When choosing a hotel for the first time in Hong Kong, it is vital to select the area that is right for you. Choosing a hotel in the wrong area can add unnecessary stress and inconvenience to what should be a stimulating holiday in one of the world’s great mega cities. There is such a variety of things to do and see, it’s well worth taking a few minutes to weigh up the pros and cons of each of the most popular districts in Hong Kong and its surrounds. Although this is far from covering every possible district you could stay in Hong Kong, the areas we cover are the most popular whether you are interested in a convenient base for shopping or business, a fun family getaway or a party-fuelled weekend away.
Central:
Business district by day, sophisticated nightlife hub by night, Central has a 24/7 go-getter vibe that many people associate with the city-state. There is a nice mix of gleaming skyscrapers and ageing shophouses in the area, with several heritage streets giving a glimpse into Hong Kong of the past.Although there are only a few family-friendly attractions in Central, many of the biggest draws are not far away on public transport – particularly Victoria Peak which rises sharply behind Central. The Ferry Terminal across to Kowloon and to Macau is also close by.
Who is it For: Anyone who wants to be in the centre of everything, wealthy travellers
What’s Good: Lots of shops and restaurants, great nightlife, Very lively during the day as well as at night, excellent public transport
What’s Not So Good: Very busy, steep hills can make walking tiring and there are not many budget options
Causeway Bay:
Packed with mega-malls, Causeway Bay is shoppers dream destination, with enough restaurants and attractions to make this a great family-friendly district. With excellent public transport links, getting out and about around the wider area is no problem either.
Who is it For: Shoppers, Families, Wealthy travellers
What’s Good: Lots of shops and restaurants, excellent public transport but can also walk around easily
What’s not so good: Very busy and not many budget options
Wan Chai:
Wan Chai is known for its shopping centres and late night party spots, with some excellent hotels and a nice mix of things to keep you entertained. Sandwiched between Central and Causeway Bay, this area does show slightly more signs of wear and tear than its neighbours in downtown Hong Kong, but your dollars will stretch further here and you still get that electrifying sense of the city. The Hong Kong Convenition Centre is also found in Wan Chai.
Who is it For: Anyone who wants to be in the centre of the city
What’s Good: Better range of hotels than other downtown areas Good mix of shops, restaurants and nightlife Excellent public transport Hong Kong Convention Centre
What’s not so good: Not so many typical tourist attractions
Western District:
A slightly more relaxed, residential atmosphere is the draw of Western District: trams, buses and narrow side streets, with less neon lights and more small family shops and restaurants. This is technically Hong Kong’s oldest post-British neighbourhood so there is plenty of Chinese and colonial architecture and museums.
Who is it For: Anyone who wants to be close to – but not in – the downtown area and anyone who wants to relive the heritage of Hong Kong Island
What’s Good: Hotels are generally cheaper than downtown, Local ambiance
What’s not so good: Not so many typical tourist attractions
Kowloon:
This huge sprawling area on the mainland has soaked up the overspill from Hong Kong Island for generations, to the point that it has now undergone its own gentrification, with stunning waterside views looking across the bay at one of the most beautiful cityscape opposite (don’t miss the Symphony of Lights every night at 20:00). This is a cosmopolitan area, with many cheap guesthouse brining in people from all over the world and a great variety of things to eat and places to shop. As you head away from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon becomes progressively more Chinese and less touristy, with many exotic parks to enjoy.
Who is it For: Budget travellers and Backpackers
What’s Good: Wide range of hotels Variety of shops and restaurants, Symphony of Lights every night at 20:00
What’s not so good: Very busy
Lantau Island:
Lantau Island is home to Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong International Airport, so most people will visit at least twice on their way in and out of the area. Families with young children may even decide to base themselves here for the duration of their trip due to the ease of travelling around the region on the MTR Undeground. There are also some beautiful temples and secluded beaches on Lantau if you have had too much of the urban jungle.
Who is it For: Families and anyone looking for rest and relaxation specially beach lovers
What’s Good: Beautiful Nature and Hong Kong Disneyland
What’s not so good: Things are spaced out, though it has no real nightlife