Best Locations to Stay in Hong Kong: Complete Neighborhood Guide
Hong Kong is one of those cities where your choice of neighborhood can completely change your experience. On one side of Victoria Harbour you have the glittering skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island; on the other, the neon chaos and markets of Kowloon. The city is compact and well connected by MTR, buses and ferries, but each district has its own vibe, price range and must-see attractions.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to stay in Hong Kong, explain what each neighborhood is like, who it’s best for, and what you can expect in terms of atmosphere, convenience and things to do. Whether you are visiting for shopping, food, nightlife or family attractions, you’ll find a corner of Hong Kong that feels just right.
How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in Hong Kong
Before diving into specific districts, it helps to understand Hong Kong’s basic layout. The city is usually divided into three main parts:
- Hong Kong Island – home to Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. This is where the iconic skyline and business district are.
- Kowloon – across the harbour, with lively areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Jordan. It feels denser and more local.
- New Territories & Outlying Islands – greener, more relaxed, including places near the airport and Hong Kong Disneyland.
When choosing where to stay, think about:
- Access to the MTR – being near a station makes everything easier.
- Your budget – Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are great but tend to be more expensive; Mong Kok and some island neighborhoods can be easier on the wallet. :contentReference
- Your travel style – do you prefer nightlife, food streets, shopping malls, or quiet backstreets?
Tsim Sha Tsui – Best for First-Time Visitors and Harbour Views
If it’s your first time in Hong Kong and you want classic skyline views, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) in Kowloon is one of the top choices. The district stretches along the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, facing Central across Victoria Harbour. It’s packed with hotels of all categories, huge shopping malls, museums and a stunning waterfront promenade.
Why Stay in Tsim Sha Tsui
- Iconic views: The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars give you postcard-perfect panoramas of the Hong Kong Island skyline, especially at night during the Symphony of Lights show.
- Excellent transport: You’re connected by the MTR, Star Ferry to Central, buses and airport buses.
- Endless shopping: From luxury brands along Canton Road to bustling Nathan Road and local side streets.
- Cultural spots: The Hong Kong Museum of Art, Space Museum and Cultural Centre are all nearby.
Who Tsim Sha Tsui Is Best For
TST suits travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, with easy access to both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It’s ideal if you’re staying a few days and want to tick off top attractions without spending too much time commuting.
Central & Sheung Wan – Heart of the City and Great for First Timers
On the opposite side of the harbour, Central is Hong Kong’s main business district and one of the most convenient areas for sightseeing. Neighboring Sheung Wan blends modern cafés and boutiques with historic streets, temples and traditional dried-goods shops. Many guides consider Central and Sheung Wan among the best areas for first-time visitors due to their central location and easy transport.
Why Stay in Central & Sheung Wan
- Perfect connections: Direct MTR lines, trams, buses and the Star Ferry put the whole city within reach.
- Close to big sights: You’re near the Peak Tram, Lan Kwai Fong nightlife, SoHo’s escalator district and the waterfront.
- Food heaven: From street noodles to Michelin-starred restaurants, everything is walkable.
- Character: Sheung Wan’s side streets, antique shops and temples add local flavor just minutes from the glass towers.
Who Central & Sheung Wan Are Best For
Choose this area if you want a balanced base – convenient, walkable and lively but not quite as hectic as the shopping zones. It’s especially good for short city breaks, business trips, or travelers planning day trips by ferry to Macau or the outlying islands.
Causeway Bay – Shopper’s Paradise and Nightlife Hub
If your idea of a perfect Hong Kong trip involves armfuls of shopping bags, then Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island should be high on your list. This is one of the city’s busiest retail districts, packed with malls like Times Square and Hysan Place, as well as countless local boutiques, cosmetics stores and electronics shops.
Why Stay in Causeway Bay
- Non-stop shopping: Everything from international brands to quirky independent labels.
- Great food: You’ll find dim sum, cha chaan teng diners, dessert cafés and late-night snacks.
- Easy access: A major MTR interchange, trams and buses link Causeway Bay with Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and beyond.
- Young, energetic feel: The area is especially popular with younger travelers and locals.
Who Causeway Bay Is Best For
Stay here if you want to be in a busy, modern neighborhood that never really sleeps. It’s perfect for shopaholics, night owls and anyone who doesn’t mind crowds in exchange for convenience and entertainment.
Wan Chai – Best for Nightlife and Events
Just west of Causeway Bay lies Wan Chai, a neighborhood that has transformed from its red-light past into a colorful mix of office towers, heritage buildings, bars and local eateries. It’s also a strategic place to stay if you’re attending events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Why Stay in Wan Chai
- Nightlife: Lively bar streets and pubs attract a mix of locals, expats and visitors.
