Where To Stay in Hong Kong [4 BEST Neighborhoods!]

Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations in the world – and is a gateway to East Asia for many travellers! This sky-high metropolis has an incredibly unique culture that comes from its Chinese heritage and history as a British colony.

Whilst many people know Hong Kong for its skyscrapers and bustling streets, there are also some interesting natural attractions within its borders – making this one of the most diverse cities in the world.

We get it though – figuring out where to stay in a behemoth like Hong Kong can seem daunting. Though it is relatively small in terms of square footage, the tall buildings are packed with people and many people prefer to avoid the crowded public transport system when they can.

That’s why we’ve built this guide! We’ve figured out the four best places to stay in Hong Kong, and categorised them based on what kind of traveller they are best for. Whether you want nightlife, culture or budget friendly street food we have you covered.

So let’s jump right into it!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Hong Kong.

Best AirBnB in Hong Kong: Cozy Studio

This ultra modern apartment is the perfect example of contemporary living in Hong Kong! Stylish and compact, it is perfect for solo travellers and young couples visiting the city. The host has Superhost status, meaning they have received excellent reviews and provide great levels of service. It is a ten minute walk from the Olympic area.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Hong Kong: The OTTO Hotel

As one of the best rated budget hotels in Hong Kong, the OTTO Hotel had to be one of our top picks! Right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, guests can enjoy a central location with great transport links across the city. The interiors are stylish, and there’s even a sun terrace on the roof.

 

Best Hotel in Hong Kong: The St Regis Hong Kong

Towering over Causeway Bay, the St Regis Hong Kong is one of the most popular hotels in the city for those looking to splurge! This five star hotel comes with a rooftop terrace where you can admire views across the harbour, as well as some of the best cocktails in the city.

 

Hong Kong Neighborhood Guide

Hong Kong is a diverse city – but it is also densely populated. Just south of China, it hosts a large variety of cultures within its boundaries – meaning that you will have a different experience depending on which neighborhood you choose to stay in!

With culinary, retail and entertainment delights around every corner, you’re sure to have a great time if you choose the right area.

There are two main areas in Hong Kong – Kowloon, which is attached to the Chinese mainland, and Hong Kong Island, which is where the city historically started.

Tsim Sha Tsui is located in Kowloon along the harbour, and is where you will find some of the most magnificent views of the city’s skyline! It is also a great area for nightlife, as visitors will be able to find an eclectic mix of bars, clubs and night markets to cater to most nightlife styles.

Elsewhere in Kowloon, Mong Kok is also a popular destination. Its location further inland makes it a more budget friendly option, and also one of the most photogenic neighborhoods.

This is where you will find the quintessential neon signs of Hong Kong, as well as the famous tramlines and some excellent food venues.

Over on Hong Kong Island, Causeway Bay is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city! Though it is mostly modern skyrises now, the area is packed with interesting stories about the city’s colonial past.

It is also the biggest shopping destination in Hong Kong, with thousands of designer, high street and boutique stores waiting to be discovered. For first time travellers, this is where you will find some of the best views and great transport links to elsewhere in Hong Kong.

Finally, if you want to head a little off the beaten path you should consider staying in Sheung Wan! Though within walking distance of the Central district, Sheung Wan is mostly popular with the young crowd and is known for its creative spirit. It also contains some excellent historic attractions, as well as unique dining and drinking venues.

Outside of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, there are a few smaller islands with other neighborhoods on them – however the four mentioned in this article all have great travel links to these areas, as well as each other, making them more accessible options to the average traveller.

Still undecided? Check out our more extensive guide below!

Hong Kong 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the four best neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 - Causeway Bay

(Where to stay in Hong Kong for your first time)

Whilst Causeway Bay is one of the busiest neighborhoods in Hong Kong, this means it has a vibrant atmosphere and an excellent range of attractions! For first time visitors, this area is easy to get around and served well by public transport. It also has a good selection of everything that makes Hong Kong a unique destination.

