Get fired up on the Morning Trail hike to the Peak – you can be up and down in an hour while enjoying those money-can’t-buy views. Reward yourself with a dim sum feast: a HK$2.30 tram ride will deliver you to the North Point branch of Michelin-starred chain Tim Ho Wan, where dishes hover around HK$30.

Avoid the post-dumpling slump with a leisurely walk through Victoria Park to the Wan Chai ferry pier for a cross-harbour trip on the Star Ferry (HK$2.50).

Once in Kowloon, bargain shopping options include Fa Yuen Street for outlet stores; Tung Choi Street Ladies’ Market for souvenirs; or the colourful bloom of the Flower Market. Then head to the city’s most famous cha chaan teng: the Australia Dairy Company, renowned for its scrambled eggs and brusque customer service (HK$38 for a lunch set).

Get an art and culture fix at the new West Kowloon Cultural District: rent a Smartbike to explore the waterfront Art Park (HK$20 per hour), or immerse yourself in traditional Chinese opera at the Xiqu Centre (tickets from HK$180). In the evening, head to neon-lit Causeway Bay for street food classics from Ying Heong Yuen: fish balls in curry sauce (HK$12), plus spicy octopus skewers (HK$15).

Total spend: HK$329

Singapore

The Lion City’s prices might be steep, but there’s plenty for thrifty tourists – Sanjay Surana