Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are the two major regions for travellers when it comes to convenience, hotels and many other aspects. Choosing Kowloon or Hong Kong Island is one of the unavoidable questions when planing a trip to Hong Kong.
View of Hong Kong skyline
Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are separated by Victoria Harbour and there are literally hundreds of hotels on both sides. So, where should you stay in Hong Kong? What are the most popular and best hotels? And what are the advantages and disadvantages to stay on either side? Let’s narrow down possible options and find you the most suitable place to stay.
Where is best location to stay in Hong Kong, Kowloon or HK Island?
- Most popular and recommended hotels
- How is Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?
- Advantages: Kowloon vs Hong Kong Island
- How to choose: which one suits you better?
- Budget or cost of living
- Skyline views
- Ultra-modern vs. more traditional
- Which side has the better sightseeing attractions?
- Food, restaurant and dining options
- Where has better shopping options?
- Quick check: who should stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?
- Final thoughts and conclusion
Most popular and recommended hotels
Whether to stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island can be a tough choice. Here is a list of the best and most popular hotels on either side of Victoria Harbour. Most of them have great harbour views. They have been popular among individual, business and family travellers. All of them are fantastic places to stay and are excellent choices to explore the city.
Best hotels on Kowloon side
- The Ritz Carlton Hotel (one of the world highest hotel, underneath Airport Express station)
- The Peninsula Hotel (famous heritage hotel)
- K11 Artus (best harbour views)
- The Rosewood Hotel (best harbour views)
- Regent Hong Kong (former InterContinental Hotel)
- Sheraton Hotel & Towers (by the harbour)
- Hotel ICON
- Hyatt Regency
- YMCA Salisbury (best family hotel, by the harbour)
- Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel
- Cordis Hong Kong
- W Hotel (underneath Airport Express station)
Best hotels on Hong Kong Island side
- Four Seasons Hotel (underneath Airport Express station)
- Mandarin Oriental (close to harbour)
- The Upper House (close to harbour)
- Island Shangri-La Hotel (close to harbour)
- The Murray Hong Kong (by Peak Tram station)
- The St. Regis Hotel (close to harbour)
- Renaissance Harbour View Hotel (by the harbour, in Convention center)
- Grand Hyatt (by the harbour, in Convention center)
- Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay
- Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
- JW Marriott (close to harbour)
- Conrad Hotel (close to harbour)
If you still can’t decide between either region, below we share some more insights, details and advice.
Kowloon or Hong Kong Island? How are they like?
The famous Victoria Harbour lies between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. Both sides have plenty of sightseeing, shopping, dining, arts and entertainment options. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the sheer amount of options can make it difficult to narrow down and decide on one specific area or hotel. So, let’s take a closer look at each area.
Victoria Harbour separates Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
How is Kowloon side?
The Kowloon side refers to the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. Geographically, the Kowloon Peninsula faces towards Hong Kong Island.
Kowloon is often considered to be more authentic, more Chinese. The architecture and buildings are sometimes not as spectacular and modern compared to the ones on the Hong Kong Island side. However, that makes the charm of Kowloon.
Besides, the view from Kowloon towards Hong Kong Island has the most skyscrapers along the harbour. The fantastic harbour view represents the most iconic skyline of Hong Kong.
Enjoying amazing day views of Victoria Harbour from Kowloon Peninsula
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is considered the heart of Kowloon. It is one of the main tourist hotspots. Here is one of the best places to enjoy the impressive views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline.
Looking towards Hong Kong Island and enjoying amazing night views of Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui
The Kowloon district is popular among all travellers. It offers a very good mix of sightseeing, shopping, dining and culture. Several high-end shopping malls as well as top sightseeing attractions e.g. such as Ladies Market and Temple Street Night Market are located here.
Temple Street Night Market
How is Hong Kong Island side?
Hong Kong Island is the financial business hub of the city mainly due to its history. It’s the very first developed area as British colony. The Stock Exchange, many international companies headquarters and government institutions are located here. The Central and Admiralty district are often referred as downtown area.
Skyline of Hong Kong Island
Moreover, they are considered as the historical, political and economic centre of Hong Kong. It is also home to some of the city’s most iconic, tallest and impressive skyscrapers. Therefore, it is no surprise that many visitors compare this area to Manhattan.
