Backpacking in Hongkong: Everything you need to know

How to get to Hong Kong and how long do I need?

One of the major benefits of Hong Kong is just how easy it is to get here and the low price of the flights. This is the biggest hubs of air travel in Asia with competitive rates to long distance destinations like London, Sydney and Ney York but also some of the best fares around for regional flights.

Check out our Hong Kong budget airlines page for info on the carriers that serve the city or Zuji.com to check current flight prices.

Hong Kong is a very compact city with an excellent transport system so it’s easy to see a lot quickly. In four days you cover just about everything the city has to offer, while seven days will give you time to explore the lush greenery of the New Territories and the beaches of the Outlying Islands

Where to find cheap accommodation

The real danger to your budget is the price of accommodation with rates similar to Tokyo, London and New York. Even the cheapest budget hotels in Hong Kong will be asking for upwards of $80 a night. The fantastic YMCA here even kicks its prices off at

Hong Kong has long been home to plenty of guesthouses although you should be under no illusion as to what you’re signing yourself up for – often cell like rooms with no air con and in some cases no window. Tales of having to unpack from outside because there isn’t enough room inside are not always exaggerations. Expect dorms to start from $15 and privates from $25.

The city’s guesthouse and hostel hotspot remains Chungking Mansions. This decrepit old building is dauting to look at from the outside and no princess on the inside but it’s a reliable location for the cheapest accommodation in town and a good place to run into local backpackers.

Find out our favourites in our top five Hong Kong hostels.

Where to find cheap food

Everywhere. Hong Kong has some of the best Cantonese and Chinese food in the world and much of it is best enjoyed in bar bones canteens and from street carts. You can get a plate of delicious char siu and a pile of rice for around $5 from any corner diner while some of the city’s street food can be had for even less.

If you want to enjoy western food you can expect to pay upwards of $15 and beers from places in lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai will set you back around $10

The sights for free

Like many Asian cities Hong Kong is best experienced rather than seen. There are museums and art galleries but Hong Kong’s star attractions are its bustling streets, its frentic markets and bright temples and of course  the spectacular skyline. All of this can be experienced free.

There are also some fantastic cultural experiences that can be done on the cheap, like a junk ride for just $5. Find out more in our guide to cheap Hong Kong sightseeing.