One of the most popular attractions is the view of the Harbour from the waterfront area! It is also packed with the busiest selection of shops in the city, as well as an upmarket dining scene. It can get a little pricey but is well worth it if you are willing to splurge.

More awesome things to see and do in Causeway Bay

• Times Square Mall is the largest, and busiest, mall in the city with designer and high street brands, as well as some excellent food vendors
• If you are more interested in hitting the independent boutiques, take a trip to Island Beverly mini mall to rub shoulders with Hong Kong’s most stylish residents
• Playdium Virtual Reality is one of the best VR experiences in the world – grab a mask and try out a series of games, puzzles and adventures in alternate worlds
• Head up to Skye Bar where you can enjoy one of the best views of the city alongside some surprisingly budget friendly cocktails

Best AirBnB in Causeway Bay: Best Location

Despite only being a one bedroom apartment, this AirBnB is surprisingly spacious and well located for experiencing some of the city’s top sights! The apartment is only a short walk away from Sogo Mall and Times Square, and is packed with modern appliances to optimise your comfort.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Causeway Bay: Holiday Inn Express Budget Hong Kong

Causeway Bay is one of the most expensive areas in an already notoriously pricey destination – but the Holiday Inn Express offers visitors the chance to experience a comfortable hotel without breaking the bank! The Hong Kong Jockey Club is only a short walk away, whilst Times Square is right next to the hotel.

 

Best Hotel in Causeway Bay: The St Regis Hong Kong

This ultra-modern hotel is a symbol of the city in its own right – rising high above many of the other buildings in the area, giving guests unbeatable views across Kowloon Harbour! They have a restaurant and fitness centre on-site, as well as private parking and a complimentary breakfast.

 

Neighborhood #2 - Mong Kok

(Best neighborhood in Hong Kong on a budget)

Mong Kok is one of the most recognisable neighborhoods in the city – with glitzy signs, bustling night markets and historic buildings! Despite its popularity with photographers and young travellers, Mong Kok is one of the most budget friendly neighborhoods in the city – with some excellent accommodation options at up to half the price you would find elsewhere.

This is one of the most creative neighborhoods in the city, and you will find plenty of fantastic independent art galleries and museums! It also has some unique shopping destinations, with rare items and heavily discounted brands. Whether you’re on a budget or not, you have to pay Mong Kok a visit.

More awesome things to see and do in Mong Kok

• Fu Yuen Street is a unique destination where you can pick up some of the rarest sneakers in the world at favourable prices
• The home of unique markets in Hong Kong, Mong Kok also has the goldfish market where you can watch locals buy fish, insects and small pets
• One of the most famous night markets in the city, Temple Street Night Market, is in Mong Kok offering a variety of local delicacies including stinky tofu
• If you want a more typical shopping experience, head to the Langham Mall where you can catch some of the most popular brands in Hong Kong

Best AirBnB in Mong Kok: Cozy Studio

If you want to save money whilst still enjoying the benefits of an apartment, this studio is an ideal choice! It comes with smart lock check-in – allowing you the ability to securely let yourself into the apartment regardless of arrival time. The kitchen is basic, but well equipped for a short stay.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Mong Kok: The BEACON

This towering three star hotel is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget that wants the privacy of their own room! It comes with excellent customer reviews, and the rooms are decorated in a contemporary style. It is only a five minute walk away from the Langham Shopping Centre.

 

Best Hotel in Mong Kok: Cordis

Mong Kok might be our pick for budget friendly neighborhood – but as a major tourism centre in Hong Kong it also has some excellent options for those that want to splurge! Towering over the city, this hotel has a gorgeous pool terrace with views of the nearby skyscrapers. Rooms have rainfall showers and marble bathrooms suites.

 

Neighborhood #3 - Tsim Sha Tsui

(Where to stay in Hong Kong for nightlife)

Tsim Sha Tsui is another one of the most visited destinations in Hong Kong – and it’s easy to see why! This is a great example of how the city blends old and new, and is where you will find some relics of the city’s past as part of the British Empire. Despite being one of the last areas to be developed, it has some interesting historic architecture alongside the modern skyscrapers.

