Where to Stay in HONG KONG • Top 6 Best Areas: Tsim Sha Tsui vs Central vs Near Airport

Can’t determine the place to remain on your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui an excellent space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it ideally suited to remain in Lantau island? In this text, we’ll break it down that can assist you decide the most effective neighborhood for you.

Hong Kong is one in every of our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, we have now stayed at varied areas inside the territory. And sure, some areas are higher than others. But to correctly decide the most effective, we have to perceive Hong Kong’s geography.

Hong Kong could also be small, however it’s a bit sophisticated. It is about primarily on a peninsula, nevertheless it additionally covers varied close by islands. To its north is Shenzhen and to its west, now related by a bridge, is Macau. And like Macau, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China. It is part of China, nevertheless it has its personal financial system, foreign money, and immigration legal guidelines. That’s why even Chinese mainlanders nonetheless have to undergo immigration checks when getting into Hong Kong.

Hong Kong consists of three important areas:

• Kowloon, on the peninsula, the place Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are situated. Hong Kong’s metropolis middle has two faces. One of them is Kowloon, which covers a lot of the developed space on the mainland. This is the older and extra conventional aspect of town. It’s what many think about quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that lots of the buildings usually are not very trendy. It is dense, busy, and extremely textured. This aspect is usually used as a setting in Hollywood films.
• Hong Kong Island, the place you’ll discover the Central Business District. If Kowloon is gritty and conventional, Hong Kong Island is polished and aesthetically extra colonial, mixing Chinese tradition with British influences effectively. But it’s divided into smaller neighborhoods together with Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay.
• New Territories, which covers the world 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 International Airport can also be inside the New Territories.

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

So which is the most effective space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it depends upon your particular itinerary. But should 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 listing of high resorts within the space, categorized by price range. When we are saying “affordable”, we imply that comparatively. Accommodations are usually costly in Hong Kong. Hotel costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed underneath reasonably priced should be thought of pricey by different requirements.)

1. CENTRAL

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

The coronary heart of Hong Kong’s Central Business District, it’s bustling particularly at rush hours. But 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 could be very quiet.

Central could be very accessible, extra accessible than Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok in Kowloon. There is a direct bus from the airport (A11 bus). But most significantly, there’s a direct prepare – the Airport Express, which is the quickest solution to get to town middle. You can 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 ebook a seat on the Airport Express prepare, you may reserve upfront on Klook.)

Central is your soar off level to 2 fashionable sights: Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. So in case your itinerary has these two websites on two separate days, this can be an excellent base.

Another massive professional for Central is that its dotted with numerous iconic foodie spots, and plenty of of them are reasonably priced. Some are even awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand or Michelin stars. I’ve stayed on the Central space quite a lot of instances, and I liked it every time due to these eating places! Several meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the world.

While many resorts in Central-Central district are upscale, it isn’t inconceivable to search out comparatively cheap locations to remain particularly within the Sheung Wan space.

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

And though not as dangerous as Kowloon resorts, house right here can also be costly, so count on tiny, cozy rooms!

PROS

• Central location
• Accessible from the airport
• Close to key sights
• Fantastic eating places
• Affordable lodging choices
• Vibrant nightlife

CONS

• Also crowded
• Hilly and many stairs
• Cozy rooms

Top Affordable Hotels in Central & Sheung Wan

Here are a few of the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan resorts and hostels on Agoda which are comparatively reasonably priced.

Top Premium Hotels in Central & Admiralty

Below are the highest Central properties on Hotels.com, whatever the value.

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2. TSIM SHA TSUI

Region: Kowloon

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

First, accessibility. Unless you’re staying near Airport Express’s Kowloon Station, there isn’t any direct prepare line between Tsim Sha Tsui and the airport. But there are direct airport buses (Bus A21) that cease at a number of factors throughout the district. In reality, TST’s important artery is Nathan Road, which runs parallel to the A21 Bus route and likewise to a bit of the MTR or subway prepare’s Tsuen Wan Line. This subway line additionally connects TST to the Central district on the opposite aspect 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 sights together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the buying streets in Mong Kok and Jordan areas.

Lastly, there’s A LOT of budget-friendly lodging in Tsim Sha Tsui. But beware, as a result of house is such a scarce commodity in these elements of Hong Kong, most rooms in Kowloon are extraordinarily small. There isn’t normally a lot house to maneuver round, however you’ll discover properties which are 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 could have heard so much about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be dangerous. So what’s the reality?

