Where to Stay in Hong Kong: FULL GUIDE to the Best Areas

Hong Kong, a truly incredible concrete jungle in Asia, lets you dive into a world of diverse cultures, delicious cuisines, and vibrant nightlife.

When I first visited Hong Kong, I still remember taking the Airport Express train into the city and looking out of the window, I was blown away by the sheer size of the city and the breathtaking skyline with hundreds of skyscrapers.

The city has a bunch of districts and unique neighborhoods, and each one's got its own special vibe. That's why, when choosing where to stay in Hong Kong, you gotta know the facts about each neighborhood to figure out which area suits you best.

Whether you're on a fancy luxury holiday, a backpacking adventure, or simply want to experience Hong Kong's unique nightlife, I've got you covered! Check out my top neighborhoods so you can decide for yourself where to stay in Hong Kong.

Kowloon vs Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong has two major areas: Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, separated by the famous Victoria Harbour.

If you're visiting for the first time and want an authentic experience of Hong Kong's amazing street food and sights, I definitely recommend starting with Kowloon.

On the flip side, you have Hong Kong Island, the buzzing business hub of Hong Kong. It's got impressive skyscrapers, huge shopping malls, and fancy hotels, making it an ideal destination if you already know your way around.

But don't worry, getting around is a breeze thanks to Hong Kong's excellent public transport system, making it super easy to explore both sides of the city.

The best places to stay in Hong Kong

Kowloon

I love hanging out in Kowloon, especially Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei. These areas are perfect for first-time visitors to Hong Kong who want to try some delicious traditional food, check out the sights, and take a stroll through the charming Old China part of the city.

From Kowloon, it's also super easy to get to Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong International Airport. Hong Kong Disneyland is just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Hong Kong, while Hong Kong International Airport is only 30 minutes away by car.

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is where you'll find all the trendy and modern neighborhoods like Lan Kwai Fong, Causeway Bay, Central Hong Kong, Wan Chai, and Sheung Wan.

Hong Kong Island is the perfect place to have a blast at night, indulge in some serious shopping, or experience the best and most luxurious Hong Kong hotels.

1. Where to stay in Hong Kong for the first time and easy accessibility: Tsim Sha Tsui

If you're visiting for the first time and want to stay in a central spot to explore all the awesome things the city has to offer, then Tsim Sha Tsui, or TST, as the locals call it, is the place to be.

Situated in Kowloon, this neighborhood combines local gems like street markets and cool cafes with stunning sights like the picture-perfect view of Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars, Star Ferry Pier, Kowloon Park and plenty of convenient shops and restaurants.

Plus, it's super easy to get around the rest of Hong Kong from here with the MTR and ferry. So, go ahead and make TST your base for an incredible adventure!

Best area for:

• First timers

• Central location

Things to see & do in Tsim Sha Tsui

Victoria Harbour is hands down the most impressive sight in the area, so I totally recommend checking out the best view of it. And to do that, the promenade, the Star Ferry Pier, and the Avenue of Stars (similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame) are the perfect spots to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui.

From the boardwalk, you can watch the Symphony of Lights, a nightly spectacle that illuminates the city's iconic skyline with a harmonious blend of music, laser beams, and dazzling light displays.

I highly recommend visiting Temple Street Night Market, a bustling and vibrant open-air market in Hong Kong, that offers an array of stalls selling everything from souvenirs and electronics to street food and traditional Chinese trinkets under the glow of neon lights.

I also love how many museums Tsim Sha Tsui has! Some of them are among the best I've ever been to. The Hong Kong Museum of Science, the Space Museum, as well as the Hong Kong Museum of History are super interesting. They even let you dive a little into the history and culture of the country.

Best hotels to stay in Tsim Sha Tsui

($$$) Hotel ICON

($$) Park Hotel Hong Kong

($) Hygge House

2. Where to stay in Hong Kong with family & for the best shopping: Causeway Bay

Once upon a time, there was this little fisher village in Hong Kong. But guess what? Now it's the shiniest and most modern district of them all!

When you think of Hong Kong, with its towering skyscrapers, fancy designer shops, and neon lights that never sleep, you're thinking of Causeway Bay.

However, if you're not here to shop till you drop, there's so much more to Causeway Bay! It's a fantastic place to spend quality time with your family at some of Hong Kong's best parks, Victoria Park or have a blast at one of the popular VR arcades, which are super fun for kids!

Best area for:

• Families

• Shopping

• Video game arcades

Things to see & do in Causeway Bay

Alright, so let's talk about these shopping malls. They pretty much rule the scene here. Even if you're not big on shopping, you'll still want to check out a few. The ones that really stand out are Hyson Place and Times Square. Trust me, they're packed with fancy designer shops on over ten floors, and it's so much fun to even just grab a coffee and wander around.

