Where To Stay In Hong Kong First Time 2024 - 8 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Hong Kong first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Hong Kong first time?
Where to stay in Hong Kong with family?
Where to stay in Hong Kong on a budget?
Where to stay in Hong Kong for 3 nights?
Where to stay in Hong Kong for nightlife?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong
| Name of the area in Hong Kong | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the heart of Hong Kong, where you’ll find skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. Central is also home to many cultural attractions such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the iconic Victoria Peak. *You can click on the purple and blue links to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Located in Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is known for its bustling streets with plenty of things to do, shopping districts like Nathan Road and Harbour City, and stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. It’s also close to attractions like the Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Another bustling shopping district, Causeway Bay is famous for its luxury boutiques, department stores, and lively street markets. It’s also home to Victoria Park, a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, ideal for families. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This vibrant neighborhood is known for its bustling markets, including the famous Ladies’ Market and Temple Street Night Market. Mong Kok is also a great place to experience local street food and explore traditional Chinese architecture. Those looking for an authentic experience should pick a hotel here. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | An area where old meets new, Sheung Wan is known for its trendy cafes, art galleries, and antique shops. It’s also home to Man Mo Temple, a beautiful Taoist temple dating back to the 19th century. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This neighborhood is known for its mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional Chinese architecture. It’s specifically famous for its nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to explore. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Stanley offers beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a charming waterfront promenade. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some outdoor activities. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Another beachside neighborhood, Repulse Bay is known for its upscale residential areas, luxury resorts, and stunning views of the South China Sea. It’s a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. |
Where to stay in Hong Kong first time
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong first time are Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay.
These three areas are among the most convenient ones in the city, with each their own unique advantages.
Central is a business and commercial area that is the most convenient one of these three, where you can find many skyscrapers, trendy cafes, and a great nightlife scene, as well as good access to major attractions.
Tsim Sha Tsui is also located incredibly convenient and is the best shopping area in Hong Kong.
Causeway Bay is the entertainment area of the area, although it lacks cultural and historical highlights.
But there are several alternatives.
Mong Kok is a budget-friendly area where you can enjoy a more authentic experience.
Sheung Wan is a hidden gem where the old world meets the new world.
Wan Chai is the perfect area for those who want to explore Hong Kong’s nightlife to the fullest.
Stanley is ideal for those who want to stay in a relaxed and laid-back district with access to beaches, hiking trails, and a waterfront promenade.
And lastly, Repulse Bay is a tropical paradise for those seeking luxury and relaxation.
Where to stay in Hong Kong with family
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong with family are Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and Stanley.
The three central areas, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay are the most convenient areas in the city and you can easily explore the rest of the city without much hassle.
These areas also offer plenty of leisure for the whole family.
However, you should consider staying in areas like Stanley, which allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city where you also have access to beaches and hiking trails, something that kids appreciate more than a concrete jungle.
If your budget allows it, Repulse Bay is also a great area, however, this is mainly a luxury area in a city where everything is relatively expensive already.
Where to stay in Hong Kong on a budget
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong on a budget are Mong Kok, Sheung Wan, and Wan Chai.
These areas are slightly less popular compared to the central and modern areas of Hong Kong.
Mong Kok is a great area to enjoy markets and local eateries and offers a great nightlife scene with unique bars and karaoke joints.
Sheung Wan is a hidden gem where you can find historic temples and traditional Chinese shophouses. Just keep in mind that the terrain in this area is hilly.
Lastly, Wan Chai is perfect for those who want to party to the fullest.
It is possible to find a hostel in one of the more central areas, but, in general, you get more value for your bucks when staying in one of these three areas.
Where to stay in Hong Kong for 3 nights
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong for 3 nights are Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay.
These are the central areas where you can easily explore the rest of the city.
As you have somewhat limited time in Hong Kong, you want to use as much public transportation as possible, and these three areas are superb for this.
There are some alternatives, such as Mong Kok (on a budget) and Wan Chai (for nightlife).
Avoid areas like Stanley (too far away from the major highlights) and Repulse Bay (a luxury area ideal for relaxation), if your sole purpose is sightseeing.
Where to stay in Hong Kong for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Hong Kong are Wan Chai, Central, and Causeway Bay.
Wan Chai is the most exciting nightlife area in the city.
Central has a great nightlife scene as well and is ideal for those who want to combine nightlife with city exploration (it’s the most convenient area).
Causeway Bay is the leisure area of Hong Kong, and the area offers far more than only bars and clubs.
