Where to Stay in Hong Kong, China – The Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

There are many cities in China that are excellent places to visit, but one of our favourites has to be Hong Kong. Considered a ‘gateway into Asia’, a trip to this historic city allows travellers to experience authentic culture whilst also enjoying the familiarity of a vibrant cityscape. It also feels much more Western than other cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where the culture shock can feel immense. 

However, figuring out where to stay in Hong Kong can be difficult. Should you stay on bustling Hong Kong Island or find a hotel in the Kowloon urban area?

In this article, we showcase where to stay in Hong Kong for different travellers. We consider specific areas and highlight the best places to stay in Hong Kong for first-timers, families, nightlife lovers and travellers on a budget. 

From the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui to the wonders of Causeway Bay, this guide will give you all the information you need to determine where to stay in Hong Kong.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong for the First Time

If it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong, the massive metropolis can feel overwhelming. Thankfully there is one area which provides the perfect experience for first-time visitors and showcases all the wonders of this modern marvel. With convenient transport links, top attractions and stellar views of the city skyline, there is no better place to stay in Hong Kong for first-timers than Tsim Sha Tsui. 

Tsim Sha Tsui

The vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui area, referred to as TST by locals, is situated in Kowloon across from Hong Kong Island. Not only does it offer incredible views of the Hong Kong Skyline, but this area has the highest concentration of hotels out of all the neighbourhoods in Hong Kong so finding a place to stay is very easy. 

TST is a popular tourist destination and a great place to stay for your first time in Hong Kong. It provides convenient access to some of the top attractions in the city like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of History. At these wonderful sites, you can learn more about the history and culture of Hong Kong and immerse yourself in its intriguing heritage.  

What makes TST a great place for first-time visitors is that it is well-connected to other parts of Hong Kong. It is a major hub for the MTR, buses and ferries which can take you to some of the best things to do in Hong Kong such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360. One of the best reasons to stay in TST is that it’s the main departure point for the Star Ferry, which is an affordable way to explore the different islands.  

There are so many hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui that it can be difficult to determine which is right for you. Below we list some of our top recommendations for hotels in Hong Kong within the TST area which will suit a range of travel budgets. 

Budget

The best place to stay in Tsim Sha Tsui for budget travellers is the Kowloon Hotel. It is connected to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station and is just a 7-minute walk from the Star Ferry Pier which makes exploring Hong Kong very convenient. The hotel has immaculate views of Victoria Harbour and is just steps away from the best shops and restaurants in Hong Kong. 

Mid-Range

Another excellent hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui is the Holiday Inn Golden Mile which is also very close to the MTR station. The hotel has a rooftop pool which is the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing in Hong Kong. There are also multiple restaurants onsite, Loong Yuen provides exceptional Cantonese cuisine while Bistro on the Mile is a great place to tuck into an international buffet. 

Luxury

If you’re looking for luxury in Tsim Sha Tsui then the Reagent Hong Kong is the hotel for you. It enjoys a prime location on the Victoria Harbour waterfront and is within walking distance of top landmarks like the Hong Kong Space Museum. You can enjoy delightful dishes in the 4 onsite restaurants and relax in the infinity jacuzzi pools with skyline views.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong with Family

While Hong Kong is known for its cosmopolitan allure and business innovation, it’s also a great place to go in China for a family holiday. There are a variety of amusement parks and top attractions in Hong Kong that will make lasting memories and give families a splendid experience. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Hong Kong that has an inviting family atmosphere, Causeway Bay is an excellent choice. 

Causeway Bay

This spirited shopping and entertainment district features numerous malls which are great to explore on a family trip to Hong Kong. Shopping centres like Times Square and Hysan Place offer an abundance of different brands and even have designated play areas for children. 

A great reason to stay in Causeway Bay is its proximity to Victoria Park. This green oasis perfectly contrasts with the busy city and offers a welcome place to relax. It’s a great place for an afternoon stroll and also features playgrounds that will provide endless entertainment for children. 

