The Best Area to Stay in Hong Kong for First Timers
Where is the best area to stay in Hong Kong?
Are you visiting Hong Kong soon and wondering where to base yourself for a vacation? Hong Kong is an exciting place to visit and there are lots of different areas to choose from.
Generally speaking it’s best to stay on Hong Kong Island but Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour is also very central for first-timers in Hong Kong. Easy access to Hong Kong’s excellent public transport network will make getting around easier so make sure you stay near an MTR station and you can’t go wrong.
This article looks at the pros & cons of the different areas to help you decide the best place to stay in Hong Kong depending on your budget and interests.
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I’ve stayed in several different areas of Hong Kong and explored the city as a solo traveller and I loved the colour and character the Old Town area near Central.
I found that hotels are more expensive in Hong Kong than other places in Asia and on two of my solo trips, I opted for an Airbnb flat over a hotel. But I’ve also stayed at The YMCA which is a good lower mid-range option and there are YMCAs on both sides of Victoria Harbour.
The best area to stay in Hong Kong for first-timers is near Hong Kong Central. The main attractions for tourists are spread out so a central location is important but accommodation tends to be more expensive the closer to Central you go.
Kowloon vs Hong Kong Island
Should you stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island? Well, the quick answer is you can choose either and have a great holiday but the different areas of Hong Kong have different characters and will suit different types of travellers.
Hong Kong Island is the centre of the financial area of Hong Kong with great shopping, restaurants and the Old Town. It’s where many of the most expensive hotels are located. Kowloon is better for budget travellers and is the centre of the museum precinct with great shopping, markets and temples.
But which is better, Kowloon or Hong Kong Island? Well, the best area to stay in Hong Kong depends on what you’re looking for and what kind of holiday you want to have. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide where to stay in Hong Kong.
The Best Area to Stay in Hong Kong Map
Hong Kong Central
Centre of the city & a public transport hub
Hong Kong Central is the perfect location for first-time visitors. The heart of the bustling city and you’ll see the new and old in this area. Historical landmarks, colonial buildings, and traditional Chinese markets and shops nestle beneath towering apartment blocks and high-rise office buildings.
Central is a public transport hub with a good choice of accommodation, nightlife and shopping but it’s a busy area and hotels tend to be more expensive the closer you get to Central.
Cheaper accommodation is on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour but the less expensive rooms can be very small and dark.
Hong Kong Central – Pros
- Central is the best area to stay in Hong Kong Island at the heart of the financial district.
- Near the Hong Kong Old Town, the Peak Tram, Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Park, The colonial St John’s Cathedral, The Court of Final Appeal
- A public transport hub with easy access to the MTR, ferries, trams
- Upmarket shopping malls
- Central Market, the Mid-Levels escalator & Soho
- Great choice of restaurants, bars & street food
Hong Kong Central – Cons
- A very built-up area with fewer green spaces
- Noisy & hectic night and day
- Can be very crowded on weekends and public holidays
- Hotels tend to be more expensive
- Fewer budget options
Where to Stay in Hong Kong Central
Mid-Range: Hotel Alexandra has a convenient central location with harbour-view rooms and convenient transport links for getting around Hong Kong.
Luxury: The Mandarin Oriental is a luxurious hotel with stunning views located in the vibrant heart of Hong Kong close to Victoria Peak and the local markets of the Old Town. This hotel gets exceptional reviews.
Where to eat in Hong Kong Central
- Central Market: Mammy Pancakesa classic Hong Kong dessert
- Ding Dim 1968 for really good dim sumin Soho
- Ho Lee Fook in Soho for an upmarket Michelin Star meal
Sheung Wan & Sai Ying Pun
Old Town, character & authentic local food
Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun are trendy suburbs in Hong Kong’s Old Town, not far from Central. Trams, buses and MTR are on the doorstep and the Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminal is a short walk away.
I loved staying in this area. It was a less sanitised experience with more colour and history than other parts of Hong Kong. It’s also very close to the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and the best area to stay in Hong Kong to take a day trip to Macau.
I booked an Airbnb flat in an older building in Sai Ying Pun surrounded by traditional Chinese medicine shops. The shops had resident cats to keep the rodents at bay. The Old Town is the best area to stay in Hong Kong for food, charm and character and has some of the best local restaurants and street food stalls in Hong Kong.
Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun – Pros
- Old Town charm and character
- Quieter than other parts of Hong Kong
- Man Mo Temple, Western Market, traditional Chinese shops & markets
- Alleyways, street art & antique shops
- Great local food & street food
- Close to MTR, trams, buses & the Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminal
- A good choice of local restaurants & bars
- Upmarket hotels & cheaper accommodation options
Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun – Cons
- Quite built up
- An older, less gentrified area with aging apartment blocks
- Green spaces are hard to find
- Around a 30-minute walk from Central
- Apartments are small. My Airbnb apartment was very cosy, a bit dark & very overlooked, surrounded by tall apartment blocks
- Few shopping malls or Western shops
Where to Stay in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun
Mid-Range: The Y Hotel Hong Kong in Sai Ying Pun is close to the MTR A2 exit, shops and restaurants at the heart of the Old Town and gets excellent reviews.
iClub AMTD Sheung Wan Hotel offers good value accommodation in a quiet location in downtown Central within walking distance of Central malls and subways.
Where to Eat in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun
- Winston’s Coffee in Sai Ying Pun is a tiny little café with lots of character and I enjoyed coffee and brunch here.
- St Lolan Bakery in Sai Ying Pun sells the most delicious Hong Kong Egg Tarts ever!
- Kwan Kee Claypot Rice in Queens Road Sai Ying Pun has amazing local food and I can recommend the Salt and Pepper Squid…it was incredible. Kwan Kee opens at 5:30 pm and is very popular so you can expect to queue. I waited for around 30 minutes here.
- PING Pong 129 Gineteria for a gin cocktail.
- Tsim Chai Kee Noodle in Wellington Street, Sheung Wan serves tasty Cantonese noodles at a reasonable price.
- The Western Market Sheung Wan is Hong Kong’s oldest market with cafes and fabric shops in a pretty colonial building. It’s worth visiting just to enjoy the colonial building.
Wan Chai
Harbour views, nightlife & a central location
Wan Chai is a former red-light district that’s now home to the Hong Kong Convention Centre in the heart of Hong Kong’s entertainment district. Located on Victoria Harbour Wan Chai is a busy area with great public transport options, colourful Lee Tung Street with a choice of restaurants and bars.
Wan Chai is one of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong for restaurants and nightlife.
Wan Chai – Pros
- A Central location on Hong Kong Island & Victoria Harbour
- Near the Hong Kong Convention Centre & Exhibition Centre
- Close to Central, Admiralty, the Victoria Peak Tram, Hong Kong Park
- An area full of life with nightlife, restaurants, bars, and shopping
- Colourful Lee Tung Street lanterns & restaurant strip
- Easy access to MTR, Trams, ferries and buses
- Covered walkways make walking easier for pedestrians above the busy roads.
Wan Chai – Cons
- Hotels tend to be more expensive with fewer cheap options
- A busy area with heavy traffic
- Very built up with fewer green spaces
- Noisy day & night
Where to stay in Wan Chai
Mid-Range: The Harbourview—Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong has a good central location in Wan Chai. My room was comfortable and had a stunning view over Victoria Harbour to Kowloon.
The Burlington Hotel in vibrant Wan Chai has stunning sea views and a great location near the MTR
Where to Eat in Wan Chai
- The Baker & The Bottleman in colourful Lee Tung Ave is a great spot for lunch, a coffee or a drink in Wan Chai. I ate here a couple of times in the upstairs area overlooking the colourful Chinese lanterns. I enjoyed their gourmet baguettes, the soda water was free and the coffee was good.
- Cooshti in Lee Tung Ave Wan Chai has some great artwork and serves Asian Fusion dishes.
- Kings Bakery in Lee Tung Avenue sells Hong Kong Egg tarts and other baked treats.
Causeway Bay
Shopping Malls & exclusive restaurants
If you’re looking for upmarket shopping malls & high-end restaurants & bars, Causeway Bay could be the best area to stay in Hong Kong for you. I stayed in a small, comfortable and bright Airbnb flat close to public transport in Causeway Bay.
Causeway Bay has easy access to public transport and it’s a good location for shopping and sightseeing in Hong Kong but the area was a bit too Westernized for me.
Causeway Bay – Pros
- Near Times Square, Shopping Mall, Sogo Department Store
- Good for upmarket shopping
- Tin Hau Temple & Victoria Park
- Near the Happy Valley Horse Races
- Excellent public transport links with MTR, trams & buses on the doorstep
- Great for fine dining with a choice of restaurants and bars (I enjoyed the Sky Bar for sundowner with harbour views)
Causeway Bay – Cons
- Accommodation tends to be more expensive in this upmarket area of Hong Kong.
- I stayed in a cheap Airbnb & it was tiny & dark. I suggest spending a bit more money on better accommodation.
- Further away from Central – around 30 minutes by tram
- Further away from the main tourist sites like The Peak Tram, the Star Ferry & Tsim Sha Tsui
Where to Stay in Causeway Bay
Mid-Range: The Eco Tree Hotel Causeway Bay is a good value option with a convenient location near public transport.
Luxury: The Park Lane Hong Kong a Pullman Hotel, has a super location in Causeway Bay and gets excellent reviews.
