Area to stay

Question

We have 5 nights in Hong Kong.

Looking at hotel options and getting confused.

Should we stay on the island or in Kowloon.

Budget around $350 pn (aud)

Answer

When deciding where to stay in Hong Kong for 5 nights with a budget of around AUD 350 per night, both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon have their advantages. Your choice depends on what you want to prioritize — sightseeing convenience, dining, shopping, or harbor views.

Staying on Hong Kong Island:

Hong Kong Island includes areas such as Central, Sheung Wan, Admiralty, and Wan Chai. This side of the city is generally more business-oriented, with modern skyscrapers, trendy restaurants, and easy access to some of the city’s top attractions.

Advantages: Close to Victoria Peak, Soho and Lan Kwai Fong nightlife, Hong Kong Park, and direct access to Star Ferry to Kowloon. Quieter at night compared to Kowloon’s busy shopping streets.
Disadvantages: Can be more expensive for similar hotel quality, and some areas are hilly, which may require extra walking or public transport.
Good options within budget: Hotels in Wan Chai or Causeway Bay often offer modern amenities and convenient subway access.

Staying in Kowloon:

Kowloon includes Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Jordan. This side is more bustling, with dense shopping streets, street food, and cultural sights.

Advantages: Close to shopping districts such as Nathan Road and Temple Street Night Market, many dining options, and iconic Victoria Harbour views. Easy access to the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island.
Disadvantages: Can be crowded and noisy, particularly in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. Some streets can feel chaotic if you prefer quieter neighborhoods.
Good options within budget: Tsim Sha Tsui hotels often provide rooms with harbor or city views, modern facilities, and convenient access to the MTR (subway) for exploring the city.

Recommendation:

If your focus is sightseeing, dining, and nightlife with convenient access to Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry, staying on Hong Kong Island (Central, Sheung Wan, or Wan Chai) may be preferable. If you want to be in the heart of shopping and bustling streets with easy access to iconic skyline views, Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui or Jordan) could be the better choice.

Tips for both areas:

Check proximity to MTR stations for easy travel across the city.
Book hotels that offer early check-in or luggage storage if your flight arrival is early.
For a balanced experience, you could consider staying 2–3 nights on Hong Kong Island and 2–3 nights in Kowloon to experience both sides of the city.

In summary, both sides offer excellent options within your budget, but your choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience for sightseeing and nightlife (Island) or immersion in shopping and street life (Kowloon).

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