FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Kowloon

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Safe💰 Budget: HKD 600/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Dec

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Mong Kok

Abundant affordable hostels, street food, and lively markets provide a vibrant, low-cost experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Kowloon

1

Mong Kok

Budget

A vibrant, high-energy district known for its neon lights, street markets, and a dizzying array of shops and eateries.

budgetnightlifefoodiessolo travelers
  • +Incredible street food scene
  • +Affordable shopping and accommodation
  • +Authentic local atmosphere
  • -Extremely crowded, especially at night
  • -Can be overwhelming for some
🏨 Langham Hong Kong🏨 Stanford Hotel Hong Kong🏨 YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
2

Jordan

Budget

A more local and slightly grittier neighborhood offering a taste of everyday Hong Kong life alongside bustling markets and eateries.

budgetfoodiesculturesolo travelers
  • +Excellent value for money
  • +Authentic street food and local markets
  • +Good MTR access
  • -Can feel less polished than Tsim Sha Tsui
  • -Some streets can be noisy and crowded
🏨 The Jordan Hotel🏨 Hotel MK🏨 Ramada Hong Kong Harbour View
3

Hung Hom

Budget

A less touristy, more residential area known for its local eateries and proximity to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and ferry piers.

budgetculturedigital nomads
  • +Quieter and more local feel
  • +Good value accommodation and food
  • +Easy access to Hong Kong Island via ferry
  • -Fewer tourist attractions within the immediate area
  • -Can feel less vibrant than other Kowloon districts
🏨 Harbour Grand Kowloon🏨 Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong🏨 Condo Hotel
4

Tsim Sha Tsui

Mid-range

A bustling commercial and tourist hub with stunning harbor views and a dense concentration of shops, restaurants, and museums.

first-timerscouplesfoodiesculture
  • +Excellent transport links
  • +Wide range of dining and shopping options
  • +Iconic harbor views
  • -Can be very crowded
  • -Higher prices
🏨 The Peninsula Hong Kong🏨 Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel🏨 Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers

Daily Budget (Budget)

HKD 600/day

Dorm bed at Hop Inn Hong KongHKD 250
Breakfast at a local cha chaan teng like Kam Wah Cafe, then street food snacks and a simple dinner at a dai pai dongHKD 150
Octopus Card for MTR and bus travelHKD 100
Explore the Temple Street Night Market, walk through the Ladies Market, visit the Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin NunneryHKD 100
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Kowloon

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Sham Shui Po Street Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of one of Hong Kong's most authentic street markets. Here, you can find everything from electronics and fashion to local snacks and fabrics at bargain prices.

marketSham Shui Po
🍜

Four Seasons Market

Discover a treasure trove of dried seafood and traditional Chinese ingredients. This market is a must-visit for foodies looking to explore authentic culinary supplies.

foodSheung Wan (technically on HK Island but a short ferry ride and a local favorite)
🍜

Lei Yue Mun Seafood Market

Choose your fresh seafood directly from the tanks and have it cooked to perfection at one of the many nearby restaurants. It's a lively and delicious culinary adventure.

foodLei Yue Mun
⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Kowloon

More Kowloon Guides

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