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15 FREE Attractions in HONG KONG
We all know that Hong Kong can be expensive, so if you are traveling there and looking for ways to save money, you might want to explore its numerous FREE attractions. In this article, we’ll list them down; however, note that when we say free attractions, we meant those without entrance fees. Of course, you still have to pay for the transportation to get there.

And if you want to buy anything, whether food or souvenir, that will come from your own pocket. This list only covers attractions you can visit in Hong Kong without admission fees. Also, the number is not an indication of any particular ranking and is only for easy reference.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If your are looking for hotels and other attractions in Hong Kong, please also visit our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Here, we compiled travel essentials, including immigration requirements and all our recommended hotels and attractions. Just visit this page: TPT Masterlist. Then, scroll until you see the section about Hong Kong. We also have a compilation for other destinations around the world.

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1. Victoria Peak

Did you know that Victoria Peak in Hong Kong has no entrance fee?

When people think of Victoria Peak, they often imagine the Peak Tram and the pricey Sky Terrace 428. But here’s a secret: you don’t need to pay a single cent to get to the peak and enjoy the same world-famous view. There is no entrance fee for it. What people are usually paying for is the ticket to the tram. But there are other ways to get there.

If you’re on a budget and you’re coming from Central, instead of hopping on the tram, you can take Bus #15 from Exchange Square and alight at The Peak. The bus Fare is HKD 9.80, just a tiny fraction of the HKD 82 Peak Tram price. But the travel time is 41 minutes.

Taking the mini-bus is faster. Find the mini-bus terminal in Central, and look for Mini-Bus #1. The Octopus card is accepted. It will take you straight to the Peak Galleria. The fare is HKD 11.8, and the travel time is 20 minutes.

Better yet, if you’re into hiking, take the Morning Trail from the Mid-Levels. It’s a steady uphill walk that doubles as free cardio, but might be challenging on hot, humid summer afternoons.

Once you’re up there, you’ll find a lot of viewpoints that do not require an entrance fee. Of course, most tourists are drawn to the Sky Terrace 428, and the view here is really breathtaking. But if budget is an issue, you can totally skip it and go to Peak Galleria instead. It is a shopping mall right across the Peak Tower, and yes, it has a viewing deck too, and access is completely free of charge.

From the ground floor, you can take the elevator to the top floor. But recently, this has always been out of service. In that case, go inside the mall and find your way to the top. Just beside the Monopoly Dreams is a lookout. From here, you can also enjoy a fantastic view of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour with the iconic tram in the foreground.

Other viewpoints around the area include Lugard Road Lookout and Lions Pavilion.
How to Get to Victoria Peak

Peak Tram: From Central Terminal to The Peak Terminal.
Fare: HKD 82 | ✅ Get Your Peak Tram Ticket Here!
Travel Time: 10 minutes

Bus #15: From Central’s Exchange Square to The Peak
Fare: HKD 9.80
Travel Time: 41 minutes

Mini-Bus #1: From Central to Peak Galleria
Fare: HKD 11.8
Travel Time: 20 minutes

Morning Trail: From Mid-Levels Trailhead to Victoria Peak
2. Avenue of Stars

As a film enthusiast, this is the first attraction that I visited on my very first time in Hong Kong. Think of the Avenue of Stars as Hong Kong’s love letter to its film industry. Inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this promenade along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront pays tribute to the city’s cinematic icons.

You’ll spot bronze handprints from local stars, a statue of the legendary Bruce Lee striking his signature martial arts pose, and another of Cantopop queen Anita Mui. Also nearby stands the Clock Tower, the only thing that remains of the former Kowloon rail station. And yes, walking around here is completely FREE.

But I think most tourists come here for the stunning view of Victoria Harbour. By day, you get a clear line of sight to Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers, framed by mountains in the background. By night, the whole skyline transforms into a neon wonderland that makes you wonder if Hong Kong runs on electricity and caffeine alone.

View of Central from Avenue of Stars

And if you time it right, you’ll get the ultimate freebie: the Symphony of Lights. Every night at 8PM, more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbor synchronize their lights, lasers, and projections into a 10-minute show. The best part? You don’t need tickets or reservations. Just grab a spot along the railings, maybe with milk tea or coffee in hand, and enjoy the spectacle.

Address: Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Nearest MTR Station: East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

3. Tsz Shan Monastery

While the Tian Tan Buddha often graces Hong Kong’s postcards, another gigantic structure of a Buddhist divinity can be found in the city’s Tai Po District. Here at the Tsz Shan Monastery, all eyes are on the 76-meter tall statue of Guan Yin, one of the most revered deities in Buddhism. Like the Big Buddha, it is made of bronze but this one is coated in stunningly white fluorocarbon self-cleaning paint.

The colossal Guan Yin clutches a vase in her left hand, symbolizing purification, and a pearl in the other, representing wisdom. It stands on a three-tier lotus flower, crowning the Buddhist Art Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of Buddhist images, relics, and other artifacts.

The monastery was officially opened in 2015 as a sanctuary that offers spaces for tranquility, meditation, and spiritual purification. Hence, the number of visitors allowed is limited to only 400 per day. Advance registration is required, and it can be done online by visiting this page.

Address: 88 Universal Gate Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Get to Tsz Shan Monastery: Take the MTR East Rail Line to Tai Po Market Station. Then, take Bus 75K bound for Tai Mei Tuk. Alight at San Tau Kok stop. Fare is HKD 6.40. Walk for 10 minutes along Tong Tsz Road until you reach Universal Gate Road. Turn right and walk for 20 minutes.

