Top 40 free things to do in Hong Kong
Who says you need money to have fun?Hong Kong is an expensive city. No surprises there – after all, it’s been ranked amidst the top five priciest cities to live in. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun without shelling out the contents of your wallet! Who says you need money to have fun? Bookmark these free things to do around Hong Kong now!
1. Make a splash in the Sheung Luk Stream rock pools
This first free item on this list may be a little daunting if you’re a vertigo sufferer. If not though, the 90-minute trek to these emerald green rock pools will be absolutely worth it. The stream cuts through the lush hills of Sai Kung East Country Park. It requires a lot of clambering over – sometimes slippery – rocks, so it’s better for those over the age of 12.
2. Climb up Ma On Shan
Ma On Shan, which also gives its name to the large – mainly residential – area in the Eastern New Territories, is one of Hong Kong’s tallest peaks. This five and a half hour trek makes for an excellent day out. It’s on the challenging side but the stunning landscapes and vibrant flora make up for it.
3. Bathe in the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls
This three hour “there and back” hike (although you can embark on a more strenuous version from Tai Wo’s Ng Tung Chai Village) starts off in Lam Kam Road, Tai Po. The trail goes up past the bottom falls, the middle falls, and finally the towering main falls, which gush down the 30-metre rock face. Bring your swimwear!
4. Take a night hike up Victoria Peak
If we invited you along for a hike with us, you’d probably picture a sunny day and perhaps clear blue skies scattered with clouds. But what about a night hike? Since Hong Kong has plenty of urban trails, a night hike isn’t as dangerous or infeasible as you might think. Try the Victoria Peak hike at night and enjoy how the lights of the island glitter below.
5. Picnic in Tap Mun with the whole family
This isn’t so much a hike as a day out for the family, due to the trail’s relative ease. As such, a day out in Tap Mun is perfect if you’ve got very young ones. There are beaches, great spots for kite-flying and lots of cows to keep the children interested in their surroundings. However, your only choice to get here is by boat, so make sure you check the ferry timetables either for Ma Liu Shui or Wong Shek Pier.
While hiking is the go-to past time for many a nature lover, Hong Kong boasts a fabulous array of beaches. After all, Hong Kong is an island city, where it’s totally possible to find azure vistas and powder sand crescents lining the coast.
6. Go for a swim at St. Stephen’s Beach
Around fives minutes by car (and not a 20 minutes’ walk) from Stanley Main Beach is this quieter stretch of sand facing Stanley Bay. The EPD has given St. Stephen’s beach a grade 1 for water quality – so go ahead and take the plunge!
7. Lounge around at Repulse Bay
If you’re going to lie down for a good long time, you’ll want the sand beneath you to be nice and fine. You’d probably also want proper facilities if you’re in the mood to lounge around. This means Repulse Bay Beach will do the trick. It’s got soft golden sand, plenty of nearby facilities (such as changing rooms and a shower) and places nearby to shop and eat.
8. Sip some champagne on Discovery Bay’s best beach
You can’t get champagne for free (we wish!) but if Tai Pak beach was a BYOB venue, then we’d say the free entry is a steal. Tai Pak beach stretches out where D-Deck ends, and provides a peaceful backdrop to your sparkly drinks session, despite being right next to the heart of Discovery Bay. Bring your mat, bring your champagne glasses and bring your booze to enjoy this lovely evening out.
9. Go camping at Wan Tsai
This spectacular peninsula lies on the Hoi Ha trail of Sai Kung West Country Park. There’s plenty of space for tents and one of the two campsites has a nice grassy area. Both sites have bathing and toilet facilities which also accommodate handicapped users. If you’re really quiet at night, you might spot a pangolin! There’s a ferry to this site from Wong Shek pier on the weekends.
There’s a plethora of free stuff to get up to for active nature loves. But why not flip things around and consider what’s indoors?
10. Back to the past at the Hong Kong Railway Museum
Hidden near Tai Po Market, this charming open-air museum is converted from the former Tai Po Market railway station. The museum is declared a city monument, dedicated to introducing visitors to Hong Kong’s rail history. Travel back in time to colonial Hong Kong by walking on the rail tracks, getting on board and taking pictures in the authentic, wood panelled train compartments.
11. History buffs should head to the Heritage Museum
Permanent exhibitions include the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall. The hall showcases a reconstructed bamboo theatre as well as items once used by famous Cantonese opera artists. There are plenty of other permanent exhibitions too, all free to enter. The Heritage Museum is in Sha Tin, and is instantly recognisable by its sloping orange roofs.
