Where to Stay in Hong Kong for a Fuss-Free Holiday

If you’re heading to Hong Kong and wondering where to stay, here’s a treat for you! I remember staring at the map thinking, “Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok? Which one more shiok?” Too many choices, too little time.

Truth is, where you stay really affects your trip. Some spots are great for first-timers, others for foodies, shopaholics, or families going Disneyland.

This guide breaks it down for you, the best places to stay in Hong Kong depending on what kind of trip you want. Easy, practical, and from a fellow Singaporean who’s been there.

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) – Good if You Just Want Everything Nearby

First time I went to Hong Kong, I stayed in TST. Super easy… just walk out, and you’ve got food, shops, the harbour, everything.

It’s great if you don’t feel like planning too much. Just book a place here and go with the flow. MTR’s right there, ferry’s nearby, and there’s always something to see or makan.

If you're travelling with kids or just want a fuss-free base, this spot works.

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in TST

The Peninsula – Classic and classy. If you’re celebrating something (or someone’s paying), it’s a real treat.

The Kowloon Hotel – Super convenient. I love that you can pop out and be at the MTR in minutes.

📍 Nearby Highlights at TST

Avenue of Stars – Best visited in the evening for that postcard skyline shot.

Star Ferry – Still one of my favourite things to do. Quick, cheap, and scenic.

K11 Musea – A bit artsy, a bit hip. Great for photos and unique shops.

Space Museum & Cultural Centre – Good option if it rains or you have kids in tow.

Getting Around TST

• TST Station and East TST Station are both nearby
• Airport Express to Kowloon Station, then a short cab or MTR ride
• Loads of underground walkways which is super useful when it’s hot or raining
  

Quick Summary of TST

✅ Easy to explore from here
✅ Great mix of food, shopping, and sightseeing
❌ Gets crowded fast
❌ Hotel prices can be higher than other areas

Mong Kok – For Foodies, Market Lovers, and the ‘Old Hong Kong’ Feel

I always end up in Mong Kok even if I’m not staying there. The energy’s different. You’ve got dai pai dongs, random shops squeezed into every corner, and that constant hum of people everywhere.

If you like street food, late-night markets, and just walking around to see what pops up, this place is your playground. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of life. Good for younger folks, couples, or anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of noise and crowd.

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in Mong Kok

Cordis, Hong Kong – Really comfy and connected directly to Langham Place and the MTR. You can go downstairs in your slippers and find food.

Hotel Ease Mong Kok – Small but clean. Close enough to everything, and the staff were friendly when I stayed there.

📍 Nearby Highlights at Mong Kok

Ladies’ Market – Good for cheap clothes and souvenirs. I usually just go for the experience.

Sneaker Street – Rows and rows of sports shoes. Worth a look even if you’re not buying.

Langham Place – Big mall with food, fashion, and strong air-con.

Temple Street Night Market – Technically nearer to Jordan, but you can walk over. More food, more buzz.

Flower & Goldfish Streets – Just fun to stroll through and a bit random, but that’s Mong Kok.

Getting Around Mong Kok

• Mong Kok MTR (Red Line) is super central
• Mong Kok East (Light Blue Line) links to New Territories if needed
• From the airport: I usually take Airport Express to Kowloon, then a quick cab or MTR ride

Quick Summary of Mong Kok

✅ Solid for food, walking, and markets
✅ Budget hotels and mid-range options
❌ Very packed, especially in the evening
❌ Not ideal if you need quiet to sleep

Central – If You Like Things Smooth, Fast, and Upscale

If Mong Kok is the street-smart cousin, Central is the one in a suit who drinks iced black coffee and knows the shortcut to everywhere. It’s where the banks are, the high-end hotels, the rooftop bars… and also some of the oldest buildings in the city.

I stayed here once when I had meetings but ended up loving how efficient everything was. MTR, trams, escalators, ferries — all within walking distance. Great for couples, business travellers, or if you’re the type who likes things clean, fast, and nicely designed.

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in Central

Four Seasons Hong Kong – Top-tier. Rooms, service, view… all solid. If you want to spoil yourself, this is it.

Mini Hotel Central – Budget option, but be ready for tight rooms. Good if you just need a clean place to crash.

📍 Nearby Highlights at Central

SoHo & Mid-Levels Escalator – Cafés, bars, bakeries, art galleries. There are lots to wander through.