4.Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery (Ngong Ping)

Ngong Ping is another noteworthy attraction on Lantau Island. Most tourists associate it with the cable car ride known as Ngong Ping 360. But Ngong Ping actually refers to the area where you’ll find the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha.

Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist site built in 1906. Meanwhile, the Tian Tan Buddha, also referred to as Big Buddha, is a 34-meter bronze statue that has become Hong Kong’s icon. Both are popular destinations for casual tourists and Buddhists making a pilgrimage. And yes, both can be visited free of charge, although donations are appreciated.

You can actually see Big Buddha all the way from Ngong Ping Village, located right beside the cable car station, and which you can also explore for free!

What really costs a lot here is the cable car ride. But there are other ways to get here. It’s much cheaper if you take the bus from Tung Chung, which is close to the cable car station. The fare is only HKD 20.4, which is much more affordable compared to the cable car, which costs HKD 172 (one-way).

We’ve tried this option before, and the experience was okay. Of course, it was not as scenic as a cable car ride, but if you are really on a budget, this is your best bet. The only downside is that it takes longer. Travel time is roughly an hour, one way.

But if money is not an issue and you’re pressed for time, go for the cable car because, honestly, it’s worth it. The views are stunning, especially those gondolas with a glass floor. If you prefer this option, you can book it on Klook!

✅ GET NGONG PING 360 TICKET HERE!

You can use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for up to P300 OFF or TPTKLOOK5 for up to P500 OFF. These codes might change in the future, so best to just visit thepoortraveler.net/klook to redeem updated discount codes!
Location: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong
Nearest MTR Station: Tung Chung Station.

How to Get to Ngong Ping

Option 1: From Tung Chung Station, board Bus 23.
Fare: HKD 20.4
Travel Time: Around 1 hour

Option 2: From Tung Chung Station, take Ngong Ping 360 for overlooking scenic views of the surroundings.
Fare: One way, HKD 172
Travel Time: 25 minutes
5. Tai-O Fishing Village

If you want a taste of “old Hong Kong,” head to Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island, famous for its stilt houses — wooden homes propped up above the tidal flats — that look like something straight out of a postcard. Wandering through the narrow alleys and bridges gives you a glimpse of what life used to be like in a traditional fishing community.

Just being here is free. You can stroll around the waterfront, watch fishermen mend their nets, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere that’s so different from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui. The markets are a whole experience too — piles of dried seafood, shrimp paste jars, and snacks you’ve probably never seen before. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s like walking through a living museum of local culture.

If you want to splurge a little, you can hop on a boat ride to spot the elusive pink dolphins or cruise past the stilt houses, but honestly, just exploring on foot is already rewarding. Pairing Tai O with a trip to Ngong Ping makes for a full day of adventure: morning with the Big Buddha and afternoon in a fishing village. Don’t worry — there’s a bus connecting the two sites.

But if you have moolah to spare, you can also book the Ngong Ping Tai-O Pass from Klook! This package includes a roundtrip cable car ride, a roundtrip bus between Ngong Ping and Tai-O Village, a boat tour, and meal vouchers.

✅ GET NGONG PING 360 TAI-O PASS HERE!

Location: Tai-O Fishing Village, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to Get to Tai-O Fishing Village: From Ngong Ping bus terminal, take the New Lantao Bus 21 to Tai-O bus terminal. The fare is HKD 7.9. Travel time is 15-20 minutes.

6. Nan Lian Garden

Nan Lian Garden

On a separate occasion, we were also able to drop by Nan Lian Garden, a peaceful 3.5-hectare oasis in the middle of the vast urban jungle that is Kowloon.

The garden is designed in classical Tang dynasty fashion. It is adorned with manicured trees surrounding the tranquil “Blue Pond” that is straddled by a vermillion bridge that leads to a small pagoda called the “Pavilion of Absolute Perfection”.

Inside its buildings are various exhibits, including the Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery, which showcases the traditional way of building timber houses during the Tang dynasty.

The garden is situated just next to Chi Lin Nunnery, so keep quiet within the vicinity. Big group photos are also prohibited inside.

Address: Nan Lian Garden, Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, but the exhibits are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How to Get to Nan Lian Garden: Take the MTR Tuen Ma Line to Diamond Hill Station. Entrance to the Nan Lian Garden is roughly 350 meters from here (about 4-minute walk).

7. Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple

Tucked between modern buildings in Sheung Wan, Man Mo Temple is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most atmospheric temples — and it won’t cost you a thing to enter. Built in the mid-1800s, it was dedicated to two deities: Man Cheong, the god of literature, and Kwan Tai, the god of war and brotherhood. Back in the day, locals would come here to pray for success in civil exams, and even today, students sometimes drop by before a big test.

Step inside and you’ll feel instantly transported. The air is thick with the scent of incense, as giant spiral coils burn slowly from the ceiling. The light filtering through creates a moody, almost cinematic atmosphere that makes you forget the busy streets just outside.

Best of all, it’s right in Central, so you can easily pop in during a day of sightseeing or shopping. There are several Man Mo temples in Hong Kong, but this one in Sheung Wan is the largest and was declared as a historic building and monument.

Address: Man Mo Temple, 124-130 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearest MTR Station: Sheung Wan Station
How to Get to Man Mo Temple: Take the MTR Island Line to Sheung Wan Station. Walk to your destination.