Causeway Bay is well connected to the rest of Hong Kong which will make family outings very easy. One of the best things to do in Hong Kong for families is to visit Hong Kong Disneyland. The park features a variety of areas like Tomorrowland and Mystic Point, which are filled with riveting rides and experiences that will be fun for the whole family. 

Although a major city might not seem like the most family-friendly environment, you can rest assured that Hong Kong is very safe. Causeway Bay is a popular district in Hong Kong but it is well maintained and creates a secure environment that is perfect for a family holiday. 

There are some great family hotels in Causeway Bay that are great for travellers with children. Below we highlight some of the best hotels in Hong Kong that are found within the Causeway Bay district and have a good variety of family amenities. 

Crowne Plaza Hong Kong

One of the best hotels in Causeway Bay for families is Crowne Plaza Hong Kong. It is conveniently located just 5 minutes away from Times Square and Causeway Bay MTR Station, allowing families to explore as much as they’d like. There is also a rooftop pool which will keep the kids entertained as well as a variety of dining options. 

Nina Hotel

Another excellent family hotel in Hong Kong is the Nina Hotel in Causeway Bay. The hotel is just steps away from Tin Hau station and features connecting rooms which are ideal for families. The rooms at Nina Hotel overlook either Victoria Park or Victoria Harbour and include spacious and simple interiors.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong for Nightlife

Travellers who enjoy the evening scene will feel spoiled on a trip to Hong Kong. The nightlife in Hong Kong is extremely diverse, with everything from rooftop bars to trendy lounges. If you’re wondering where to stay in Hong Kong to make the most of the evening atmosphere, then Central is the place for you. 

Central

Famous for being the financial and business centre of Hong Kong, Central is where nightlife lovers will find everything they need. One of the best places to go in Central for evening entertainment is Lan Kwai Fong, which attracts tourists and locals alike with its exceptional bars and clubs. 

One of the best features of Central is the lavish rooftop bars. From these high-rise venues, you can take in panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline while sipping on sophisticated cocktails. It’s a quintessential Hong Kong experience and should feature on travellers’ itineraries if they want to dive into the local nightlife.   

Beyond the pubs and clubs, Central also has some perfect options for evening entertainment. There are theatres and galleries which provide unique cultural experiences and allow you to explore more aspects of the city in a very stylish setting. 

Central enjoys a varied culinary scene and many of its eateries stay open late into the evening. This makes Central a great place to experience Hong Kong nightlife as you can find a great selection of late-night dining, from street food stalls to international dishes. You can also enjoy evening food tours of the area to get more of a taste of Cantonese cuisine. 

If you’re looking for accommodation in Hong Kong that will keep you close to Central and its wonderful evening offering, check out our recommendations below. We include options for a variety of budgets but as this area is very popular, prices are slightly higher than other areas of Hong Kong. 

Budget

A great choice for travellers who want an affordable hotel in Central is Butterfly on LFK Boutique Hotel. This property is just a short distance away from Lan Kwai Fong and includes modern furnishings. The reception staff speak both English and Chinese and are happy to make recommendations about the area. 

Mid-Range

For those wanting to stay right in the heart of the nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong Hotel is the perfect choice. The best bars and restaurants are just steps away and attractions like Victoria Peak can be reached within 15 minutes. It is also just 650 metres from the Central MTR station which gives you the freedom to explore Hong Kong. 

Luxury

Travellers who like opulence should consider booking into One96. While not directly within the Central district, this gorgeous hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and other transport links. Great bars and restaurants are just a 5-minute walk away so it’s perfect for travellers who want to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong on a Budget

Hong Kong may seem like a cosmopolitan city that is only suitable for luxury, but it can be a great place to visit for budget travellers. There are cheap hotels in Hong Kong which offer comfortable accommodation and you will find plenty of affordable dining options as well. If you are looking to visit Hong Kong on a budget, the best place to stay is Wan Chai. 