Hong Kong’s financial hub
One of the city’s prime shopping and dining location can also be found on this side. Causeway Bay is for many fashionistas the ultimate shopping experience. This area is a one-stop shopping solution. You can literally find every heart’s desire. Looking for luxury brands or small independent budget boutiques? No problem. The latest haut-couture or the trendiest fashion and cosmetics trends from Korea and Japan? Here you can find it.
Advantages to stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island
Each side has their own advantages.
Advantages to stay in Kowloon:
1First, the Kowloon side is an excellent choice for first-time visitors. There are plenty of hotels and accommodations options for everyone’s wallet. You have easy access to public transportation network and various dining options of different price ranges. Furthermore, you can easily reach some of Hong Kong’s main tourist sightseeing attractions within in minutes.
2 Second, on average, the expenses are lower on the Kowloon side when the similar conditions are involved. This applies for hotel rooms as well as for food and dining.
3 Third, regarded as more traditional part. The process of gentrification isn’t as fast as on the Hong Kong Island side. Hence, you still have a chance to explore and experience elements of traditional Chinese culture and typical local life. In fact, some of the city’s best and fost popular street markets and temples are located within the Kowloon region.
4 Fourth, convenient for harbour tours. Many Victoria Harbour cruises depart from piers in Tsim Sha Tsui. The popular harbour cruises on traditional Chinese junk boats is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
Enjoy a Harbour Cruise on the popular Aqua Luna
5 Fifth, home of two cruise ship terminals. In case you plan to arrive or depart Hong Kong on a cruise ship, the Kowloon side is a more convenient choice. The Ocean Terminal is located in Tsim Sha Tsui while the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is located at the former Kai Tak Airport. So, in case you would like to stay closer to one of the cruise terminals, stay on this side.
Ocean Cruise Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon)
Advantages to stay on Hong Kong Island:
1 First, Hong Kong Island seems to be more international and westernized. This probably has something to do with the history (British started development from here first), as well as with many international business visitors. In addition, fairs and conventions are taking place on this side of the harbour throughout the year.
2 Second, Hong Kong Island is perceived as more upmarket. The reason for that is probably due to the many skyscrapers, high-end luxury shopping malls, boutiques and many western style restaurants. Having said that, you already can conclude that Hong Kong Island is more expensive than the rest of the city.
3 Third, gentrification takes over the districts of Hong Kong Island more rapidly. As a result, small and trendy boutiques, stores and restaurants transform these areas. They become the latest, hottest and trendiest ones throughout the city.
4 Fourth, with more iconic skyscrapers. The most impressive skyscrapers are located on Hong Kong Island. The sheer density of high-rising buildings can be overwhelming. Certainly, it is one reason for many visitors to stay here.
Night view of Hong Kong Island
5 Fifth, many visitors feel that Hong Kong Island is more walkable. There are plenty of covered walkways connecting the high density of skyscrapers. In addition, the walkways are usually broader compared with Kowloon.
6 Sixth, convenient for business traveller and nightlife lovers. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is in Waichai next to Victoria Harbour. Besides, some of the city’s premier nightlife districts are also on this side of Victoria Harbour.
7 Seventh, close to ferry terminals. If travelling to one of the outlying islands or Macau is on your plan list, then stay on Hong Kong Island. Both terminals of Macau Ferry and outlying island ferries are on this side.
Budget or the cost of living in Kowloon vs. Hong Kong Island
First of all, be prepared that the hotel prices are relatively high and hotel rooms are smaller when compared with many other countries and cities. It’s mainly due to the extremely high housing price in Hong Kong (the world’s most expensive).
Hong Kong Island
In fact, the hotel prices on both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island ranges from low to high. However, the cost of living is higher on Hong Kong Island. This applies not only for prices of apartments and rents, but also for goods of everyday life.
The Central as well as Causeway Bay districts remain one of the world most expensive areas. Having said that, it should be no surprise that accommodation and hotel rooms prices reflect this fact. Expect to pay higher prices for hotel accommodations.
Kowloon
The prices for hotel rooms are usually lower on Kowloon side when the similar conditions are considered. In addition, there are plenty of lower cost, mid-range hotels and even backpacking hostels you can choose from.
Day views over Kowloon
So, you have a better chance to find a more affordable accommodation on the Kowloon side compared to Hong Kong Island. Especially if you travel on a tight budget or you would like to save some money on your accommodation, you should take a closer look at the hotel choices on the Kowloon side.
In case you are traveling on a tight budget, you might want to read our insights on How to find a cheap hotel in Hong Kong.
