The place to Keep in HONG KONG • Prime 6 Greatest Areas: Tsim Sha Tsui vs Central vs Close to Airport

Can’t determine the place to remain in your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui a superb space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it perfect 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 in all our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, now we have 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 related 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 getting into Hong Kong.

Hong Kong consists of three fundamental areas:

• Kowloon, on the peninsula, the place Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are situated. 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 aspect of the town. It’s what many contemplate quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that lots of the buildings aren’t very trendy. It’s dense, busy, and extremely textured. This aspect is usually 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 properly. 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, only some of those will most likely matter.

So which is the perfect space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it will depend on your particular itinerary. However 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 checklist of prime lodges within the space, categorized by finances. Once we say “reasonably priced”, we imply that comparatively. Lodging are usually costly in Hong Kong. Resort costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed underneath reasonably priced should still be thought-about expensive by different requirements.)

1. CENTRAL

Strictly talking, Central typically refers to a selected 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. Nevertheless 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 option to get to the 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 ebook a seat on the Airport Categorical prepare, you may reserve upfront on Klook.)

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

One other large 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 beloved it every time due to these eating places! A number of meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the realm.

Whereas many lodges in Central-Central district are upscale, it’s not unattainable 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 should you’re not used to it, and might be very difficult for these with mobility points.

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

PROS

• Central location
• Accessible from the airport
• Near key sights
• Unbelievable eating places
• Inexpensive lodging choices
• Vibrant nightlife

CONS

• Additionally crowded
• Hilly and plenty of stairs
• Cozy rooms

Prime Inexpensive Motels in Central & Sheung Wan

Listed here are a number of the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan lodges and hostels on Agoda which are comparatively reasonably priced.

Prime Premium Motels in Central & Admiralty

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

Seek for extra Central Motels!

2. TSIM SHA TSUI

Area: Kowloon

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

First, accessibility. There isn’t any direct prepare line between this and the airport, however there are direct airport buses (Bus A21) that cease at a number of factors throughout the district. Actually, TST’s fundamental artery is Nathan Street, 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 aspect of the harbor. There are a number of MTR stations, ferry terminals, and bus stops! See? Very accessible.

The second motive is its proximity to some key Hong Kong sights together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the purchasing 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 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 might have heard lots about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be dangerous. So what’s the reality?

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

Really, in our early years, we all the time stayed right here. Apart from lengthy elevator queues often, 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.

However that’s the factor! Whereas they give the impression of being dated (or dare I say dilapidated, a minimum of the hallways), some items 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. General, we had a nice keep!

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

By the way in which, Tsim Sha Tsui is usually 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:

• Numerous budget-friendly lodges
• Accessible
• Direct bus airport bus
• Near vacationer sights
• Near road markets

CONS:

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

Prime Inexpensive Motels in Tsim Sha Tsui

Keen on Tsim Sha Tsui? Under are a number of the comparatively cheap lodges with the perfect evaluations on Agoda.

Prime Premium Motels in Tsim Sha Tsui

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

Seek for extra Tsim Sha Tsui Motels!

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 lots 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 related to Central, and Nathan Street, 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 purchasing space. Its map is scribbled with purchasing streets and evening market streets. It’s additionally right here that you simply’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Avenue.

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 road meals, you’re gonna love Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, too!

PROS

• Central location
• Accessible from the airport
• Near key sights
• Shut to nighttime markets and purchasing streets

CONS

• Additionally crowded
• Cozy rooms
• Busy and noisy

Prime Finances Motels in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei

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

Prime Premium Motels in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei

If in case you have a much bigger finances, listed below are some choices on Agoda and Motels.com with the perfect evaluations from precise company, not contemplating the charges.

Seek for extra Mong Kok Motels!

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

Area: New Territories

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

The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport is situated on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected lodges 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.

Lots of the lists of finest locations to remain that you simply’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. However don’t dismiss them straight away. I truly consider that in lots of instances, these are probably the most perfect.

Huh? You is likely to be asking, “Nevertheless it’s so indifferent from the town heart! Why would you assume it’s a superb 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 Retailers 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. In the event you keep within the metropolis heart like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you’ll must journey backwards and forwards, losing lots of money and time within the course of.

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

The catch is: most lodges 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 generally, as much as par with mid-range ones.

For instance, final yr, we visited in peak season. We booked two lodges: a supposedly finances lodge in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mirador Mansion and this extra upscale lodge in Tung Chung. For the “finances” 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 least expensive we discovered for that interval.

Inside the identical time-frame, 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, far more spacious and far cleaner, too.

Nonetheless, this space has its cons. Except for it being removed from the town heart, there are additionally very restricted reasonably priced 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 isn’t for everybody. In case your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis heart, then don’t ebook a lodge right here. However if in case you have the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, contemplate it!

PROS:

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

CONS:

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

Prime Motels in Tung Chung

Prime Motels in Hong Kong SkyCity

Seek for extra Motels Close to Hong Kong Airport!

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

Once more, I’d must reply with “that will depend on your itinerary.”

• In the event 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.
• In case your itinerary entails a number of days within the metropolis heart, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
• In the event you’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
• In the event you like purchasing and evening markets, select Mong Kok.
• In the event you’re on a decent finances, 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, quick access from the airport whether or not by bus or by Airport Categorical prepare, near key sights like Victoria Peak, and plenty of 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 secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!

Discover Extra HONG KONG HOTEL Offers!

Updates Log

First up: 2024•01•16