8. Central-Mid Levels Escalator

Only in Hong Kong would you find the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system — and yes, you can ride it for free. Stretching over 800 meters, the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator isn’t just a way to get around; it’s practically a sightseeing tour on conveyor belts. It connects the busy streets of Central to the more residential Mid-Levels, saving locals from trudging up those brutally steep hills.

For travelers, though, it’s more than just transport. Riding the escalators takes you past buzzing neighborhoods filled with restaurants, cafés, and street art. You’ll glide through SoHo (South of Hollywood Road), one of Hong Kong’s trendiest dining spots, and past old tong lau buildings that give you a glimpse of the city’s past. The view changes with every section, making it feel like a moving balcony over Central’s urban jungle.

Here’s a tip: in the mornings, the escalator runs downhill to help commuters get to work. But from late morning until midnight, it switches and goes uphill, so time your ride accordingly. Whether you’re using it as a shortcut or just for the novelty of saying you’ve ridden the world’s longest outdoor escalator, this quirky urban attraction is a free, fun way to see Hong Kong from a different perspective.

Location: Central-Mid Levels Escalator, Central and Mid Levels, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Dowhill – Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM; Uphill – Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM. Note that the schedule may change without prior notice.
Nearest MTR Station: Central Station, Hong Kong Station, or Sheung Wan Station

9. Street Art & Historical Trail

Hong Kong may be best known for its towering skyline and neon-drenched nights, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find another side of the city: bold, colorful street art. One of the most recognizable pieces sits on the side of Hotel Madera Hollywood in Central: a massive mural, with its vibrant pop-art style and larger-than-life characters.

Not far away is Shing Wong Street, a steep staircase-turned-art canvas. Instead of plain grey steps, you’ll find bursts of painted patterns that make climbing the hill a lot more fun (and a lot more Instagrammable). The street itself is quiet compared to nearby Hollywood Road, so you can slow down, snap photos, and take in the creativity without the usual city chaos buzzing around you.

This spot is also part of the Sun Yat Sen Historical Trail, which weaves through the neighborhood, marked by bronze plaques, signs, and installations that highlight the revolutionary leader’s time in Hong Kong. Following the trail gives you a sense of how the city shaped Sun Yat Sen’s early years while also letting you discover tucked-away corners that most tourists miss. Pair that with the surrounding murals, and you’ve got this unique mash-up of modern street culture and deep-rooted history — something very “Hong Kong” in its own right.

The beauty of exploring this area is that it’s always changing. Street art gets refreshed, new murals pop up, and the energy evolves with each visit. It costs nothing to wander through, but the mix of visuals, stories, and atmosphere makes it one of the most rewarding ways to spend an afternoon in the city.

Location: Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

10. Mong Kok

If you love shopping or just being surrounded by frenetic energy, don’t miss Mong Kok. Walking through its streets feels like plugging yourself straight into the city’s electric pulse.

The area is famous for its street markets, each with its own personality. The Ladies’ Market is packed with souvenirs, knock-off handbags, and quirky trinkets. Sneakers Street (Fa Yuen Street) is paradise if you’re into shoes, lined with shop after shop of the latest releases and hard-to-find kicks.

Then there’s the Goldfish Market, which is exactly what it sounds like — an entire street dedicated to aquarium fish and pets, with plastic bags of colorful goldfish hanging like decorations.

At night, the neon signs kick in, and Mong Kok transforms into the classic Hong Kong scene you’ve seen in movies and travel posters.

The good news? It’s completely free to experience — unless, of course, you get tempted by the endless shopping stalls. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s a visual overload you won’t forget. Between the buzzing crowds, flashing lights, and the constant aroma of street food, the whole area feels like a free attraction in itself. It’s chaotic, it’s overwhelming, and it’s absolutely unmissable.

Location: Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

11. Sham Shui Po

On Hong Kong’s Kowloon side, most tourists only get to explore Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, and Mong Kok. But north of Mong Kok lies Sham Shui Po, which is brimming with compelling attractions on its own.

Some of the places worth checking out include:

Sam Tai Tsz and Pak Tai Temple

We were also able to visit the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), which was originally built in 1977 as a complex of tiny family-run factories but was transformed into an artist village.

Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre

Location: Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Nearest MTR Station: Sham Shui Po Station
How to Get to Sham Shui Po: Take the MTR to Sham Shui Po Station (on Tsuen Wan Line). Most attractions are within walking distance from the MTR Station.

12. Peng Chau

Tai Lei Island off Peng Chau

Aside from the peninsula, Hong Kong also covers several outlying islands off its coast. One of them is Peng Chau or “flat island”. The island is quite small, spanning only one square kilometer. But some of its main attractions include:

Lung Mo Temple
- Lung Mo Temple, dedicated to the Chinese goddess of water, who is revered by local residents.
- Tai Lei, a small island connected to Peng Chau by a bridge with a jagged offshoot called “Turtle Rock” and a sandy mini-beach.
- Tung Wan Beach, a long sandy stretch close to the temple.
- Fook Yuen Leather Factory, the island’s most visited attraction, thanks to the heritage building that houses it and its history. It’s no longer functioning as a workshop but an creative “secret garden” which features various installations and graffiti.
Bridge scene filming location of “Under Parallel Skies”

If you’ve seen the film Under Parallel Skies, starring Janella Salvador and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, you’ll probably find some of its key attractions familiar like the Peng Chau Bridge and a small Asian ingredient store.

Location: Peng Chau Island, Islands District, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to Get to Peng Chau: From the MTR Hong Kong Station, make your way to Central Pier No. 6. Catch a ferry to Peng Chau. Travel time is 30-40 minutes.

13. Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau Observation Deck

If you wish to go off the beaten path, another outer island that you might want to include in your itinerary is Cheung Chau, south of Lantau Island.

With an area of three square kilometers, Cheung Chau is bone-shaped, which looks like two separate islands connected by a narrow beach-laced strip of settlement. Among Hong Kong locals who wish to escape the constant jolt of the city, it is known for its hiking trails and relaxing beaches.

Lucky buns at Guo Jinji Bakery

On our day trip in Cheng Chau, we were able to visit the following:
Location: Cheung Chau Island, Islands District, New Territories, Hong Kong

How to Get to Cheung Chau

From Hong Kong city center: Take the MRT to Hong Kong Station and make your way to Central Pier No. 5. Catch a ferry to Cheung Chau.
Fare: HKD 14.80 – HKD 42.30 (depending on the vessel and day of the week)
Travel Time: 35-60 minutes (depending on the vessel)
See schedule and more details here

From Ngong Ping/Po Lin Monastery: It’s possible to visit the Big Buddha/Ngong Ping 360 and Cheung Chau on the same day. Just board Lantau Bus #2, which makes a stop at Mui Wo ferry pier. Then catch the inter-island ferry to Cheung Chau.
14. Sha Tau Kok

Of all the towns within Hong Kong, Shau Tau Kok is perhaps the most curious. For many outsiders, it is almost unheard of. It is the territory’s northernmost settlement. And it is a closed town.

Wait, what? A “closed” town? What does it mean?

Located just south of the boundary with Shenzhen, Shau Tau Kok is within a regulated border zone called Frontier Closed Area. According to the South China Morning Post, it was closed off by the British colonial government in the 1950s in an effort to combat smuggling, espionage, and illegal immigration.

It is the last remaining major town in the zone, and is accessible only to local residents and those with the proper permit. Hence, unsurprisingly, only a limited number of tourists get to see and step into it, and they are allowed to stay in the area from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM only.

But what’s in Sha Tau Kok? Novelty, mostly. Don’t expect exciting theme parks, giant shopping malls or vibrant food markets. What’s waiting for you here:

Chung Ying Street Garden
- Sun Moon Pavilion, a simple bayside nook where you could spend a quiet morning.
- Fish Lantern Square, where mascots Enggue Pup and Arttie Kitty stand, symbolizing the Sha Tau Kok fish lantern dance, which has been traditionally performed for over 300 years and has been declared a national intangible heritage.
- Chung Ying Street, which straddles the border with Shenzhen. One part of it is in Hong Kong while the other in mainland China. A garden next to it if often a tour stop, as it is a good spot to watch the street.
- Murals are all around town — on the walls, in the corners, on the ground — depicting mostly festivals and characters.
- Salmon House, built in 1988 as relocation for many indigenous residents.
- Shau Tau Kok Pier, the longest pier in Hong Kong, spanning 280 meters. It was constructed in the 1960s. It is also the gateway to Lai Chi Wo, which I will be discussing in the next section.
To manage your expectations: None of these are particularly exhilarating, overwhelming or dramatic. But altogether, they represent a side of Hong Kong that one could say is often overlooked, almost forgotten, and near isolated, away from the chaos of downtown. They also lend a cultural look into closed border towns that many people get to see.
Location: Sha Tau Kok, North District, New Territories, Hong Kong

Reminders

Sha Tau Kok is open to visitors but only if they have a Tourism Closed Area Permit, which is FREE of charge.

You can apply for one online on Hong Kong Police Force’s official website at least three working days before your intended arrival. The online application system opens at the start of each month for visits scheduled in the following month. (For example, slots for February visits are made available starting January 1.) It’s on a first come, first served basis.
15. Lai Chi Wo

Established around 400 years ago, Lai Chi Wo is one of the oldest but best preserved Hakka settlements in Hong Kong. At one point in its history, the village’s prosperity started to decline, so the feng shui masters recommended constructing walls around it to keep good fortune in and bad fortune out. Today, this walled village encircles over 200 houses neatly arranged in rows.

Because of its remote location, much of the rural settlement has not changed, as though it’s been frozen in time. Just outside its walls, the Hok Shan Monastery and Hip Tin Temple remain standing.

Hip Tin Temple and Hok Shan Monastery

You can go inside the village and walk down its centuries-old alleys, follow the Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail and admire the mangroves surrounding it. You can also just explore and get wrapped in its old-world charm or join a guided tour to learn more about Hakka history and culture.

In 2020, the village was awarded a UNESCO Special Recognition for Sustainable Development for promoting cultural conservation. It’s also part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
Location: Lai Chi Wo, North District, New Territories, Hong Kong

How to Get to Lai Chi Wo

From Downtown Hong Kong: Catch a train on the MTR East Rail Line to University Station and take Exit B. Hop onto Bus 272K and alight at Ma Lui Shui Pier, the first stop. Travel on foot for 100 meters to Ma Liu Shui Landing No. 3 and board the kaito ferry bound for Lai Chi Wo. Alternatively, you can also just walk straight from the MTR University Station to the pier to catch the same ferry, which should take roughly 12 minutes. Kaito ferries are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Ferry travel time: 1.5 hours.

