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Hong Kong Travel Guide:
Best Free Things To Do In
Hong Kong

ICON-GUIDE
Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant, action-packed tourist destinations in the world. There’s so much to see, so much to do, and so many different things to explore.

Though many of these cost, that doesn’t mean to say you need to spend for an authentic experience. In fact there are considerable free activities to experience this expensive city, for people of all shapes and sizes.

We have compiled this ultimate Hong Kong travel guide and personally recommend these as the top 10 best things to do in Hong Kong, and they are all free!

 

  Surf and Swim at Beaches

Believe it or not Hong Kong has a wonderful stretch of beautiful golden beaches. So the next best thing to do in Hong Kong we’d recommend is to visit one of our local beaches!

Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life can be a relief, and what better way to relax and unwind than surfing and swimming in one of Hong Kong’s many beaches. From Big Wave Bay Beach to Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, you can definitely find one that fits your taste. You can also rent surf boards and wetsuits in the local kiosks and, depending on the weather, grab a fresh coconut or a warm soy milk along the way.

 

Explore Local Markets

Hong Kong boasts some of the best local markets on the planet. Though obviously buying items requires spending, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the atmosphere at markets for free.

One of the most acclaimed, well-recognised markets in the area is Stanley Market. Here you can marvel at the community set by the sea, or observe the diverse nature of goods on sale.

There is a lot to take in when visiting local markets, and you’ll probably also discover local beaches to kill two birds with one stone!

 

Visit A Weekend Market

Though visiting a local market has already been mentioned, it’s important to highlight weekend markets as a star attraction. Many small enterprises are given venues to sell their products at the weekends, even online retailers have opportunities to do so!

Enjoy one of many stalls, ranging from jewellery to beauty products, and you’ll be surprised by the fun of absorbing culture without burning a hole in your pocket. You’ll also be witness to a vast array of organic food produce, and selections of clothes and shoes to boot!

 

Visit A Museum

There’s nothing more fascinating than a good museum, one which takes you through the years of history a region has to offer.

If you’re intrigued to receive a cultural overview of Hong Kong, you’ll be amazed by the maritime Museum in Central, the Hong Kong History Museum in Kowloon, and the Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.

If it’s a free visit you are after, be sure to designate Wednesday as your Museum day because most in the province offer free admission on their permanent exhibits.

 

Hiking Up Victoria Peak

This mountain stands at a staggering 552 meters! Quite incredible to think, so if you could for one second imagine the breathtaking skyline on show then you know you’ll be in for a treat.

This peak is a great opportunity to capture photographic memories of a view you won’t be forgetting any time soon.

What’s amazing is the sapphire blue perspective you’ll witness from above, which glistens in the distance to capture the mood of a beautiful location.

But Victoria Peak isn’t the only hiking trail available, in fact there are many options at your disposal!
A Day Tour of Tai Kwun

The first on this list of top 10 things to do in Hong Kong for free consists of history and culture and is very instagrammable: a day tour of Tai Kwun! Enjoy one of many guided tours at Tai Kwun, a historic site for heritage, culture and local arts.

You’ll experience a journey through time, with an opportunity to walk the very steps many of the forefathers of Hong Kong took during historically significant occasions.

What’s great about the 45 minute guided tour is the fascinating information shared on this highly unique site. You’ll enjoy storytelling like nothing you’ve ever experienced, learning the cultural significance of Tai Kwun without spending a penny!

 

Enjoy The Sunset At Instagram Pier

This one may not be in many traditional Hong Kong travel guides, but what better way to unwind than enjoying the sunset at a picturesque location?

Instagram Pier got its name for a reason, for its breathtaking views of the skyline and sunsets.

Not only this but you can capture additional magic like cargo pallets, caution barriers and even old lamp posts, comprising a traditional aesthetic which will make you feel right at home.

Instagram Pier is a fabulous option to unwind after a long day, and truly is a see it to believe it destination.

 
Watch a Symphony of Lights

Where in the world can you enjoy an incredible symphony of lights along the skyline from your hotel room? Fortunately, if you stay in a suitable spot like Hotel ICON, you’ll be privileged to observe a glowing selection of lights which make the sky come alive.

A Symphony of Lights is a coordinated event exhibiting an array of neon-coloured lights. In commemoration, the International Commerce Centre puts on its own show every evening, just before 8pm. The spectacle is beyond impressive, as one of a few audiovisual extravaganzas put on around the region.

And what could be better than wondering at dazzling lights from the leisure of your luxury hotel room!

 

Walk Along Shing Mun Reservoir

Located at Shing Mun Country Park, this incredible reservoir offers one of the most scenic views for those interested in embracing Hong Kong’s natural surroundings.

By getting to know Shing Mun Reservoir you’ll feel at one with nature. Once you’ve recharged your batteries you can get back to the thick of things with a refreshed sense of enlightenment.


 

Visit Hong Kong’s Historic Temples

Hong Kong might strike you as a modern metropolis, but it wouldn’t of reached this pinnacle if it wasn’t for a breathtaking back story.

With so much heritage at your fingertips you’d be silly not to take a day out to marvel at the staggering, beautiful temples of Hong Kong. These are scattered throughout, particularly in the outlying islands.

Hau Wong and Wong Tai Sin Temple attract countless spiritualists from across the globe, but the most popular is without question the Po Lin Monastery in Ngong Ping Village.

This is a quaint spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and won’t cost you a thing either.

 

Travelling to Hong Kong?

From restaurants, to sightseeing activities to accommodation, there are thousands of choices at your finger tip when you visit Hong Kong. If the choices are too overwhelming, we hope this compact list can give you some great ideas of the best things to do while in Hong Kong.

If you are looking for a stylish accommodation option in the centre of the city, overlooking the breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour, book your stay at Hotel ICON now and enjoy our Book Direct Added Benefits!

 

 

 
Explore the arts at Hotel ICON and download our digital Art Guide for free when you stay with us. Well connected to our neighbourhood, our concierge team is happy to recommend suitable sightseeing routes to guests who share our passion for local culture and heritage.

 

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