Where to Eat in Causeway Bay
- The popular Café Matchbox in Causeway Bay has a great atmosphere.
- The Drunken Pot, a Cantonese hotpot restaurant in Causeway Bay
- Ho Hung Kee is one of Hong Kong’s oldest noodle shops and has a Michelin star
Tsim Sha Tsui
Harbour views & a popular location for tourists
On the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour Tsim Sha Tsui is a former port with a fabulous location and gorgeous views across the harbour to Hong Kong Island.
An older area of Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui has a good choice of restaurants, street food and shopping with the Star Ferry, The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, The Symphony of Stars Laser Show, the Avenue of Stars and the museum district on the doorstep.
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon are where you’ll find cheaper accommodation in Hong Kong but the area has its share of upmarket shopping and hotels like the luxurious Peninsula Hong Kong Hotel.
Tsim Sha Tsui – Pros
- Across the harbour from Central on Hong Kong Island & a good location in Hong Kong
- Gorgeous views of the Hong Kong Skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, a great vantage point to watch the Symphony of Lights Laser Show (Free at 8 pm every night)
- Avenue of Stars, Star Ferry, Museum of History, & the Museum of Art.
- Not far from the Wong Tai Sin Temple, the Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden
- Not far from the newly developed harbourside West Kowloon Museum Precinct, the M+ & the Hong Kong Palace Museum
- Upmarket shopping with designer labels in the Peninsula Hotel & Arcade
- Easy access to the MTR, ferries and buses
- K11 Musea for retail, art, culture & entertainment
- High-end shopping
- Both fine dining & local restaurants
Tsim Sha Tsui – Cons
- Not on Hong Kong Island
- Further away from The Peak & Hong Kong Central
- Restaurants for tourists
- Busy & touristy
Where to stay in Tsim Sha Tsui
Budget: Victoria Inn has single rooms and a great location for exploring Hong Kong
Mid-Range: Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong has a super location and gets excellent reviews.
Luxury: The Peninsula Hotel is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui with a perfect location for a Hong Kong itinerary. This elegant hotel gets wonderful reviews.
Rosewood Hong Kong is another well-known luxury hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui with a fabulous location, stunning harbour views and exceptional reviews. (It’s on my wish list).
Where to eat in Tsim Sha Tsui
- Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hong Kong is very popular for a reason. I loved the relaxed ambience in the Lobby, the elegant decoration and the impeccable service. I enjoyed the experience and can recommend it.
- The Kitin is an upmarket sophisticated restaurant that serves Cantonese and Western dishes at the International Commerce Centre (ICC)
- Hancham & Bong Ru specialises in classic Korean-Chinese cuisine in Tsim Sha Tsui
- Chungking Mansions is a vibrant hub for Indian Food in Tsim Sha Tsui
Mong Kok
Markets & local culture on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour
Mon Kok is the best place to stay in Hong for colourful local markets and street food. It’s a bustling & vibrant area that’s often busy and crowded. Head to Mong Kok to find cheaper accommodation.
Mon Kok – Pros
- The best area to stay in Hong Kong for hostels, guesthouses & cheaper hotels
- A great area for local markets & budget shopping at the Lady’s Market, the Flower Market, the Goldfish Market, Sneaker Street, and the Temple Street Night Market.
- A great choice of local cafes & street food stalls
- Close to MTR & buses
- Not far from the Wong Tai Sin temple, the Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden
- Not far from the West Kowloon Museum Precinct
Mon Kok – Cons
- A less central location
- A busy & noisy area and often crowded
- Not on Victoria Harbour
- Further away from Hong Kong Central & Victoria Peak
- A less upmarket part of town
- Dirty & very built up with fewer green spaces
- Heavy traffic on Nathan Road
Where to Stay in Mon Kok
Mid-Range: Summit View Kowloon offers good value accommodation with excellent service, modern amenities, and public transport on the doorstep.
The Beacon is a 4-star hotel in Mong Kok with spacious rooms and a great location for shoppers near the famous Ladies Market and Temple Street Night Market.
Budget: The YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel in Sham Shui Po, a more traditional area near Mong Kok, offers good value in Hong Kong. The space is very large and clean, with a retro and peaceful atmosphere. The location is also very convenient. It’s only a five to ten-minute walk from Sham Shui Po MTR station.
Where to Eat in Mon Kok
- Temples Street Night Market for street food
- Kai Kai Dessert is a Michelin Star restaurant that specialises in traditional Cantonese Desserts
- Fu Wah Cafe is a local Cha Chaan Teng and one of the best breakfast or brunch spots in Mong Kok.
Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands
Airport, Big Buddha, Beaches, hiking & fishing villages
The best area to stay in Hong Kong for a beach holiday is on one of the beautiful outlying islands like Lantau, Lamma and Cheung Chau.