From Sha Tau Kok: If you’re visiting Sha Tau Kok and Lai Chi Wo on the same day trip, you can board a ferry from Sha Tau Kok Public Pier straight to Lai Chi Wo. Ferries from here are available daily. Travel time: 30 minutes. Note that a Closed Area Permit is required to access Sha Tau Kok and its pier.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong

For more details about different areas to stay in Hong Kong, you can check out our Where to Stay in Hong Kong article. But you may also check out these top accommodations in Hong Kong based on online user reviews for recommendations.
- iClub Sheung Wan Hotel, Hong Kong Island. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Hotel, Hong Kong Island. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- B P International, Kowloon. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Stanford Hillview Hotel, Kowloon. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Metropark Hotel Mongkok, Kowloon. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Hotel, Tung Chung. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Four Points By Sheraton Hong Kong, Tung Chung. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong SkyCity. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Search for more Hong Kong Hotels!

Have Peace of Mind While Traveling!

Getting a travel insurance is optional, but we highly recommend this, especially when traveling abroad. Travel can be unpredictable, and though we hope we’ll never use it, having it gives us peace of mind in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or emergencies.

For international destinations, consider PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.

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10/09/2025
Traveling for (Almost) Free: A Guide to Rewards Flights

The number of calls I’ve gotten from friends and family members lately asking me to help with using credit card points for flights is at an all-time high. You should have a workshop, they say. We’d pay to have you figure this out for us, they tell me.

But look, I’m not going to charge them—or you—but I will share all my secrets here. It’s taken me awhile to figure out the process, and it’s a bit like travel Jenga if we’re being honest. If you do find this content helpful, I’d appreciate you use the embedded links to open credit cards or subscriptions, as it continues to help me provide these resources free of charge to you.

This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

Quick resources for booking flights

How to find rewards flights

People think that opening a credit card and earning the sign-up bonus is all you have to do, and rewards flights will just materialize. Wrong! Obviously, you need the points first, but each airline varies in how much inventory they have open for awards seats and the amount of points needed to book (which also depends on time of year you’re traveling, class of service and route, among other things). One service I love that makes this process easier is Point.Me, which lets you load in all your credit card points and figures out flights for you based on which points you have (Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards, Bilt Reward, etc.). You can then sort by lowest points, quickest flights or your personal credit card/airline loyalty programs.

It’s how I found our flights in a very complicated itinerary to Qatar and onto Thailand—we flew in suites all the way around the world and just paid a total of $200 out of pocket for taxes—and it’s well worth the subscription fee. But if you don’t want the ease of a service to do it for you, here’s what you need to know as you start the process of using credit card points for flights.

You have to put in the research

Once you have your destination in mind, the first things to research are 1) what airlines fly there from your home airport and 2) do your credit card points transfer to those airlines? For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to United, KLM and AirFrance, while American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Delta (and no one transfers to American, ha). I find this chart from In Points We Trust a helpful one to reference quickly when I’m doing my flight searches.

When finding reward flight availability, you may have to reposition to a larger airport (i.e. book a separate flight to a larger airport with better airlift). Being based out of Nashville at BNA, I do a lot of this—I often fly for cheap or use my Companion Pass to get to other cities like D.C., Atlanta, Newark or even JFK to begin my journey, then book my round-trip international airfare out of those hubs.

Once you have an idea of what routes go where, then you can start plugging and playing on the airline websites. You’ll usually need a frequent flier account to search rewards availability, so go ahead and sign up for the airline(s) you think you may be flying so you’ll be one step closer. After you have an account, you can plug in your dates or date range, then start looking at availability and pricing. For many airlines, this means checking a box that says “use points” or “rewards flights.” And if the airline (like United, pictured here) offers a calendar by the month, it’s worth checking to see what days have the cheapest rewards availability to your destination.

Sometimes, I find it easier to search awards availability on the airline’s app, so if you’re finding the browser experience clunky, considering downloading the app instead. The 300 level of using credit card points to fly for free is learning what alliances (e.g. Avios, Flying Blue, etc.) you can transfer to—and also what airports to avoid connecting through as they charge an exorbitant amount of taxes (I’m looking at you, Heathrow)—but that is a topic for another day once you’ve got the basics down.

This is important: You’re always going to want to transfer points to that airline’s site versus booking through the credit card portal, which often costs five times the points as transferring directly to the airline, not to mention has fewer routes available.

If you find a flight for, say, Qatar Airways that requires 140,000 points, then—and only then—is it safe to transfer the points over from your credit card to that airline account and book the flight stat. Points transfers often are instantaneous but sometimes can take up to 72 hours, so don’t fret if you don’t see them in your airline account right away. And if an airline allows you to hold the seat—which often is something you’d have to do via calling—absolutely take them up on that.

You have to book early

For our Thailand trip this year, I booked my flights 11 months out, and the same for our Australia trip coming up this winter. Do you always have to be looking that far out? If you want to fly business, the answer is generally yes. Economy availability is usually more plentiful, but business class has limited inventory because the airlines want the cash for those expensive seats.

Airlines typically release flights around 330 before departure. If you’re flying international and want to use points for business class seats, I suggest you book as close to that release date as possible.

You have to be flexible

You can’t have dates set in stone when you need to leave and arrive and expect to find points flights that magically align with that dream. After I have a general idea of where I want to go—like the year and season, for example—and how many days I want to be gone for, I’ll start tracking prices on Google Flights (if I’m paying out of pocket), including setting up price alerts, and watching rewards availability like a hawk (if I’m using points). This is a time-consuming hobby, make no mistake.

If you have the flexibility to travel with a few weeks’ notice, you can definitely make out well using points for flights. For example, I just saw a lot of award availability open up to Europe for next month! The points game is great for Type A travelers like me who plan their travels a year out, as well as fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants jetsetters who have the flexibility to up and go on a whim.

