14 best neighborhoods to live in ​​Hong Kong

Every neighborhood in Hong Kong is different. But no matter your interests, from restaurants to shopping, there’s an area that will speak to you. Moving to Hong Kong for a new work gig? A fresh start in a new city? Or just to explore a different culture? It’s a hassle-free experience with the ease and comfort of a Blueground home. Each Blueground apartment in Hong Kong is thoughtfully designed and fully furnished. Our turnkey spaces have everything you need to cook for yourself, work from home, and even entertain some guests.

Can’t decide where exactly you want to live in Hong Kong? Check out this list of the top neighborhoods Hong Kong has to offer. 

1. Wan Chai

Rich in history, Wan Chai is a bustling commercial district on the north coast of Hong Kong Island. From the Pak Tai Temple, built in 1863, to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, this area offers a mix of cultural experiences, both traditional and modern. In addition to its famed nightlife, Wan Chai also features a dynamic mix of trendy restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, including the Happy Valley Racecourse. If you want to go for a stroll, consider exploring Golden Bauhinia Square and the walkways along Victoria Harbour. Wan Chai is served by the MTR Island Line as well as buses and trams. 

2. Tin Hau

On the north side of Hong Kong Island, and part of Causeway Bay, you’ll find Tin Hau. Situated near the expansive Victoria Park and Hong Kong Central Library, this laid-back area boasts family-friendly activities that are a welcome respite from the busyness of Hong Kong. For even more tranquility, explore the Tin Hau Temple Garden, which was built in the 1700s. With eclectic dining options on several of the main streets, Tin Hau is a great spot for foodies, too. The area is served by buses, trams, and the MTR Island Line. 

3. Happy Valley

Even the name of this quiet residential area on Hong Kong Island is sure to make you smile: Happy Valley. At the center of this upscale Hong Kong neighborhood is the Happy Valley Racecourse, which was built in 1845 and is a fun spot for watching races, especially on Wednesday nights. While the area provides an eclectic mix of restaurants, with local and international cuisine, the nearby shops and supermarkets are perfect for expats. To stay active, there are excellent spaces for walking or jogging, including around the Happy Valley Recreation Ground. However, for those seeking a slower pace, the Hong Kong Racing Museum and Wong Nai Chung Public Library are ideal spots to explore. Happy Valley is served by buses and trams and is a short walk to the nearest MTR station. 

4. Soho

Searching for a lively neighborhood in Hong Kong Island’s central business district? Look no further than Soho. It’s an energetic area well-known for its nightlife, chic dining, and entertainment options. A feast for the eyes, Soho is bursting with contemporary art galleries and beautiful wall art throughout the district as well as exhibition spaces at the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. From antique shops on Hollywood Road to luxury retailers at PMQ, there are plenty of shopping opportunities, too. Enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from swanky global cuisine to street food, and when the sun goes down, go grab a drink at one of many amazing bars. Finally, be sure to experience a sense of calm at the Man Mo Temple and take a ride on the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, the world’s longest-covered outdoor escalator system. In addition to buses and trams, Soho is served by MTR’s Tsuen Wan and Island Lines. 

5. Kennedy Town

Whether you call it Kennedy Town or K-Town, it’s a top Hong Kong neighborhood on the western side of Hong Kong Island. Boasting amazing seaside views and a casual vibe, this family-friendly area is rich in dining and entertainment options. There are many opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, including watching sunsets in the waterfront setting of New Praya Kennedy Town, hiking to nearby Mount Davis, or going for a dip at one of the outdoor or indoor pools at the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool. To experience local culture and entertainment, check out the intricate wall paintings on Lo Pan Temple, built in 1884, or catch a movie at the Golden Scene Cinema. 

No matter your taste in cuisine, Kennedy Town has it covered. Its extensive food scene includes everything from trendy Mexican and Australian restaurants to relaxed dim sum and pizza spots.  As the final stop on MTR Island Line, Kennedy Town is a short commute to the city center and is served by bus and tram lines, too. 

6. Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui (abbreviated as TST) is situated in southern Kowloon. Acclaimed for its shopping and nightlife, it’s a tourist-friendly area with fantastic views of Victoria Harbour. Love to shop? Then you’ll adore TST. It not only has Harbour City, the largest mall in Hong Kong, but the unique K11 Art Mall as well, which beautifully blends art and retail. Tsim Sha Tsui is also home to numerous cultural experiences, including the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where you can watch a variety of live performances. 

The area isn’t short on outdoor activities either. Kowloon Park provides plenty of fresh-air fun and the Avenue of Stars (inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame) offers a standout place to stroll and see celebrity handprints, plaques, and more. In addition to Tsuen Wan and Tuen Ma MTR Lines, buses, and trams serving TST, the area is reachable via the Star Ferry — an unforgettable local experience. 

7. Jordan

If you want to stay in an area with a traditional Hong Kong vibe, check out the Jordan neighborhood on the Kowloon Peninsula. Jordan features a bit of everything. Enjoy shopping? Stop by Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium, a seven-story department store that dedicates the entire top floor to tea. Or check out the hundreds of stalls at Temple Street Night Market. It’s a must-visit spot with a fun, tourist-friendly atmosphere that has delicious food and souvenirs worth haggling over. The dining options in Jordan are extensive, but local favorites include Mak Man Kee Noodles, famous for wonton soups, and Kai Kai Dessert, where you’ll discover Cantonese-style sweet soups. Take a break from the area’s hustle and bustle with a peaceful escape to Tin Hau Temple or King George V Memorial Park. Jordan is served by MTR’s Tuen Ma Line along with buses and trams. 

