Hong Kong stands on the southwestern coast of China near the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. This snugly-packed city was under British control until it was given back to the Chinese in 1997; because of this, you can see both Eastern and Western cultural influences in the city. Since being returned to China, Hong Kong has become much more Chinese, though English is still ubiquitous. Short Term Stay Hong Kong can find you a lovely apartment in almost any area of this city which is home to eclectic neighborhoods and plenty of skyscrapers. Hong Kong is a hodge-podge of old and new, rich and poor. Below, you will find a description of some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods in which you can find serviced apartments in Hong Kong.

Wan Chai:
One of the oldest areas in Hong Kong, Wan Chai has many old shanty buildings that are now being torn down in order for modern buildings to rise up in their places. This construction work makes space for new businesses, apartments, restaurants, and bars and is helping to bring a more modern energy to the area. Lovers of nightlife should look for short term rentals in Hong Kong in Wanchai, which is home to one of the city's main red light districts and many great pubs and bars as well. Hong Kong's computer mall is also in Wanchai, so tech-savvy shoppers may want to stop here to browse.

Sheung Wan:
Sheung Wan, like Wan Chai, is another very old district of Hong Kong. In the past decade it has been built up and is no longer the inexpensive neighborhood it once was. Now, Sheung Wan is a popular place for the wealthy to settle and look for short term rentals Hong Kong. Those interested in traditional Chinese medicine might find Sheung Wan's traditional medicine shops fascinating for their selection of remedies like dried seahorses and shark fins. This are has also become a favorite hangout for Hong Kong's hipsters; look for them in the cafes.

Central:
You will find plenty of high-end Hong Kong serviced apartments in the Central District, which is where most of Hong Kong's commercial and business transactions happen. This skyscraper-heavy district also includes Lan Kwai Fong, a great open air restaurant and bar area. As a tourist, you will surely find yourself spending some time in Central ogling at the modern buildings and enjoying fine food at one of the area's many restaurants.

Mid-Levels:
Mid-Levels is a great place to look for short term rentals in Hong Kong, as it is a largely residential area: just check out the great view of the Central area from the high rises on the hill. The world's longest series of escalators efficiently connects Midlevels to the Central District, and you can join the many commuters who use this to get to and from work every day. Due to its convenient location, Midlevels is where many people have their first homes in the city.

Soho:
If you prefer low rises to high rises, head to Soho, which stands for "south of Hollywood Road" and is a charming area with narrow, winding streets and great cafes and bars. Soho has become quite trendy in recent years; young people have been buying old apartments and turning them into chic studio apartments. Some even get lucky enough to score rooftop apartments that look out over the low rises and up to the skyscrapers.

Causeway Bay:
Shoppers will enjoy the combination of small independent shops, luxury stores, and large box stores in Causeway Bay, a snug commercial and residential district. It's very conveniently located to everything, but be forewarned; the area is always bustling and tends to get quite noisy. Those searching for serviced apartments in Hong Kong who prefer quieter areas would probably not want to live in Causeway Bay.

Tsim Sha Tsui:
Tourists who want to experience Hong Kong's fine dining, shopping, sightseeing, and nightlife could do worse than look for Hong Kong short term rentals in Tsim Sha Tsui. This is a very popular area of Kowloon, which is the major metro area just across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. The Peninsula Hotel is located here and offers a good view of the Hong Kong skyline. It is in this are that you will find many of Hong Kong's cultural events happening at the Cultural Center.

Happy Valley:
As one of the most popular residential areas among expatriates, Happy Valley is a prime area to consider when you're looking for short term rentals Hong Kong. Home to many high end restaurants and swank hotels, Happy Valley is a favorite rendezvous point for many of Hong Kong's rich and famous. Many local television productions film regularly in Happy Valley as well, and the Happy Valley Racecourse is still operational today. Traffic may be re-routed on horse racing days, so be aware of possible changes.

Mong Kok:
Mong Kok is one of the most densely populated areas in the world and, not surprisingly, is one of the centers for Hong Kong's lively nightlife; visit at night to see the area in full swing with its neon signs lit and be washed along in the sea of pedestrians. Situated on the Kowloon Peninsula, Mong Kok hosts the famous Ladies Market, where you can buy inexpensive trinkets and traditional Chinese souvenirs.

Jordan:
Jordan is primarily a working-class neighborhood. The area is an eclectic combination of old street markets, high-rises, and office buildings alongside more modern shops, karaoke bars, and hotels. This is a good place to consider if you're looking for affordable serviced apartments Hong Kong.

All of our serviced apartments in Hong Kong are situated near one or more types of transport. The city is not very big and everything is in English, making it easy to navigate for tourists. Hong Kong has a plethora of transportation options, and all are speedy, reliable, and affordable.

