Where To Stay In Hong Kong: 4 Best Areas For Travelers

Hong Kong is a city that seamlessly blends old and new, with many distinct neighborhoods offering unique experiences at every turn. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, one of the first questions on everyone’s mind is: Where should I stay?

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to four popular neighborhoods / areas to stay in Hong Kong: Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay, and Wan Chai.

Our personal favorite? Tsim Sha Tsui. TST is on the Kowloon side of the island, the more authentic and budget-friendly side, while still enjoying modern amenities at the same time.

If you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time, I recommend staying in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). There’s so much to see and do around this area, plus it has direct connections to practically everywhere in the city!

Keep reading below to learn more about TST, as well as three other neighborhoods I recommend staying in.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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Understanding The Different Parts Of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is divided into three main regions:

• Hong Kong Island
• Kowloon
• New Territories

These regions are separated by Victoria Harbour, which is a large body of water that runs between them.

HK Island

Hong Kong Island sits just south of Victoria Harbour and is the sleek, modern face of the city.

This is the part of Hong Kong that feels the most Westernized. It’s full of upscale hotels, trendy rooftop bars, luxury malls, and polished restaurants. It’s where most expats live and work, and home to Hong Kong’s Central Business District.

You’ll also find some of the city’s biggest attractions here, like Victoria Peak, the Central–Mid-Levels escalator, and Ocean Park.

Kowloon

Kowloon, located north of Victoria Harbour, shows off Hong Kong’s local side.

This is probably the area you’ve seen in photos on social media. You know, those colorful, tightly packed apartment buildings that seem to stretch to the sky? That’s Kowloon.

It’s busy, gritty, and full of character, with lively street markets like Temple Street Night Market and Ladies Market in Mong Kok, plus endless shops and eateries along Nathan Road.

New Territories

The New Territories extend north and east of Kowloon, offering a very different pace of life. I like to call this the countryside where people go when they want more space. My aunt actually moved out of the more crowded part of HK and lives out here now!

This region is more residential and less developed, with a mix of suburban towns, small fishing villages, and scenic countryside. It’s a great place to experience a quieter, greener side of Hong Kong, whether you’re visiting the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, hiking around Kam Shan Country Park, or exploring local temples and trails.

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Where To Stay In Hong Kong: 4 Best Neighborhoods

Tsim Sha Tsui

Best for: First-timers looking to stay in a central location to all parts of Hong Kong. You’ll get easy access to both the Kowloon side and the Hong Kong side.

• Close to: Lantau Island and Hong Kong Disneyland, ferry to Macau, Mongkok, Jordan, K11 Musea, Temple Street Night Market, Avenue of Stars, Symphony of Lights nightly show, lots and lots of museums, Kowloon Park
• Direct Bus To/From Airport: Yes (A21)
• Direct Train To/From Airport: No (requires a quick transfer from Red Line to Airport Express)

Tsim Sha Tsui, also known as TST, is a neighborhood located in the southern part of the Kowloon Peninsula. It is one of the most popular areas for tourists to stay in Hong Kong, thanks to its convenient location and abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the busiest areas in Hong Kong and the best place to stay if you want to experience the full spectrum of Hong Kong, from luxury shopping all the way to off-the-beaten-path dai pai dongs that only the locals frequent.

Tsim Sha Tsui is also home to many of Hong Kong’s top attractions, such as the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

The neighborhood is also a shopper’s paradise, with numerous malls and markets to explore, including the famous Nathan Road, which is lined with souvenir shops, electronics stores, and local boutiques.

If you’re looking for high-end shopping, head to hotspots like K11 Musea, Harbour City, or 1881 Heritage. If you’re looking for indie boutique shopping, this neighborhood is a gold mine for that–just head to places like Granville Road or Mira Place. Looking for vintage? You’ll find a lot of options in TST.

Food-wise, you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to dim sum shops where the menus are completely in Chinese. It’s so diverse here!

Really, there’s something for everyone in TST!

One of the reasons I love staying in the TST area is because of its location in relation to the MTR. TST is home to the Tsim Sha Tsui Station and the Tsim Sha Tsui East station. You basically get direct access to not one, but two subway lines!

