Enjoy Hong Kong’s sites and attractions on the cheap, says Lonely Planet’s latest guidebook
Lonely Planet’s latest globe trotting guidebook proves that seeing world’s most amazing places doesn’t always mean spending the most dollars.
You don’t need a million dollars to enjoy yourself, even in Hong Kong. That’s the theme of Lonely Planet’s latest book, The Best Things in Life are Free.
The travel guide features 884 sights and experiences in more than 60 cities around the globe, including Hong Kong.
“With a rich imagination, [Hong Kong] can be as much a pauper’s playground as it is a tycoon’s. As an added bonus, nature’s free wildernesses are just a cheap and easy bus ride away,” the Lonely Planet’s latest offering suggests.
The list of Hong Kong destinations in the new travel guide caters to foodies, art lovers, sports junkies and everything in between with fairs, food markets, temples and hiking trails. While not all the attractions listed are completely free, nothing in the guide will set travellers back more than HK$160.
According to Lonely Planet, the city is best for: “Food, and making the most of the proximity between city and country.”
For the art lover, topping the list is the Affordable Art Fair. “If you like art with all the works (wine, sleek staff to answer questions), this is the cheapest option.”
The fair is held in May; admission cost: HK$160.
Those looking for a free delicious vegetarian meal can visit the century old Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple on Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai. Patrons can volunteer to serve food or wash dishes in return.
Free; open from 11.30am to 8.30pm daily.
The Fire Dragon Dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival showcases a 67-metre-long straw dragon decorated with 70,000 glowing incense sticks, which is paraded around Tai Hang and Pok Fu Lam Village. This year’s festival will be held over three nights from 14 to 16 September; admission is free.
Lonely Planet’s Best Things in Life Are Free Hong Kong:
1) Affordable Art Fair
2) Free Wednesdays at museums
3) Para Site Art Space
4) PMQ
5) Cantonese Opera at Temple Street Night Market
6) Music at Sense99
7) Street Music Concert Series
8) Visage One
9) Hiking the MacLehose Trail
10) Horse racing at the Happy Valley Racecourse
11) Ping Shan Heritage Trail
12) Hong Kong-style barbecue
13) Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple
14) Cheung Chau Bun Festival
15) Dragon Boat races
16) Fire Dragon Dance at Mid-Autumn Festival
17) Freespace Happening, West Kowloon
18) Hungry Ghosts Festival
