A Shenzhen Expat's Guide to Hong Kong Budget Travel

A Shenzhen Expat's Guide to Hong Kong Budget Travel
Aug 18, 2015 By Dana Westfield , eChinacities.com

Tall bright skyscrapers block the sky, steam wafts from noodle shops, and double-decker trams whirl by, bright designer logos plastered on their sides. This is Hong Kong, often thought of just a playground for the wealthy, the city has much to offer budget travelers as well.

Living in Shenzhen, I am often asked about how to get the most out of Hong Kong for as little cash as possible. Budget travelers can still take advantage of Hong Kong's stunning nature and international food scene while staying in a key location downtown. Note that we've added the addresses to our recommendations in Cantonese for the ease of getting around the city. Here are a recommendations on where to stay, eat and drink in Hong Kong to get the most for your cash.

To Stay:

While planning your trip to Hong Kong, you first need to figure out where you want to stay in the city. If you want to avoid an expensive taxi ride back at night then stay in Central. If you aren't a party animal, then look at Kowloon as well, especially Mong Kok, a bustling local area.

1) Airbnb:  I've always found the absolute best deal in Hong Kong to be Airbnb with options ranging from about 100-250 RMB per night. Most Airbnb offerings in Hong Kong are apartments converted into small hotels rather than people's homes. If you aren't comfortable with Airbnb then here are a few budget options to check out:

2) Yesinn (Causeway Bay & Fortress Hill Locations): Yesinn is the best hostel in Hong Kong and has two locations in Central. The Causeway Bay location is best and has a rooftop, but the prices at Fortress Hill are a bit cheaper and they offer private rooms instead of dorms.

Causeway Bay Location:
Address: Hong Kong, Causeway Bay, Hennessy Road, Nan Ye Dasha Hao
地址:香港, 銅鑼灣,軒尼詩道, 南業大廈號
Price: about 100-190 RMB for a dorm bed (cheaper on weekdays)
Tel: +852 2213 4567
Website: www.yesinn.com

Fortress Hill Location:
Address: 294 King's Rd, North Point, Hong Kong
地址: 香港,北角,國王路294號
Price: about 100-130 RMB for private room with 2-5 people, 250 Yuan for a single private room
Tel: +852 2881 7077

3) Chung King Mansion: If you disdain hostels, then there are a number of cheap hotels in Kowloon located in Chung King Mansion. Once known as the drug den of Hong Kong, Chung King Mansion is now a haven for those buying fake Rolexes, cheap tailored suits and is home to a bunch of budget guest houses, all small but decently clean and in a great location.

New Peking Guest House is a solid choice for a Chung King Mansion guesthouse at around 150 Yuan per night. Haters of hostel beds can get a tiny room to themselves with a TV and bathroom for super cheap. The central location in Tsim Sui Tsui, Kowloon makes it easy to get around the city, and there's lots of great Indian food in the neighborhood.

Address: A1 12F Block A Chung King Mansion, Yau Tsim Mong District
地址:九龙尖沙咀弥敦道36-44号重庆大厦A座12字楼A1-A2室
Tel: +852 9464 3684
Price: 150-200 RMB per night
Website: www.chungking-mansions.hk/A12-2.htm

Food & Drink:

There are cheap eats everywhere in Hong Kong. The best way to find a cheap meal is to walk into a Hong Kong style diner, which are almost everywhere in the city. Specialties include wontons, Hong Kong style milk tea, and various kinds of dimsum. However, for a little more international variation, here are some budget friendly options with locations around the city. 

1) Tsui Wah: The local chain version of a Hong Kong diner, Tsui Wah is very popular with Hong Kongers and has a number of locations around the city. The menu has a mix of Western offerings (like steak)  and Asian dishes. Try the fried mantou with condensed milk as a snack!

Address: All around Hong Kong, check their website for more information
Price: Less than 100 RMB

2) Ebneezers: A great spot for a cheap gyro in Hong Kong, Ebneezers also has a few locations around the city. The small restaurant is great for a cheap lunch on the go in Hong Kong and offers wraps, pizzas and salads, all for a bargain.

Address: All around Hong Kong, check their website for more information
Price: 60-80 RMB

3) The Flying Pan: A 24 hour American-style diner in the middle of Hong Kong. Need I say more? I come here for brunch almost every time I'm in Hong Kong and it never disappoints. From salmon eggs benedict, to fluffy pancakes, to biscuits and gravy, the Flying Pan is basically breakfast heaven.

Central Location:
Address: 9 Old Bailey Street, Central
地址:中環,奧卑利街9號
Tel: +852 2140 6333
Hours: 24 hours
Price: about 100 RMB
Website: the-flying-pan.com

Wan Chai Location:
Address: David House, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
地址:灣仔,駱克道,大衛樓
Tel: +852 2528 9997

4) Pisano's: Late night pizza slices as big as your head! Sometimes bigger! The New York pizza joint is one of the best deals in Central. One of their giant meat and veggie topped slices is enough for a whole meal. It's also the best pizza in Hong Kong.

