Where to Stay in Hong Kong (If You Don’t Want the Crowds)
Most guides will tell you where to stay in Hong Kong, but they usually steer you straight into the thick of it. Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok… great if you want buzz 24/7, but not ideal if you’re after some breathing room.
If you’re searching for where to stay in Hong Kong without the hectic pace of Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, this guide is for you.
If you’re more into space, calm, and a slower pace (at least between the sightseeing), these areas to stay in Hong Kong offer something different. They’re well-connected but not overwhelming. Local, not loud. Perfect if you’re travelling with kids, visiting for the first time, or just want a better night’s sleep after a day of exploring.
Whether you’re after peaceful accommodation in Hong Kong, more local vibes, or just a better night’s sleep, here are five alternative areas to stay in Hong Kong that deliver culture, convenience, and calm.
From leafy neighbourhoods to seaside escapes, here’s where to stay if you want the best of Hong Kong, without the crowds.
1. Wong Chuk Hang, The Quiet Side Of Hong Kong Island
For skyline views, quick MTR access, and a break from the chaos.
Tucked on the southern side of the island, Southside feels like a world apart from the intensity of Central. You’re still just a few MTR stops from all the action, Admiralty, the Exhibition Centre, and the business district are all close but down here, there’s room to exhale. It’s quieter, greener, and surprisingly easy to get around.
Just a few MTR stops from Central, Wong Chuk Hang is one of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong if you want space to breathe. Once industrial, now creative, it’s home to art studios, design spaces, and laid-back cafés.
Wong Chuk Hang is at the heart of it. What used to be a light industrial zone has quietly become one of the coolest areas in Hong Kong, full of art studios, design spaces, and laid-back cafés. There’s a real sense of breathing space here, the kind you rarely find in the city, and it makes a huge difference, especially if you’re staying more than a night or two.
Southside by Ovolo is right in the middle of it all. The hotel’s set in a converted warehouse, so the rooms have a cool, raw-edged vibe, but it’s the views that really stand out. If you’re up high, you’ll get a sweep of the city or a look out over the bay. And because it’s slightly removed from the centre, it’s peaceful at night and offers excellent value.
Southside by Ovolo sits in the heart of it all. Set in a converted warehouse, it’s bold, peaceful, and just minutes from Ocean Park. Expect skyline views, fast MTR access, and a break from the chaos, without missing a thing.
The MTR is just a few minutes away on foot, and Ocean Park, one of Hong Kong’s biggest family attractions, is only one stop from your door. It’s a smart pick if you’re wondering where to stay in Hong Kong with family, heading to an event, or just want somewhere to unwind between meetings.Stay at:Southside by Ovolo, an industrial-chic hotel set in a converted warehouse, with sweeping views, creative energy, and everything you need within a few minutes’ walk (including the MTR).
2. Tai Hang, A Hidden Gem Near Causeway Bay
For indie coffee spots and local life, tucked behind Victoria Park.
This little pocket of Hong Kong feels like a village tucked inside the city. You’re steps from Causeway Bay’s buzz, but the narrow lanes of Tai Hang move at their own pace. Think small coffee roasters where the barista knows everyone’s name, family-run noodle shops that have been there forever, and the kind of streets where people still pull up plastic stools for dinner.
The location’s ideal if you want access to everything but don’t want to live in the thick of it. You can walk to Causeway Bay’s shops and MTR in minutes, but when you get back to Tai Hang, it actually feels like you’ve left the chaos behind. It’s especially nice at night, when the small bars and restaurants fill up with a mix of creatives and locals who’ve lived here for generations.
Looking for quiet areas to explore in Hong Kong just minutes from the action? Tai Hang is a local favourit, tucked right next to Causeway Bay, but with a totally different energy.
You’re close to the Causeway Bay MTR, shopping, and dining. But once you step into Tai Hang, it feels like a village within the city. Think small coffee roasters where the barista knows everyone’s name, family-run noodle shops that have been there forever, and the kind of streets where people still pull up plastic stools for dinner.
At night, this spot shines: cosy bars, creative locals, and a sense of community you won’t find in the high-rise buzz.
3. Sai Ying Pun, A Hip Hong Kong Neighbourhood Near Central
For heritage streets and laid-back local life on the edge of Central.
For first-time visitors who want to get a feel for the real Hong Kong, without being dropped straight into sensory overload, Sai Ying Pun is a pretty great place to start.
It’s just west of Central, but way calmer. The streets are hilly and leafy, there’s a mix of old and new architecture, and you’ll find everything from hole-in-the-wall dumpling shops to airy cafés that feel straight out of Melbourne. There’s even a bit of street art tucked into corners if you’re paying attention.
