How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Hong Kong for Solo Travelers
Last updated April 1, 2024
The iconic Red-Sailed Chinese Junk Boat on South China Sea.
Looking for ways to save money during your trip to Hong Kong? Hong Kong is a symbol of affluence. It's a major center for finance and an amazing place to shop. And in case you don’t know, Hong Kong is ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world by The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index, which looks at spending and experiences in the luxury sector.
So, if you are a high net worth individual (HNWI), then you don’t have too think much about money, right? But for a regular traveler seeking affordable options in a city as expensive as Hong Kong, I think planning in advance and finding out what budget-friendly activities are available and where inexpensive places to eat can be found is key.
To be honest with you, my last trip to Hong Kong was spontaneous. And because I did’t do much research, it ended up spending more than I should have on certain restaurants. So, I don’t want you to repeat the same mistake. So, in this blog, I want to share with you some of budget-friendly recommendations that I think might be useful for your Hong Kong adventure from what to do and where to eat. So, that you can travel there and be more prepared than me. Let’s go!
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Park Hotel Hong Kong
Kowloon Peninsula or Hong Kong Island?
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Stroll along Victoria Harbor and enjoy Hong Kong’s skyline
Visiting temples
Exploring neighborhoods
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Hong Kong Style Breakfast at Australia Dairy Co.
Pan fried dim sum at Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns
Bakery and coffee at Bakehouse
Egg waffle (or known as waffle ball) and milk tea at Mammy Pancake
BBQ pork with rice at Dragon State Kitchen Restaurant
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Buy Jenny Bakery home
Getting Around Hong Kong with The Octopus Card
The first tip on saving money is getting The Octopus card. Since taxis in Hong Kong can be pricey. I relied on train, ferry and of course my two feet to get around. The Octopus card is a contactless smart card used for numerous everyday transactions. It is super tourist friendly and it can be used to pay for fares on all MTR subway lines, buses, trams, ferries, and even the Peak Tram.
Plus, you can use it to pay for retail goods at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food chains and more. So, I would highly suggest you to get one as soon as you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport. But if you want to purchase later, these are other locations where you can purchase Octopus card. It is also good to note that the card can be topped up at MTR stations, convenience stores, and designated points across the city. And before your departure, make sure to return the card to obtain an on-the-spot refund of your remaining value at MTR Customer Service Centre.
If you're traveling alone, consider taking Citybus from the airport to your hotel to save some cash. It is efficient and affordable. I took A21 from airport to my hotel and it takes about an hour. I paid HKD$34.60 for the full journey. To give you some idea, a typical red taxi journey to Central or Kowloon, the fare is between HKD$265-335 (USD $33.93-42.90) so it is quite pricey.
Where to stay? (Location, Location)
Staying in a convenient location is key because you can save money on the commute. And that is exactly why I chose to stay at Park Hotel Hong Kong this time. The A21 bus has a direct line to my hotel. So, once I got off the bus, it only took me 4 minutes to walk to the hotel.
Park Hotel Hong Kong is conveniently situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui at 61-65 Chatham Road South. It's within walking distance to major attractions like Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Space Museum, and Avenue of the Stars. This hotel is also located near MRT and lots of food spots, so I think this is a great choice. The outside of the hotel is quite outdated but the rooms are new, spacious and clean. Overall, it was a good value stay.
When choosing a hotel in Hong Kong, keep in mind that the city is divided into two main parts: Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. My hotel is located on the southern part of Kowloon Peninsula. If you don’t know where to stay, here are some pros and cons of each area. Hope this help!
Tip: To experience both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, stay in areas conveniently connected by the Star Ferry or MTR subway. If you decide to stay at Park Hotel Hong Kong just like me, it's a 15-minute walk to Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier. From there, you can easily take a ferry to Hong Kong Island. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds!
How to get here
Walking across the road to reach Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.
Top Three Free Things to Do
1. Stroll along Victoria Harbor and enjoy Hong Kong’s skyline
Victoria Harbor offers breathtaking views of the cityscape and it is conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Museum of Arts and Avenue of Stars. This spot is ideal for experiencing the more relaxed side of Hong Kong, where you can take a moment to appreciate the scenery and observe people.