Did You Know
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“Usually the closer to city center the more expensive of hotel price . If you are looking for cheaper hotels on Hong Kong Island, you may have to travel further away from Central to such as North Point (east) and Sai Ying Pun (west). It will cost you a bit more time on transportation.”
The skyline views: Kowloon vs. Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong is often nicknamed skyscraper city. In fact, it has more high rising buildings and skyscrapers than New York City.
View of Kowloon skyline from Hong Kong Island
Both sides have some impressive skyscrapers and amazing views to offer. However, the skyline of Hong Kong Island is probably one of the most photographed one in the world. Whenever you read a news, weather report, or book about Hong Kong, the cover picture is usually the skyline of Hong Kong Island shooting from Kowloon.
Star Ferries and view of Central from Kowloon
Thus, if skyline views are your thing, then I highly recommend staying on the Kowloon side. Make sure to get a hotel room with the impressive harbour views and the skyline of Hong Kong Island. The views are simply breathtaking. You can start with the shortlist from the above hotel recommendation.
And the best part is that you have the option to enjoy the nightly ‘A Symphony of Lights’ show from the comfort of your hotel room. The same applies in case you are in town for the spectacular fireworks celebrations.
Watching A Symphony of Lights show from Kowloon
Did You Know
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“For many visitors (first-time as well as repeating ones), the spectacular views are the tipping point to make a decision to stay on the Kowloon side.”
Ultra-modern vs. more traditional: Kowloon or Hong Kong Island
Many visitors feel that Hong Kong Island is more modern than the rest of it. Without a doubt, the mass of iconic skyscrapers, international corporate headquarters, financial bank institutions as well as law firms add to the fast paced energy and international flair of the city.
Iconic skyscrapers, banks and corporate headquarters on Hong Kong Island
Furthermore, western-style restaurants, high-end luxury shopping malls and brands are omnipresent. Moreover, the city’s premier nightlife, clubbing and pub scene creates an incredible dynamic. Even as a visitor, it is hard to resist and withstand this fast paced lifestyle. It is easy to join the locals to party the night away in one of the hottest nightlife clubs and spots.
Traditional style café
On the contrary, Kowloon is perceived as more traditional than Hong Kong Island. Certainly, Kowloon has plenty of high-rising buildings. It also has premier nightlife and entertainment options too. However, it is more authentic in term of traditional Chinese touch and feel.
Lion dance is a traditional culture
Above all, you still have a chance to experience elements of traditional Chinese culture. It is great way to dive into the typical local life. In fact, some of Hong Kong’s best and most popular street markets as well as temples are located within the Kowloon region.
Who has the better sightseeing attractions? Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?
Frankly speaking, both sides offer plenty of sightseeing attractions to keep you busy. Certainly, it depends what kind of traveller you are and what your travel purpose and interest is. There are plenty of options. No matter if you are interested e.g. in history, architecture, food, culture, nightlife, theme parks, museums or photography, each side has something for everyone.
Amazing day views from Victoria Peak
The most popular areas to stay in are Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) and Central and Admiralty (Hong Kong Island). Both are excellent choices to start and explore the city and its attractions.
The transportation in Hong Kong is very efficient and economic. So travelling to different attractions is easy to manage even for travellers. If in the end you decide to choose a hotel outside downtown area, as long as the location is close to subway station, it’s still acceptable.
Which side has the better food, restaurant and dining options? Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?
Michelin Star restaurants or street food? Hong Kong is considered as the culinary capital of Asia. If you are a food lover or foodie, you will love the city. It is truly a gourmet mecca. You literally can find food, beverages and tastes from around the world.
Delicious Dim Sum – A must-try
Both sides of Victoria Harbour offer a wide range of restaurants. There is something for every wallet. Options range from cheap to fill you stomach to high-end acclaimed luxury Michelin star restaurants.
Having said that, many people feel that the Hong Kong Island side has the advantage. This is especially true when it comes to the latest food trends and cutting-edge of the international food scene. In fact, the majority of Michelin star restaurants and other prestigious culinary highlights are located on Hong Kong Island.
Did You Know
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“There are 69 restaurants listed on 2021 Hong Kong Michelin Guide. 29 are in Central and 15 are in Tsim Sha Tsui.”
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“Many Michelin Star restaurants are from the luxury hotels, such as Kowloon Shangri-La, Island Shangri-La, Four Seasons Hotel, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Peninsula Hong Kong etc.. It’s convenient for hotel guests to enjoy the Michelin star food after a long-day sightseeing.”
