Area to stay

Question

We haven’t visited Hong Kong for many years and are thinking of staying in a hotel in the Wan Chai area. We are also going to Shenzhen for two days and need to be near an MTR to go there. Is this a good choice or are there any alternative suggestions?

Thank you - Juls

Answer

Wan Chai is a solid choice for your stay in Hong Kong, especially if you value a central location with convenient access to the MTR. It is well-connected and offers a mix of business, shopping, and dining options. For your planned trip to Shenzhen, staying near the Wan Chai MTR station allows easy transfer to the East Rail Line at Hung Hom Station, which connects to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen train.

Benefits of staying in Wan Chai:

Central location on Hong Kong Island, with quick access to Central, Causeway Bay, and Admiralty.
Close to the Wan Chai MTR station, providing easy connectivity to other MTR lines and the Hong Kong–Shenzhen cross-border options.
Good selection of hotels ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury.
Vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and markets.

Alternative areas to consider:

Causeway Bay: Excellent for shopping and dining, with very frequent MTR connections. Slightly more touristy and busier than Wan Chai.
Central/Admiralty: Ideal if you want to be in the heart of business and tourist hubs, close to Victoria Peak, ferries to Kowloon, and quick MTR connections.
Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok): Staying on the Kowloon side provides quick access to Shenzhen via Hung Hom Station and offers a different perspective of Hong Kong with nightlife, markets, and the harbour promenade.

Summary:

Wan Chai is convenient and well-suited for both Hong Kong sightseeing and your Shenzhen side trip.
If shopping and nightlife are a priority, Causeway Bay is an excellent alternative.
If proximity to Shenzhen trains is a higher priority, staying in Kowloon near Hung Hom Station can save travel time.

In general, any of these areas will work well if you choose a hotel close to an MTR station to minimize commuting time, especially for your Shenzhen excursion.