8. West Kowloon

Some say the eclectic art and cultural center of Hong Kong are West Kowloon. It’s a vibrant area known for stimulating exhibits and shows, such as the modern visual arts found in the M+ Museum, traditional opera and theater performances at the photo-worthy Xiqu Centre, and live music at Freespace. West Kowloon offers spots to unwind as well, including Art Park, a waterfront promenade with great views and green spaces — perfect for picnics or leisurely walks. There’s both upscale and casual cuisine from all over the globe, but don’t miss a chance to get a drink at OZONE, one of the highest rooftop bars in the world, located on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre. MTR’s Airport Express and Tung Chung Lines go to West Kowloon as do buses, taxis, and a high-speed rail.

9. Kowloon Tong

One of Hong Kong’s best neighborhoods, Kowloon Tong is a laid-back residential area in the northern part of Kowloon Peninsula. Designed as a “garden city,” Kowloon Tong offers a more suburban feel away from the towering skyscrapers. Activities in this neighborhood include exploring Cornwall Street Park, a quiet urban oasis with contemporary style, or ice skating at Festival Walk Glacier, an indoor ice skating rink. You can also check out an ornate Taoist temple, Shang Sin Chun Tong, or hike up nearby Beacon Hill for a great view of Kowloon Peninsula.

For shopping, Festival Walk and its wide array of over 200 shops are a must-visit. The dining options are broad, with local favorites including burgers and pancakes at J.S. Foodies or Hong Kong-style Western dishes at Lion Rock Bistro. Kowloon Tong is served by MTR’s Kwun Tong and East Rail Lines plus buses and minibuses. 

10. Sai Ying Pun

Mixing classic charm with modern flair, Sai Ying Pun is a neighborhood situated in the western area of Hong Kong Island. It features hip international restaurants, laidback cafes, and bars such as Ping Pong 129, a chic Spanish gin bar located in a former table tennis hall. For fans of dim sum, be sure to check out Tuck Chong Sum Kee Bamboo Steamer Company, a family-run business for more than 70 years. With an up-and-coming art scene, Sai Ying Pun is home to contemporary art at Bamboo Scenes Gallery as well as eye-catching street art. The neighborhood is easily walkable, so you can conveniently explore local landmarks like Tai Sui Temple or kick back in the green space of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, with its great views of Victoria Harbour. It’s easy to access Sai Ying Pun via buses, trams, and MTR’s Island Line. 

11. Sheung Wan

Sheung Wan is an easy-to-walk neighborhood in the northwest of Hong Kong Island. It’s perfect for the adventurous shopper. Because this area is bursting with eclectic shops along its streets, where you’ll discover dried seafood, antiques, jewelry, traditional Chinese medicine, and more. This Hong Kong neighborhood is rich in history, too. Go admire the Edwardian architecture of Western Market, Hong Kong’s oldest surviving market building, which opened in 1906, or visit Man Mo Temple, one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. There are plenty of chic cafes, restaurants, and bars as well. A couple of local favorites are Kau Kee and Yardbird, an izakaya-style eatery. 

For another cultural experience, learn more about the city’s medical history at the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences. Exploring Sheung Wan is simple thanks to buses, trams, and its proximity to MTR’s Island Line. 

12. Mid-Levels Central

Mid-Levels Central is a favorite Hong Kong neighborhood for professionals and expats thanks to an easy commute and access to the city. It’s an upscale residential area located on Hong Kong Island. The location provides slightly cooler temperatures and better air quality. That’s partly why this neighborhood is a favorite of sports facilities and outdoor activities, including the Ladies Recreational Club, Hong Kong Squash Club, and Bowen Road Path — a scenic jogging trail. 

For nature lovers, Mid-Levels Central is also close to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Mid-Levels Central is served by buses and trams and is just a short walk to MTR’s Island Line. 

13. Mid-Levels West

One of the best Hong Kong neighborhoods for professionals and expats, Mid-Levels West is an upscale residential area located on Hong Kong Island. Courtesy of  buses, trams, and MTR’s Island Line, it’s an easy commute to the city. Mid-Levels West is located near the University of Hong Kong and features cooler temperatures and improved air quality. Love outdoor activities? This area has plenty, including exploring Lung Fu Shan Country Park and hiking the scenic Morning Trail. 

It’s also a great neighborhood for students in Hong Kong, especially when you take advantage of Blueground’s brand-new Studentground program. It’s a student housing solution featuring discounted rates for fully furnished apartments, rent-free when you’re away, flexible durations, and a seamless rental experience close to campus.

14. Central

The Central neighborhood is the heart of Hong Kong’s business and retail scene. This buzzing area is the go-to area for both expats and working professionals since it’s near all the action. Yes, there’s an incredible variety of cuisine on offer here, but residents can also easily explore Victoria Harbour or stay out late clubbing. Consider booking a boat tour of Victoria Harbour — one of our top things to do during your first weekend in Hong Kong. 

On the weekend, head to beautiful Hong Kong Park or indulge in some retail therapy at the Admiralty Centre Shopping Arcade. The Island and Tsuen Wan lines of the Hong Kong MTR both provide access to the Central neighborhood.

Hong Kong, here you come! 

With all this information about the best neighborhoods in Hong Kong, you’re ready to start your search for a new home. Want to stay flexible? Blueground offers fully equipped apartments and stays of a month or more, so you can easily change your living situation. Find out more about the Blueground experience here.