- Central location: Only a few MTR stops from Central in one direction and Causeway Bay in the other.
- Character: Street markets, old residential blocks and trendy coffee shops all share the same blocks.
Who Wan Chai Is Best For
Wan Chai is ideal if you want nightlife and local flavor but don’t need luxury shopping malls right on your doorstep. It’s also a good choice during big annual events like the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, when the district comes alive with fans and parties.
Mong Kok – Best for Markets and Budget Travelers
Across the harbour in Kowloon, Mong Kok is one of Hong Kong’s most densely populated and atmospheric districts. It’s famous for street markets, neon signs and packed sidewalks, offering a more “classic Hong Kong” feel than some of the slicker areas.
Why Stay in Mong Kok
- Street markets: Shop for souvenirs, clothes, gadgets and snacks at places like Ladies’ Market and Fa Yuen Street.
- Cheaper stays: You’ll find more budget and mid-range hotels and guesthouses compared to Central or TST.
- Local flavor: The streets here feel more everyday and residential, with tons of small eateries.
- MTR access: Mong Kok station sits on important MTR lines, so it’s easy to hop anywhere in the city.
Who Mong Kok Is Best For
Stay in Mong Kok if you don’t mind crowds and want to experience Hong Kong’s street life up close, while also keeping accommodation costs under control. It’s a great choice for younger travelers and repeat visitors who want something more authentic than purely touristy districts.
Jordan & Yau Ma Tei – Central Kowloon Without the Price Tag
Just south of Mong Kok, the Jordan and Yau Ma Tei areas offer a slightly calmer but still very central Kowloon base. You’re close to Temple Street Night Market, traditional medicine shops and old-school cinemas, while still being only a few MTR stops from Tsim Sha Tsui. Many lists rank this area as one of the best places for mid-range travelers who want a Kowloon stay without TST prices.
Why Stay in Jordan & Yau Ma Tei
- Value for money: Plenty of mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
- Night markets: Temple Street comes alive in the evenings with stalls, fortune tellers and food.
- Local atmosphere: Narrow streets, neighborhood eateries and old-style buildings.
Near the Airport & Lantau Island – Best for Short Stops and Families
If your trip is short or you’re flying in and out at odd hours, it might make sense to stay near Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island. This area is also convenient for families visiting Hong Kong Disneyland or exploring Lantau’s greener side.
Why Stay Near the Airport
- Time-saving: No long commute after a late arrival or early departure.
- Family-friendly: Hotels often cater to families visiting Disneyland with shuttle buses and kid-focused facilities.
- Nature and temples: Lantau is home to hiking trails, beaches and the famous Big Buddha.
Who Airport & Lantau Hotels Are Best For
This area is best if you prioritize convenience over nightlife and city buzz. It’s great for layovers, very short trips, or Disney-focused family holidays where you can make a day trip into the centre when needed.
Quieter & Trendy Neighborhoods – Escape the Crowds
If you’ve visited Hong Kong before or simply prefer a calmer base, there are several lesser-known areas that offer a more relaxed feel while still being close to the action.
Sai Ying Pun & Western District
West of Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun has developed into a hip neighborhood filled with cool cafés, restaurants and boutique hotels, while still keeping old Hong Kong streets and markets. It’s recommended by many local guides as a slightly quieter alternative to Central with similar harbour views.
Tai Hang and Wong Chuk Hang
For a more residential and chilled atmosphere, Tai Hang near Causeway Bay and Wong Chuk Hang on the south side of the island are becoming popular. They’re described as creative, up-and-coming neighborhoods where you’ll find indie cafés, art spaces and renovated industrial buildings turned into hotels.
Which Hong Kong Area Should You Choose?
To help narrow things down, here’s a quick overview of the best places to stay in Hong Kong by travel style:
- First-time visitors: Central / Sheung Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui.
- Shopping lovers: Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok.
- Nightlife and events: Central (SoHo, Lan Kwai Fong) or Wan Chai.
- Budget travelers and markets: Mong Kok, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei.
- Families & Disney trips: Lantau Island / near the airport.
- Quieter, trendy vibes: Sai Ying Pun, Tai Hang, Wong Chuk Hang.
Final Tips for Booking Your Stay in Hong Kong
Wherever you choose to stay, try to book a hotel or guesthouse that is within a few minutes’ walk of an MTR station. The network is clean, efficient and the fastest way to move between districts. If you plan to shop a lot or stay out late, it’s worth factoring in walking distance back to your hotel after a long day on your feet.
Hong Kong’s neighborhoods each show a different side of the city, from the glitter of Central’s skyscrapers to the buzz of Mong Kok’s markets and the calmer streets of the Western District. Pick the area that matches your travel style, and you’ll feel like you’ve chosen your own little slice of Hong Kong to call home – at least for a few nights.