Public Transportation:
If you plan on using public transport during your stay at one of our short term rentals in Hong Kong, invest in an Octopus Card, which will give you access to all parts of the city's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system. This includes underground and suburban trains, buses, and ferries, along with the Central to Mid-Levels escalator (the world's longest). The most important subway line for tourists is probably the Tsuen Wan Line and the Island Line. The Tsuen Wan Line starts in Central on Hong Kong Island, goes underneath Victoria Harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui, and then runs in a northerly direction along Nathan Road, eventually ending at the New Territories. The Island Line operates on the north side of Hong Kong Island beginning with Sheung Wan, through Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. If you prefer using cash, bear in mind that you need exact change to pay for each journey. To supplement the MTR system, Hong Kong also has trams and minibuses that can take you around the city.

Taxis:
Hong Kong has three colors of taxi that are all affordable and serve different areas of the city. Red (urban) taxis are the most expensive and have the widest range. Call the Hong Kong Taxi Centre, Chuen Lee RadioTaxi Association Ltd., or Sha Tin Taxi Service Association Ltd. to book a ride. Green taxis serve the New Territories only and are cheaper than the red taxis. Look for taxis from North District Taxi Merchants Association Ltd., H.K. Tele-call Taxi Association Ltd., or Hong Kong & Kowloon Rich Radio. Blue (Lantau) taxis serve only Lantau Island and nearby areas and are all under the umbrella of Lantau Taxi Association.

Some of the local taxi companies are listed below:

Royal Motors Taxi Company Ltd.
Happy Taxi Operator's Association Ltd
Pak Kai Taxi Owners Association Ltd.
Abbo Taxi Owners Association Ltd.
Fraternity Taxi Owners Association

Driving:
If you're staying in a Hong Kong serviced apartment and you don't have to drive, it's probably best if you use alternate transportation. The public transport is so good, and gas taxes are so high, that it is not worth it for visitors to try and battle the city's crazy traffic.

Airports:
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has been consistently rated one of the best airports in the world and is the city's only airport. It is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, so it must be reached from North Lantau Highway 8, by the Airport Express train, by bus, or by the SkyPier ferry.

One of the best ways to take in the old and new sights and attractions of Hong Kong is by exploring the city on foot. You can choose to stay near the harbor and water, or head up one of the hills for great views of the city center. Wherever you end up in Hong Kong, there will always be something to see and do nearby.

Outdoor Activities:
Hong Kong is a very walkable city, due to its small size and comprehensive system of signs pointing the way to various attractions throughout the city. It is worth exploring the area around your short term rental in Hong Kong, if only to get a sense for the life and energy of the city. While you are outside, take a stroll through the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which have a small zoo and various exhibits among lush greenery in the middle of the city. There are plenty of other parks scattered throughout the city that you might stumble upon as you explore. Those who prefer a view while they walk should take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak's circular hike that starts near Peak Tower.

To get a sense of traditional Hong Kong, follow the Ping Shan Heritage Trail in New Territories to pass by the Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar, the Che Kung and Man Mo Temples, and the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. On Lantau Island, you can see the Po Lin Monastery and visit the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for slightly more modern entertainment. Lovers of the outdoors should also take advantage of Hong Kong's nice weather by spending some time at Hung Shing Yeh Beach or Big Wave Bay. Those who prefer swimming pools will find plenty of them at Kowloon Park.

Sport for Spectators:
Horse lovers, and those who get thrills from watching races, should not miss a horse race at the Happy Valley or Sha Tin Racecourses between September and June. Horse racing is Hong Kong's most popular spectator sport; locals and tourists alike flock to the races and join in the gambling every week. The second most popular spectator sport in Hong Kong is rugby, thanks in part to British influence on the city. Hong Kong hosts the international Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament every year and has an active Rugby Football Union. There's also the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes cricket tournament which happens in October each year.

Hong Kong also affords the opportunity to see traditional Chinese dragon boat races and to watch runners race through the city in February's Hong Kong Marathon.

Arts&Culture:
Hong Kong is not primarily known as a cultural hotspot, but there are certainly things for art lovers to enjoy. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre hosts concerts by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Ballet. The latter company also performs at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, which also hosts many touring orchestras from around the world. Film buffs should attend a screening of a classic Chinese film at the Hong Kong Film Archive.

Hong Kong also has a nice variety of museums, and your serviced apartment in Hong Kong is sure to be near one or two of them. To get a sense of Hong Kong's history, visit the Hong Kong Museum of History in Kowloon. While over in Kowloon, you should also visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art to see some classical Chinese ceramics and paintings. The interactive Hong Kong Science Museum attracts families and kids of all ages. Those with ocean interests should visit the Hong Kong Maritime Museum to learn about the islands' maritime history. As in many big international cities, there's a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum Hong Kong, where you can see all your favorite celebrities in wax form. Toy lovers will enjoy the Hong Kong International Hobby and Toy Museum's vast private collection. There's also the Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Railway Museum, and Hong Kong Museum of Medical Science.

Dining:
You must not leave Hong Kong without enjoying at least one traditional Chinese meal; dim sum is a favorite, though in Hong Kong you also have your pick of Cantonese, Pekingese, and Sichuan cuisines. Let Short Term Stay Hong Kong find you a place to stay near some of the best Chinese food spots. One Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant has some of the best dim sum in the city, while One Harbour Road has great Cantonese fare. If you would prefer an "extreme Chinese" food experience, check out Bo Innovation.

