Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Kowloon
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $35-91 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Kowloon
Accommodation
$15-35 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, capsule hotels, shared bathroom facilities
Food & Dining
$12-28 per day
Street food stalls, local cha chaan tengs, food courts, convenience store meals, dim sum teahouses
Transportation
$3-8 per day
MTR subway, public buses, walking, occasional Star Ferry rides
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free temple visits, waterfront walks, public markets, occasional museum entry, self-guided exploration
Currency: HK$ Hong Kong Dollar
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Kowloon
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local cha chaan tengs and food courts instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use MTR day passes and public transport instead of taxis (saves 70-85% on transportation costs)
Visit temples, markets, and waterfront areas which are free instead of paid attractions
Stay in Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po areas rather than Tsim Sha Tsui for 30-50% cheaper accommodation
Shop at local wet markets and supermarkets for snacks instead of hotel convenience stores (50-70% savings)
Take advantage of happy hour prices at bars and restaurants (typically 20-40% discounts)
Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance during non-peak periods for 25-45% savings
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of using the excellent MTR system (costs 4-6x more)
Eating only in Tsim Sha Tsui tourist areas instead of exploring local neighborhoods (typically 100-150% markup)
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak seasons without comparing options (often 200-300% higher rates)
Buying souvenirs at tourist attractions instead of local markets (typically 150-250% markup)