Hong Kong Island is the historic and commercial heart of the city, the place where Victoria Harbour's northern shore meets a skyline of banks, government buildings and shopping districts, with mountain ranges rising behind it and quieter coastal villages around its southern edge. Locals call it "Hong Kong side" or "Island side", distinguishing it from Kowloon across the water.
For a visitor, the island is easiest to think of as a ring of connected districts along the northern coast, from Central through Wan Chai and Causeway Bay to North Point, Quarry Bay and Shau Kei Wan, with the Southern District's beaches and villages on the far side of the hills. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the island's accommodation tiers compare. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Hong Kong Island
1. Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is a major shopping and commercial district on the northern coast, and it holds one of the island's known clusters of hostels and guesthouses, on Paterson Street. Rooms here are generally clean and internet connections more reliable than in some other budget clusters, though they remain small and cramped, and you should not expect a great atmosphere or spacious rooms.
It suits budget travellers who want to be central and near shopping, dining and transport rather than in a quiet residential pocket. Note that some drab "guesthouses" in Causeway Bay may actually be love hotels, so check what you are booking.
2. Central and the Mid-Levels
Central is the island's historical, political and economic centre, home to government buildings, the stock exchange and major banks, with Admiralty and Tamar alongside it. The Mid-Levels, including SoHo, sit on the slopes above, and Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun continue west toward Kennedy Town.
This is the most connected part of the island for sightseeing and business, and it suits first-time visitors who want the classic Hong Kong experience on their doorstep. The trade-off is terrain: the Mid-Levels climb the hillside, so expect slopes and steps between your accommodation and the harbourfront.
3. Wan Chai
Wan Chai sits between Central and Causeway Bay and, like Causeway Bay, became a commercial centre as Hong Kong moved away from its industrial period, helped by relatively cheaper rent than the traditional Central district. It is a practical, well-connected base within walking distance of the northern waterfront districts.
It suits visitors who want to be close to Central and Causeway Bay without paying for the most central addresses, and who value easy access to both the business core and the shopping areas.
4. North Point, Quarry Bay and Shau Kei Wan
These eastern districts along the northern coast were undeveloped or underdeveloped areas that were urbanised after the Second World War, initially as industrial areas. Quarry Bay includes Taikoo Shing and Kornhill, and the chain continues through Fortress Hill and North Point to Shau Kei Wan.
They suit travellers who prefer a more everyday, residential side of the island while staying on the same transport corridor as the main northern districts. Expect a longer ride to Central and the Peak area than from Wan Chai or Causeway Bay.
5. Southern District: Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang, Repulse Bay and Stanley
The Southern District covers the far side of the island, including Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, Wong Chuk Hang (where Ocean Park is), Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay, Tai Tam, Shek O and Stanley. Stanley is one of the island's oldest settled spots, with Neolithic artifacts discovered there.
This area suits visitors who want beaches, hiking and a slower pace, and who do not mind being away from the northern commercial core. The practical point is distance: the southern and northern parts of the island are separated by the mountain ranges, so getting between them takes time.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Dorm beds and small private rooms in guesthouses and hostels, often with shared bathrooms. The cheapest rooms may have barely enough space to open the door, and noise can be a problem for light sleepers. Read online reviews before booking, as bed bugs, dirty beds and unclean bathrooms have been reported. Licensed establishments are listed by the Office of Licensing Authority.
- Mid-range: Basic business hotels in the city centre, with rooms that tend to be clean but cramped. This tier is the step up if mansions and hostels feel too tight.
- Splurge: World-class hotels and major international chains, including four- and five-star properties, competing with pick-up service by helicopter, Michelin-starred restaurants and extravagant spas. Prices depend on the season.
Best area for a first visit
Central, together with the Mid-Levels, is the strongest base for a first visit. It puts you in the island's historical, political and economic centre, within easy reach of the northern waterfront districts and the main sights. The one thing to plan for is the hillside terrain of the Mid-Levels, which means slopes between you and the harbour.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hong Kong Island expensive for accommodation?
Budget travellers accustomed to cheap prices elsewhere in Asia are often shocked that accommodation costs in Hong Kong are closer to London and New York. A 3% hotel accommodation tax is levied on hotel rooms, excluding service charges, and is paid when you pay for your room.
Where are the budget guesthouses on Hong Kong Island?
One cluster of hostels and guesthouses is on Paterson Street near Causeway Bay. It is not as central as the mansions in Kowloon, but internet connections are more reliable and rooms are generally clean, though still small and cramped.
Should I stay in a hostel outside the city?
The Hong Kong Youth Hostel Association operates seven youth hostels, all outside the city, and reaching them by taxi when public transport is not running costs $100–$300. All but the one on Hong Kong Island have strict curfews and require guests to leave the site from 10AM to 4PM, or 1PM–3PM on public holidays.
Can I camp instead?
There are 41 camping sites in Hong Kong, run on a first-come-first-served basis, and places book quickly at weekends and public holidays. Camping is only allowed at designated sites identified by sign boards erected by the Country and Marine Parks Authority, and this rule is strictly enforced.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.