What makes it one of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong for first timers is the balance. You’re close enough to jump into the thick of things, with an MTR stop right on the Island Line, but it’s not as intense or vertical as other parts of the city. Plus, the neighbourhood has a lived-in charm that gives you a better sense of day-to-day life here.
It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a walk by the harbour, explore the side streets in the afternoon, and catch a tram into Central for dinner, all without feeling like you need a strategy to get around.
Just west of Central, this heritage-meets-hipster neighbourhood gives you the best of both worlds: leafy streets, heritage buildings, street food gems, and Melbourne-style cafés. It’s more relaxed than Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, but still has everything close by, including its own MTR station on the Island Line.
You can start your morning walking along the harbour, explore quiet side streets by day, and hop a tram into Central by night. It’s one of the best areas to explore in Hong Kong if you want that local feel with easy access to the city’s top spots.
4. Kowloon Tong, One of Hong Kong’s Most Peaceful Neighbourhoods
For leafy streets and proper peace and quiet.
Wondering where to stay in Hong Kong if you need a real break from the intensity? Kowloon Tong is one of those rare finds. It’s a peaceful pocket of the city where you can hear birds in the morning instead of traffic.
The streets here feel more like a suburb than central Hong Kong, lined with trees and low-rise buildings instead of towering apartments. You’re right by several universities, which gives the area a laid-back, residential feel, and there are proper parks where you can stretch out on the grass (a luxury in this city).
Don’t think you’re cut off though – the MTR puts you just a few stops from the bustle of Mong Kok or Central when you need it. But when you come back to Kowloon Tong, it feels like a reset, especially if you’ve spent the day in the more high-energy parts of the city.
This area makes a lot of sense if you’re staying a bit longer, visiting with kids, or just want a breather between everything else. It’s not flashy, but that’s sort of the point.
If you’re staying in Hong Kong and craving a reset from the chaos, Kowloon Tong is one of the city’s most tranquil spots to explore. It’s known for leafy streets, low-rise buildings, and an unusually quiet, suburban vibe, just a few MTR stops from the action.
Unlike the vertical energy of Mong Kok or Central, Kowloon Tong offers green parks, a residential calm, and space to breathe. It’s popular with families and students thanks to its proximity to top universities and quiet neighbourhood charm.
5. Discovery Bay, A Laidback Day Trip Destination from Central Hong Kong
For island views and car-free calm, just a ferry ride from Central.
Set on Lantau Island and just a ferry ride from Central, this is one of the few places in the city where you’ll find wide paths, open water, and no traffic noise, because there are no private cars. People get around on foot, by bike, or on quiet buses. It feels more like a coastal resort town than part of one of the world’s busiest cities.
The ferry to Central runs like clockwork (plus there are buses straight to the airport), so you’re not exactly castaway. But there’s something about crossing the water that helps you leave the intensity behind. The pace here is different. Locals linger over coffee, kids play in the plaza, and everyone seems to exhale a bit more slowly.
If you’re just in Hong Kong for a quick business trip, it might feel too far out. But for families, longer stays, or anyone who needs to properly decompress between adventures in the city, it makes a whole lot of sense.
Just a quick ferry ride from Central, Discovery Bay offers one of the most peaceful getaways in Hong Kong. With no private cars, the streets are quiet, the air is fresher, and the whole area feels more like a seaside resort than part of a buzzing metropolis.
You’ll find wide waterfront promenades, beach cafés, and leafy plazas where families relax and kids roam free. It’s one of the best places to escape the crowds in Hong Kong, especially if you’re staying centrally and want a day of calm.
The ferry to Central runs frequently, and direct buses connect to the airport, making it easy to explore. If you’re in town for work or short on time, it’s probably too far-flung to base yourself, but for a morning recharge or a slower weekend, it’s the perfect breather.
Still not sure where to stay in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong can be a lot, in the best way. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, travelling with family, or just want to come back to somewhere a little quieter at night, these neighbourhoods offer a different kind of stay.
For a quieter stay just minutes from Central, Southside by Ovolo blends art, space, and seaside calm in Wong Chuk Hang. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone craving a break from the chaos (without being far from it).
Want to be where the action is? Ovolo Central puts you in the heart of Soho, steps from shopping, dining, nightlife and more.
They’re all connected, but calmer. Local, but easy to get around. And if you’re after somewhere that blends space, views, and easy access to the action, Southside by Ovolo ticks every box. It’s just a few stops from the centre, and a world away in all the right ways.