FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Hong Kong Island

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Very Safe💰 Budget: HKD 700/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Nov, Dec

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Causeway Bay

Provides more affordable accommodation and dining options compared to Central, alongside extensive shopping.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Hong Kong Island

1

Causeway Bay

Mid-range

A vibrant shopping mecca packed with department stores, street markets, and diverse dining.

first-timersbudgetfoodiesnightlife
  • +Unbeatable shopping variety
  • +Excellent food scene with options for all budgets
  • +Well-connected by MTR and buses
  • -Extremely crowded, especially on weekends
  • -Can feel overwhelming for some
🏨 L'hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View🏨 Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong🏨 The Otto Hotel
2

Central

Luxury

The bustling financial heart with upscale dining, designer shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

first-timersnightlifeluxuryfoodiesdigital nomads
  • +Excellent transport links
  • +Abundance of dining and entertainment options
  • +Iconic skyline views
  • -Can be very crowded
  • -Expensive
🏨 The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong🏨 Ovolo Central🏨 The Upper House
3

Sheung Wan

Mid-range

A trendy mix of traditional Chinese medicine shops, art galleries, and chic cafes.

culturefoodiesfirst-timersdigital nomads
  • +Great independent boutiques and eateries
  • +Easily accessible via MTR and trams
  • +More local feel than Central
  • -Can be hilly
  • -Some streets are narrow and busy
🏨 Hotel Madera Hollywood🏨 The Jervois🏨 Little Tai Hang
4

Mid-Levels

Luxury

An affluent residential area known for its scenic escalator, charming streets, and diverse restaurants.

couplesfamiliesculturefoodies
  • +Beautiful tree-lined streets
  • +Excellent dining scene, especially in SoHo
  • +Quieter atmosphere than Central
  • -Very hilly, requires walking up and down slopes
  • -Can be pricey
🏨 The Conrad Hong Kong🏨 The Fleming🏨 Island Pacific Hotel

Daily Budget (Budget)

HKD 700/day

Homy Hostel, dorm bedHKD 250
Breakfast at a local cha chaan teng (e.g., Capital Cafe), lunch from a dai pai dong, dinner at a casual eatery in Sham Shui PoHKD 200
Octopus Card for MTR and busesHKD 50
Explore Victoria Park, hike to the Peak Galleria (free entry to Galleria), enjoy the Symphony of Lights show from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront (free)HKD 50
Ride the Star Ferry from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha TsuiHKD 5
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Hong Kong Island

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Graham Street Wet Market

FREE

Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of a traditional Hong Kong wet market. It's a sensory overload of fresh produce, live seafood, and local life, offering a glimpse into daily routines.

marketCentral
🍜

Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village

For an authentic seafood feast, take a short ferry ride to Lei Yue Mun. You can choose your own fresh catch from the tanks and have it cooked to perfection at one of the many waterside restaurants.

foodLei Yue Mun
⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Hong Kong Island

More Hong Kong Island Guides

Full Hong Kong Island guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers