The Top 10 FREE Things to Do in Hong Kong

1. Peruse the Avenue of Stars

-HK's No. 1 Tourist Spot is Free!

The Avenue of Stars (星光大道) on Tsim Sha Tsui's waterfront in Kowloon is the most visited attraction in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame is 400 meters long and celebrates many Chinese film notorieties.

Please note that Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui is closed for repair and improvement works, which are expected to be completed around the end of 2018. A selection of the Avenue of Stars exhibits is displayed at Garden of Stars and Starry Gallery in the meantime.

2. Be Entertained by the Symphony of Lights

-"World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" Guinness Book of Records

Get back to the Avenue of Stars for 8pm each night and experience the Symphony of Lights show, where 40 buildings on the Hong Kong skyline come alive in a flourish of colored lights and laser beams to synchronized music. English narration accompanies the show.

3. Walk the Golden Mile

Take a walk down Nathan Road, Kowloon's main thoroughfare, also known as the Golden Mile and marvel at the profusion of neon signs jutting and jostling for best position from the buildings on each side of the street.

4. Visit a Temple

The Tian Tan Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha (天壇大佛 aka Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery (寶蓮禪寺) on Lantau Island are great free attractions. The outdoor seated bronze Buddha at 34 meters in height is reputedly the tallest of its kind in the world. see our One-Day Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Tour.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Sze 萬佛寺) with its 12,800 Buddha statues and monks is well worth the journey to the New Territories.

5. Hike the Dragon's Back, Sai Kung Beaches, etc.

-"Best Urban Hiking Trail in Asia" Time (Asia edition), 2004

This breathtaking urban hike, ideal for novices, joins two hills on Hong Kong Island's south eastern seaboard and provides stunning views of hills, beaches, the South China Sea and small settlements.

For the more seasoned walker, the 11-km Eastern Hong Kong trek explores Sai Kung's deserted beaches, Hakka villages, and mountains.

6. Discover the Central and Western Heritage Trail

In Hong Kong's earliest settled districts you will learn more about the history of political, social and economic development in HK through the history of over 100 buildings and places of interest.

7. Window Shop or Spot Stars at the Landmark

Once Hong Kong's premier shopping mall, The Landmark is still home to a profusion of the top brands in haute couture, accessories and everything else your average Hong Kong millionaire needs on a day to day basis. There are the "Tai Tais" and "Tai Pans" to look out for, not to mention Canto pop stars and starlets.

8. See the Stalls at Temple Street

Temple Street Night Market

Almost, but not quite at the other end of the spectrum is Temple Street Night Market, with stalls full of brand name imitation menswear, jade, antiques, trinkets, baubles, electronics and so much more. The bazaar is also home to busking opera singers and fortune tellers.

9. Relax in an Urban Park

Hong Kong Park has an abundance of flora, fauna and landscaped water pools, containing Flagstaff House and Tea Museum, a walk-in bird aviary and conservatory for plants.

The Botanical Gardens are home to birds, reptiles, primates and other animals from many parts of Asia and beyond; and Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is a fascinating slice of HK culture. Bird owners out walking their caged birds chat with other bird lovers.

10. Visit the Top Three Museums

– Free on Wednesdays!

• Hong Kong Heritage Museum's time tunnel displays chart the development of Hong Kong from its days as an imperial era fishing village.
• Hong Kong Science Museum has equal amounts of fun and education covered in nearly 500 exhibits. Sure fire fun and excitement for kids.
• Hong Kong Museum of Art is possibly Hong Kong's most prestigious museum - a must see for art and history buffs.

10+. Take an Old Tram Ride (almost free)

Ride the tram for sightseeing in Central, Hong Kong.

Walk through Wanchai and Causeway Bay on Hennessey Road, Hong Kong Island, and experience the neon there. Better yet, though not quite free at US$0.25 is a double-decker tram ride down the same street after dark. Hong Kong trams have been running since 1904.

Our Most Popular Hong Kong Tours

Here are our most popular Hong Kong tours, for your reference:

• Half-Day Hong Kong Island Tour - including Victoria Peak with a one-way Peak Tram Trip and Aberdeen with a sampan ride
• One-Day Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Tour - taking you to visit Po Lin Monastery and Tai O Fishing Village
• One-Day Macau Tour from Hong Kong - one-day group tour from Hong Kong to experience the charm of Macau

See more Hong Kong tours.