Hong Kong by Neighborhood: Lonely Planet's Guide

Lonely Planet's updated Hong Kong guide breaks the city into eight distinct areas. The guide says each has a different personality, so where you stay depends on what you're after. Allow a few days at minimum, but if you want to dig deeper into neighborhoods, Lonely Planet recommends a week or more.

Central: For nightlife and dining

Lonely Planet describes Central as a "work-hard, play-hard" area. It has the Hong Kong stock exchange, Tai Kwun lifestyle complex, and the Star Ferry, which Lonely Planet says is a great orientation for the city. Accommodation prices are high, but there are options: Bishop Lei International House is a moderate-price pick with tower views; The Pottinger is a luxury option with Asian decor; and the Mandarin Oriental offers top service and Michelin-starred dining.

Kowloon: Markets and waterfront

Kowloon is the heart and soul of Hong Kong, Lonely Planet says. The Avenue of Stars features skyline views and handprints of Hong Kong movie legends. The West Kowloon Cultural District includes the Xiqu Centre for Chinese opera. Markets include Apliu Street Flea Market and the Mong Kok Flower Market. Budget travelers can stay at YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel. Mid-range: Eaton boutique near Temple Street Night Market. Luxury: Rosewood Hotel on the waterfront.

Southern Hong Kong island: Outdoors and family

Once a pirate refuge, the south side is more relaxed. Lonely Planet highlights the Dragon's Back hiking trail, a sampan cruise of Aberdeen Harbour, and Ocean Park for thrill rides and animal exhibits. The seaside village of Stanley has a market and pubs. Hotel picks: Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel (mid-range to luxury) and Stanley Oriental Hotel (luxury, with bay views from the hot tub).

New Territories: Hikers and nature

Lonely Planet reports that over 40% of the New Territories is set aside as nature reserves and parks. The Mai Po Nature Reserve is a wetland on the China border, accessible only by organized tour. The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark has hexagonal rock columns and the High Island East Dam. Hotels: Pier Hotel in Sai Kung (mid-range, rooftop views), Courtyard by Marriott Sha Tin (mid-range, big pool), and Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel (mid-range to luxury, by the beach).

Other neighborhoods

Lonely Planet's guide also covers Wan Chai for cool cultural experiences around the Blue House Cluster and Pak Tai Temple. Lantau offers Hong Kong Disneyland and Tian Tan Buddha, with options like Silvermine Resort (budget to mid-range) and Tai O Heritage Hotel (mid-range to luxury). The Outlying Islands include Lamma Island for seafood and Cheung Chau for the bun festival, with spots like Concerto Inn and Warwick Hotel. Macau, an hour by ferry, has casinos and Portuguese colonial history, with picks from Harbourview Hotel to The Venetian.

What this means for you: Pick a neighborhood based on your travel style, book accordingly, and plan to spend more than a couple of days to get the most out of each area.

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