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#1 Lion's RockLion's Rock is one of the most impressive views I've every come across. This trek takes three hours to hike to the top. It's well worth the hike as seen in the photo to the right. A night trek is a must when in Hong Kong.
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