In the evening, this is the top place to watch the light show called A Symphony of Lights. A Symphony of Lights has lit up Hong Kong's skyline for millions of tourists since 2004. This show represents Hong Kong's energy and diverse culture. The show is everyday at 8pm so don’t forget to come a bit early to get the best spot! Nearby, there is a Cultural-Retail destination shopping mall called K11 MUSEA. Make sure to visit because it has a stunning interior and lots of shops!
How to get here
Beautiful lights during Symphony of Lights.
2. Visiting Temples
If you're short on time and can only visit one temple, I would suggest going to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple or known as Wong Tai Sin Temple. There are many temples in Hong Kong but I chose to visit this one because it is most well-known for its ability in granting the wishes of its visitors.
This is a famous shrine dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, also known as the Great Immortal Wong. This sacred place offers not only a glimpse into ancient traditions but also architectural marvels and tranquil escapes from the city's bustling energy. The temple has traditional Chinese features, including red pillars, a gold roof with blue decorations, yellow lattice patterns, and colorful carvings.
Inside the temple, there is also a beautiful oasis which I really like. And the best part it can be easily accessed via MTR. For other recommendations, visit Hong Kong Tourism Board website to check out other suggested temples here.
If you want to pray for love, proceed to Yue Lao, the God of marriage shrine near the Moon Gate.
3. Exploring neighborhoods
Going up to the Victoria Peak is great and I already did it in my first trip. And I’m sure a lot of people already recommend you to do it. So, I want to suggest something different like exploring different neighborhoods in Hong Kong by foot instead.
There are many neighborhoods in Hong Kong. For example, Sheung Wan is a cool neighborhood where you can find lots of cool street arts and shops. While exploring, I came across to a really cool cafe called Hjem which means home in Norwegian. I decided to stop here for an iced coffee which was lovely. And not far from Sheung Wan, you can walk to the vibrant community spot called Central Market.
Central Market is a a great place to get an insight into Hong Kong’s history and architecture as well as to shop and eat. The old building is one of the Urban Renewal Authority’s revitalization project. There are lots of food there and many gift shops, so I recommend buying some cute souvenirs here.
If hipster spots aren’t your thing, you can explore the area near Hong Kong Observation Wheel . It’s nice and chill place where you can watch the boats go by. From there, you can walk to the Finance District to see where all the bankers hang out.
I think when you explore the city by foot, you can cover more hidden spots. So, I highly recommend you to rotate between public transportation and walking to uncover the magic of this city. Plus, walking saves money and climbing up the stairs in Hong Kong helps you burn calories from all the delish food you’ve been eating!
This cute Nordic cafe, Hjem is nestled in hipster neighborhood, Sheung Wan near Man Mo Temple.
Top Eats on a Budget
After all the walking and exploring, time to eat! Hong Kong is a foodie paradise and you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed with options. I sure was. And as much as I love to stuff my face with all the food I see, as a solo traveler, I couldn’t eat everything I wanted by myself.
So, to help you decide on what to eat and where to find budget meals, here are my favorites affordable eats in Hong Kong that I think you might enjoy too.
1. Hong Kong Style Breakfast at Australia Dairy Co.
This breakfast spot is a very famous among both locals and tourists. And if you watch any YouTube channel, they would recommend you this place. But wait, there is a good reason to it. Established in 1970, this is one of the oldest traditional Hong Kong restaurants known as cha chaan tengs (tea restaurant).
This is the place where people come to find classic Hong Kong comfort food at an affordable price. So, get yourself fluffy egg sandwich with toasted bread and the macaroni soup with ham. The egg was amazing. It was super light and creamy. I’ve never had eggs like this before. The meal isn’t complete without milk tea, so don’t forget to get some.
Coming here is also an experience in itself, reflecting Hong Kong's fast-paced breakfast culture. While you might not be able to linger long after your meal, there's a bright side! Since there's often a line, the quick turnover means you'll likely get a table faster. And even if you are alone, don’t be shy. You can share table with a stranger.
