Can’t determine the place to remain to your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui a very good space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it ultimate to remain in Lantau island? On this article, we’ll break it down that will help you decide the perfect neighborhood for you.

Hong Kong is one among our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, we’ve got stayed at varied areas inside the territory. And sure, some areas are higher than others. However to correctly decide the perfect, we have to perceive Hong Kong’s geography.

Hong Kong could also be small, however it’s a bit difficult. It’s set primarily on a peninsula, however it additionally covers varied close by islands. To its north is Shenzhen and to its west, now linked by a bridge, is Macau. And like Macau, Hong Kong is a Particular Administrative Area of China. It is part of China, however it has its personal financial system, foreign money, and immigration legal guidelines. That’s why even Chinese language mainlanders nonetheless must undergo immigration checks when coming into Hong Kong.

Hong Kong consists of three principal areas:

• Kowloon, on the peninsula, the place Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are positioned. Hong Kong’s metropolis heart has two faces. Certainly one of them is Kowloon, which covers a lot of the developed space on the mainland. That is the older and extra conventional facet of town. It’s what many take into account quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that lots of the buildings will not be very trendy. It’s dense, busy, and extremely textured. This facet is commonly used as a setting in Hollywood motion pictures.
• Hong Kong Island, the place you’ll discover the Central Enterprise District. If Kowloon is gritty and conventional, Hong Kong Island is polished and aesthetically extra colonial, mixing Chinese language tradition with British influences effectively. However it’s divided into smaller neighborhoods together with Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay.
• New Territories, which covers the realm north of Kowloon and 200 outlying islands together with Lantau Island, the place you’ll discover Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, and Tai-O Village. The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport can also be inside the New Territories.

The reality is, Hong Kong is additional divided into 18 smaller districts. However for vacationers, particularly first-timers, just a few of those will most likely matter.

So which is the perfect space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it relies on your particular itinerary. However when you ask me for my private choice, right here’s how I might rank these areas.

(By the way in which, you’ll additionally discover a checklist of high accommodations within the space, categorized by price range. Once we say “inexpensive”, we imply that comparatively. Lodging are typically costly in Hong Kong. Lodge costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed beneath inexpensive should be thought of pricey by different requirements.)

1. CENTRAL

Strictly talking, Central typically refers to a particular space surrounding the Central Station. However for tourism functions, the time period is usually used loosely to incorporate the entire Central and Western District, encompassing Admiralty and Sheung Wan.

The center of Hong Kong’s Central Enterprise District, it’s bustling particularly at rush hours. However it will get much less busy as you progress away from it. On our most up-to-date journey, we stayed in Sheung Wan which may be very quiet.

Central may be very accessible, extra accessible than Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok in Kowloon. There’s a direct bus from the airport (A11 bus). However most significantly, there’s a direct prepare – the Airport Categorical, which is the quickest solution to get to town heart. You may attain Central in roughly half-hour, considerably faster than taking the bus or a number of common prepare rides. (By the way in which, if you wish to e-book a seat on the Airport Categorical prepare, you’ll be able to reserve upfront on Klook.)

Central is your leap off level to 2 in style points of interest: Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. So in case your itinerary has these two websites on two separate days, this can be a very good base.

One other huge professional for Central is that its dotted with numerous iconic foodie spots, and plenty of of them are inexpensive. Some are even awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand or Michelin stars. I’ve stayed on the Central space a variety of instances, and I cherished it every time due to these eating places! A number of meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the realm.

Whereas many accommodations in Central-Central district are upscale, it isn’t unimaginable to seek out comparatively cheap locations to remain particularly within the Sheung Wan space.

However as a lot as I am keen on Central, it’s not for everybody. It’s hilly. The bottom is so uneven, strolling round might be so exhausting when you’re not used to it, and might be very difficult for these with mobility points.

And though not as unhealthy as Kowloon accommodations, area right here can also be costly, so count on tiny, cozy rooms!

PROS

• Central location
• Accessible from the airport
• Near key points of interest
• Implausible eating places
• Reasonably priced lodging choices
• Vibrant nightlife

CONS

• Additionally crowded
• Hilly and many stairs
• Cozy rooms

High Reasonably priced Accommodations in Central & Sheung Wan

Listed here are a few of the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan accommodations and hostels on Agoda which might be comparatively inexpensive.

