Where To Stay in Hong Kong – A Guide To Hotels and Neighbourhoods

As a city that’s home to stunning urban skylines and juxtaposition both modern and ancient attractions, there’s so much to love about Hong Kong. To help get you started on where to stay in Hong Kong, this guide will introduce the primary neighbourhoods and what you’ll find in each.

Once you take in the tantalizing amount of activities that Hong Kong offers, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the choices of where to stay in Hong Kong. To help plan your itinerary, I’ve broken down each neighbourhood to give you a sense of where you want to base your adventures from.

Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this neighbourhood guide?  Jump to the section that you’re interested in.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

Let me take some of the stress off your shoulders and walk you through the various neighbourhoods so that you can easily find the best hotels in Hong Kong that suit your budget, your needs, and your travel style with the best hotels in Hong Kong to stay.

The Main Hong Kong Neighbourhoods

1. Central – Far from boring, the Central District is more than just work and is filled with exciting and exclusive attractions if you know where to look.

2. Sheung Wan – Sitting in the shadow of Central, this neighbourhood has had a bit of a makeover in recent years that shifted it from a simple residential area to a trendy destination blending antiquity with modernity.

3. Soho – Favoured by the artsy crowd, Soho is a smaller neighbourhood found sandwiched between Central and Mid-Levels just south of Hollywood Road.

4. Lan Kwai Fong – This neighbourhood is party central and brings out the party animal in everyone from young professionals to backpackers.

5. Mid-Levels – While this neighbourhood might be primarily residential, it also offers some of the most spectacular views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak.

6. Wanchai and Causeway Bay – These two neighbourhoods offer a fantastic mixture of cultural centres and shopping destinations.

7. Tsim Sha Tsui – Not only is this neighbourhood one of the liveliest ones in Hong Kong, but it also offers a wide variety of upscale dining options.

8. Jordan and Yaumatei – These two neighbourhoods manage to hold on to a quirky, old Hong Kong feel despite being nestled in between towering skyscrapers.

9. Mongkok – Markets dominate the neighbourhood of Mongkok but offer plenty of fascinating stalls to explore throughout the day.

Back to the top

Hong Kong Quick Tips

How To Get Around

There are plenty of options when it comes to traversing through Hong Kong on your vacation. It might be easier to walk to certain destinations rather than worrying about paying for your transportation.

Walking

Walking through Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods will let you find hole-in-the-wall locations that you might otherwise miss if you hurry along your trip itinerary without a second thought.

Not only do you get a good amount of exercise in, you also open the door to the pulse of Hong Kong and get to explore the city without worrying about transit schedules and prices.

Taxis

Walking is not for everyone though, or for every situation. Hailing a taxi or calling for an Uber is an easy way to get to an exact location in a fast and simple manner, but it can get expensive.

There’s also the fact that most taxis in Hong Kong are cash only and it can be nerve-wracking and cumbersome to carry that much cash on your person.

Public Transit

Transit cards are an easy way to use public transportation provided you are ready to learn the bus stops necessary and attach your vacation plans to the mercy of the transit schedule.

While you might gain the worry of being able to catch your train or bus in time, getting on and off at stops lets you have the opportunity to get a little of the benefit offered by walking.

There are a lot of options when it comes to travelling within Hong Kong – from the Octopus Card to an app that helps translate with your taxi driver – so its best to figure out what suits the way you travel as well as your budget.

Neighbourhood Map

For your convenience, I have included a lovely map that helps you better visualize the neighbourhoods of Hong Kong.

Plan Your Trip

Tip 1: What To Pack – Check what the weather will be like during your stay in Hong Kong. Try to pack for the weather with a few items like a coat and umbrella for any surprises that you might run into.

Tip 2: Plug Adaptors – Hong Kong uses a flat three prong electrical outlet, similar to the UK. Purchasing a universal adapter will likely help you not only in Hong Kong but other destinations around the world.

Tip 3: Data Roaming – It’s important to come prepared if you don’t have an international plan for your phone. You can either avoid using your device and unplug for the duration of your vacation or procure a SIM card when you land in Hong Kong such as one2free.

Tip 4: Buying a Travel Guide – A travel guide can be a beneficial purchase for your vacation. Often they include maps and interesting tidbits to enhance your trip to Hong Kong.

Tip 5: Currency – Honk Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar as its primary currency. 1 HKD equals about 0.10 GBP, 0.13 USD, and 0.17 CAD.

Tip 6: Language – Cantonese and Mandarin are both heavily spoken in Hong Kong. However, a large community means that English speakers are easy enough to locate if you struggle with languages.

