How to navigate Hong Kong under $1,000 for a family of 3

How to navigate Hong Kong under $1,000 for a family of 3

This article first appeared in Skyscanner's How to navigate Hong Kong under $1000 for a family of 3

Hong Kong is a city of dazzling intensity; towering skyscrapers, crowded streets and people on the hustle. Spend a morning in a crowded antiques market, an afternoon flying a kite on an idyllic windswept beach before dining in a Michelin starred restaurant; it's all possible here with Skyscanner's best budget itinerary for a quick Hong Kong getaway with the family without breaking the bank.

Suggested travel duration: 2.5 days/2 nights

Accommodation: From S$243 a night at So Hotel on Hong Kong Island (2 nights)

Places to visit: Victoria Peak, beaches on Hong Kong Island, Happy Valley Racecourse, Temple Street Market, Fisherfolks' Village, Lamma Island.

Transportation costs: approx. S$180 (for return Airport Express tickets, Star Ferry, Peak Tram, local bus rides and MTR journeys)

Meals: approx. S$180 (for 2 daily restaurant meals and a picnic on Lamma)

Admission fees: approx. S$81 (Happy Valley Racecourse, Fisherfolks' Village)

Approx. total cost for a family of 3, not including flights: S$927 (leaving plenty extra to go shopping!)

Accommodation

So Hotel, Hong Kong Island

A stay in a comfy Hong Kong hotel doesn't need to cost the earth as the city has an excellent selection of cosy budget inns and guesthouses. Famed Chunking Mansions on the Nathan Road has almost cult status among budget travellers for its warren of corridors, African and Middle Eastern clientele and subcontinental restaurants.

However, for something a little more elegant for your pennies we recommend So Hotel on Hong Kong Island This adorable place has sleek contemporary rooms and gives guests use of a mobile phone for the duration of their visit, a menu of different pillows to choose from, tasty continental breakfast (with good croissants!) and coffee served in bed. If you book far enough in advance, rooms can be as reasonable as $243 a night (look for super saver deals on their website).

Check Skyscanner for the best prices for stays at So Hotel

Address: 139 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island

Breakfast in bed at So Hotel. Photo credit: So Hotel

1. Day One

1a. Shop: Browse Antiques on Cat Street

A short walk from Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan is Upper Lascar Row - also known as Cat Street (Why Cat Street? In Cantonese, items that have been stolen are known as 'rat goods' and people who purchase these stolen items are called cats - that may give some insight into the historical provenance of some items and hence the street's nickname 'Cat Street'), one of the best places to stock up on Chinese antiques, Mao memorabilia and old Bruce Lee posters and is a great place for all members of the family to have a poke around for a little treasure.

Many of these things have travelled surprisingly far to find themselves in Hong Kong, with items taken by residents to Vancouver in 1997 finally finding themselves back home again. This place is packed with sharp eyed locals hunting bargain finds at weekends.

Address: Upper Lascar Row, Hong Kong Island

Opening hours: Open daily 10am-6pm

How to get there: Take bus 101 from Central MTR and get off 3 stops later and walk up Ladder Street

Website here

Browse Mao memorabilia on Cat Street. Photo credit: yeowatzup Flickr

1b. Eat and drink: Euro-Canto Fusion at Man Mo Cafe

After finishing your shopping, pop into ultra hip Man Mo Cafe for a spot of lunch. The chef here is Swiss and has a menu of inspired Cantonese European fusion dishes to excite even the most jaded of palate.

Check out the French onion soup with wontons, the delightfully oozy brie and truffle dumplings and for dessert, the Nutella jin dui, a twist on those addictive sesame balls but with nutty chocolate happiness. Who can resist that?

Mains start at: S$16

Address: 40 Upper Lascar Row, Hong Kong Island

Opening hours: 12pm-12am daily

How to get there: Head to MTR Central Station, Exit D2. Turn right onto Theatre Lane and walk along Queen's Road Central towards The Center. Then take the Central Mid - Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road.

Visit their Facebook page here

Scumptious nutella jin dui ball. Photo credit: Facebook

1c. Do: Ride The Peak Tram

Until 1888, the posh and those eager to visit the posh had to rely on sedan chairs carried by knackered coolies (or, heaven forbid, use their own legs) to get to the sprawling residential compounds on the Peak.

However, as more housing was built on the Peak and the surrounding hills and the population began to swell, it became apparent a more efficient way of transporting people was necessary and the Peak Tram was born. This is Asia's oldest funicular railway and travels a distance of 1.4 kilometres and up an elevation of 400m.

The ride only takes around 5 minutes, but is a relaxing way to climb through subtropical foliage of Hong Kong to get to the Peak and its magnificent views of the territory. Before taking the tram, take note of the weather as if it's cloudy, you won't see much from the Peak beyond your hands and a few trees below. There's also a free Peak Tram Gallery museum at the Lower Terminus that little train enthusiasts will love and dads can geek out at.

