50 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 50 free things to do in Hong Kong, make sure you bookmark this page and come back as you work down the list!

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1. Catch the cherry blossom trees in full bloom for some pretty pictures.
2. Listen to Faye Wong’s Cantonese cover of The Cranberries’ “Dreams” as you take the longest escalator in Asia up Mid-Levels. (Watch Wong Kar Wai’s “Chungking Express” if you don’t get the reference!)
3. Plan your own street art tour around the city. We love strolling down Sai Ying Pun’s Art Lane.

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1. Kowloon Walled City Park has to be our ultimate favourite park in Hong Kong. It’s also rich in history.
2. 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.
3. Find yourself surrounded by more than 1,000 different plant species at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
4. Get down to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and marvel over the Symphony of Lights, which is on every night at 8pm.

1. Stop and smell the flowers at Mong Kok’s Flower Market.
2. If flowers aren’t your thing, check out the Goldfish Market to spot some colourful fishes instead.
3. Go art gallery hopping on Hollywood Road to get your culture fix.

1. Spend a day at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin which, for the record, actually contains closer to 13,000 buddha statues.
2. Explore the Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei and you may leave with a beaded bracelet or two!
3. Visit beautiful Tin Hau temples frozen in time but be respectful and dress modestly while you’re there.

1. Window shop vintage pieces at Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan.
2. 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.
3. Stroll down Tsim Sha Tsui’s famed Avenue of the Stars which pays tribute to the biggest names in Hong Kong’s film industry.

1. Listen to buskers play down at the Central Ferry Piers.
2. Unleash your inner geek and play around with interactive exhibitions at the Science Museum — did we mention it’s free admission to permanent exhibitions every Wednesday?
3. Continue your museum adventure next door at the Hong Kong Museum of History and discover the rich cultural heritage of the city.

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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. 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!
3. Why not spend your birthday at Ocean Park? Simply present your HKID and voila, you’re in for free!

1. Lose yourself in the serene and picturesque Nan Lian Gardens.
2. 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.
3. A Hong Kong classic, we couldn’t leave off the Edward Youde Aviary. The colourful, exotic birds there never fail to delight.

1. Go chase the Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls.
2. Catch football matches or basketball matches at Wan Chai’s Southorn Playground, there are plenty of spectator seats so don’t be shy to grab one!
3. Get down to the Lions Nature Education Centre in Sai Kung. This country park visitor centre is a real gem for eco-lovers.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Go for a stroll with friends along Bowen Road. It’s great for dog walking too!

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1. Head to Lok Wan South Estate in Ngau Tau Kok 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. 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!
3. Tamar Park and Sun Yat Sen Park are up there on our park hot spots list — they’re great places for a laid-back picnic! See more picnic spots here.

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1. People watch at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade or feast your eyes on our beloved skyline.
2. 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!
3. Feeling the need for speed? Cycling along the promenade on Shing Mun River up towards Sha Tin should give you a good workout!

1. Feel inner peace at Tsz Shan Monastery, entrance is free but you need to book your slots in advance.
2. Hang with some fabulous flamingoes at Kowloon Park.
3. 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!

1. 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.
2. Go and enjoy the quirky Yuen Po Bird Garden in Mong Kok.

1. Soak in Hong Kong’s history at Tai O fishing village.
2. Dig a little deeper into Hong Kong’s rich heritage at Kat Hing Wai Walled Village in Yuen Long.
3. Looking for a free workout? Climb 268 steps to reach Hong Kong’s iconic Big Buddha.

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1. If you’re not ready to tackle Hong Kong’s highest peak, explore the colourful Kwong Pan Tin Mural Village located on the foothill of Tai Mo Shan instead.
2. Make a wish by the famous banyan trees in Lam Tsuen.

1. While you’re in Ngong Ping Village visiting the Big Buddha, experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at the Li-Nong Tea House.
2. Head to the oyster villages of Lau Fau Shan and Pak Ni — the little oyster market is the perfect spot to catch the golden hour and feast on some golden oysters.
3. Potter about in Stanley: there’s a street market to browse and a promenade to stroll down.

Editor’s Note: “50 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong” was most recently updated in January 2024 by Team Sassy. With thanks to Nicole Moraleda and Fashila Kanakka for their contribution.