Back to the top

Hong Kong Neighbourhoods

#1 Central

What’s There and Why Visit

The towering skyline of this neighbourhood perfectly suits its status as Hong Kong’s financial hub. The attitude of “Work Hard, Play Hard” is a bit of a motto in Central, and it earns its name by being perfectly located to provide ease of access to transportation.

Central is far more than an urban jungle and hides a variety of quaint and fascinating locations to explore – including some of the oldest restaurants in Hong Kong and fantastic botanical gardens.

Whether you want to wander the markets, relax in one of the best hotels in Hong Kong or escape the crowds by exploring restored historic buildings, Central is a fantastic destination to wet your feet in the waters of Hong Kong.

Suggested Hotels Near Central

Things to See Near Central

Edward Youde Aviary – Found within Hong Kong Park, this aviary is a fantastic and free attraction that’s suitable for the whole family. This fantastic wildlife sanctuary is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Central. A visit here is also an excellent opportunity to explore the rest of Hong Kong Park.

Tai Kwun – At first glance, it’s highly unlikely that you will relate this building to its past as a prison. Step into history and wander around the beautifully preserved buildings of Tai Kwun. Wander through the on-site museum or get a bite to eat and grab a beer at one of the restaurants now found in the area.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum – Hong Kong has a long history as a port city, and this Maritime Museum does its best to preserve and display items that help to tell that story. With fifteen galleries, guided tours and other public programs, and a rooftop cafe, a visit to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum is the perfect way to spend a day learning about the past, present, and future of maritime’s role in society.

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware – Another location found within the trails and paths of Hong Kong Park, this free museum will take you into the history of tea and the culture that surrounds it in China. Once you’re done wandering the rooms of tea wares and examples of how tea was prepared across the ages in China you can stop in at an on-site tea shop to choose from a variety of delicious teas and dim sum.

Hong Kong Zigang Harbour – Found in Hong Kong Park, you can watch fishermen in junks at work in the harbour among the floating islands. You can also take the opportunity to eat at Jumbo, a floating restaurant, for a unique dining experience with fantastic food. The absolute best way to experience the harbour is to take a tour by sampan.

Kwun Yam Temple – Kwun Yam Temple is a fantastic Buddhist temple with a fantastic collection of statues, pergolas, and a stunning, red longevity bridge. It’s a fantastic place to explore and reflect not only on the self but the traditions and practices of Buddhism and Chinese Folk Religions. Beautifully preserved and well cared for, this stop is a fantastic opportunity to relax and take a breath in Central.

Hong Kong Xu Museum of Art – While no photos are allowed in the museum, this location provides the perfect opportunity to admire gorgeous Ming ceramics. A variety of cultural exhibits are led by staff members to offer more hands-on experience to subjects such as Chinese Symbolism.

Shing Wong Temple – Built in 1877, this is another fantastic historic stop that is dedicated to a god called Shing Wong. Shing Wong is believed to watch over and protect cities. Take this opportunity to admire and appreciate one of China’s fantastic and beautiful temples, and learn a little about worship habits in the late nineteenth century of China.

Getting There

Edward Youde Aviary – While primarily a walking destination, you can easily hop off at one of the two stops for Hong Kong Park.

Tai Kwun – Hop off at either stop for Tai Kwun on either Hollywood Road or Old Bailey Street.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum – Hop off at the Central (Star Ferry) stop and the museum should be little more than a short walk away.

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware – You can easily hop off at one of the two stops for Hong Kong Park or make your way from the High Court; Queensway stop nearby.

Hong Kong Zigang Harbour – Hop off at either of the two stops for Hong Kong Park.

Kwun Yam Temple – Hop off at the Lan Kwai Fong; D’aguilar Street, make your way downStanley Street and you should see it.

Hong Kong Xu Museum of Art – Hop off at the Hsbc Main Building; Queen’s Road Central stop and the museum is only a short walk away.

Shing Wing Temple – Pop up from the Sha Kei Wan MTR Station and the temple is right nearby.

#2 Wan Chai and Causeway Bay

What’s There and Why Visit

Not only are these intertwined neighbourhoods the retail center of Hong Kong, but they have experienced a revival in recent years that is adding some of the trendiest restaurants and the best hotels in Hong Kong.

A little extravagance never hurt a vacation, and Wan Chai and Causeway Bay remain extremely popular destinations for families on vacation in Hong Kong. You’ll be sure to find some of the best hotels in Hong Kong in this district.