Lantau Island is where you’ll find Hong Kong International Airport, Disneyland and Tai O fishing village. Catch the Ngong Ping cable car to the top of the mountain, enjoy stunning views and see the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery.
For a more relaxed way of life, catch a ferry to Lamma Island or Cheung Chau and stay in a fishing village. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, walking trails and a slower pace on Lamma Island.
The colour & character of Cheung Chau Island is a delightful contrast to city life in Hong Kong. With no cars, Lamma Island and Cheung Chau are a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.
Outlying Islands – Pros
- Hong Kong’s outlying islands offer a quiet escape.
- No cars or traffic noise on Lamma Island or Cheung Chau
- Cheaper accommodation
- Stunning scenery
- Beautiful swimming beaches
- Hiking trails
- Delicious seafood
- Fishing villages with colourful fishing boats
- Access by ferry
- Hong Kong Disneyland, Big Buddha, Ngong Ping Cable Car, Tai O Village, and Hong Kong Airport are on Lantau Island.
- Lantau Island has an MTR station at Tung Chung, buses and cars & easy access to the city.
Outlying Islands – Cons
- Further away from Hong Kong Island
- 30- 60 minutes by ferry (or MTR) to Hong Kong Island
- No cars on Lamma Island or Cheung Chau
- Fewer accommodation options
- Very quiet with limited nightlife on Lamma Island and Cheung Chau
Where to stay in Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands
Lantau Island: Stay in comfort at the Disney Explorers Lodge or the Disney Hollywood Hotel or take a budget holiday at the Ngong Ping YHA Youth hostel (YHA membership required)
Lamma Island: Stay at Concerto Inn or Bayshore Inn on Hung Shin Ye Beach, the perfect place to base yourself for an extended stay on Lamma Island.
Cheung Chau: The beachside Warrick Hotel on Tung Wan Beach is in the centre of the village and has a great location close to restaurants, cafes and bars and just a 5-minute walk from the ferry pier.
Lychee Sunset Hotel is another option on Cheung Chau located near the marina around 100 metres from the beach.
Where to eat in the Outlying islands
- Lantau Island: Crossing Boat Restaurant in Tai O Village offers delicious local Cantonese stir-fries.
- Lamma Island: Rainbow Seafood Restaurant in Sok Kwu Wan on the waterfront
- Cheung Chau: New Baccarat for fresh seafood
Best area to stay in Hong Kong for solo travellers
The best area to stay in Hong Kong for solo travellers is Central. Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun or Wan Chai are near Hong Kong Central in the Old Town. These areas are full of character with lots of street food and cheap eats nearby, perfect for experiencing the local colour and authentic food.
Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Sui are also safe areas to stay in Hong Kong for solo travellers.
Best area to stay in Hong Kong on a budget
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong on a budget are Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, or the far side of Hong Kong island in Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, or Stanley. The quieter outlying islands offer cheaper accommodation and a peaceful, more traditional way of life.
Best area to stay in Hong Kong for food
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong for food are Central, Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun Old Town for authentic Hong Kong food and street food. Head to Central, Wan Chai, Lan Kwai Fong for restaurants and bars and nightlife or Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui for fine dining and nightlife.
Best area to stay in Hong Kong for Shopping
Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise and the best areas to stay in Hong Kong for shopping are Central, near Central Market, Soho & the mid-levels.
Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui have shopping malls and department stores for upmarket shopping while Mong Kok is the best place to stay in Hong Kong for Markets.
Mong Kok has the Ladies Market, the Flower Market, the Goldfish Market, Sneaker Street and the Temple Street Night Market. The Stanley market on the far side of Hong Kong Island is also popular with shoppers.
Best area to stay in Hong Kong for Families
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong for families is Hong Kong Island or across Victoria Harbour at Tsim Sha Tsui. Both areas have good public transport links for sightseeing.
Families might also enjoy a beach holiday on Lantau Island where Disneyland the Big Buddha and cable car are nearby and there are opportunities for hiking and swimming around the islands of Hong Kong.
Final Thoughts: the best place to Stay in Hong Kong
The best area to stay in Hong Kong is on Hong Kong Island near Central and the nearby suburbs; Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Tsim Sha Tsui is also a central place to stay in Hong Kong on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour.
Make sure you book your accommodation near an MTR station for easy access to all the main tourist sights.
I’ve stayed in Airbnb flats and hotels in various parts of Hong Kong and my favourite area to stay in Hong Kong is the Old Town in trendy Sai Ying Pun or Sheung Wan near Central. I loved the colour and character of the area and the great selection of street food stalls and local restaurants.
I loved visiting Hong Kong and I’m sure will too wherever you decide to stay.
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