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

Actually, in our early years, we at all times stayed right here. With the exception of lengthy elevator queues sometimes, we by no means actually had a nasty 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 latest keep right here just some months in the past.

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

It’s only a matter of reserving a good institution, so at all times examine opinions.

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

PROS:

• Diverse budget-friendly resorts
• Accessible
• Direct bus airport bus
• Close to vacationer sights
• Close to avenue markets

CONS:

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

Top Affordable Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui

Interested in Tsim Sha Tsui? Below are a few of the comparatively cheap resorts with the most effective opinions on Agoda.

Top Premium Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui

Below are the highest Tsim Sha Tsui properties on Hotels.com, whatever the value.

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3. MONG KOK & YAU MA TEI

Region: Kowloon

Also price testing in Kowloon are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Both are elements of the Yau Tsim Mong District, the identical administrative unit that Tsim Sha Tsui belongs to. And each have quite a lot of similarities to TST.

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

But the vibe in Mong Kok, specifically, 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 buying space. Its map is scribbled with buying streets and evening market streets. It’s additionally right here that you simply’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Street.

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

PROS

• Central location
• Accessible from the airport
• Close to key sights
• Close to nighttime markets and buying streets

CONS

• Also crowded
• Cozy rooms
• Busy and noisy

Top Budget Hotels in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei

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

Top Premium Hotels in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei

If you’ve a much bigger price range, listed here are some choices on Agoda and Hotels.com with the most effective opinions from precise company, not contemplating the charges.

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4. TUNG CHUNG and HONG KONG SKYCITY (Near Airport)

Region: New Territories

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

The Hong Kong International Airport is situated on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected resorts referred to as SkyCity. Just 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.

Many of the lists of finest locations to remain that you simply’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. But don’t dismiss them instantly. I truly imagine that in lots of instances, these are probably the most ideally suited.

Huh? You may be asking, “But it’s so detached from the city center! Why would you think it’s a good area to stay at all!”

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

• Hong Kong International Airport
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Ngong Ping 360 (Tian Tan Buddha)
• CityGate Outlets 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 sights, it makes extra sense to remain in both SkyCity or Tung Chung. If you keep within the metropolis middle like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you’ll need to journey forwards and backwards, losing quite a lot of money and time within the course of.

Moreover, a lot of the massive resorts in SkyCity and Tung Chung provide 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 resorts listed here are a bit high-end – Marriott, Sheraton, and the like – however its costs are aggressive, a lot decrease than its counterparts within the metropolis middle, and generally, as much as par with mid-range ones.

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

Within the identical time-frame, our room at Four Points by Sheraton in Tung Chung prices HKD 990 (PHP 7070) per evening. That’s only a HKD 60 distinction per evening, however there’s a giant distinction in expertise. Our room in Tung Chung was at a full-service lodge and was a lot, far more spacious and far cleaner, too.

Nevertheless, this space has its cons. Aside from it being removed from town middle, there are additionally very restricted reasonably priced eating choices. We had to verify 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 just isn’t for everybody. If your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis middle, then don’t ebook a lodge right here. But when you’ve got the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, think about it!

PROS:

• Near the airport
• Most accessible from Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Macau
• Often with free switch to airport and MTR
• More spacious lodge rooms at aggressive

CONS:

• Not numerous lodge choices
• Limited eating spots
• Far from metropolis middle

Top Hotels in Tung Chung

Top Hotels in Hong Kong SkyCity

Search for extra Hotels Near Hong Kong Airport!

What is the most effective space to remain in Hong Kong?

Again, I’d need to reply with “that depends on your itinerary.”

• If 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 finest bets.
• If your itinerary entails a number of days within the metropolis middle, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
• If you’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
• If you want buying and evening markets, select Mong Kok.
• If you’re on a decent price range, keep in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok.

As for me, should you ask me to decide on with none set itinerary, I’d decide Central/Sheung Wan. It has all of the issues I need in a neighborhood, easy accessibility from the airport whether or not by bus or by Airport Express prepare, near key sights like Victoria Peak, and many scrumptious meals spots!

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

That’s all for now. Remember: plan good, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!

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First up: 2024•01•16