Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a bustling, busy city that is definitely worth exploring. It was the very first place we visited during our month-long trip to Asia, and we had a one week Hong Kong travel itinerary. As we tried to figure out what to do in Hong Kong and where to stay, we realized the importance of knowing the main neighborhoods of the area. This, along with your budget and timeframe, will help you choose the best accommodations to suit your travel needs.

Main Districts of Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island: Central, Sai Ying Pun, Causeway Bay, and Wan Chai
Kowloon Peninsula: Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok

Getting Around Hong Kong

Thanks to a well-connected MRT train system, it is pretty cheap and easy to get around Hong Kong via public transit. Below is the Hong Kong MRT System Map, but please be sure to check their website for the latest version. If you prefer taxis, they are ample and also decently affordable for getting around town.

Accommodations in Hong Kong

With a populated of more than 7 million people, space is limited in Hong Kong. Whether you opt for a budget trip or have a bigger budget to play with, you'll likely face tight accommodations. Below, you'll find suggested hotels, hostels, and accommodations for each major neighborhood.

Hong Kong Island

Central Hong Kong

This is the financial district of Hong Kong known simply as Central. It is on the north shore of Hong Kong island, located across the way from Tsim Sha Tsui.Walk the many winding streets of Central such as Gage Street, Graham Street, and Aberdeen Street to see many distinct, official-looking skyscrapers. Many of the world's top financial institutions have offices in Central, so you will see many professionals frequent the area by day. There are also many small wet markets and stalls where locals sell trinkets and traditional Hong Kong foods.

At night, Central is a great place to dine out in style, frequent bars, or go out to the many nightclubs that are full of energy every night of the week. Since Central is close to the popular spots of Lan Kwai Fong and Victoria Peak, it is a very desirable place for most tourists to stay in Hong Kong.

Hotels in Central

Causeway Bay and Wan Chai

One of Hong Kong's major shopping districts, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai are where you go for shopping at name-brand stores from around the world. Despite being a largely commercial district, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai are very centrally located. It is very easy to catch a taxi or MRT to another neighborhood. For accommodations, Wan Chai has more Airbnb rentals and slightly cheaper hotels than in Causeway Bay. For young people desiring hip and trendy areas, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai are where to stay in Hong Kong.

Accommodations in Causeway Bay

Accommodations in Wan Chai

Sai Ying Pun

Located in the northwestern part of Hong Kong Island, Sai Ying Pun is one of the oldest areas in the city. A recent revitalization brought an extension of the MTR line to Sai Ying Pun. As a result, many new restaurants, cafes, and shops have sprouted between the older storefronts and wet markets. The newer construction has made the area very popular among hipsters. While the neighborhood is very liveable, it may be a bit low-key for tourists. However, very nice hotel rooms with great views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbor can be booked here for much cheaper than over on Tsim Sha Tsui.

Hotels in Sai Ying Pun

Kowloon Peninsula

Tsim Sha Tsui

Located at the base of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is another popular spot for tourists visiting Hong Kong. It is very close to Victoria Harbor, where you can get stunning views of the city skyline. Tourist attractions are centered mainly on the shopping streets of Nathan Road and Canton Road. Tsim Sha Tsui doesn't have the young, party vibe of Central and Causeway Bay. However, it is a quick MRT ride away from these popular districts. This convenience along with the fact that the highest concentration of hotels in Hong Kong is in Tsim Sha Tsui make this the ideal location for accommodations. Here you can find everything from big-name international hotel chains or budget hostels.

Accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui

Mong Kok

Not far from Tsim Sha Tsui is the highly dense area of Mong Kok. There are many bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors here, but most tourists are drawn to Mong Kok for its food and shopping markets. This is where you can find cheap knockoffs, trinkets, souvenirs, and everything on your travel shopping list. If you are seeking cheap hotels, Mong Kok is where to stay in Hong Kong for the most affordable options.