Planning a stopover in this incredible Asian metropolis? Discover 5 emblematic districts to visit in Hong Kong!
A land of contrasts, Hong Kong takes you on a journey as stunning as it is unforgettable. Between East and West, tradition and modernity, heritage and future, the Perfume Harbour creates a unique and fascinating atmosphere. Admire its dizzying skyscrapers, discover its must-see sites and venture where the gentle flame of the past still burns brightly. Good news: the destination has reopened with the lifting of travel restrictions linked to Covid-19*.
Whether you’re a gourmet, a night owl, a lover of exceptional panoramas or an art enthusiast, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in this land of a thousand faces. Looking for a place to stay? Would you like to know which places are best suited to your desires? Here’s our selection of the 5 best districts to visit during your stay in Hong Kong!
Old Town Central
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Bringing together Central and Sheung Wan, Old Town Central perfectly illustrates Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan nature. Fusing the soul of the past with a more modern vision, this colorful district captures the many facets of the destination. Lively and surprising, it takes you to the crossroads of worlds, where avant-garde art galleries rub shoulders with traditional temples.
Between contemporary buildings and picturesque streets, let yourself be carried away by its unique atmosphere, where boredom has no place. You’ll soon realize that there’s plenty to do here. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, a night owl, or all of the above, you’ve come to the right place.
Wan Chai & Causeway Bay
Wan Chai
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Renowned for its karaoke bars and colorful neon signs, Wan Chai is an exciting neighborhood with a host of surprises in store. Between trendy and cultural addresses, it welcomes you in a whirlwind of entertainment that will leave you breathless. Forget public transport, this district is best explored on foot.
Stroll along its charming streets and let yourself be seduced by the explosive meeting of East and West. In the midst of a jungle of high-end buildings, discover the imprint left by the traditions of yesteryear. Enter Wan Chai Road and Bowrington Road, alive with the buzz of traditional markets.
Causeway Bay
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Trendy, dynamic and stunning, Causeway Bay is one of Hong Kong‘s best neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in its urban landscape, observe its streets teeming with life, and don’t forget to look up to the sky. It’s often up there where it all happens!
Like almost everything else in the city, Causeway Bay is best visited vertically. Venture into the skyscrapers and discover hidden treasures. From designer labels to independent boutiques and surprising gourmet addresses. Beyond its shopping malls, the district has a more authentic aspect that deserves to be appreciated.
Sai Kung
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and head for Sai Kung. Nicknamed « the garden of Hong Kong », this region will delight travelers in search of the great outdoors. Put on your backpacks and get ready for a trip off the beaten track. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break in this tranquil setting, where emerald hills tumble into the blue of the island-studded sea.
Relax on one of its superb beaches, stroll through its spectacular natural surroundings or challenge yourself on one of its many hiking trails. Stroll along the coastline, revel on the terrace of one of the seafood restaurants on the harbor and don’t forget to make a detour to the nearby floating market. Finally, immerse yourself in the freshness of the neighborhood’s green spaces and vast national parks. You’ll want to extend your stay.
West Kowloon
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Looking for a cool place to stay in Hong Kong? West Kowloon is sure to please! Ideal for art-loving travelers, this district steeped in history has metamorphosed into an arty place where the pleasure of the eye comes first. Described as the « modern cradle of tradition », it plunges you into the crossroads of genres. From traditional craftsmanship to Art Deco, ultra-modern and neoclassical styles. While you’re here, be sure to visit the must-see M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum.
With its air of a gigantic open-air museum, West Kowloon promises extraordinary experiences. Admire magnificent frescoes adorning the facade of a building or the metal shutter of a store. Visit addresses dedicated to art, rediscover forgotten trades and take part in fun workshops. You’ll love going from theory to practice.
Mong Kok & Sham Shui Po
Mong Kok
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Considered Hong Kong’s densest district, Mong Kok is enough to make your head spin. In the midst of this mosaic of buildings, where locals and tourists form a sonorous crowd, you’ll find a few nuggets worth the detour. Literally meaning « lively place » in Cantonese, it lives up to its promise.
Lively day and night, it invites you into a labyrinth of buzzing streets, home to numerous shops and must-see markets such as the famous Ladies’ Market, the Bird Market, the Flower Market and the Fish Market. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for, and much more besides!
Sham Shui Po
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Far from the grandiloquent buildings, Sham Shui Po welcomes you in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Combining the charm of the old with the arrival of a new, creative generation, this popular neighborhood is a guarantee of authentic experiences. You’ll rediscover that happiness can sometimes be found in the simple things.
With a selection of activities as rich as they are affordable, Sham Shui Po is a must for quality Hong Kong immersion. Discover its notable historic buildings, trendy new cafés and numerous artisans and stylists. Gourmet travelers will be delighted by the many food addresses offering mini prices and maxi pleasures.
As you can see, each of Hong Kong’s neighborhoods has its own atmosphere and a host of activities. Which one appeals most to you?
*Travel restrictions have been lifted: quarantine, vaccination, indoor and outdoor masks and antigenic or PCR testing before departure from France are no longer mandatory for foreign visitors wishing to travel to Hong Kong.
As a reminder, with a European passport (valid for more than a month after returning from Hong Kong), visitors do not need a visa to stay for up to 90 days as tourists.