12. Museum of Coastal Defence
The Museum of Coastal Defence is set in a century-old British fort, with beautiful views of the Lei Yue Mun channel. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Hong Kong’s military past, from the Ming and Qing period, to the British colonial era and the Japanese occupation. It’s located in Shau Kei Wan, and is free for all.
13. Check out the Space Museum
Being out of this world is taken literally at the Space Museum. Most exhibits are interactive and surroundings are wonderfully designed to immerse visitors in their educational and entertainment experience. The museum is known for its distinct semi-spherical structure so you won’t miss it. Although there’s a standard entrance fee, it’s free on Wednesdays!
14. Bury your nose in a book at a public library
The Hong Kong library system has 70 static libraries and around a dozen mobile libraries. For the book lover, that’s great news; wherever you are in urban Hong Kong, there’s always a library nearby. Check out the nearest library to you on the Hong Kong Public Libraries website.
15. Step into one of the many art galleries
Arts junkie? We’ve got you covered. Hong Kong is often criticised as being a ‘cultural wasteland’ by some, but did you know that there are countless art galleries in the city? They’re mostly open to the public and free to enter. For instance, check out the galleries hidden within Pedder Building such as Pearl Lam which features Asian contemporary art or Ben Brown Fine Arts, which originally hails from the famous arts hub of Cork Street, London. For a more down to earth vibe check out PMQ for its quirky and ever-changing exhibitions or Odd One Out, which is a quaint gallery that also sells coffee.
16. Perform slam poetry with the Peel Street Poets
These prolific poets meet every Wednesday at 8pm for an open mic night, and it’s free to join!
17. Join the Liar’s League
More interested in prose, or do you ever envision acting out what you’re reading? Then Liar’s League is for you. Their name is a playful jab at how acting and fiction writers can be considered ‘liars’. The club was established in London and now has a presence in several cities in the UK and US.
18. Check out the performances going on at Freespace Happening
Every second weekend each month, on the cooler months between September and May, the grounds of West Kowloon Cultural District’s Nursery Park come alive with musical performances. There are also plenty of food stalls and art booths. What’s more, the grassy waterfront location with plenty of space for kids to play is a big bonus. Freespace Happening is a pretty underrated event and is worth checking out.
If you’re interested in soaking up more local culture, why not try the next few free things to do around Hong Kong?
19. Sick of bars? Clean up your act by going temple hopping
Hong Kong has plenty of beautiful temples, most of these are dedicated to the sea and sky gods from the Taoist tradition. These traditional structures are remnants of a time when Hong Kong was a humble fishing village, before becoming the glamorous cosmopolitan megacity it is today.
The most accessible temple is Man Mo in Sheung Wan. Or go to Wong Tai Sin, where thousands of worshippers famously race to be the first to plant their incense sticks at the main alter every year. Don’t forget Che Kung Temple or the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, both in Sha Tin, or Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill.
For an option that’s a little out of the way, visit Hong Kong’s biggest Tin Hau temple, Tai Miu. At 700 years old, Tai Miu is definitely worth a visit. You can get there if you take the hike to High Junk Peak, or if you’re stopping by the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, which is right next to the temple.
20. Check out if a Hong Kong festival is happening soon
Depending on the time of year, you’ll either be able to see enormous coloured lanterns by night; or you’ll watch people race to the top of a tower made of buns; or you’ll be able to watch colourful lions and dragons dance to the beat of cymbals and drums. Such is the variety and colour that makes up Hong Kong’s unique culture. And no one will charge you to spectate the fun!
21. Look for buskers on Central waterfront
Stroll along the water’s edge along the Central Piers. In the evenings the waterfront is dotted with residents enjoying the view of the city lights or sharing a drink from the Beer Bay (a popular watering hole for expats) while a nearby busker performs away. As it is with buskers, it’s hit or miss, but find a good one and you’re set to have a perfect night by the harbour.
If you’re interested in giving back to all this fantastic city has to offer, there’s plenty of volunteer work to do too!
22. Participate in beach clean-ups
Although Hong Kong has beautiful natural scenery, a lot of it is blighted by waste. In particular, a lot of waste is washed up on our shores. Several good hearts, such as Lisa Christiansen, initiate beach cleanups. Christiansen founded Hong Kong Cleanup, which leads Hong Kong’s clean-up initiatives. The group has helped collect and record millions of pieces of rubbish since 1999. Visit Hong Kong Cleanup’s website to find out how to join the cleanup movement.