If you're looking for a fun day out with the kids, I highly recommend checking out Victoria Park. It's a great spot with soccer pitches, tennis courts, and lots of sports activities. Plus, once a year, Victoria Park hosts Hong Kong's biggest night market!

However, if you're into more modern entertainment, you should give one of the Virtual Reality arcades a try, like VR ARENA CWB Hong Kong!

To get around Causeway Bay, simply jump on one of the Ding Dings. These charming and iconic double-decker trams traverse the city's bustling streets, offering a nostalgic and affordable mode of transportation while providing an authentic glimpse into the heart of Hong Kong's daily life and urban charm.

Best hotels to stay in Causeway Bay

($$$) Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay

($$) Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour

($) TUVE Hotel

3. Where to stay in Hong Kong for nightlife: Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is definitely the place to be for an amazing and crazy nightlife experience in Hong Kong. It's got the best bars, clubs, and restaurants in the city.

Whether you're up for dancing until the early morning hours or simply looking to enjoy a delightful dinner and cocktails, you'll find everything you need right here!

But Lan Kwai Fong has more than just the nightlife to offer. Lan Kwai Fong is also becoming one of Hong Kong's hip art districts, with more and more galleries popping up here.

Best area for:

• Partying and nightlife hot spot

• Restaurants and bars

Things to see & do in Lan Kwai Fong

For an awesome nightlife experience, check out Dragon I, a beloved Hong Kong club since 1967. It is one of the most popular bars in Lan Kwai Fong!

And to make it even better, you can book one of the awesome pub crawls that usually include free drinks and skip the long entry tickets!

Best hotels to stay in Lan Kwai Fong

($$$) Hotel Madera Hollywood

($$) Butterfly on LKF Boutique Hotel Central

($) Butterfly on Wellington Boutique Hotel Central

4. Where to stay in Hong Kong for budget travelers & foodies: Mong Kok

Let's make it even more authentic and budget-friendly! Mong Kok is a dream come true for every backpacker and food lover out there. Situated in the heart of Kowloon, Mong Kok is known as the ‘popular corner'.

It really lives up to its name! Here you'll find plenty of street food markets and other crazy markets you shouldn't be too shy to explore.

Plus, accommodation here is super cheap, and it's well connected by the Hong Kong MTR (Mass Transit Railway). So, even from here, you can easily explore Hong Kong Island as well!

Best area for:

• Backpackers

• Budget travelers

• Street food

• Cheap accommodation

Things to see & do in Mong Kok

Mong Kok is a fantastic place to explore, especially if you're into markets! The Ladies Market is perfect for shopping, with plenty of affordable knock-off brands.

And don't miss the Bird Market, the Flower Market, and of course, the Argyle Market, where you'll find a mouthwatering variety of unusual street food. Still not enough shopping? Visit Monk Kok's biggest shopping mall, Langham Place.

Head to the Hong Kong Wall of Fame, situated between Argyle and Bute Street near the Mong Kok East Rail station, to marvel at some of the ever-changing street art by international and local graffiti artists. This is definitely a must-visit for art lovers and also makes for a great backdrop to all your Insta snaps.

Best hotels to stay in Mong Kok

($$) Cordis Hong Kong

($$) Royal Plaza Hotel

($) Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel

5. Where to stay in Hong Kong for luxury: Central Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Central District, also known as Downtown Hong Kong, is, as the name suggests, the most central district and can be a fantastic base for exploring the city.

Central, formerly known as Victoria City, was the base of British administration in the 19th century. Even today, you can spot numerous colonial buildings right by the stunning Victoria Harbor.

Additionally, being in Hong Kong Central will put you within walking distance of some of the more fancy nightlife, restaurants, and shopping malls. Not to mention, you'll also find some of the most popular luxury hotels in Hong Kong right here.

Best area for:

• Luxury hotels

• Shopping

• Nightlife

• Central location

Things to see & do in Central Hong Kong

Yeah, you've got all these awesome restaurants, malls, and hotels in Central, but if you ever feel like taking a breather and being surrounded by some greenery, Hong Kong Park is right in the middle of Central Hong Kong. Hong Kong Park is spread over a whopping 80,000 square meters and is an oasis in the middle of this concrete jungle!

Another experience that I would say is a little different is hopping on the Symphony of Lights cruise in Victoria Harbour. It's got unlimited drinks and offers the most awesome view of the Hong Kong skyline at night!

Best hotels to stay in Central Hong Kong

($$$) The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

($$$) Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

($$$) The Murray Hong Kong

6. Where to stay in Hong Kong for the coolest vibes: Wan Chai

In classic Hong Kong fashion, Wan Chai is a mix of colonial buildings and modern high-rise offices. It's like a blend of old and new, all in one place.

