Where to stay

One of the best places to stay for culture is Tsim Sha Tsui, where sites include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, and Hong Kong Museum of History. For a complete cultural tourist experience, take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong side and walk along the Avenue of Stars. Book a hotel in Hung Hom to be near the spectacular events at Hong Kong Coliseum. Accommodations in Prince Edward are close to the singing birds and handmade birdcages at Yuen Po Bird Garden. Stay in Yau Ma Tei to see its Tin Hau Temple, one of several across Hong Kong.

Tsim Sha Tsui is a great place to stay to have a garment custom-made. Walk to Yau Ma Tei along Nathan Road, where nearly anything is for sale. Hotels in Mong Kok are close to varied markets, including the Ladies' Market, Jade Market, and Temple Street Night Market, while neighboring Prince Edward has an entire street with dozens of flower shops. Book a hotel in Sham Shui Po to scour specialized shops, fashion retailers, and a giant electronics mall for bargain purchases. For authentic local goods stay in Jordan to shop at the Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium. Accommodations in most neighborhoods are near great shopping spots. Tsim Sha Tsui has Harbour City and Ocean Centre. Sham Shui Po has the Dragon Centre. Kowloon Tong has Festival Walk. West Kowloon has Elements.

Kowloon is a huge urban space with many green areas for outdoor relaxation. Stay in Tsim Sha Tsui and take a break from busy streets with a visit to Kowloon Park. A hotel in Kowloon City is near the Kowloon Walled City Park, where gardens have replaced an extremely heavily populated and crime-ridden neighborhood. Book a hotel in San Po Kong to visit Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. Hotels in San Po Kong are convenient for hiking up Lion Rock, one of the hills giving Kowloon the name meaning "Nine Dragons." Stay in Tseung Kwan O to enjoy Clear Water Bay Country Park or Sham Shui Po to hike in Kam Shan Park, an area filled with wild monkeys. Accommodations in West Kowloon are near the Waterfront Promenade, great for walking and jogging.

The bar scene in Kowloon ranges from traditional pubs at street level to sophisticated sky lounges to authentic karaoke nightclubs. Stay in Tsim Sha Tsui to visit several high-rise rooftop bars with views of Victoria Harbour and the multi-story lights of the Hong Kong skyline. Closer to the ground, the neighborhood also has nightspots ranging from beer gardens to Irish jazz bars. Book a hotel in West Kowloon to visit one of the highest bars in the world for its sophisticated cocktail scene with 360-degree views. Mong Kok is the place to stay to enjoy authentic Cantonese bars, many with karaoke.