2. Pan fried dim sum at Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns
Dim sum is typically meant for sharing, and the atmosphere inside the restaurant in Hong Kong was quite overwhelming for me to go alone. Luckily, I found awesome pan-fried dim sum from a Michelin-starred food stall called Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan Fried Buns. These pan-fried buns were the perfect treat!
They came in a variety of flavors, from spicy to truffle mushroom, and offered a delicious contrast of a crispy, fried exterior and a juicy, flavorful broth inside. It truly felt like a fried version of a Xiao Long Bao! And the portion was perfect for one person. There are a few locations, but I chose the one near my hotel. If you see this signage, don’t forget to give it a try.
How to get here
3. Bakery and coffee at Bakehouse
Bakehouse is a popular bakery chain, owned by famous Swiss chef named Chef Grégoire. He has helped shape the bakery landscape in Hong Kong and has been featured on many media channels. His bakery is known for selling delicious sourdough breads and pastries, including egg tarts.
Of course, I had to try! Initially, I wanted the egg tart, the signature item, but it was only available by the box. So, I opted for a vanilla-flavored donut and an iced latte instead, thinking it would be more manageable for one person. The donut was pleasantly chewy and not overly sweet. However, the coffee beans leaned towards a sour, acidic taste.
Overall, the experience offered good European-style baked goods. If you prefer a harder textured bread, this is definitely the place for you. Bakehouse has four locations: Wan Chai (flagship shop), Soho, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Choose the one most convenient for you!
4. Egg waffle (or known as waffle ball) and milk tea at Mammy Pancake
Mammy Pancake sells egg waffles made using a recipe the owner got from her grandma. This dessert snack may look very simple, but the taste is more complex than it appears! Their egg waffles are moist inside and crispy on the outside. And inside each ball, you can choose any filling flavor you like. They offer a variety of flavors, from chocolate chip and sweet potato to matcha.
Their most popular flavor is said to be salted egg yolk. I opted for the coffee flavor, and it was delicious! Their milk tea was also aromatic and creamy. What do you think about the packaging? I think it’s super cute. Mammy Pancake can be found throughout the island.
5. BBQ pork with rice at Dragon State Kitchen Restaurant
The lunch I've been waiting for! The roasted BBQ pork in Hong Kong is simply amazing. Located in the Sheung Wan area, Dragon State Kitchen Restaurant has been around for 30 years, a testament to its deliciousness. This classic Guangdong tea restaurant serves up affordable and delectable Cantonese cuisine. Their char siu (BBQ pork) was incredibly juicy, and flavorful.
The place can get crowded during lunchtime, so I recommend going before or after peak hours. For my order, I had a mix of char siu and crispy pork, which was a truly satisfying meal. I highly recommend this spot!
How to get here
The streets of Hong Kong are truly lined with food stalls! Let your nose and eyes guide you – that's my motto. Just watch where the locals go and follow their lead. You're sure to discover some amazing hidden gems.
My personal favorites are the pineapple bun (a must-try!), noodles and wonton soup, and youtiao (Chinese donut). These street vendors offer incredibly affordable prices, so you can indulge without breaking the bank.
Tip: Buy Jenny Bakery home
Looking for a delicious and affordable gift for your loved ones? Look no further than Jenny Bakery! My friend recommended this spot, and while I was initially skeptical (it's just a cookie, right?), I was blown away after trying it.
These cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness and butteriness, making them incredibly addictive. I highly recommend getting the box of 4 flavors: butter flower, coffee flower, shortbread, and raisin oat. There might be a line at the shop, but don't worry, it moves quickly and the wait is definitely worth it!
It's great to spend money on the things you love, and I definitely agree that experiences (especially food!) are often more fulfilling than material possessions. However, when traveling to certain destinations, considering the cost of living and adjusting your spending habits accordingly is important.
While I'm accustomed to enjoying upscale restaurants and bars in Bangkok and other cities without much budgeting, Hong Kong presented a different experience. In Hong Kong, a 14% restaurant tax or known as service tax and high alcohol taxes significantly inflate the cost of enjoying a fancy meal and cocktail compared to other cities. Additionally, the limited space available for businesses drives up operating costs, which many F&B establishments pass on to customers through higher prices. So, planning ahead would be helpful.
I hope you find these recommended places to be helpful and save some bucks in your pocket!