Wan Chai

Found on the northern shores of Hong Kong Island, Wan Chai is the place where tradition meets modernity. There are many areas in Hong Kong with waterfront views but these can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, Wan Chai offers idyllic views of Victoria Harbour and provides affordable accommodation in Hong Kong. 

One of the reasons that makes Wan Chai one of the best places to stay in Hong Kong for budget travellers is its fine selection of street food. There are a variety of stalls offering delicious Cantonese delicacies like spicy fish balls and sui mai. This is perfect for those on a budget as you can dive into the diverse dishes of Hong Kong without overspending. 

Wan Chai is known for hosting some of the best street markets in Hong Kong. The Wan Chai Market and the Tai Yuen Street Market are great places to visit in Hong Kong to find affordable souvenirs and unique accessories. If you stay in an accommodation with cooking facilities, you can also pick up fresh local produce at the markets to save on costs. 

The benefit of staying in Wan Chai is that it is a thriving transport hub in Hong Kong. The area is well connected to other parts of Hong Kong via the MTR, which is very efficient and affordable. The Wan Chai MTR station is easily accessible by bus, tram and ferry which means the whole city is at your fingertips. 

There are plenty of cheap Hong Kong hotels that can be found in Wan Chai. You can find some of our recommendations below that won’t eat too much into your travel budget.  

Novotel Century Hong Kong

A great hotel in Wan Chai for budget travellers is the Novotel Century Hong Kong. It is just a 5-minute walk from WanChai MTR station and just 10 minutes from Causeway Bay. The hotel features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour restaurant.  

Dorsett Wanchai

Another affordable hotel that is ideal for budget travellers is the Dorsett Wanchai. Situated next to the horse riding ground, there is so much to explore in the surrounding area. Causeway Bay MTR station is just 8 minutes away and many of the rooms offer stunning views of the racing track.

Summary

Determining the best area to stay in Hong Kong will largely depend on your own needs and preferences. The city itself has a fabulous array of attractions and things to do which make it a top destination for eager travellers. The public transport in Hong Kong is very efficient so no matter where you choose to stay, you can easily navigate through the city and discover all its mesmerising delights. 

If it’s your first time in Hong Kong you will find Tsim Sha Tsui has everything you need, with elaborate museums and its wonderful views. Families visiting Hong Kong will adore the exciting opportunities in Causeway Bay while those seeking nightlife will revel in the bars and clubs in Central. If you’re looking to visit Hong Kong on a budget, there’s no better place to stay than Wan Chai where you can get an authentic experience that won’t stretch your wallet. 

Have you been dreaming about a dazzling trip to China? Browse through our other posts like Where to Stay in Beijing and Where to Stay in Shanghai for more travel tips.

FAQs about Staying in Hong Kong

Is Hong Kong worth visiting?

Hong Kong is definitely worth visiting for its dynamic fusion of traditional Cantonese culture and modern amenities. On your visit, you will be captivated by the iconic skyline and delicious cuisine. It is one of the best places to go in China for travellers seeking a city break unlike any other. 

When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?

The best time to visit Hong Kong is during Autumn, from September to November. The weather in Hong Kong during these months is much more pleasant and less humid than at other times of the year. Temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C, so it’s the perfect time for city exploration and outdoor activities.

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About the Author

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Tom Adams

I am an experienced writer with a diverse background, having lived in 7 countries by age 16. I have specialised in various topics throughout my career, such as archaeology, sports and travel writing. Having grown up abroad I feel a special connection with the countries I once called home, in particular China, Singapore and Thailand. With my archaeological background, I also have a plethora of historical knowledge about Italy, Greece and Egypt. My favourite thing to do while travelling is visiting museums and historic landmarks and learning more about the local culture. As a foodie, I also make a point of sampling as much local cuisine as possible whenever I visit a new country. My favourite place I’ve visited so far has to be New Zealand, but I also loved Hong Kong and Copenhagen.