23. Dog walking
Who wouldn’t volunteer some time to be out and about with the pooches over at Hong Kong Dog Rescue? Every day, there are hundreds of dogs waiting to be walked, and you can help them out. This isn’t completely free since you’ll need to pay HK$100 in admin fees (HKDR would need to train you and supervise your first walk) but you can continue to walk dogs however many times you want for free afterwards.
24. Volunteer to teach
Use those English language skills for good, especially if you’ve already made some money tutoring. Access Hong Kong runs its ‘teach for an hour’ programme around the year. As a volunteer teacher, you will lead classes for underprivileged students. You can pick to teach traditional subjects as well as a range of other more specialised topics.
What if you’re into fitness? Then there’s yet more free things to do around Hong Kong that are right up your alley.
25. Join Free Fitness Fun
A group of residents meet up multiple times weekly to get fit together. Sessions are held in the mornings, just before work, on Hong Kong Island usually in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park or at Tai Ping Shan Street. It’s all free and their meet-ups take place whatever the weather. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
26. Go for a jog on Mount Davis Path
Ditch your treadmill for a real jog. Lauded by joggers as a scenic but relatively easy trail, Mount Davis Path begins on Pok Fu Lam Road and winds its way up the hill.
27. Turn up for free yoga lessons
Again, go for the great outdoors instead of confining yourself in a yoga studio. HK Outdoor Yoga organises free-for-all yoga classes and has a great community. Check out when their next class is on their Facebook group.
28. Spend the afternoon at Tai Po Waterfront Park
If you’re not from Tai Po, this park is a perfect stopover during a bike trip from Ma On Shan to Tai Po. For a city with a reputation for being cramped, Tai PoWaterfront Park is a wonderful exception and an excellent choice to take the family. The park juts out into the waters of Tolo Harbour. First timers will find that every new corner provides pleasant surprises. There’s a variety of fountains and gardens, the numerous playgrounds for children to enjoy and the unmistakable lookout tower. For more information, go to its LCSD website.
29. Go on a drive
Hong Kong has a surprising number of scenic drives. If you have a pass for Lantau, try South Perimeter Road to cruise along by the seaside. After that, head over to Mui Wo for some hillside views culminating in a nice pick me up at the local bar. Another beautiful drive is the one up to Bride’s Pool, which meanders along the gladed Luk Keng Road.
30. Improve your skills
If you’re looking to improve your skills in a certain area, whether it’s business or blockchain or language, there’s a good chance there will be a free event or workshop for your needs.
You can check Meetup (for example, the Cantonese-English study club). You can also search for unpaid workshops on Eventbrite – just pick the “free” filter – usually the best workshop results are hosted by co-working spaces such as The Hive or Garage Society.
31. Browse the free handmade markets
Spend the day in Discovery Bay and browse the stalls at the handmade market, which happen once a month in South Plaza – which you will see as soon as you step off the ferry! Check out the list of dates via their Facebook Page.
32. Take in the view
Enjoy views of Hong Kong from 43 floors up within the iconic viewing platform at the Bank of China Building.
33. Get free entry to Ocean Park
A little known secret – entry is free to Ocean Park on your birthday! Simply flash staff your Hong Kong ID card, and prepare for a day of (free) adventure at one of Hong Kong’s favourite fun parks!
34. Model boat speed racing
Take the kids out to watch the model boat speed racing at Victoria Park. They’ll love watching the boats race along the water!
35. Bodyboard at Big Wave Bay
Surf’s up dude! If you have your own bodyboard, take it out to Big Wave Bay and enjoy the surf while making a splash.
36. Symphony of Lights
Enjoy lights and lasers set to music over Victoria Harbour from 8pm nightly. A great vantage point for the show is the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade outside the cultural centre where you can also hear the music soundtrack.
37. Browse the Mong Kok Markets
You can have a great time without buying! Particularly in Mong Kok markets where you can also check out the goldfish market on Tung Choi Street.
38. Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
Catch a glimpse of traditional songbirds in action at this traditional bird garden in Kowloon.
39. Sai Kung Promenade
Take a stroll and browse the floating traditional seafood market.
40. Tai Mei Tuk cycling
A traffic-free bike path perfect for scenic family bike rides. Don’t forget to BYO bike!