As Hong Kong's former red-light district, it's today one of those up-and-coming districts. It used to be an area I wouldn't necessarily recommend for your trip. But nowadays, it feels like a hipster neighborhood with lots of hidden gem cafes, boutiques and art galleries!

Best area for:

• Solo travelers

• Cheap eats

• Hipster vibes

Things to see & do in Wan Chai

If Mong Kok is a paradise for street food, then Wan Chai is heaven for all the folks (including yours truly) who crave a delightful flat white and a fancy breakfast. My go-to spot here is Elephant Grounds. They serve up some incredible avocado on toast and make killer barista-made coffee.

Don't miss heading up Stone Nullah Lane to marvel at the grand Pak Tai Temple, an impressive landmark constructed in 1863 by the local community.

Best hotels to stay in Wan Chai

($$$) Gloucester Luk Kwok

($$) YING'nFLO

($) Novotel Century Hong Kong

7. Where to stay in Hong Kong for old China: Yau Ma Tei

Staying in Yau Ma Tei (Old China) or just the Old Town of Hong Kong is a cool way to get away from the usual modern vibe that Hong Kong inevitably brings.

Yau Ma Tei is in Kowloon and still has a strong vibe of China rather than Hong Kong. It's super easy to connect with locals, indulge in some authentic food, and get a sense of what Hong Kong was like before it transformed into this massive city of skyscrapers.

Best area for:

• Traditional food

• Authentic experiences

• Local life

Things to see & do in Yau Ma Tei

The coolest way to experience the local culture in Yau Ma Tei is to wait until the sun sets and head over to the Temple Street Night Market. Trust me, it's the real deal! Temple Street Night Market is bustling, with neon signs flashing everywhere and the air filled with all sorts of mouth-watering smells from street food stalls. You'll find everything here, from street food to electronics and even jade.

Best hotels to stay in Yau Ma Tei

($$$) Hotel Madera Hong Kong

($$) Eaton HK

($) Booth Lodge

8. Where to stay in Hong Kong for couples & a laidback vibe: Sheung Wan

If you're looking for a spot that's a bit quieter but still close to all the hustle and bustle of the city, then Sheung Wan is the place for you. Sheung Wan is within walking distance of Downtown Hong Kong, or one stop away from Central on the MTR. Plus, it's got its own unique personality.

You'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping malls, and hotels here. But everything is a little more affordable in Sheung Wan compared to Central or Causeway Bay.

Best area for:

• Couples

• Families

• More affordable

Things to see & do in Sheung Wan

The Western market building in Sheung Wan, a four-story structure dating back to 1906, is the oldest surviving market building in the city.

It's not exactly a shopper's paradise, but it's a great spot for snapping pictures. You'll be amazed by how much British influence can be seen in Hong Kong's architecture.

Best hotels to stay in Sheung Wan

($$$) The Jervois

($$) The Figo

($$) Y Hotel Hong Kong

Where to stay in Hong Kong – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is staying in Hong Kong worth it?

Absolutely, staying in Hong Kong is totally worth it! It's an awesome and unique city with so much to explore. From the craziest markets and street food stalls to world-class restaurants and fancy hotels, you're in for an adventure when you visit Hong Kong.

🚆 How do I get around in Hong Kong?

The best way to get around the city of Hong Kong is by using the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). This rapid transit system covers most of the city and has regular trains running throughout the day. You can also take ferries that connect Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

❓ Should I stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?

It really depends on your preference. Kowloon is cheaper and has more budget-friendly accommodation options, but Hong Kong Island is where all the action is. I recommend staying in both places to get the full experience of Hong Kong!

❓ Should I stay in Central Hong Kong or Tsim Sha Tsui?

Again, this depends on your preferences. Central Hong Kong is the bustling business and financial district of the city. It's where all the high-end shopping, nightlife, and fancy restaurants are. Tsim Sha Tsui is a bit more laid back and touristy!

💸 Is staying in Hong Kong expensive?

It really depends on where and how you stay. If you're after more budget-friendly options, you can check out the outer areas like Yau Ma Tei or Mong Kok. Opt for hostels and budget accommodations, and try eating local to get the most for your money!

Where to stay in Hong Kong – Final Words

Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and exhilarating cities in the world. From fancy skyscrapers to traditional markets, there's always something interesting and unique to explore. No matter where you choose to stay in Hong Kong, make sure to get out and explore as much as you can!

I know it can be tough to decide where to stay when you visit a new city. But hey, who says you have to stick to one area or hotel during your time there? You can totally mix it up a little! I hope my guide helped you in making the right decision on where to stay in Hong Kong.