With that said, many of the other recommended areas do offer nightlife options, but if you’re strictly visiting Hong Kong for nightlife, stick to these three mentioned areas.
1. Central
Central is one of the most desired areas in Hong Kong.
As the name already suggests, you’re located right in the heart of the city.
It’s packed with skyscrapers, trendy cafes, and buzzing nightlife that make it an exciting place to be.
You have the best access to public transport but also to top attractions like Victoria Peak for breathtaking skyline views and the iconic Star Ferry for a ride across Victoria Harbour.
In this area, there are several cultural gems like the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the lively streets of Lan Kwai Fong for a taste of the city’s exciting nightlife.
Personally, I believe Central is the most convenient area in all of Hong Kong.
The food scene is to die for, and it comes in all price classes.
From traditional dim sum to trendy street food, or simply fine dining, you can all find it here.
Shopaholics can get their retail therapy here as well, although the next recommended area is even better.
The combination of great access to public transport and major attractions with a bustling nightlife scene makes it an interesting area for the majority of tourists.
However, if you’re not into nightlife or you want something more laid-back, then paying a premium price for staying in Central does not make sense.
There are several alternatives if you are not in the group of tourists that love to explore the city’s nightlife.
But if you do, it’s hard to beat Central being the base to explore Hong Kong during your first visit!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong is like the ultimate playground for first-time visitors!
It’s bursting with energy and excitement 24/7, offering an unbeatable mix of attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
One of the major advantages of staying here is its prime location.
You are just a few steps away from iconic attractions like the stunning Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars, and Nathan Road.
Besides, you have great access to the major public transportation options, including the very handy MTR.
Exploring the rest of the city and visiting the other must-see highlights is a piece of cake when staying here.
Although Central is even better connected.
But for fun things to do, you don’t have to travel much.
Tsim Sha Tsui also stands out for its incredible food and shopping scene.
It’s hard to beat this area when it comes to shopping and exploring the city’s gastronomy.
From luxury boutiques and mega malls like Harbour City to lively street markets and hidden gems, there’s something for every shopper here.
And when hunger strikes, you’re in for a treat with mouthwatering dining options ranging and local street food stalls.
Now, is there anything not to like?
First of all, it does get crowded here.
If you’re looking for an area with a more relaxed atmosphere, then pick one of the alternative areas, like Stanley.
It’s also pricier as it’s an area always high in demand.
But when it comes to convenience, shopping and food, it’s hard to beat Tsim Sha Tsui.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is yet another exciting area to stay at and it can best be described as the entertainment area of the city.
Central is the business and commercial area of the city, while Tsim Sha Tsui is the shopping area of the city.
This is a bit generalized because each of these three major areas offers a little bit of everything, but it helps you as a reader to make the right choice.
So, why is Causeway Bay considered an entertainment area?
First off, the shopping scene here is off the charts.
From mega malls like Times Square and SOGO to trendy boutiques and street markets, there’s something for every fashionista.
You can spend hours exploring the latest trends, scoring amazing deals, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling neighborhood.
It’s also a great area to explore the food scene of Hong Kong.
That’s something many of the central areas are great with.
Causeway Bay is all about leisure, and absolutely not only for tourists.
The citizens of Hong Kong love to spend their hard-earned money here.
When the sun sets, the neighborhood comes alive with a great nightlife scene where you can find all sorts of bars, clubs, and live music venues to keep you entertained until the early hours.
As soon as it’s dark, the whole area turns into a completely new area where you can walk through the streets that are fully lit by (neon) signs.
What’s not to like about this area?
First of all, it can be overwhelming.
The crowds, the shopping facilities, the nightlife scene, it’s not for those who seek a relaxed experience.
The second thing is that it lacks cultural and historical highlights.
Lastly, it’s far from cheap.
In fact, the land is among the most expensive in the whole wide world.
Now, I’m not saying that you should not stay here. It will be an unforgettable experience.
But, you can also stay in an area with better access to the highlights of Hong Kong and visit Causeway Bay (a few times) during the evening.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Mong Kok
Mong Kok is one of the cooler areas to stay in and incredibly fun to explore during the evening.
Expect colorful signs, lots of crowds, and great markets all in a maze of narrow streets.
Mong Kok is particularly famous for its bustling markets like the Ladies’ Market and Temple Street Night Market, where you can haggle for everything from trendy clothes to quirky souvenirs.
You’re located centrally and have great access to public transportation links, including the MTR, so you don’t have to worry about exploring other parts of the city.
