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.
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.
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
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
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:
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.
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
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, 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.
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
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.
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:
- 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.
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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