Kowloon
Kowloon (九龍, "nine dragons" in Cantonese) is the peninsula to the north of Hong Kong Island. It lacks some of the glamour of the Island, but makes up for it with unmatched and distinctly Chinese vibrancy. Kowloon is one of the most densely populated places on the planet, and has a matching array of places to shop, eat and sleep. Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀), the tip of the peninsula, is Kowloon's main tourist drag and has a mix of backpacker and high-end hotels; while Mong Kok (旺角) has a huge array of shops and markets in an area of less than a square kilometre.
The classic way to get to Kowloon is by the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, only $2.20. Most of Hong Kong's rail lines also converge on Kowloon.
If your budget doesn't quite stretch to the Tiffanys, Guccis and Shanghai Tangs of Hong Kong Island, head to Kowloon for more affordable shopping.
If you are a book lover and like to meet other backpackers, you can try The Travellers Home Bookshop located on 2/f 55 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Kowloon is the place to go for cheap and authentic Chinese food.
Bars with a view:
Other areas:
A large number of guesthouses are located in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. They offer cheap but comfortable accommodation.
Chung King Mansions and Mirador Mansions, both on Nathan Road are home to a number of budget hotels and hostels. Among those that have a long history are the Travellers Hostel, Block A, 16 Fl in Chungking and the Garden Hostel, 2Fl, Mirador Mansions[9]. These, and others like them, have been popular with backpackers for decades. Bookings are generally not needed, and some Wikitravellers report that bookings have not always been honoured! Budget travellers are advised to start at the top of a popular building, such as Mirador Mansions, and work their way down until they find a hostel that suits them.
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