Tickets: S$5 one way, S$7 return

Address: Lower Terminus on Garden Road, Hong Kong Island

How to get there: Take bus 15C outside the Central Pier, or walk from MTR Central Station, Exit J2

Check their website here

Get high on the Peak Tram. Photo credit: Wikimedia

1d. See: Victoria Peak

If there is one place to visit in Hong Kong, it has to be Victoria Peak with its all-consuming views over the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and over to Kowloon and the green mountains of the New Territories. Take a while up here to breathe in the city and get your hair ruffled by the wind.

This area has always one of the most upmarket places to live in Hong Kong and also a symbol of division between the masses and the elite and during the British colonial period ethnic Chinese were not permitted to live on Victoria Peak until after World War Two.

The best free views can be had at the Peak Galleria or, for those feeling active in the bracing breezes, the 3.5km Peak Circle Walk can be done in 45 moderately robust minutes and is the perfect opportunity for the family to blow away the cobwebs of city living. Check out the views at the Lugard Road Lookout, twenty minutes into your walk, for spectacular views and perfect selfies with the kids.

How to get there: Take the Peak Tram, or take bus 15 (from Central Pier 5) or 15B from 1 King's Road, Causeway Bay, S$2. Alternatively, you can walk up the Peak by following the Old Peak Road for a good work out.

Check their website here

Spectacular view from Victoria Peak. Photo credit: David Leo Veksler Flickr

1e. Eat: Ho Hung Kee Congee and Noodle Wonton Shop

The small and narrow alleyways around Causeway Bay are a fantastic spot to hunt down authentic Hong Kong food at bargain prices. One of the best options for a treat is Ho Hung Kee, a Michelin one-starred wonton noodles restaurant, where diners can slurp down bowls of wonton noodles or fantastic congee with century eggs, chicken and ginseng and fresh crab.

These bowls are like hugs of warmth and go for very reasonable prices. If that doesn't float your boat, head to Jardine's Crescent and take your pick from the many stalls and restaurants serving up top grub. You can do a spot of shopping at the busy market to help digest.

Dishes start at: S$8

Address: Ho Hung Kee Congee and Noodle Shop 1204-1205 Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road (near Times Square)

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am until midnight

How to get there: Short walk from Causeway Bay MTR

A soothing bowl of wonton noodles. Photo credit: Alpha Flickr

1f. Do: Have a flutter on the horses

A night at the races is a quintessential Hong Kong experience, even if you don't plan to put any money down. Very much the preserve of the colonial elite when racing fixtures first came to the city in 1841, horse racing is now the sport of everyman.

Head to the Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island for a night racing fixture on a Wednesday night and take in the buzz with fans clenching their teeth, clutching their betting forms with ears clamped firmly to the radio; it's an intoxicating and exciting atmosphere for kids and adults alike.

The stadium has a capacity of 55,000 and gets packed for key events such as the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong Derby. There's also a museum with four galleries telling the story of horse racing in Hong Kong. Children will love getting close to the horses, and exploring the galleries.

Tickets: On race nights admission to the race costs S$2

How to get there: Take the MTR to Causeway Bay MTR and follow the signs from Exit A

Time to be there: Races start at 7.15 pm and usually finish around 11pm

Enjoy a thrilling night at Happy Valley. Photo Credit: Tom Page Flickr

Day Two

2a. Do: Go to the beach

Hong Kong is not renowned as a beach destination but Hong Kong Island has a number of pretty beaches with life guards and changing room facilities with showers. Popular beaches include Shek O, the scenic setting for many Cantopop videos, local windsurfers favourite Big Wave Bay, and the most popular of all, Repulse Bay.

Repulse Bay is easily accessible from most places in Hong Kong and has a range of facilities including cheap cafes, playground and rafts for rental for family play in the ocean.

The glorious long beach is made with artificial sand and is overlooked by impressive condominiums and townhouses. There's also a Tin Hau Temple at the far end of the beach noted for its huge statue of Kwan Yin.

How to get there: Take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Central Exchange Square or Bus 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui East Bus Station

Gorgeous Repulse Bay is perfect for a dip anytime of day. Photo credit: Mark Lehmkuhler Flickr

2b. Do: Star Ferry

Kids will love taking the Star Ferry over to Kowloon and at $0.40 on weekdays and $0.70 on weekends this has to be some of the best value public transport in the developed world.

These iconic vessels have been chugging across Victoria Harbour for over 130 years and are still regularly packed to the gills at rush hours today and carries around 70,000 people daily.

It is surely the most elegant way of getting to Kowloon, and filled with a bit of a thrill with wobbly walkways, a steady breeze and the sound of waves lapping against wood. It's a fun dash to the best seats at rush hour so bring your running shoes for the finest photo opportunities.

