Hong Kong hotels are compact and pricey, so location and MTR access matter most. Here’s how the main areas compare.
Hong Kong areas compared
| Area | Best for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) | First-timers, harbour views, shopping | Busy, touristy |
| Central / Sheung Wan | Dining, nightlife, the Peak Tram | The most expensive |
| Causeway Bay / Wan Chai | Shopping, value, MTR access | Crowded streets |
| Mong Kok / Jordan | Budget, markets, local life | Noisy, tiny rooms |
| Kennedy Town / Sai Ying Pun | Local cafés, calmer feel | Further west |
Tsim Sha Tsui: best for first-timers
Harbour-view hotels, the Avenue of Stars, museums and the Star Ferry pier are all here. It’s also handy for the Airport Express at Kowloon Station and the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Central and Sheung Wan: best for food and nightlife
You’re steps from Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo, the Peak Tram and the ferries to the outer islands. Sheung Wan is a little quieter and more characterful.
Causeway Bay and Wan Chai: best value on the Island
These are shopping districts with plenty of mid-range hotels and great food, linked by MTR and the Ding Ding trams.
Mong Kok and Jordan: best on a budget
Night markets, street food and cheaper hotels. Rooms can be very small, so check the size.
Compare hotel prices across Hong Kong neighbourhoods.
Booking tips
- Hong Kong hotel rooms are among the smallest in the world, so check the square metres.
- Avoid the cheapest guesthouses in Chungking Mansions unless reviews are excellent.
- Prices peak around Chinese New Year, the Rugby Sevens and big trade fairs.
- For your arrival, see Hong Kong Airport to the city.
More Hong Kong guides
- Hong Kong travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Victoria Peak and Peak Tram tickets
- Hong Kong Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Hong Kong
FAQ: Where to stay in Hong Kong
Is it better to stay on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon?
Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) for views of the Island skyline and value, and the Island (Central) for dining and nightlife. Both are minutes apart by MTR or ferry.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Hong Kong?
Mong Kok, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon.
Which area is best for families?
Tsim Sha Tsui, for its museums and harbourfront, or a resort hotel on Lantau near Disneyland.
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