PMQ – Design and lifestyle shops inside a converted building. Nice for gifts or just to window shop.

Man Mo Temple – Right in the middle of the city. Worth a stop if you’re nearby.

Central–Mid-Levels Escalator – Great shortcut up the slopes and fun to ride too.

Lan Kwai Fong – If you like nightlife, this is the spot. Gets loud after dark.

Getting Around Central

• Central Station connects you to everything (Red + Blue Lines)
• Hong Kong Station handles the Airport Express so it’s very convenient
• Also walkable to ferry piers, trams, and the escalator

Quick Summary of Central

✅ Super efficient and walkable
✅ Great mix of old and new
❌ Hotels can be pricey
❌ Not much street food compared to other areas

Causeway Bay – For Shoppers Who Don’t Want to Sleep

If your idea of a holiday is shopping, snacking, and staying out late, Causeway Bay is your zone. It’s packed with malls, beauty stores, cafés, and random pop-up shops. It’s like Orchard Road turned up a notch.

It can get overwhelming during peak hours (and weekends are wild), but that’s part of the fun. You’ll find a mix of big brands and local finds, plus lots of late-night eateries. Good for younger travellers, friend groups, or anyone who calls shopping “cardio.”

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in Causeway Bay

Harbour Grand Hong Kong – Big rooms, harbour views, and a peaceful vibe just a few minutes from the main Causeway Bay buzz. Shuttle available, or a short MTR ride from Fortress Hill.

Hotel Alexandra – Chic design and located right along King’s Road. It’s about a 10-minute walk or one stop from Causeway Bay, so you’re close without the crowd.

iclub Fortress Hill Hotel – Budget-friendly and fuss-free. You can walk to Causeway Bay or hop on the MTR — super convenient if you’re out most of the day.

📍 Nearby Highlights at Causeway Bay

Times Square & Hysan Place – Two malls you’ll probably walk into without meaning to. Good mix of shops, food, and air-con.

SOGO – The Japanese department store your mum or auntie would love. You can find everything from beauty products to snacks here.

Victoria Park – Nice to have nearby if you want to take a breather. I passed by in the morning and saw a group doing tai chi which is quite peaceful, actually.

Getting Around Causeway Bay

The MTR here makes everything easy. I usually take the red line and it gets you to Central, TST, and Mong Kok pretty fast.

If you like to explore, you can even walk to Tin Hau or Wan Chai. The streets are busy but fun to wander through.

From the airport, I’d just take Airport Express to town, then change to the MTR or cab over. Whole thing takes about 45 mins, maybe less if no jam.

Quick Summary of Causeway Bay

✅ Good if you want shops and food at your doorstep
✅ Late-night makan, bubble tea, random beauty stores, all within minutes
❌ Crowds can get intense
❌ Not for light sleepers as it’s lively even at night

Sheung Wan – If You Like a Bit of Chill, Old Charm & Good Coffee

Compared to the chaos of Causeway Bay or Mong Kok, Sheung Wan feels slower. It’s got that old-meets-new vibe: one street has dried seafood shops that smell like childhood Chinese medicine halls, and the next has trendy cafés with oat milk lattes.

I stayed here once when I wanted something quieter but still close to Central. You can walk over in 10 minutes, but the vibe is totally different.

Perfect if you like café-hopping, taking photos of old buildings, or just want a more relaxed base.

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in Sheung Wan

Eco Tree Hotel – Clean, modern, and sits along the tram line. It’s about a 5–10 min walk to Sheung Wan MTR, and has food spots all around.

Best Western Plus Hotel Hong Kong – A bit dated, but very decent for the price. Rooms are bigger than usual, and you’re close to both Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun.

ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan – I’ve stayed here before. Compact rooms, reliable, and great harbour views if you’re lucky. Solid location if you plan to explore on foot.

📍 Nearby Highlights at Sheung Wan

Tai Ping Shan Street – Lots of indie shops, bakeries, and cafés. Nice to walk around with a coffee.

Western Market – Pretty building, though mostly for photos unless you like fabrics.

Man Mo Temple – Quiet, smoky, and atmospheric — worth a short visit if you’re nearby.

Dried Seafood Streets – One of those “only in Hong Kong” sights. You’ll know when you’re there.

PMQ & Central – Walkable from here, especially if you enjoy exploring small alleys and side streets.

