Hong Kong is a vertical city of neon, steel, and harbor views, balanced by ancient traditions and lush green peaks. It is intensely dense and fast-paced. The main choice is between Hong Kong Island (sleek, financial, hilly) and Kowloon (gritty, vibrant, markets). Crossing Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry is the essential daily commute.
Central
The financial heartbeat of the city. Staying in Central means being surrounded by the world's most impressive skyline, luxury malls, and the famous Mid-Levels escalators. It is upscale, expatriate-heavy, and offers the easiest access to the Peak and Lan Kwai Fong nightlife.
What we love
- +Most prestigious and central location
- +Walking distance to Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo
- +Excellent transport (Airport Express station)
Worth noting
- –Most expensive hotels in the city
- –Can feel a bit like a concrete canyon
- –Hilly streets (though escalators help)
Nearby
The Peak Tram · Lan Kwai Fong · Tai Kwun (Arts Centre) · Statue Square · Star Ferry Pier
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)
Located at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, TST offers the classic postcard view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. It is a tourist hub packed with museums, luxury shopping along Canton Road, and the Nathan Road 'Golden Mile'. It’s bustling, neon-lit, and convenient.
What we love
- +Best views of the Victoria Harbour skyline
- +Huge concentration of hotels and shopping
- +Walking distance to major museums
Worth noting
- –Very touristy and crowded
- –Street touts can be annoying (Nathan Road)
- –Lacks the 'local' neighborhood feel
Nearby
Avenue of Stars · K11 MUSEA · Star Ferry Pier (Kowloon side) · Hong Kong Museum of Art · Harbour City Mall
Causeway Bay
If shopping is your sport, Causeway Bay is your stadium. It is densely packed with malls (Times Square, SOGO) and endlessly crowded streets. It captures the frantic energy of HK perfectly. It’s also great for dining and staying up late.
What we love
- +Shopping paradise (Malls & Boutiques)
- +Incredible variety of dining options
- +Victoria Park offers green space
Worth noting
- –Extremely crowded, even by HK standards
- –Traffic congestion is common
- –Can be overwhelming for first-timers
Nearby
Times Square · Victoria Park · SOGO Department Store · Fashion Walk · Noonday Gun
Handpicked Hotels
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Wan Chai
Sandwiched between Central and Causeway Bay, Wan Chai is a fascinating mix of grit and glamour. It has a legendary nightlife scene (Lockhart Road), traditional wet markets, and sleek convention centers. It feels very 'real' and is popular with expats.
What we love
- +Great dining and nightlife scene
- +Excellent location (central on the island)
- +Mix of old heritage (Blue House) and new
Worth noting
- –Reputation for seedy bars on certain streets
- –Very busy and noisy
- –Construction is ongoing near the waterfront
Nearby
The Blue House (Heritage) · Wan Chai Market · Lee Tung Avenue · Golden Bauhinia Square · Hong Kong Convention Centre
Sheung Wan
Just west of Central, Sheung Wan is the hipster, colonial-cool district. It blends dried seafood shops and traditional temples with third-wave coffee roasters and art galleries. It has a slower pace than Central but is just as chic. Ideal for design lovers.
What we love
- +Coolest cafes and independent boutiques
- +Man Mo Temple is a highlight
- +Walkable to Central but quieter
Worth noting
- –Very hilly (lots of stairs to get to the station)
- –Fewer large luxury hotels (more boutique)
- –Busy traffic during rush hour
Nearby
Man Mo Temple · PMQ (Creative Hub) · Cat Street (Antiques) · Dried Seafood Street · Western Market
Mong Kok
To see the density of Hong Kong, go to Mong Kok. It is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. It’s famous for its street markets (Ladies' Market, Sneakers Street). It offers a raw, local, and neon-drenched experience far closer to the ground than the Island.
What we love
- +Famous street markets (Ladies', Sneakers, Flowers)
- +Very affordable food and shopping
- +Incredible neon signs and street photography
Worth noting
- –Intensely crowded and chaotic
- –Noise levels are high
- –Not as polished or English-friendly as Central
Nearby
Ladies' Market · Sneakers Street (Fa Yuen St) · Goldfish Market · Langham Place · Flower Market
Kennedy Town
At the far west end of the Island line, 'K-Town' has transformed from a sleepy backwater into a coveted expat enclave. It feels open and breezy, with waterfront promenades and a thriving dining scene. It offers a rare sense of space and relaxation in Hong Kong.
What we love
- +Relaxed, community vibe
- +Seafront promenade (Instagram Pier area)
- +Great western dining and coffee
Worth noting
- –End of the MTR line (20 mins to Central)
- –Not much 'shopping' (malls/brands)
- –Can be damp/windy in typhoon season
Nearby
Belcher Bay Promenade · Lo Pan Temple · Forbes Street (Tree Walls) · Mount Davis (nearby hike) · Sunset views over the harbour
More Places to Stay
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