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Hong Kong in One Day for Budget Travelers

Hong Kong in One Day for Budget Travelers

Written by GavinUpdated Nov. 14, 2023
Hong KongHong Kong

Here is a route to see some of Hong Kong's best attractions around Victoria Harbor at minimal cost and do some bargain shopping. You can spend as little as 10 USD. Shop, hike, sight see or relax at the places highlighted below.

The Most Popular Attractions

  • Outdoors Recreation Attractions: Victoria Peak
  • Sightseeing Attractions: Victoria Harbour, Aberdeen
  • Parks and Zoos: Kowloon Park
  • Shopping Attractions: Temple Street in Tsim Sha Tsui

Morning — Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour

Whether you are coming from the border (70 minutes) or the airport (1/2 hour), you can go to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) via the MTR.

Walk to the ferry from any TST exit (about 15 minutes). You'll see little tourist shops and restaurants on your way. Shopping in the tourist shops isn't recommended.

Breakfast

Try a cheap Hong Kong of bowl of noodles at the Cafe de Corals in Chungking Mansions on the way to the pier. It is probably the best and cleanest choice. Rice or noodles and a drink cost about 20 HKD (2.50 USD), and it is air-conditioned. Go up the escalator in the entrance to the left of the main entrance.

In Hong Kong McDonalds offers the best food at the lowest prices (26 HKD per meal). You'll see a McDonalds at the ferry pier. You could get a takeaway for lunch.

The Tourist Information Office

Star FerryStar Ferry

At Star Ferry pier Tourist Information Office stock up on English maps, attraction guides and coupons, just to the right of the Central Ferry entrance. They speak English, and you can ask a lot of tourist information questions for free.

Window Shop and Relax

At Harbour City Mall free coffee and drinks (all you can drink) are available at the Customer Care Center in the second floor wing parallel to the docks on the left.

Ferry Ride

Take the ferry to Central for about 3 HKD (7 minutes). The boat ride itself has been listed as one of Hong Kong's best attractions.

The harbor is surrounded by some of the world's tallest buildings. Check out the IFC Tower in Central, the Bank of China Tower in Admiralty, and the ICC Tower in West Kowloon.

Afternoon — Central and Victoria Peak

The IFC Mall

Take the pedestrian overpasses into the IFC Mall. It is free to enter and walk through it. You can window shop in one of Hong Kong's poshest malls.

A) Victoria Peak by Bus

Go to Exchange Square Station just next to the IFC Tower on the mountain facing side, and take bus 15 to the top (45 minutes, 10 HKD, 1.30 UD).

B) Victoria Peak by Tram

Most tourists prefer taking the tram (15 minutes, 40 HKD, 5 USD). Get off bus 15C at the Peak Tram (山頂纜車). If you don't want to queue up for the tram tickets, we are here to help you. Our guide will buy tickets in advance.

C) Walking up Victoria Peak

Take the Peak Tram up to Victoria PeakTake the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak.

The Old Peak Road starts at Mid-Levels near the end of the Mid-Level Escalator. From the IFC Tower, follow the pedestrian walkway out of the second floor of the building and pass the Heng Seng bank. Go through the old market building until you reach the escalator.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is a wonderful place to relax in the evening. The peak is usually breezy, and you can see the beautiful surrounding seas in the evening light.

Our Victoria Peak guide explains more about transportation and facilities. See also Hong Kong Island Hiking.

Evening — Tsim Sha Tsui

Get to the Star Ferry at TST by 8 pm to see the Avenue of Stars

A) Bus and Ferry to TST

Take bus 15 back to Exchange Square and take a Star Ferry back to TST.

B) Bus and MTR to TST

Take bus 15 to the IFC Tower and use the MTR station in the basement to travel to TST (11 minutes; about 9 HKD).

Temple Street

From the Tsim Sha Tsui pier, you can walk to Kowloon Park in 15 minutes. Temple Street is on the other side of the park in Jordan (35 minutes from the pier).

Tour Hong Kong with China HighlightsTour Hong Kong with China Highlights

Temple Street is known for its outdoor eateries and pedestrian shopping stalls. A street restaurant is probably the best place for a decent cheaper Chinese dinner. See more on top 7 street markets in Hong Kong.

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