Feeling a tad light in the pocket? Check out all of these fun and thrifty things to do in Hong Kong over the summer months. You won’t regret it. In fact, your wallet might even thank you for it – although probably not because it likely can’t speak or is just very ungrateful.
1/ Wacky Wednesdays
Photo: Jonathan LinMost Wednesday nights you can come on over to the Hong Kong Jockey Club and watch the races while admiring the consistently good-looking spectators. Entrance fee is no more than HKD10, and you can get a cheap thrill by placing a small bet on the horse you think sounds the most interesting! (Fortune Giggles, Brilliant Monkeys?!)
Psssst: After the races be sure to hit up Wan Chai Ladies’ Night! Free drinks (if you’re a lady or know one with unscrupulous morals).
Around HKD10. Happy Valley Racecourse, 2 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay.
2/ Wong Tai Sin Temple
Photo: Kei Tam/Coconuts MediaA really beautiful and spiritual place for reflection and culture, Wong Tai Sin Temple won’t cost you a dollar. It’s particularly famous for its fortune telling, so get ready to shake the magic sticks and see what’s in store.
It’s FREE! Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, 2, Chuck Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon.
3/ Hike
If it’s not absolutely BOILING HOT (so maybe put this one in the back pocket until November) take advantage of the natural (and free!) gym which is the great outdoors. Traverse the Dragon’s Back down to Big Wave Bay, or hike yourself up to the Peak for super-dupa views (weather permitting). Don’t be surprised if you find yourself snapping a couple of photos. There’s no shame in it.
It’s FREE! Check out some hikes here.
4/ Touch Rugby with Valley RFC
We all know rugby is a popular sport here in Hong Kong – or is it something else entirely we all go mad for at the Sevens? Either way, not everyone is cut out for heavy tackles. If you’re in that camp, be a proud wimp and try out the touch version. It’s also a great way to meet new people without them shoulder-barging you to the ground first.
It’s FREE! Happy Valley Pitch 8, 8pm – 9:30pm, Every Tuesday and Thursday starting May 7 through July 30 (except May 19 & 26, and June 2,9, 23).
5/ Cheap Dim Sum
Whether you’re visiting Hong Kong or have lived here your whole life, you (bloody well should) know that dim sum is a pretty big deal. There are plenty of inexpensive places all around town, but we’re going to have to suggest Dimdimsum in Causeway Bay for the uninitiated. Their Char Siu Bao is the must-order item.
Around (HKD60 – HKD75 per person), 7 Tin Lok Lane, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, (+852) 2891-7677.
6/ Discovery Bay Rock Pool
Hidden under a bridge and in between two mountains, this is the perfect place to seek serenity. Hop in the ever-flowing water and enjoy nature’s infinity pool. Just make sure you take your rubbish with you when you leave. It’s kind of a hot button issue!
It’s FREE! Walk 10 minutes from the Discovery Bay ferry pier (in the direction of the Discovery Bay Golf Club) and turn right onto the hill when you hit the main road. The pool is halfway up.
7/ Pier 3 Rooftop
Did you know there’s a lovely outdoor public area on top of Pier 3 in Central? It’s a great place to settle down for a drink on a summer evening and enjoy the sea breeze and 360-degree view of HK’s famous skyscrapers. Also, watch out for some live music floating across from the Discovery Forest bar, which sells reasonably priced food and drinks if you don’t want to fend for yourself.
It’s FREE! 3 Pier Podium Garden, Central.
8/ Go to the beach
Enjoy a nice, sunny day on the sand soaking up some of that all-important Vitamin D. Bring a towel to lie on, a big bottle of water, maybe a good book to read, and voilà – that’s at least a couple of hours of complete relaxation. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen though, or you’ll be less than relaxed come sundown.
It’s FREE! Repulse Bay Beach, Shek-O Beach, Palm Beach, Deep Water Bay… take your pick!
9/ Go ice skating
Photo: WING via WikimediaIf you haven’t noticed, Hong Kong summers can get a little toasty. Why not step into a realm of ice and skate away the sweat. You can always drag yourself around by the sides if you’re not too confident. Just be prepared to feel pretty small next to the young children performing elegant spins and jumps.
HKD55-HKD75, Ice Place www.icepalace.com.hk 1/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Rd, Taikoo Shing, (+852) 2844-8688.
10/ Give back
Let’s face it, giving back feels really good, especially because it’s free! You can also nab yourself a free biscuit if you donate blood, but if the thought of needles is too much for you, donate your time instead and volunteer at the many charity organisations set up in Hong Kong for a variety of worthy causes.
It’s FREE (duh!) Take your pick from this handy list compiled by HK Magazine.
