Kowloon is the urban area directly north of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour. It is the smallest and most densely populated of Hong Kong's three main divisions, made up of the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon, and it runs from the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui up through a string of busy districts to the mountain range that includes Lion Rock and Tate's Cairn.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The harbour forms the southern edge, Nathan Road runs north through the middle of the main visitor districts, and the MTR ties the whole area together and links it to Hong Kong Island by rail tunnel. This guide covers which areas to use as a base, what each one is like, and how the budget, mid-range and splurge options differ.
1. Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui sits at the southern tip of the peninsula, on the harbourfront, and is the most convenient base for a first visit. It is where the largest concentration of budget accommodation is found, in the multi-story blocks along and just off Nathan Road, alongside the shops, cafes and exchanges that serve them.
It suits first-time visitors and budget travellers in particular. The area is well connected: Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station serves the district, and the airport bus A21 stops just outside Chungking Mansions on Nathan Road. Expect small rooms and shared or en-suite bathrooms at the cheaper end, and be aware that the lifts in the older blocks can be slow and crowded.
2. Mong Kok
Mong Kok lies further north along Nathan Road and has its own cluster of budget hotels and hostels, most notably in the large multi-story block at 83 Argyle Street. It is a dense, busy commercial and residential district rather than a sightseeing base.
It suits travellers who want cheap rooms and easy access to the MTR, since the block sits near Mong Kok station. As in Tsim Sha Tsui, the budget rooms are barebone and small, and the same advice applies: view the room before paying.
3. Jordan and Yau Ma Tei
Jordan and Yau Ma Tei occupy the stretch of Nathan Road between Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. Budget guesthouses are found here too, including along Jordan Road near Jordan MTR station.
This suits travellers who want to be on the Nathan Road corridor but slightly away from the heaviest concentration of touts and crowds. The area is walkable to Tsim Sha Tsui and well served by the MTR, so it works as a quieter base with the same access to the harbourfront.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Guesthouses and hostels in the older multi-story blocks, licensed by the Hong Kong government. Rooms are small and undecorated, with a bed, night stand, telephone and television; some have en-suite bathrooms and some communal ones, and most have air-conditioning. Owners often speak only basic English, credit cards are usually not accepted, and noise from other guests can be an issue.
Best area for a first visit
Tsim Sha Tsui is the best base for a first visit. It puts you on the harbourfront at the southern tip of the peninsula, with the widest choice of budget rooms, an MTR station, and the airport bus stopping on Nathan Road. From there the rest of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are straightforward to reach.
Which areas of Kowloon have the most budget accommodation?
Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Jordan have large numbers of guesthouses and hostels. The best-known concentrations are in the multi-story blocks on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and at 83 Argyle Street in Mong Kok.
Do I need to book a budget room in advance?
Bookings are not needed, and some travellers have reported that bookings were not always honoured. Arriving around 1PM, when the previous night's guests have checked out, is described as the best way to secure a room.
How do I pay for a budget guesthouse?
Credit cards are not accepted, so bring cash. Ask for a receipt with the check-in and check-out dates clearly printed.
What should I check before paying for a room?
Ask to see the room first and pay for only one night. Check whether there is 24-hour unassisted entrance or whether you have to ring a bell at night, and ask the owner how to turn on the water boiler.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.