Michelin star shrimp wonton soup
On the other side, Kowloon doesn’t need to hide. There are plenty of great food options too. Especially, if you are a foodie and love to explore local street food snacks. The Kowloon side offers some of the best and tastiest street food snacks.
Are you ready to try some local favourites, such as Curry Fishballs, Deep-fried Stinky Tofu, Three Stuffed Treasures, Soy-marinated Octopus Skewers, Steamed Rice Rolls or some Egg Waffles? Then this is the place to be.
Popular street food snack
Kowloon or Hong Kong Island: which has the better shopping options?
First things first: many people consider Hong Kong as a shopping heaven. No matter which side you choose to stay on, you will have plenty of shopping options. Options range from small stores to high-end luxury shopping malls. Depending what kind of shopper you are and what you are looking for, either side can be a better choice for you.
Hong Kong has literarily hundreds of shopping malls in both regions. Wherever you decide to stay, shopping mall should be the last thing to worry about.
One of the many traditional street markets
Kowloon side:
The Kowloon side is home to some of the most popular street markets (Ladies Market, Jade Market, Goldfish Market and Temple Street Night Market). So, if you love to hunt for bargains and haggle for prices these outdoor street markets are the place to be.
Temple Street Night Market
Kowloon is also home to Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall – Harbour City. The Harbour City shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui is home to approx. 700 shops, stores and luxury brands. Only along Nathan Road you already can find a wide variety of shops and many shopping malls (Sogo, iSquare,The One, K11 etc.). Here you find almost everything from tailor-made shirts to jewelleries.
Besides, the West Kowloon has the tallest building in Hong Kong (International Commerce Center, ICC) with a luxury shopping mall “The Elements” on the lower floors. The highest hotel Ritz-Carlton Hotel is on the 113th floor inside.
Harbour City shopping mall
Kowloon seems to be the better choice for certain categories. In fact, the city’s shopping environment is quite unique. Certain areas have a high concentration of shops selling the same or similar products. This makes it very convenient and easy for price comparison.
Just to name a few examples. There is the Sneaker Street or the Electronics Street. Here you can find the latest sport shoe or electronic trends from around the world, respectively. Large branded stores selling everything. Products range e.g. from camera equipments, photography gears, cellphones, computers or other electrical appliances.
Hong Kong Island side:
Having said that, Hong Kong Island has its own shopping environment. You also can find both luxury shopping malls and small street markets around. Shopping malls like ifc, Landmark, Pacific Place are considered as high-end shopping malls.
Especially, the area around Causeway Bay is considered as the shopping mecca. It consists of a good mixture of high-end shopping malls and small independent boutiques. Here you can find the latest products from Chanel, LV, Gucci and other luxury brands. Moreover, you can hunt for the latest fashion and cosmetics trends from Japan and Korea.
Popular Japanese department store SOGO in Causeway Bay Hong Kong Island
Quick Check: Who should choose to stay in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island
Choose Kowloon if you:
- are first-time visitor
- love to wake up with one of the most amazing skyline of the world
- want to explore the city’s many street markets and try some of the authentic street foods
- feel the traditional spirit and culture in one of the many temples
- arrive or depart by one of the many cruise ships
- travel on a budget or want to save some money
Choose Hong Kong Island if you:
- travel for business or have to attend one of the many fairs, exhibitions or conventions.
- want to minimise the time and ways during your business trips (e.g. you can reach the Central district within 24 minutes from the airport by the MTR Airport Express Train)
- main purpose is to do luxury high-end shopping
- love to explore the city’s lively and amazing nightlife, bar and clubbing scene
- love to wake up among the most iconic skyscrapers in the world
TL;DR? Final thoughts and conclusion:
Kowloon or Hong Kong Island? Although, there are differences, both are fantastic places to stay.
Hong Kong Island is a good base especially if you travel for business, conventions or fairs. The MTR Airport Express Train connects the airport with the Central district. This saves you time and hustle. Hong Kong Island is also popular for visitors whose priority is shopping or love to enjoy various nightlife and entertainment.
The Kowloon and especially the Tsim Sha Tsui area makes a strong case as a base for first-time visitors. A large range of affordable accommodation options, plenty of dining and shopping choices, easy and fast access to subway and other public transportation are a big plus. In addition, several popular sightseeing attractions and museums are close-by. Moreover, the tipping point for many are the stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s amazing skyline.
Anyhow, no matter how you decide. Hong Kong’s excellent public transportation connects both parts and you can easily visit each part.