Getting Around Sheung Wan

• Sheung Wan MTR (Blue Line) is right at the edge of Central — super accessible
• You can also hop on a tram from here and slowly roll through the city
• From the airport, same route as Central: Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, then walk or short MTR ride

Quick Summary of Sheung Wan

✅ Quieter than the usual tourist spots
✅ Great mix of heritage and hipster
❌ Not many big malls or attractions
❌ Some hotels are on sloped streets — be ready to climb a bit

Tung Chung – Chill, Convenient, and Close to Disneyland

If you’re heading to Hong Kong with kids or just want a slower start to your trip, Tung Chung is a surprisingly good pick. It’s near the airport, quiet compared to the city, and super close to Hong Kong Disneyland and the Ngong Ping cable car.

I stayed here once before an early flight — but ended up enjoying the outlet shopping, fresh air, and slower pace. It’s not as central, but if you’re planning theme parks or a stopover, it works really well.

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in Tung Chung

Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung – Big rooms, sea views, and shuttle service to the airport. Great for families.

Novotel Citygate – Right above the MTR and outlet mall. Super convenient if you don’t want to walk too far.

The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery – Sleek and quiet. A good in-between if you want something stylish but not too pricey.

📍 Nearby Highlights at Tung Chung

Citygate Outlets – If you like outlet shopping, this mall is worth a visit. Got my running shoes here for a steal. Big brands, and it’s right next to the MTR.

Ngong Ping Cable Car – The cable car ride is actually quite shiok, especially if the weather’s good. Brings you up to the Big Buddha and some nice walking trails.

Disneyland – Just a few stops away. If you’re travelling with kids, staying here saves a lot of morning rush.

Tung Chung Promenade – Chill spot for an evening walk or letting the kids run around. Nice sea breeze too.

Getting Around Tung Chung

• The MTR station is super convenient as it connects to the airport and the Disneyland line easily.
• To get to town, it usually takes me about 35 minutes by train, sometimes less if you catch a good transfer.

Quick Summary of Tung Chung

✅ Just one train stop from the airport so it’s super convenient if you land late or leave early
✅ Feels calm compared to city areas so it’s a nice breather after a long day out
❌ Not much food after the mall closes. Do plan your dinner ahead
❌ A bit out of the way if you’re heading to town every day

Sai Kung – When You Just Want to Slow Down

​​This one’s for people who’ve “done” Hong Kong and want something completely different. Sai Kung feels like a small coastal town — no tall buildings, no honking cars, just sea breeze and mountain views.

I spent a weekend here once and it didn’t even feel like Hong Kong. Mornings were quiet walks by the pier, afternoons were boat rides and hikes, and evenings? Cold drinks, fresh seafood, and just watching the sunset. If you want peace, this is the spot.

🛏️ Where I’d Stay in Sai Kung

The Pier Hotel – Clean, quiet, and right by the water. We spent more time on the balcony than in the room.

WM Hotel – A little bigger, feels a bit more modern. Easy to walk to cafés and the waterfront.

Local stays – If you’re up for something different, some of the guesthouses or Airbnbs in the village areas are really cosy. Just check reviews.

📍 What to Do Around Sai Kung

Sai Kung Town – Walkable area with seafood places, coffee spots, and some nice shops. Super chill.

Hiking trails – We did the one from Sai Wan Pavilion to the beach. Long but scenic. Pack water, confirm sweat.

Boat rides – You’ll see small boats offering trips to islands or hidden beaches. Just hop on! It’s fun and affordable.

Seafood market – You pick your seafood, they cook it on the spot. Tourist-y, but still shiok.

Getting There

No MTR here, so we took the MTR to Choi Hung and then a minibus straight to town. About an hour or so from Central if no jam.

Once you’re there, everything is walkable or a short minibus ride. Don’t expect Grab or Uber. So just go with the flow.

Quick Summary of Sai Kung

✅ Super relaxing — feels like a different side of Hong Kong
✅ Nice cafés, fresh seafood, and good hiking
❌ Not convenient if you want to visit the city daily
❌ Things close earlier here, so don’t start your day too late

Final Thoughts – Pick a Base That Fits Your Trip

At the end of the day, where you stay in Hong Kong really depends on what you’re there for. Want to tick off all the tourist spots? Go TST. Love street food and markets? Mong Kok’s your playground. Prefer something chill with sea views? Sai Kung might surprise you.

There’s no “best” area, just the one that makes your trip smoother, easier, and a bit more fun.

Where would you stay first?