Suggested Hotels Near Wan Chai and Causeway Bay

Things to See Near Wan Chai and Causeway Bay

Golden Bauhinia Square – The Golden Bauhinia Square offers a fantastic view of Victoria Harbour and a chance to admire the statue for which the square gets its name. Located beside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, this square is a quick visit, but an excellent way to pass a bit of extra time if you happen to find yourself with some on hand.

Hong Kong Racing Museum – This museum is found on the grounds of the Happy Valley Race Course. Dedicated to the history of horse racing in Hong Kong, the museum covers over 150 years of the subject. A fantastic specialty museum for fans of horse racing, the free entry also provides an opportunity for less passionate visitors to have the chance to learn about this noble sport.

Victoria Park – This park offers a lot of fun activities through the year – such as a fantastic and unique flower market during the Chinese Lunar New Year Fair – but it also offers a welcome respite to relax during your trip. Take a moment to people watch in the park, as you can never know what you might luck out and see. It’s a step away from tourist attractions, but it offers a fantastic insight into an average day of life in Hong Kong.

Getting There

Golden Bauhinia Square – Hop off at the Wan Chai Bus Terminus and thee square won’t be a long walk away at all.

Hong Kong Racing Museum – Pop up from the Queen’s Road East station or hop off the bus at the Hau Tak Lane; Wong Nai Chung Road stop and you should see this museum.

Victoria Park – Simply hop off the bus at the Victoria Park stop and you are there.

#3 Sheung Wan

What’s There and Why Visit

The fast pace of Central and similar neighbourhoods is not found in Sheung Wan. Every day is like the perfect weekend when you vacation here right down to the best hotels in Hong Kong. The atmosphere is laid back, relaxed, and perfect for casual exploration during the day. At night though, the neighbourhood tends to come alive with lights and spirits of all sorts.

Artsy and historic, Sheung Wan is a fantastic place to wander during your vacation and offers a little something for everyone. Museums dot the streets and architecture buffs will love the building in this neighbourhood.

Suggested Hotels Near Sheung Wan

Things to See Near Sheung Wan

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences – Housed in the Old Pathological Institute, this independent public museum has been declared one of Hong Kong’s monuments. Wander through exhibits detailing the history of plagues, disease, and medical practices in Hong Kong since the turn of the twentieth century.

Liang Yi Museum – The Liang Yi Museum is Hong Kong’s largest private museum of design, craftsmanship, and heritage. With exhibitions rotated every six months, it is well worth a visit. The museum also happens to house two of the world’s best collections of antiques, with one being classical Chinese furniture.

Hung Shing Temple – While a visit to this temple might not be as peaceful as some of the other temples in Hong Kong, it does hold the honour of being one of the oldest temples on Hong Kong Island. Picturesque and vibrant, it’s important to be respectful to those praying during a visit to this temple. This temple and the religious practices that go with it are still an active part of many Chinese lives in the area.

Hollywood Road – Hollywood Road is a fantastic shopping destination dotted with temples, antique shops, and galleries. Whether you go for window shopping or to find the perfect and perhaps incomparable souvenir for your vacation, Hollywood Road is a fantastic way to spend a day without having to plan down to the last letter.

Getting There

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences – Hop off the bus at the Ladder Street; Cain Road stop and the museum will be a short walk away.

Liang Yi Museum – Hop off the bus at the Lok Ku Road; Hollywood Road stop and the museum will be a few blocks down the street from you.

Hung Shing Temple – Hop off the bus at the Sutherland Street stop and head down the road to get to this location.

Hollywood Road – Simply hop off the bus at the Po Yan Street; Hollywood Road stop and you will be in the right area.

#4 Tsim Sha Tsui

What’s There and Why Visit

Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the top destinations for tourists and a popular place for those wondering where to stay in Hong Kong. Whether you want to go on a high-budget shopping tour or explore one of the museums in the area, this neighbourhood has something that will easily become a highlight of your vacation. You can rest assured you’ll find the best hotels in Hong Kong to kick your feet up at the end of the day.

While on the surface Tsim Sha Tsui seems to be decorated with designer brands and a fast-paced lifestyle, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the neighbourhood with your entire family. Tsim Sha Tsui makes it easy to see that some experiences are priceless – no matter what the surrounding price tags look like.

Suggested Hotels Near Tsim Sha Tsui

Things to See Near Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong Space Museum – With a fairly priced entry fee, the Hong Kong Space Museum offers you the opportunity to explore the history of space travel, participate in interactive exhibits, or enjoy the planetarium and theatre. Whether you love astronomy, history, or just enjoy learning new factoids when you can, this museum is an excellent way to pass time in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Avenue of the Stars – This statue-lined stretch of road offers great views of Victoria Harbour, and a chance to admire the handprints and effigies of famous Chinese stars. While many names might be lost on visitors, the avenue hosts a few that everyone would recognize such as Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jacky Chan, and John Woo. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn a little bit about Chinese pop culture.

