Five Great Activities For Solo Travelers In Hong Kong

The bustling former British territory in China is a city that is very different to the rest of mainland China, and while it is expensive in many ways, if you are traveling in Hong Kong on a budget it is still possible to enjoy some of the best that the city has to offer. Having built its reputation as a trading port, the sky filled with skyscrapers is a sign of how it has become a global city, and it is busy at almost any time of day.

If you are trying to think of some activities to enjoy that won't break the bank here are some ideas to give your trip to Hong Kong a fun start.

Climb The Peak

Depending on how fit you are feeling, you can either climb to the top of the peak, which rises 552 meters above sea level, or you can take the historic tram that takes visitors to the top. This is one of the most popular spots on the island, and offers a magnificent panorama across the city, taking in both the skyline of the business center and offering views over the harbor too. Once you have reached the peak, there are several shopping areas and an attractive garden to explore, while you can also see some of the most expensive real estate on the island on Barker Road.

Take A Food Tour Of Hong Kong

One of the most interesting parts of Hong Kong is that the cuisine is quite a distinct fusion from many other parts of China, and there are several companies that offer food tours of the city. As well as introducing you to some of Hong Kong's best food markets, you will also find some great restaurants, serving local cuisine from dim sum to the best local noodles. While the people of Hong Kong won't be offended or particularly surprised if you as a visitor eat the food slightly differently, a food tour will also give you a good idea of the local customs when it comes to eating too.

Visit Lantau Island

While most of Hong Kong's main island is very claustrophobic and busy, Lantau Island is the largest of the outlying islands and is where locals and visitors go to relax and enjoy the wide open spaces. There are some wonderful hiking and cycling routes around Lantau Island that provide a great contrast to the bustling city, while the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tian Buddha are both lovely religious sites.

Lantau is also home to Hong Kong Disneyland if you are looking to unleash the child in you, and offers an interesting Asian twist on the usual Disney rides and attractions.

One of the most interesting parts of the culture of Hong Kong is that because there isn't too much natural life in the urban city itself, many people have taken to keeping birds as pets. The Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is where locals bring their domesticated birds, in their cages, to socialize and to enjoy the fresher air of the garden. This is a lovely place to sit and relax, and with birds that you can see from the common to the exotic, it is almost like a trip to an aviary too.

The Star Ferry is one of the most iconic methods of transport in Hong Kong, and the view across the harbor is a very interesting one that changes as the sky becomes dark and the towers light up in the evening. There are tours of the harbor that are offered by Star Ferries, but these are relatively expensive compared to the standard services that connect Central and Wan Chai on Hong Kong, and Tsim Tsa Shui in Kowloon.

The tourist ticket for the Star Ferry costs the equivalent of around three dollars, and offers transport along the route for four days.