In these narrow streets, you can find a ton of delicious food with street food and hidden gems all over the place.
Traditional dim sum, sizzling hotpot, or trendy fusion dishes, you’ll find it all here.
The area itself doesn’t breathe as much sophistication as the business district and commercial district and this reflects on the nightlife scene too.
There are plenty of bars, but also karaoke joints and late-night eateries, which are all not too fancy.
It feels far more authentic, which makes it such a great adventure when staying here.
Keep in mind that the area feels hectic.
If you’re travelling on a stricter budget and you’re looking for mid-range accommodation options, Mong Kok is an excellent area to stay in.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan in Hong Kong is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by first-time visitors!
It’s an area where the old world meets the new world.
Here, you can find picturesque streets lined with traditional Chinese shophouses, trendy cafes, and art galleries.
There are historic temples like Man Mo Temple waiting to be explored, but you can also find cool rooftop bars and somewhat hidden speakeasies.
It’s the perfect neighborhood to get to know a bit more about the city’s rich history.
The area is also located centrally and you have good access to public transport, although it’s not perfect.
But there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.
One aspect that some visitors might find challenging is the hilly terrain.
Sheung Wan is situated in the western part of Hong Kong Island and is known for its steep streets and staircases.
The second one is that while Sheung Wan boasts a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, it may not have as many tourist attractions or entertainment options compared to other neighborhoods like Central or Tsim Sha Tsui.
While there are certainly cultural sites to explore, such as Man Mo Temple and antique shops along Hollywood Road, those seeking a bustling nightlife scene or extensive shopping opportunities might find Sheung Wan to be quieter in comparison.
The good thing is that you find fewer crowds here and that you stay in a one-of-a-kind area that certainly attracts the adventurous traveller.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Wan Chai
Wan Chai is an absolute blast for first-time visitors! It’s like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of excitement and adventure.
First off, the neighborhood is buzzing with energy and is known for its vibrant nightlife scene.
From cool bars and hip clubs to live music venues, there’s always something happening here after the sun goes down.
Plus, with its convenient location and excellent public transportation links, including the MTR and buses, getting around couldn’t be easier, meaning you can explore the city’s other attractions with ease.
But Wan Chai isn’t just about partying; it’s also a fantastic place to experience the unique blend of old and new that defines Hong Kong.
Wander through the streets and you’ll find a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional Chinese architecture, bustling markets, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
And when it comes to food, Wan Chai is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Cantonese dim sum, international cuisine, or local street food favorites, you’ll find it all here.
So if you’re looking for an exciting and dynamic neighborhood to base yourself on during your visit to Hong Kong, Wan Chai is definitely the place to be for first-time visitors!
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Stanley
Stanley is an absolute paradise for first-time visitors seeking a more relaxed and laid-back vibe.
Nestled along the coastline, this charming neighborhood offers stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a picturesque waterfront promenade.
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and spending your days lounging on the sandy beaches, soaking up the sun, and enjoying water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Plus, with its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, Stanley provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
But that’s not all – Stanley also boasts a vibrant community and a lively marketplace where you can shop for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and local artwork.
Explore the Stanley Market and Stanley Plaza to discover a treasure trove of hidden gems and one-of-a-kind finds.
When it comes to dining, you’re in for a treat with a variety of waterfront restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood, international cuisine, and refreshing drinks with stunning views of the ocean.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque neighborhood to base yourself on during your visit to Hong Kong, Stanley is the perfect choice for you.
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is like stepping into a tropical paradise for first-time visitors seeking relaxation and luxury.
Situated along the stunning coastline, this upscale neighborhood offers pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the South China Sea.
Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore and spending your days lounging on the beach, taking a dip in the azure waters, or indulging in water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Plus, with its tranquil ambiance and lush surroundings, Repulse Bay provides the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
But Repulse Bay isn’t just about beach vibes; it’s also home to upscale resorts, luxury residences, and high-end shopping destinations.
Explore the Repulse Bay Arcade and nearby shopping centers to discover a curated selection of designer boutiques, chic cafes, and gourmet restaurants.
Whether you’re indulging in a pampering spa treatment, savoring exquisite seafood dishes, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, Repulse Bay offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and relaxation for first-time visitors seeking a taste of paradise in Hong Kong.
So if you’re looking for an idyllic and upscale neighborhood to base yourself on during your visit, Repulse Bay is the ultimate destination for a memorable and rejuvenating getaway.
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hong Kong first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.