High Premium Accommodations in Central & Admiralty

Under are the highest Central properties on Accommodations.com, whatever the worth.

Seek for extra Central Accommodations!

2. TSIM SHA TSUI

Area: Kowloon

Tsim Sha Tsui (typically shortened to TST) is well-known amongst price range vacationers due to three issues.

First, accessibility. Until you’re staying near Airport Categorical’s Kowloon Station, there isn’t any direct prepare line between Tsim Sha Tsui and the airport. However there are direct airport buses (Bus A21) that cease at a number of factors throughout the district. In actual fact, TST’s principal artery is Nathan Highway, which runs parallel to the A21 Bus route and likewise to a piece of the MTR or subway prepare’s Tsuen Wan Line. This subway line additionally connects TST to the Central district on the opposite facet of the harbor. There are a number of MTR stations, ferry terminals, and bus stops! See? Very accessible.

The second purpose is its proximity to some key Hong Kong points of interest together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the procuring streets in Mong Kok and Jordan areas.

Lastly, there’s A LOT of budget-friendly lodging in Tsim Sha Tsui. However beware, as a result of area is such a scarce commodity in these elements of Hong Kong, most rooms in Kowloon are extraordinarily small. There isn’t normally a lot area to maneuver round, however you’ll discover properties which might be cleverly designed.

Most budget-friendly rooms are housed in both of the 2 well-known (or notorious) buildings: the Chungking Mansions and Mirador Mansion. You might have heard quite a bit about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be unhealthy. So what’s the reality?

Properly, these two are outdated residential buildings, however many house owners have turned their models into guesthouses or mini-hotels for vacationers. They give the impression of being good and glossy from afar, however up shut, it may be a bit intimidating. Its crowded floor flooring is a maze of varied outlets, and inside — er, let’s simply say they’ve seen higher days. However don’t write it off but.

Truly, in our early years, we all the time stayed right here. Aside from lengthy elevator queues sometimes, we by no means actually had a foul expertise. That’s to not invalidate different accounts I’ve seen on-line which point out mattress bugs and all. I’m simply saying we didn’t have that have, even in our current keep right here only a few months in the past.

However that’s the factor! Whereas they give the impression of being dated (or dare I say dilapidated, a minimum of the hallways), some models are clear and well-kept. Just some months in the past, we booked a room at Victoria Inn at Mirador Mansion. It was cramped however neat and furnished with lodge necessities. Total, we had a nice keep!

It’s only a matter of reserving a good institution, so all the time examine critiques.

By the way in which, Tsim Sha Tsui is generally flat, which makes a stroll throughout the realm a stroll within the park. The streets are busy and slender, although, so don’t be too complacent.

PROS:

• Various budget-friendly accommodations
• Accessible
• Direct bus airport bus
• Near vacationer points of interest
• Near avenue markets

CONS:

• No direct airport prepare
• Small, cramped rooms
• Crowded

High Reasonably priced Accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui

Fascinated by Tsim Sha Tsui? Under are a few of the comparatively cheap accommodations with the perfect critiques on Agoda.

High Premium Accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui

Under are the highest Tsim Sha Tsui properties on Accommodations.com, whatever the worth.

Seek for extra Tsim Sha Tsui Accommodations!

3. MONG KOK & YAU MA TEI

Area: Kowloon

Additionally value trying out in Kowloon are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Each are elements of the Yau Tsim Mong District, the identical administrative unit that Tsim Sha Tsui belongs to. And each have a whole lot of similarities to TST.

They’re additionally accessible from the airport by the identical direct bus – Bus A21. They’re additionally alongside the Tsuen Wan Line, which is linked to Central, and Nathan Highway, which is punctuated by a number of bus stops.

However the vibe in Mong Kok, particularly, is considerably completely different. Its streets are lit by colourful neon indicators, and the vitality right here is extra buzzing, extra frenetic. It’s a well-liked procuring space. Its map is scribbled with procuring streets and evening market streets. It’s additionally right here that you simply’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Road.

When looking on-line, you’ll additionally come throughout a number of inexpensive lodging, each outdated and new. And when you’re into avenue meals, you’re gonna love Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, too!

PROS

• Central location
• Accessible from the airport
• Near key points of interest
• Shut to nighttime markets and procuring streets

CONS

• Additionally crowded
• Cozy rooms
• Busy and noisy

High Funds Accommodations in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei

Lovin’ the vibe of Mong Kok? Under are some accommodations and inns in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei areas that received nice scores from Klook clients.