Hong Kong is a sprawling nightlife destination in general, but Tsim Sha Tsui offers what we believe is the best mix of different nightlife options! Like most other neighborhoods, Tsim Sha Tsui has excellent night markets offering street food and shopping – but there are also some good bars and clubs to suit all budgets.

More awesome things to see and do in Tsim Sha Tsui

• Start your night off with the Symphony of Light cruise where you can enjoy unbeatable views of the nightly light show
• With over 200 different kinds of spirits, Butler is a fantastic cocktail bar owned by one of the world’s most renowned mixologists
• K11 is a huge art gallery showcasing work from up and coming artists, with most of it on sale to the general public
• Take a trip to Kowloon Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and admire views of the mountain and forest scenery

Best AirBnB in Tsim Sha Tsui: Home Away from Home

This ultra modern apartment is a great example of contemporary luxury in Hong Kong! Though it can sleep up to eight guests thanks to extra beds in storage, this two bedroom apartment is also great for smaller groups and families. The building itself has security staff, giving you some extra peace of mind.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui: The OTTO Hotel

The OTTO Hotel is a fantastic choice if you want to stay in Hong Kong without breaking the bank! Rooms are spacious and come with modern appliances, and the 24 hour front desk provides help with booking taxis and buying tickets. The Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry is a two minute walk away.

 

Best Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui: Page148 Boutique

This four star hotel strikes a great balance between affordability and luxury! Towering above the Tsim Sha Tsui district, guests get some of the best views of the area. There is a great restaurant on-site, and the hotel is well placed for exploring the best shopping destinations in Tsim Sha Tsui.

 

Neighborhood #4 - Sheung Wan

(Coolest place to stay in Hong Kong)

Sheung Wan is the closest thing Hong Kong has to a hipster neighborhood – and this youthful energy has resulted in a creative hub for the city’s residents! Not only does this area have some excellent art galleries, but it is also a great option for visitors that want to experience a more local way of life than in the major tourism hubs.

The culinary scene here is also interesting – with some of the most innovative restaurants and bars in the city! It is home to the largest speciality coffee scene in Hong Kong, making it worth the visit for any coffee snobs out there.

More awesome things to see and do in Sheung Wan

• Man Mo Temple is a historic building that takes you away from the hectic city atmosphere and allows visitors to enjoy some breathing space
• Liang Yi Museum is a fascinating exhibit dedicated to Chinese antiques and furniture
• Lan Kwai Fong is a major nightlife strip located in the neighboring Central Hong Kong district

Best AirBnB in Sheung Wan: Large Studio

This spacious studio apartment is a real testament to the great quality accommodation Sheung Wan is known for! It has a large outdoor terrace with a dining table where you can enjoy breakfast with a view. Inside the kitchen is well equipped, and an additional sofa bed is available.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Sheung Wan: Mini Hotel Central

Whilst there aren’t many budget hotels in Sheung Wan, Mini Hotel Central is a popular choice with backpackers seeking some additional privacy whilst still enjoying affordable rates! Licensed as a guest house, Mini Hotel Central is locally owned – a great way to learn about the city through the eyes of a local.

 

Best Hotel in Sheung Wan: The Jervois

The Jervois is one of the most famous hotels in Hong Kong! Dating back to the colonial era, this hotel goes above and beyond with customer service. Guests are given a complimentary smartphone on arrival to help you navigate the city. It is only a three minute walk from Man Mo Temple.

 

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vast and fascinating destination that not only serves as a major gateway to the continent but is also considered one of the most visited destinations in the world in its own right! With a turbulent history and sparkling future, the city has something to offer everyone that dares to explore its streets.

In terms of the best area, we are going to go with Sheung Wan! This hidden gem is a little out of the way for most tourists, giving you a more authentic experience.

That being said – many of the busiest areas are busy for a reason, and all of the neighborhoods mentioned in this guide are worth visiting whether you choose to stay in them or not!

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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