I also subscribe to many different newsletters like Going and 10xTravel—I recommend the paid subscriptions for both—which give me heads up about short sales, awards flight availability and more.

Also know going into this process that many holidays or high season periods will likely be sold out or blacked out—or, on the flip side, you’ll have to spend a premium of points, meaning it might not be worth it to use your hard-earned points on that specific trip. I typically find I get the best bang for my buck using credit card points for flights when I’m traveling outside of the big travel seasons like summer and November/December.

My favorite credit cards for earning travel points

I have an entire blog post on earning points with credit cards that I update often, but these are my top three cards for earning points on travel pretty much always:

Each of them has different benefits, but all of them come with lounge access, which I use the heck out of.

Top ways to earn points toward flights

Beyond opening credit cards, getting the sign-up bonuses and using those cards for key categories, there are other things you can do to make sure you’re getting the maximum points.

Link your Rakuten to your AmEx account

The number one—read this: NUMBER ONE—way to rack up additional Membership Rewards points is by signing up for a free Rakuten account, then linking it to your American Express card. I’ve found my points through cash back are way more valuable than a few dollars each cycle.

You can only do this if you have an AmEx account. Sorry, Chase and Cap1 card holders. Explore my favorite AmEx card here.

Check your offers regularly

No matter which card you have, there will be an offers section in your dashboard. I routinely browse them and add any ones—like LuluLemon, Marathon gas, Hilton, etc.—to my offers, that way if I spend money with any of those businesses and meet the criteria, I’ll either earn additional points or cash back. AmEx, in particular, often has points deals for Amazon purchases. You just have to make sure you (obviously) use that card when shopping at the business.

Refer your family and friends

Once you have opened credit cards, using your referral link when friends and family open the same card can be helpful in accruing additional points you can use toward travel. And bonus, you didn’t have to spend a dime to do it either!

Any other questions on using credit card points for flights? This is just the tip of the iceberg, but should get you going as you work toward your master’s degree in rewards travel.

Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

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21/04/2025
How to Travel for Cheap (or Free) in 2025
Whenever I ask readers what the number one thing holding them back from traveling is, I almost always get the same answer: money.

This problem — and how to overcome it — is my most asked question. “Matt, I don’t know how to afford travel. Help!”

I have answered this question in a plethora of posts, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much.

But I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again.

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact: You do not need to be rich to travel.

There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget (and for free) — you just need to be willing to get creative.

Traveling the world with little or no money sounds like an impossible dream. But it is possible. It’s not glamorous, but it’s possible.

It should be said that there are some expenses you shouldn’t compromise on (like travel insurance) but there are tons of ways you can travel the world on a budget — including plenty of ways you can actually travel for free.

In this post, I’m going to show you two things:
1. How to travel cheap
2. How to travel for free
With the right budget and the right mindset, you can make your travel dreams a reality. Even if you don’t earn a lot or you have debt, there are still plenty of ways to go overseas (I still had debt when I went on my first trip around the world). They may not be fancy or luxurious, but if travel is your priority then you can definitely make it happen!

Ready to kick-start your budget travels and save money? Just click on either of the links below to jump directly to that section!

1. Get a Job Overseas

Not making enough money at your job? Working at a job you hate? Why not get a job overseas? There are plenty of opportunities in the world as long as you aren’t picky. After all, this isn’t a career you are starting — it’s just a way to earn money for travel. Here are some popular (and easy to find) jobs you can get when you travel:
1. Au pair – An au pair is a live-in caregiver who helps a host family look after their kids. In exchange, you get free room and board and a small salary. You can read this post for more info on being an au pair.
2. Bartender – It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, so if you have the skills then this is an easy job to move overseas. It’s also an easy job to get under the table if you decide to go that route. If you don’t have the skills to tend bar, consider being a dishwasher or busser.
3. Hostel worker – Hostel workers rarely stick around for long, which means there is always a demand for new help. It’s a great way to meet other travelers while adjusting to a new location. Three websites that can help you find hostels to volunteer at are Worldpackers, Workaway, and HelpX.
4. Waitress/waiter – There are tons of seasonal restaurants around the world (and around the US) that need extra help during the busy tourist months. If you have experience, this is an easy job to find abroad.
5. Dive instructor – If you have your certification, this is an easy job to travel with as dive instructors are needed everywhere. Best of all, these jobs are usually in picturesque tropical locations!
6. Tour guide – If you’ve got a knack for history and don’t mind speaking in front of groups, this is the perfect job for you. It’s also usually a cash job, which means you get your tips directly.
7. Cruise ship worker – This is a much more formal position than the ones above, but it’s a great way to travel. The hours are long, but there’s something to be said about living at sea!
8. Seasonal worker at ski resorts – Instructors, restaurant staff, hotel staff, lifeguards — ski resorts need all sorts of staff to keep things moving, making this a goldmine for the overseas traveler (as long as you don’t mind the snow!).
9. Yacht worker – While the hours can be long, you can make great money working for the rich and famous on their yachts. Best of all, you’re usually in some pretty amazing destinations!
10. Yoga instructor – If you have the skills (and certification), teaching yoga abroad is an easy way to make some spending money. While you might need to know the language, there are yoga studios in pretty much every city in the world.
Working overseas often gets discounted as an option because it seems hard to do. It’s not. Just be open. These jobs don’t require advanced degrees or a lot of work experience either.

Are you going to get a high-paying office job? No.

Will you get a shitty, low-wage job that will pay all your travel bills? Yep!

