0208 843 4444
Hong Kong is a glittering metropolis, slipping out of the reach of budget travellers with each addition to its list of skyscrapers, top restaurants, world-class attractions, clubs, bars etc. Therefore, we thought it fit to bring for budget travellers a few experiences that can be had in the city for absolutely no cost. Here goes:
Visit the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Hong Kong’s Zoological and Botanical Gardens is of great significance to the city. The park is not just Hong Kong’s but one of the world’s oldest zoological and botanical centres. The whole diversity of plant life in the park is segregated on the basis of different themes; Bamboo Garden, Camellia Garden, Magnolia Garden, Palm Garden and Bauhinia Garden, to name a few. Over 1000 plant species call this park home and several animals, including flamingos, orang-utans and Chinese alligators find shelter here. Because the entry to the park is free, visiting it should be on top of your wish list.
Explore the Temple Street Night Market
There are a great many places in Hong Kong that the shopaholics will find to their liking but none is as lively and bustling as the Temple Street Night Market. Extending from Man Ming Lane in the north to Nanking St in the South, the market comes to life with the smell of food from various hawker stalls, and open-air Cantonese performances. The fortune tellers and herbalists remind visitors that they are in Asia. You can spend hours exploring and people-watching or buy a souvenir from a selection of cheap clothes, watches, footwear, cookware and everyday items.
Admire the Art in Museums on Wednesdays
Hong Kong is quite popular for its museums that cover the city’s science, art and cultural history. While you might have to pay to enter these museums on most days of the week, you can get yourself the culture-fix for free on Wednesdays when many museums offer free entry to visitors. The museums that you must visit include Hong Kong Museum of Art as well as the Hong Kong Space Museum. While the former features over 15,000 art objects including calligraphy, paintings of historical significance and works by local artists; the latter tracks the city’s achievements in the department of astronomy and science.
Learn More about the Culture of Hong Kong for Free
Spending time at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, a favourite among travellers seeking to know more about the city’s culture and traditions, is quite a rewarding experience. For absolutely no amount, the visitors can watch several music and art shows at this multipurpose performance facility. The centre is divided into three grand theatres, an exhibition gallery, four foyer exhibition areas and at least eleven practise rooms. With multiple performances scheduled for any given day, you can be sure to find a show that will interest you. The tickets, however, are given on a first come, first serve basis.
Visit the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas
The Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas located on a hillside is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong, and the fact that you can visit it without paying a single pound adds to its attraction for many tourists. The journey to reach the temple is half the fun as you get panoramic views of the areas around. The path to the top is also lined with golden Buddha statues in different poses. It is believed that the temple has over 13,000 Buddha statues at present.