Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips
Quick Answer
Stay in Mong Kok
Provides the most affordable accommodation and a vibrant atmosphere filled with street food and markets.
See full Hong Kong neighbourhood guideTop 3 Areas to Stay in Hong Kong
Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation
Mong Kok
A chaotic and energetic hub of street markets, neon lights, and local life.
Our top picks in Mong Kok
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)
A vibrant tourist hub on the Kowloon peninsula offering shopping, dining, and iconic harbor views.
Our top picks in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)
A legendary hotel offering timeless elegance and world-class service with stunning harbor views.
Book NowBoasts some of the best harbor views in the city from its rooms and restaurants.
Book NowA good value hotel with comfortable rooms and a convenient location near the harbor.
Book Now
Sheung Wan
A trendy neighborhood blending traditional Chinese shops with hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes.
Our top picks in Sheung Wan
Offers stylish serviced apartments ideal for longer stays or those seeking more space.
Book NowA boutique hotel with a unique design and comfortable rooms, close to the MTR.
Book NowModern hotel with a rooftop pool and good amenities, slightly further from the immediate bustle.
Book NowWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Mong Kok | Budget | A chaotic and energetic hub of street markets, neon lights, and local life. | budgetsolo travelers |
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) | Mid-range | A vibrant tourist hub on the Kowloon peninsula offering shopping, dining, and iconic harbor views. | first-timersfamilies |
Central | Luxury | The bustling heart of finance and high-end commerce with a vibrant nightlife. | first-timersnightlife |
Sheung Wan | Mid-range | A trendy neighborhood blending traditional Chinese shops with hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. | culturefoodies |
Find budget-friendly hostels in Hong Kong
Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas
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Tips for Backpackers in Hong Kong
Book Hostels with Kitchens
Self-catering saves significant money in Hong Kong. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.
Walk Where Possible
Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.
Find Free Activities
Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.
Carry a Water Bottle
A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.
Find free walking tours in Hong Kong
Budget-friendly ways to explore
Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers
Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Hong Kong
Mong Kok
BudgetA chaotic and energetic hub of street markets, neon lights, and local life.
- +Incredible street food scene
- +Bustling local atmosphere
- +Affordable shopping
- -Extremely crowded and noisy
- -Can feel overwhelming for some
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)
Mid-rangeA vibrant tourist hub on the Kowloon peninsula offering shopping, dining, and iconic harbor views.
- +Spectacular harbor views
- +Abundance of shopping and dining options
- +Excellent public transport
- -Can be extremely crowded
- -Very tourist-oriented
Central
LuxuryThe bustling heart of finance and high-end commerce with a vibrant nightlife.
- +Excellent transport links
- +Wide range of dining and shopping
- +Iconic skyline views
- -Can be very crowded
- -Expensive
Sheung Wan
Mid-rangeA trendy neighborhood blending traditional Chinese shops with hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes.
- +Eclectic mix of old and new
- +Great independent shops and restaurants
- +Good access to public transport
- -Can be hilly
- -Some streets are narrow and busy
Daily Budget (Budget)
HKD 500/day
Hidden Gems in Hong Kong
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Sham Shui Po Street Art
FREEWander through the vibrant streets of Sham Shui Po and discover a dynamic collection of colorful murals and street art adorning the walls of old buildings. It's a fantastic way to see a more artistic and contemporary side of this bustling local district.
Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium (Jordan)
More than just a store, this iconic emporium is a treasure trove of traditional Chinese goods, from intricate handicrafts and silk garments to herbal medicines and ceramics. It's an immersive cultural experience with a stunning traditional interior.
Graham Street Wet Market
FREEExperience the raw energy of a traditional Hong Kong wet market, where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and meats. The narrow aisles are packed with vendors and the sights and sounds are incredibly authentic.
Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village
Head to this charming fishing village where you can pick your own fresh seafood from tanks and have it cooked to perfection at a nearby restaurant. It offers a truly local and delicious dining experience with sea views.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Hong Kong
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Hong Kong Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Hong Kong on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Hong Kong Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Hong Kong with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Hong Kong: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Hong Kong's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Hong Kong: Scenic Excursion
Escape Hong Kong for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Hong Kong Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Hong Kong's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Hong Kong
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