I’ve met people from all walks of life, both from Western and non-Western countries, funding their travels this way. It’s an easy, fun way to lengthen your travels, deepen your experience, and make a little money so you can keep on traveling.

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS: 15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas

2. Teach English Overseas

One of the best ways to make money for travel is to teach English overseas. You can make a lot of money teaching — I replenished my travel funds while teaching in Thailand, and I have had friends leave South Korea with tens of thousands of dollars in the bank.

All you need is the ability to speak English fluently and a TEFL degree, depending on the country you work in. If you have a college or university degree, you’ll be able to make more money and apply for better positions though it’s not necessary for many countries.

Additionally, there are many websites and services out there that allow you to teach virtually. As long as you have a great Wi-Fi connection, you can help people learn English from anywhere in the world! Italki is one of the most popular online platforms.

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

3. Go WWOOFing and Work on a Farm

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It’s a platform that allows you to work on a farm in exchange for free room and board. It’s a great way to see a destination in-depth while allowing you to commune with the great outdoors. You have to pay to get to the farm, but once you are there, everything else is covered! It definitely will help you travel cheap as well as have a unique experience and meet lots of cool people.

WWOOF has opportunities available in 130 countries around the world, with over 12,000 hosts and 100,000 WWOOFers. Some of the most popular destinations for WWOOFers are Portugal, France, Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

This post can give the complete low down on how to travel and work around the world with WWOOF.

4. Use the Sharing Economy

Use the sharing economy to find cheaper accommodation, quirky tour guides, rideshare options, and home-cooked meals with local chefs. You can bypass the traditional travel industry with sharing economy websites and gain access to locals using their own assets and skills to become small tourism companies with cheaper prices. Moreover, locals know where to find deals. They know which supermarket is cheapest, which stores offer the best sales, and where to find the hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars with the tastiest food at the lowest prices. Talking directly to them gives you access to that knowledge.

Here are some of my favorite websites:
- BlaBlaCar – A ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers who have extra seats in their car (primarily for medium and long distances, and mainly in Europe).
- EatWith – Platform that connects you with local cooks serving private meals.
- RVShare – This website lets you rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
- Turo – A car sharing marketplace that lets you rent vehicles from locals.
- Campspace – This platform lets you camp on private property. Properties range from basic tent plots to luxurious glamping and RV stays.
- Trusted Housesitters – Connects you with locals with whom you exchange pet and house sitting services for free accommodation.
5. Cook Your Own Meals

The best way to save money on the road is to cook all your own meals. While in Stockholm, I spent $60 USD for a week’s worth of groceries instead of an average of $15 USD per meal eating out! That’s a savings of $150 USD!

I’ve done the same thing in dozens of countries all around the world — especially in expensive destinations like Iceland where eating out can really destroy your budget.

If you are staying in hostels, book accommodation that has a kitchen so you have space to cook. If you’re Couchsurfing or using Airbnb, your host will probably have a kitchen.

No kitchen? Pack your own container and cutlery and make some sandwiches and salads on the go. Not every meal requires a stove, right?

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you need to eat out every meal. You won’t ruin your trip to Paris if you decide not to eat out one day! There’s simply no reason to be spending lots of money on food on your trip!

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

6. Get Rail Passes

Rail passes (like the Eurail Pass in Europe or the JR Pass in Japan) are a great way to save money when it comes to train travel. If you’re traveling around the region for a while, rail passes will likely be much cheaper than just booking individual trips.

If you are booking individual trips, booking ahead of time can usually save you about 50% of the cost of a train ticket. However, that fixes you to a set timeline. If you don’t want to be tied into a fixed schedule, rail passes can save you a lot of money while giving you the flexibility you need. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in Europe doing this!

READ MORE ABOUT RAIL PASSES:

7. Sleep in Large Dorms

Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. The bigger the dorm, the cheaper it will be. While a 4-6 bed dorm might give you more privacy, a 12-18 bed dorm is going to be a bit cheaper. In the long run, this will add up. As long as you’ve got earplugs and a sleeping mask, opt for the bigger dorm to keep your budget intact!

In a large dorm, you’re almost guaranteed to have some snorers. If earplugs don’t quite do the trick, download an app like Rain Rain, which plays rain sounds on a loop. You can set a timer so they stop playing after an hour or two, helping you ignore the noises of the dorm while you try to fall asleep. Spotify also has all kinds of rain and white noise playlists too.

For discounts on hostels in Europe, check out HostelPass. This card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and am glad it finally exists! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off your membership.)

READ MORE ABOUT HOSTELS:

Want to travel the world for free?

Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to master the one thing all travel experts do to save money and get free flights and accommodation!

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8. Use Student and Other Discount Cards

Are you a student, teacher, or under 26? Welcome to the world of 50%-off attractions and a plethora of discounts! Get a student/teacher/youth card and save big while you’re abroad. Even if you’ve recently graduated, chances are you can still get by with your expired ID card (as long as it doesn’t have an expiry date). Always ask if there are discounts available for students or youth as this is an easy way to save tons of cash as you travel around!

Museums, galleries, and other major tourist attractions usually have discounts (especially in Europe). It never hurts to ask! (There are also often discounts for senior travelers and veterans as well, so always ask!)

9. Get City Tourist Cards

If you plan on seeing a lot of sights in a city, you should get a city tourism card. These will offer you discounted and/or free access to the major attractions and museums, as well as free public transportation. I saved over $100 USD with the London pass, $80 USD with the Paris Museum card, $50 USD with a Helsinki card, and tons more with other city tourism cards.

They are an amazing way to save money on attractions that not enough people use. Just head to the local tourism office to find out what cards are available. They can help answer all your questions and make sure you save as much money as possible. Not every city has them, but most major destinations do and you’ll save a lot of money if you plan on seeing the major sights.

10. Capitalize on Your Skills

Need some cash? Use Craigslist (operates in 70 countries), TaskRabbit (mainly in the US and Canada, though also in Italy and Spain), or Gumtree (UK-based) to find paid odd jobs, like assisting people who need a few things done around the house. It’s a way to make money when you travel without committing to a long-term job.

Additionally, if you have a skill, sell it. Offer haircuts to other travelers, busk for money, provide online services like editing, graphic design, or consulting. It’s never been easier to work online. As long as you have Wi-Fi you can make money. The sky is the limit here — get creative!

11. Get Free Flights!

Collecting points and miles is the #1 way I’ve been able to afford so many flights and hotels over the years. By using a travel credit card for regular spending on groceries, restaurants, and shopping, I’ve been able to earn free flights and hotel stays — all by spending money I was going to spend anyway!

These days, there are tons of ways to earn free flights. Simply sign up for a few travel credit cards, collect miles, and then fly for free.

Most cards offer sign-up bonuses of 50,000 points (or more) — which is often enough for a free round-trip flight right there. And if you sign up for both an airline card (e.g., a United credit card) and a general rewards card, you can combine the two point balances and get a cheap flight faster. There’s even a card now — The Bilt Mastercard®– that lets you earn points on your rent!

Collecting points and miles isn’t only for Americans either (though US residents have the best options). Canadians can collect points too, as can folks from Australia and New Zealand and the UK.

READ MORE ABOUT POINTS & MILES:

12. Stay for Free

There are many services that connect travelers with locals who are willing to let them stay with them for free. Using these sites, you will never have to pay for accommodation. I’ve used this service dozens of times over the years and always meet amazing people. Sometimes you get a room, sometimes a couch, sometimes an air mattress, but it’s always free. These websites not only save you a TON of money but also get you off the tourist track and into the local life. Win-win! Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:

13. Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is a free way to get around that is relatively safe and quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

I’ve hitchhiked in more than a handful of countries (and I know solo female travelers who have done the same!). Sure, it has a bad reputation in North America, but with some common sense and a bit of patience, you can hitchhike almost anywhere — saving you tons of money in the process!

Here are a few basic tips to help you get started:
- Use a sign – Make a clear sign that lets people know where you’re heading. That will help drivers decide if they can help.
- Look presentable – Wear clean clothing, smile, and don’t obscure your face with something like sunglasses. People want to see who they are picking up.
- Check the laws – Hitchhiking is illegal in some places. Always check the laws to make sure it’s ok to do where you are.
- Take precautions – Note the license plate of anyone who picks you up and text it to a friend. Chances are you won’t need it but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Keep your valuables on you – Don’t leave any valuables in your bag if it goes in the trunk in case it gets left in the car (or stolen).
- Consult Hitchwiki – Hitchwiki is the #1 hitchhiking resource there is. Always consult it before you hitchhike to pick up tips and ensure you’re hitchhiking in a safe place.
READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

14. Take Free Walking Tours

Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights? Take a free walking tour. You can find them in most major cities — just ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff, or Google “free walking tour (city name).”

You’ll get a solid introduction to the city while also getting access to a local guide you can ask questions to. I always start my visits to a new city with one. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid).

This page has a list of all my favorite walking tours around the world broken down by city.

15. House Sitting & Pet Sitting

If you’re on a tight budget, you can pet and house sit for fellow travel lovers when they go on their own vacations! In exchange, you’ll get free accommodation while you’re watching their home and pets (animal care is involved 99% of the time).

You can sign up for one of the sites below to start house sitting, allowing you to stay in one destination for a while without having to pay for accommodation. Everyone’s account is verified and has reviews so you know you won’t get cheated.

This is a great way to travel long-term, with an important added bonus: you get a kitchen to cook your food (which saves you even more money!).

You will also often get access to a vehicle and sometimes will be left a tip or free groceries. It’s generally people who are well enough off that they can afford multi-month vacations, so you’re usually in pretty nice homes and apartments too!

The best website for this is Trusted Housesitters.

You can read this post to learn more about how to start house sitting.

16. Use Your Social Network

Does your colleague have a relative in Spain? Or maybe you have a distant cousin who lives in New Zealand. Or maybe a childhood friend of yours is working down in Brazil.

These days, we have a vast social network of friends and family that stretches across the globe. Don’t hesitate to use that! Ask your co-workers and friends if they know anyone where you’re going. Get your mom to ask her co-workers and friends, too.

Using your social network can be hugely helpful in traveling the world. You never know who knows who!

***By implementing a variety of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. With a little planning and some creativity, you can travel the world for cheap.

Because if I can do it, you can do it too!

Whether it’s two months, two years, or just a two-week vacation, travel doesn’t need to cost a ton. The key is to get out of the mindset that you must travel in the typical manner of simply booking a flight and a hotel. Using out-of-the-box, nontraditional ways to travel can lead to big savings.

But it all starts with a change in mindset. From there, with some patience and practice, you’ll be able to make your travel dreams a reality — without breaking the bank!
Stop paying full price for travel!

Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It’s how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I’ll show you:

How to Pick a Credit Card

How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending

How to Redeem Your Points

And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
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18/04/2025