High Premium Accommodations in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei

When you have a much bigger price range, listed below are some choices on Agoda and Accommodations.com with the perfect critiques from precise company, not contemplating the charges.

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4. TUNG CHUNG and HONG KONG SKYCITY (Close to Airport)

Area: New Territories

Staying close to the airport comes with a whole lot of perks. And the identical is true for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport is positioned on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected accommodations referred to as SkyCity. Simply throughout the channel, on the a part of Lantau Island closest to the airport, you’ll spot one other developed space referred to as Tung Chung.

Most of the lists of greatest locations to remain that you simply’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. However don’t dismiss them instantly. I truly consider that in lots of circumstances, these are essentially the most ultimate.

Huh? You may be asking, “However it’s so indifferent from town heart! Why would you assume it’s a very good space to remain in any respect!”

Properly, the airport isn’t the one key focal point near Tung Chung and SkyCity. This space is dwelling to the next:

• Hong Kong Worldwide Airport
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Ngong Ping 360 (Tian Tan Buddha)
• CityGate Shops Mall
• Tai-O Village
• Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Port, which is the gateway to Macau

So in case your itinerary primarily consists of those points of interest, it makes extra sense to remain in both SkyCity or Tung Chung. When you keep within the metropolis heart like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you’ll should journey forwards and backwards, losing a whole lot of money and time within the course of.

Furthermore, a lot of the huge accommodations in SkyCity and Tung Chung supply FREE bus switch to and from the airport and Tung Chung MTR Station. Yep, fully FREE of cost. And there’s normally a bus each half-hour or so.

The catch is: most accommodations listed below are a bit high-end – Marriott, Sheraton, and the like – however its costs are aggressive, a lot decrease than its counterparts within the metropolis heart, and typically, as much as par with mid-range ones.

For instance, final 12 months, we visited in peak season. We booked two accommodations: a supposedly price range lodge in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mirador Mansion and this extra upscale lodge in Tung Chung. For the “price range” TST lodge, we paid HKD 930 (PHP 6640) per evening. Sure, I do know it’s nonetheless steep, however this was actually one of many most cost-effective we discovered for that interval.

Inside the similar timeframe, our room at 4 Factors by Sheraton in Tung Chung prices HKD 990 (PHP 7070) per evening. That’s only a HKD 60 distinction per evening, however there’s an enormous distinction in expertise. Our room in Tung Chung was at a full-service lodge and was a lot, way more spacious and far cleaner, too.

Nonetheless, this space has its cons. Except for it being removed from town heart, there are additionally very restricted inexpensive eating choices. We had to ensure we had dinner elsewhere earlier than coming again to the lodge or we’d be caught with the costly in-house eating places on the lodge. That or the comfort retailer.

This space shouldn’t be for everybody. In case your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis heart, then don’t e-book a lodge right here. However when you have the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, take into account it!

PROS:

• Close to the airport
• Most accessible from Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Macau
• Usually with free switch to airport and MTR
• Extra spacious lodge rooms at aggressive

CONS:

• Not various lodge choices
• Restricted eating spots
• Removed from metropolis heart

High Accommodations in Tung Chung

High Accommodations in Hong Kong SkyCity

Seek for extra Accommodations Close to Hong Kong Airport!

What’s the greatest space to remain in Hong Kong?

Once more, I’d should reply with “that relies on your itinerary.”

• When you’re visiting HK Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360, and and also you’re doing a day journey to Macau, I actually assume SkyCity and Tung Chung are your greatest bets.
• In case your itinerary entails a number of days within the metropolis heart, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
• When you’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
• When you like procuring and evening markets, select Mong Kok.
• When you’re on a decent price range, keep in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok.

As for me, when you ask me to decide on with none set itinerary, I’d decide Central/Sheung Wan. It has all of the issues I would like in a neighborhood, quick access from the airport whether or not by bus or by Airport Categorical prepare, near key points of interest like Victoria Peak, and many scrumptious meals spots!

However that’s simply me. How about you? Have you ever tried staying at any of those districts? Which one is your favourite? Tell us within the feedback part under.

That’s all for now. Bear in mind: plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!

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First up: 2024•01•16