It’s just a couple of stops away from Central, and it’s on the Tseun Wan line (red line), which will bring you to all the popular spots on the Kowloon side.

There are various accommodation options in Tsim Sha Tsui, ranging from budget options to luxury ones.

Luxury Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui

The Peninsula – The grand-daddy of all hotels in TST! Known as the ‘Grande Dame of the Far East’, this 5-star hotel prides itself on being Hong Kong’s oldest hotel with nearly a century of excellence. Even if you don’t stay here, you should try to experience their afternoon tea (one of the most popular things to do while in HK)!

Kowloon Shangri-La – Another popular hotel in the area that offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, 7 dining options, an indoor pool, and elegantly decorated rooms.

Budget-Friendly Hotels In Tsim Sha Tsui

Page148, Page Hotels – a hip and modern hotel that’s pretty darn affordable for this part of town! This was my second choice when doing research on where to stay for my own trip.

Central

Best for: Business travelers, people looking to be close to all the hip and modern restaurants, top-notch nightlife, luxury shopping

• Close to: all the piers where the ferries take off (to destinations like Tai O, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau, Macau, etc.), Victoria Peak, Ocean Park, Cat Street Flea Market, Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Upper Lascar Row, Hollywood Road arts district
• Direct Bus To/From Airport: Yes (E11 and A11)
• Direct Train To/From Airport: Yes (Airport Express)

Central is the business and financial hub of Hong Kong, and it is also a popular place for tourists to stay. The neighborhood is known for its towering skyscrapers, high-end shopping options, and excellent dining and entertainment options.

Central is home to many of Hong Kong’s top attractions, such as the Hong Kong Bank Museum and the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The neighborhood is also a shopper’s paradise, with numerous malls and markets to explore, such as the Landmark and the Pacific Place.

For people looking for nightlife, you’ll be glad to know that Lan Kwai Fong – or LKF as locals like to call it – Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife area, is located around here. If you plan to have late nights out, staying at a hotel that’s within walking distance or just a short taxi ride away is key.

While Central is quite conveniently located, I’ve found things on this side to be more expensive than on the Kowloon side (food, shopping, groceries, etc.).

It’s also a lot hillier than other parts of Hong Kong. While this might not a dealbreaker for you, it is something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with children or elderly family members.

Luxury Hotels In Central

Four Seasons – like with all Four Seasons, this one offers an impeccable list of services and amenities ranging from Michelin-starred dining, a 24-hour fitness center, a vitality lounge at the spa, and two outdoor pools. Expect world-class service!

The Mandarin Oriental – a really popular choice for travelers looking for a luxurious hotel experience! The hotel features stylish rooms, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool with panoramic views of the city.

The Upper House – another amazingly highly-rated hotel in the area, offering modern rooms and excellent facilities, including a fitness center and a spa. It directly links to Admiralty MTR station and provides free yoga classes during the weekend.

Budget-Friendly Hotels In Central

Butterfly on LKF Boutique Hotel Central – this boutique hotel has less than 50 rooms but is in a great location for a great price.

Wan Chai

Best for: travelers looking to enjoy hip and modern establishments

• Close to: Victoria Harbor, Ocean Park, Wan Chai Heritage Trail, Sun Street, Wan Chai Ferry Pier (can quickly bring you to TST and the Kowloon side), equidistant from Central and Causeway Bay (close to both, you get the best of both worlds!)
• Direct Bus To/From Airport: Yes (E11 and A11)
• Direct Train To/From Airport: No (requires a quick transfer from Blue Line to Airport Express)

Wan Chai is a neighborhood located on the north side of Hong Kong Island. While it was once run-down, this neighborhood is coming up as one of the most interesting and diverse districts in the city.

As one of the earliest British settlements in Hong Kong, Wan Chai’s atmosphere is quite unique. You’ll get to see the Colonial era influence through its architecture and the presence of many pubs, while still finding a large amount of traditional Chinese buildings, shops and restaurants.