Hong Kong Museum of History – This museum goes into exhaustive detail of Chinese history. Exploring the incredibly detailed exhibits will teach you about everything from the Opium War to the Japanese occupation of World War II. This museum is easily a day in itself, with plenty to see and to do for history lovers and the patient people who love their history buffs alike. This museum is easily a must-see when you’re in Hong Kong.

Getting There

Hong Kong Space Museum – Hop off the bus at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and you’ll see it almost immediately.

Avenue of the Stars – If you hop off the bus at the East Tsim Sha Tsui Railway Station stop then you’ll be ready to wander and admire this location.

Hong Kong Museum of History – This as an easy spot to find as you can simply hop off the bus at the stop of the same name!

#5 Jordan and Yau Ma Tei

What’s There and Why Visit

These neighbourhoods might not be glamorous or busy like their neighbours, but the fact that they are some of the most authentic areas in Hong Kong more than makes up for it. I’ve done some digging to find some of the best hotels in Hong Kong located in this very district.

Often overlooked by tourists, the neighbourhoods of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei can make you think you’ve stepped back in time in some places. Rich in both history and culture, these neighbourhoods are a verifiable melting pot for all walks of life and easily blend the old in with the new.

While these neighbourhoods might walk on the quieter side, the stories you’ll bring home will be vibrant with traces of the time you spent here.

Suggested Hotels Near Jordan Yau Ma Tei

Things to See Near Jordan and Yau Ma Tei

Temple Street Night Market – This Night Market is popular and famous for very good reasons. Filled with fantastic stalls selling items that would make excellent souvenirs and delicious food stalls, the Temple Street Night Market is fascinating to wander around in.

King George V Memorial Park – While this park is on the small side, it is a delightful splash of green space in the middle of busy Hong Kong. It’s an excellent space to stop and take a short break and enjoy the fresh air.

Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple – This beautiful temple is framed by a park with banyan trees. This oasis of serenity is dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. Through land reclamation has chased the sea away from the temple, it remains a delightful place for prayer and reflection.

Getting There

Temple Street Night Market – Hop off the bus at the Shanghai Street or Temple Street Jordan stops and make your way through this famous market.

King George V Memorial Park – Simply hop off the bus at the King George V Memorial Park stop and enjoy your time in the park!

Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple – Get off of the bus at the Public Square Street stop and make your way down Public Street until you see this temple.

#6 Mongkok

What’s There and Why Visit

It is incredibly easy to see why Mongkok can seem crowded. Not only is it one of the highest density districts in the entire world, but the sheer variety of market spaces, restaurants, and shopping arcades in this neighbourhood easily draw in crowds.

Primarily a shopping destination, Mongkok is bound to provide you with a fascinating experience. Merchants tend to group together in similar patterns, creating attractions such as Flower Market Road.

Truly, Mongkok is a neighbourhood and shopping experience that is unlike anywhere else you could ever dream of visiting.

Suggested Hotels Near Mongkok

Things to See Near Mongkok

Fa Yuen Street – This street market is a mix of toys, small gadgets, handbags, and more. You’ll find interesting food stalls tucked in between the merchant stalls. There’s plenty to be found along this street.

Flower Market Road – Wandering this particular street market is a little bit like wandering through an enchanted garden. A variety of florists sell their brightly coloured fragrant wares here.

Yuanpu Street Bird Park – This street market specialises in selling a variety of birds. if you’re an animal lover this might be an interesting twist on the traditional pet store.

Getting There

Fa Yuen Street – Simply hop off the bus at the Fa Yuen Street stop and wander the street freely.

Flower Market Road – If you get off of the bus at the New Century Plaza stop and walk down Yuen Ngai Street, then you will find yourself in the middle of Flower Market Road.

Yuanpu Street Bird Park – If you hop off the bus at Embankment Road, then you should see the bird park.

The fast pace is either invigorating or overwhelming to visitors, but either way Central is a neighbourhood that balances out a lightning speed lifestyle with quiet, hidden gems throughout the city. Whether you want to wander the markets, relax in one of the best hotels in Hong Kong or escape the crowds by exploring restored historic buildings, Central is a fantastic destination to wet your feet in the waters of Hong Kong.

Back to the top

---

I hope this guide will help you in your search for where to stay in Hong Kong. Drop me a line below with any tips you may have about staying in Hong Kong.