Routes: Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui

Time to be there: Frequent departures throughout the day

Visit their website here

Chugging across Victoria Habrour on the Star Ferry. Photo Credit: Robert Lowe Flickr

2c. Eat: Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum

Dim sum translates into English as 'touch your heart', and there is no better place to get your fill than the world's cheapest Michelin Star restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. Head here for unadulterated gluttony and joy without decimating the purse and indulge in the speciality of the house, barbecued pork baked buns.

These sweet pillows of joy get gobbled down pretty fast, so you'll need to fill the table with other goodies including dumplings, baked rice with Cantonese sausages, chickens feet and one or two of their Four Heavenly Kings including the drool-inducing steamed egg cake.

Dishes start at: S$3

Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing Street

Opening hours: Open daily 8am-10pm

How to get there: Walk from Sham Shui Po MTR

Visit their website here

Crispy baked barbecue pork buns at Tim Ho Wan. Photo credit: Krista / Flickr

2d. See: Symphony of Lights

The view from Kowloon over to Hong Kong Island is amazing enough during the day; the jade green sea, the formidable wall of money making skyscrapers, and lanky condominiums backing onto the sharp mountains make for one of the greatest cityscapes in the world.

But at night, this view takes on a life of its own with the free Symphony of Lights show every night at 8pm which lasts for 13 minutes.

Around 40 buildings take part in the performance with laser beams, coloured lights and searchlights synchronised with music to tell a story of the energy and vitality of Hong Kong through the themes of awakening, energy, heritage, partnership and celebration. This is a must-see for all the family.

The event is free

How to get there: Head to Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for the best views

Amazing Symphony of Lights. Photo credit: Chris Hoare Flickr

2e. Eat: Sun Sin Beef Brisket Noodles

Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon is a bit raw but feels like Hong Kong in a nutshell; towering grey buildings, neon lights fighting for space over the crowded streets and eagled eyed sales people on high alert for incoming business.

Beef noodle lovers flock here to get a bowl of Michelin praised Sun Sin beef brisket noodles.

The broth is delightfully light and sweet with generous chunks of white radish added. There is Hong Kong style curry, chops and iced coffee, all at great prices.

Main start at: S$7

Address: 37 Portland Street

Opening hours: Open daily 11am-11pm

How to get there: Yau Ma Tei MTR, exit B2

Dive into a bowl of Hong Kong beef brisket noodles. Photo credit: Alpha Flickr

2f. Shop: Temple Street Market

There's no better way to end a day in Kowloon than a wonder around Temple Street Market. Head here after sunset and see the drama unfold; there's Cantonese opera, uncles selling trinkets and Chinese medicine men known as The Masters for their skills.

Get your family members' fortune told, pick up some bargains tees and watches, and try a bit of Hong Kong street food. It's busy, raucous and full of energy.

Dig deep in this area and head behind the stalls into the semi-hidden shops to uncover excellent deals and unique buys and remember, no price is fixed, so everyone needs to sharpen up their bargaining skills before making a deal.

Address: Temple Street

How to get there: The nearest MTR stations are Jordan and Yau Ma Tei

Temple Street curios. Photo credit: Martin Moscosa Flickr

Day Three

3a. Do: A half day trip to Lamma Island

After 2 days of hectic city living, catch a boat to Lamma island for a bit of peace and quiet before catching the plane home. The pace of life is noticeably slower here; people stroll, they look around a bit more and there are no cars on the island.

To experience this mellow slice of life grab a ferry from Central Pier 4 for the 40-minute ride to Sok Kwu Wan and then hop on a shuttle boat to the Lamma Fisherfolks' Village.

This project has been set up to give visitors an insight into the historical importance of Lamma's once thriving fishing industry. Visitors can do a spot of fishing, play some traditional games and learn how to weave ropes. Demonstrations are led by leathered and cheery veterans of the ocean who will applaud your amateur weaving attempts.

This is a great way to get in touch with a more peaceful way of life in brash and hectic Hong Kong. Children will love trying their luck with the fish in the ocean, and it should give them an insight into the importance of patience.

If you don't fancy channeling your inner fisherman, pop into a supermarket and pick up picnic supplies before trying the Ling Kok Shan Coastal Walk on the island and walk through rural farmland, along isolated beaches and enjoy beautiful views back over towards Hong Kong Island and in the distance, mainland China.

Tickets: Lamma Fisherfolks' Village, tour package including shuttle from Sok Kwu Wan $25 adult, $16 for child

How to get there: Ferry to Sok Kwu Wan (S$5, 40 mins - one way) from Central Pier 4

Visit their website here

Find tranquility on Lamma Island. Photo credit: yeowatzup Flickr

Getting to and from the airport

Hop on the Airport Express from the airport for $20 per person one way to Hong Kong Station and enjoy free airline check-in services at the train station on your way back. Trains depart every 12 minutes and the journey takes around 24 minutes.

This article first appeared on Skyscanner’s Budget Travel: Hong Kong under $1000 for a family of 3.

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