Address: All around Hong Kong, check their website for more information
Price: 30-50 RMB

5) Cali Burger: The closest thing you will get to In-and-Out in Asia, Cali Burger is basically a copy of the California chain and serves what are basically upscale, delicious fast-food burgers. All of the burgers are solid especially the Cali Cheeseburger. The big stand out, however, are the WildStyle Fries (similar to In-and-Out's Animal Style).

Address: 68 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
地址:灣仔, 軒尼詩道68號
Tel: +852 2696 9008
Hours: 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Price: Less than 100 RMB
Website: caliburger.com

6) Pure RED: Hong Kong nightlife can be snobby and expensive, but not Pure RED. Why? Because Pure RED is a bar where you can bring your own alcohol. The bar has a huge outdoor seating area with a million dollar view of Hong Kong harbor. You can bring your own food and drinks, so grab a bottle of wine from 7-11 down the street and save a ton of cash before handing out to party in Lan Kwai Fong.

Address: 4/F IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
地址:中環, 金融街8號, IFC購物中心, 4/F
Tel: +852 2537 5037
Hours: 11:30 am-late
Price: Bring your own food and beer if you sit outside
Website: www.pure-red.com/

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Keywords: Where to stay in Hong Kong for cheap Hong Kong budget travel

9 Comments

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Benjamin321

Be careful about the spicy gyro at Ebeneezer's. It's spicy enough to scorch your mouth, but good enough that you will keep eating it till you are cooked. As well, it's nice to see something written about the SZ area.

Aug 21, 2015 01:44 Report Abuse

BlaBla.Lee

Hey guys, I am currently in shenzhen, Thanks for the posts ...Anybody know a good club or bar that is not over populated with locals ?

Aug 20, 2015 23:02 Report Abuse

blellow

Frankie's (in Shekou and Futian), Craft Head (Futian), Bionic Brew (Nanshan), Fool's Heaven (Coco Park) All clubs are Chinese clubs unless you go to a concert at OCT or a festival organized by local bands. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong and you've found an awesome club in SZ. O! Garden does not count)

Aug 21, 2015 10:51 Report Abuse

Robk

I can attest to Chung King Mansion referral. When I first came to China, I was quickly sent off to Hong Kong to get my work visa as an ESL teacher. And as usual, the notice was awesome... with less than 12 hours of notice. "Tomorrow morning, you go on a plane... to Shenzhen, then you go to HK and you get visa... simple! Everyone speak English in Shenzhen!" Anyway, this location was a life saver on a low budget. Staff there will even help you get visas if in the business/visitor class. However, there are tons of small tailor shops that will chase you around (especially if you are white for some reason). And there are hookers that will try to get your attention, but overall it seemed safe enough. The room was good and got the job done. It was in an excellent location for exploring and visa runs. Or you could opt for the Holiday Inn down the road for about 1500-2000 HKD per night. Up to you and your budget.

Aug 18, 2015 18:20 Report Abuse

BlaBla.Lee

Thanks a lot for the article, very timely given that i will be visiting Hongkong 2 days from now .... I have 2 questions : 1. Can you recommend any places that are a must see .... On a budget and secondly, 2. Any Nice hangouts that are frequented by foreigners ? I am traveling solo .. Would be nice to meet some people and Maybe hangout .... Thanks again For the post, Look forward to your response.

Aug 18, 2015 02:01 Report Abuse

BlightyMatt

Get yourself an Octopus card for the buses and MTR. Makes things much easier. Get the number 7 bus from Central bus station on HK Island. Goes to Stanley Market, beach, sea, tourist trap market but good for t shirts that fit ok. Chill out at the Smugglers Inn. The bus route is really cool...goes past v.expensive houses and along the cliffs, some great views. HK History museum is cheap and worth a look. Also the 10,000 buddha monastry in Sha Tin, is free and insane.

Aug 18, 2015 04:33 Report Abuse

BlightyMatt

Also like to have a beer at Cafe De Fontaine in Tsim Sha Tsui (Jim Sa Joy)....sit out and enjoy happy hour 3-9 (two for one) Memories of waiting to collect the visa from ForeverBright. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g294217-d3543301-Reviews-Cafe_de_Fontaine-Hong_Kong.html

Aug 18, 2015 04:48 Report Abuse

Guest14276540

1. World famous Victoria Peak night scenary 2. Lan Kwai Fong & Soho, Central District. Generous friends living in HK, lecturers enjoying their summer holiday, who would be happy to offer help.

Aug 18, 2015 08:35 Report Abuse

blellow

Hi I'm the author. Thanks for the comment. If you like nature then Hong Kong is a mecca for hiking, beaches..all for free! Dragon's Back, Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Hike, Sai Wan (hike to the beach), Big Wave Bay. It's going to be HOT there now, so a beach would be fun. Also Lamma Island is great and a cheap Ferry from Central. It's kind of a expat area too. Expats mostly hang out in Central- younger set in Lan Kwai Fong, older Britishy dudes in Wan Chai bars. Hong Kong Meet Up and Couch Surfing groups are also really active to meet HKers and expats.

Aug 18, 2015 10:14 Report Abuse