Wan Chai is a great place to stay when visiting Hong Kong for a number of reasons, including its hip and lively atmosphere, excellent dining and entertainment options, and convenient location.

One of the main advantages of staying in Wan Chai is its convenient location.

The neighborhood is easily accessible from the airport via the Airport Express train, and it is also well-connected to other parts of the city via the MTR subway system. This makes it easy to explore all that Hong Kong has to offer, whether you are interested in shopping, dining, or sightseeing.

Another reason why Wan Chai is a great place to stay is its lively atmosphere. The neighborhood is known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants, which offer a wide range of dining and entertainment options.

Whether you are looking for a casual meal at a local restaurant or a night out on the town, you’ll definitely find something that fits your budget.

In terms of accommodation, Wan Chai has a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. There are budget hotels and hostels for travelers on a tight budget, as well as luxury hotels for those who want to indulge in a little bit of luxury.

Luxury Hotels In Wan Chai

Mira Moon – This is the first boutique hotel under the Mira Hotel Collection and the well-awarded Boutique Hotel in Hong Kong!

The Fleming Hong Kong – Renovated in October 2017, The Fleming Hong Kong features classy rooms and luxurious bathrooms inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic cross-harbor ferries.

Budget-Friendly Hotels In Wan Chai

Wharney Hotel – Conveniently located in Wan Chai, Wharney Hotel is a super-affordable option just a 3-minute walk from Wan Chai MTR Station.

Causeway Bay

Best for: shopping, nightlife, and families

• Close to: premier shopping areas, awesome nightlife, Ocean Park, North Point Ferry Pier (easy access to Kowloon side), Victoria Park, closest neighborhood in this list to the Dragon’s Back Hike
• Direct Bus To/From Airport: Yes (E11 and A11)
• Direct Train To/From Airport: No (requires a quick transfer from Blue Line to Airport Express)

Known as the Shinjuku of Hong Kong, Causeway Bay is a bustling neighborhood located on the north side of Hong Kong Island. It is known as the biggest retail district as well as being a great place to stay for families.

If shopping is your main objective on your trip to Hong Kong, then you need to stay in or near Causeway Bay. Causeway Bay is home to some of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping malls, such as the Times Square shopping mall and Sogo Department Store.

International brands not your thing? No worries, head to Island Beverly or Laforet for hip, adorable, and unique shopping opportunities!

A true shopper’s paradise, you’ll find all the biggest international brands in this neighborhood, as well as small indie boutiques!

Traveling with kids or teens? You’ll be glad to know that Causeway Bay’s become a hub for entertainment, with lots of gaming and VR opportunities abound.

Causeway Bay is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.

Luxury Hotels In Causeway Bay

The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel – This newly refurbished luxury hotel is quite affordable and just a 2-minute walk from Causeway Bay MTR, located right across Victoria Park.

Lanson Place Hotel – a luxury boutique hotel housed in a French-style building that’s tucked away on a quiet street but still within walking distance from some of the best restaurants and shopping in the area.

Budget-Friendly Hotels In Causeway Bay

Eco Tree Hotel Causeway Bay – affordable and newly renovated as of September 2018!

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Best Areas To Stay In Hong Kong For Budget Travelers

If you’re visiting Hong Kong and don’t want to blow your entire travel budget on a hotel, you’ll want to stay on the Kowloon side — that’s the more local, densely packed part of the city with plenty of affordable places to eat and sleep. Here are a few neighborhoods worth looking into:

Mong Kok (Kowloon side): Famous for its night markets, street food, and nonstop energy, Mong Kok is one of the best areas for budget travelers. You’ll find tons of guesthouses, hostels, and small hotels here, plus easy access to shopping streets and the MTR.

Jordan (Kowloon side): A little calmer than Mong Kok but still close to the action. It’s just a short walk to Temple Street Night Market, and there are plenty of affordable eateries and budget hotels tucked into the side streets.

Yau Ma Tei (Kowloon side): Right next to Jordan, Yau Ma Tei gives you that same local feel with access to Temple Street and the Jade Market. It’s easy to get around, and you’ll find a solid mix of inexpensive stays.

👉 Pro Tip: Mong Kok, Jordan, and Yau Ma Tei are all next to each other, so you can easily hop between them by foot or subway.

Tsuen Wan (New Territories side): This is more of a residential area and a bit farther from central Hong Kong, but still super convenient thanks to the red MTR line. It’s a great option if you don’t mind a slightly longer ride into the city. Fun fact: this is actually where my mom grew up, and it’s where we usually stay when we visit — affordable, quiet, and easy to get anywhere.

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Save Money With Go City’s Attraction Pass

This easy-to-use mobile attraction pass can really help you see a lot of Hong Kong’s best attractions in a really short amount of time, and it can help you save a ton of money while doing so!

The Go City Hong Kong Pass is a digital attraction pass that provides easy access and admission to some of HK’s most popular museums and excursions. With certain excursions, you’re even able to skip the line, saving you both money and time.

There are two types of passes–the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass.

All-Inclusive Pass

The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is really great for travelers who want to see as much as possible while they’re in Hong Kong. With the All-Inclusive Pass, you can choose between a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7-day pass that will give you free admission to 20+ museums and attractions throughout the city.

The pass includes admission to the following heavy-hitters and immersive experiences:

• Ocean Park 1-Day Ticket: HK$498.00 normal ticket value
• Ngong Ping 360: Cable Car & Ngong Ping Village Experiences: HK$335.00 normal ticket value
• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour – Discover Ticket: HK$380.00 normal ticket value
• Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck: HK$218.00
• Noah’s Ark: HK$198.00
• Aberdeen 1773 Fishing Heritage: Sampan and Houseboat Audio Tour: HK$220.00
• Ngong Ping 360 Tai O Pass: HK$315.00
• Monopoly Dreams: HK$260.00
• Authentic Peking Duck Meal at Peking Garden: HK$550.00
• Big Bus Night Tour: HK$320.00
• Hong Kong Heritage and History Tour: HK$450.00
• World War 2 Walking Tour: HK$500.00
• Hong Kong Maritime Museum: HK$30.00
• Peak Tram Special Combo (Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428): HK$148.00
• Beginners’ Chinese Ink Painting Class: HK$550.00
• Baking Ideas: Traditional Egg Tart Class: HK$399.00
• Chinese Tea Appreciation Workshop: HK$380.00
• Hurricane Candle Holder Workshop: HK$480.00
• The Art Of Chocolate Workshop and Tasting: HK$178.00
• Legend Heroes Park: HK$380.00

Prices start at HK$1549 (~ $199 USD) for the adult admission 2-day All-Inclusive Pass and you can visit literally as many attractions as you can fit into each day! If you opt for more consecutive days on your pass, the pass actually gets cheaper on a per-day basis (the 7-day pass is the best deal).

Explorer Pass

If you don’t plan on visiting a ton of different attractions, Go City also has an Explorer Pass which will still save you a lot of money. With the Explorer Pass, you’ll pay one flat fee for a 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7-choice pass.

The Explorer Pass is best for ticking off a few of your must-sees!

You’ll then have 60 days to use the Explorer Pass on whichever attractions you’d like. There is also no need to pick attractions ahead of time, so you’ll have the flexibility to choose attractions as you go.

Passes start at HK$949 (~ $122 USD) for 3 choices. But similar to the All-Inclusive option, the more choices you opt for, the cheaper it costs per activity!

DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, use the above link + the promo code AFFGOALL for an additional 5% off your Go City pass. This code is valid for any Go City pass in any destination!

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Looking for more Hong Kong travel tips? You may also like:

Hong Kong Disneyland: Is It Worth The Money? (What To Expect)

Hong Kong Disneyland vs. Ocean Park: Which Is Better?

Lamma Island Day Trip From Hong Kong: Things To Do

The Perfect Lantau Island Day Trip Itinerary: 6 Stops You Can’t Miss

2 Days In Hong Kong Itinerary: What To See, Do, and Eat

3 Perfect Days In Hong Kong: What To See, Do, and Eat

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