Hong Kong also has restaurants covering most other major cuisines of the world. If you crave it, you can probably find it. Super Star Seafood is a favorite spot for fresh seafood, while the Main St. Deli offers cheap American fare. Lucy's, inside the Stanley Market, offers European cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, and Chesa offers rich Swiss comfort food. You also have plenty of options to dine with a view: try Cafe Deco Bar & Grill in the Central District or Hutong in Tsim Sha Tsui. For some of everything, head to the Great Food Hall to choose from a variety of ethnic foods at various counters. Other popular Hong Kong restaurants you might want to check out are Luk Yu Tea House, Posto Pubblico, Fook Lam Moon, Chilli Fagara, and Bo Innovation.

Nightlife:
While nightlife is not a huge draw for Hong Kong, you will certainly find a plethora of options throughout the city for imbibing, singing karaoke, or dancing the night away, in almost every area where you find serviced apartments Hong Kong. The Central District features the wildest partiers; you can surely find some of them taking shots of tequila at Agave. SoHo offers a chicer and more relaxed collection of bars and pubs. To mix with the locals, head to a spot like Salon De Ning in Tsim Sha Tsui. To enjoy a drink while gazing out at the harbor, relax at Aqua Spirit, Lobby Lounge, or Cafe Gray Bar, the latter of which boasts Hong Kong's longest bar. Some other Hong Kong bars you may want to check out are Joe Banana's, Lei Dou, Pier 7 Cafe & Bar, Ned Kelly's Last Stand, and Old China Hand.

Live music and dance lovers will not be disappointed in Hong Kong. Reserve a spot at Drop Hong Kong (under the escalator in Central), or try to squeeze into exclusive Dragon-i Bar to rub shoulders with some celebrities. You will find great live music and fun drinks at Makumba Africa Bar, and you can rock out to all your favorite hits from the 1990s at The Cavern Club Hong Kong. Dance yourself silly at FINDS Club Hong Kong or Yumla Hong Kong. There is also a growing number of gay- and lesbian-friendly clubs in Hong Kong: check out T:ME Bar, Volume HK, or Zoo Bar Hong Kong.

Shopping:
Shoppers of all kinds will enjoy Hong Kong. Each area of the city has a different selection of shops and offerings. Whether you want antiques, traditional Chinese souvenirs, jewelry, technology gadgets, or clothing, you can find them in Hong Kong. Nathan Road is the home of bargain shopping, while the Central District features higher-end shopping. Head to one of the many outdoor markets, such as Mong Kok or Western Market, to stock up on souvenirs. There are also plenty of big shopping malls throughout the city, such as the Miramar Shopping Center, Dragon Centre, Tsuen Wan Plaza, Maritime Square, and Megabox.

Your best bet for electronics is Star Computer City, which is a whole mall dedicated to gadget sales. Chinese Arts & Crafts on Salisbury Road is a shiny department store that stocks silk clothes and inexpensive porcelain. Pearls & Cashmere in Central District sells just what its name advertises, and has two locations in major hotels. Jewelry-seekers will find nice options at Chow Tai Fook shops throughout the city.

Hong Kong's healthcare network is divided into seven geographical clusters; whatever cluster your Hong Kong short term rental is in, you can use the hospitals and clinics in that cluster. Hong Kong has 41 public hospitals and a number of private and teaching hospitals for all of your medical needs. Here below is a list of some of them.

Hospitals:

• Matilda International Hospital
• Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital
• Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (New Territories East Cluster)
• Kowloon Hospital (Kowloon Central Cluster)
• Kwong Wah Hospital (Kowloon West Cluster)
• United Christian Hospital (Kowloon East Cluster)
• Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (Hong Kong East Cluster)
• Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (Hong Kong East Cluster)
• The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay (Hong Kong West Cluster)
• Tsan Yuk Hospital (Hong Kong West Cluster)

Schools:
With English as the language of instruction at almost all of Hong Kong's international schools, families will not be at a loss for great schooling options for their children during their stay in at one of our serviced apartments Hong Kong. The international schools also instruct in a second language, most commonly Mandarin, so if you want your children to learn another language, these schools offer some great options.

Primary Schools:
The International Montessori School
Think International School
Renaissance College
Yew Chung International School
Kennedy School Hong Kong
Kowloon Junior School
Hong Lok Yuen International School
The Harbour School Hong Kong
Hong Kong Academy

Secondary Schools:
Chinese International School
Creative Secondary School
Hong Kong International School
International College Hong Kong
Li Po Chun United World College
Kiangsu-Chekiang College
Sear Rogers International School
American International School Hong Kong
Canadian International School of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular spot for English speakers to seek higher education, because most universities instruct in English. If you're staying in one of our short term rentals Hong Kong, it may be useful to know about Hong Kong's nine universities and various other colleges and institutes. Here is a partial list below.

• The University of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Baptist University
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Lingnan University
• Hong Kong Shue Yan University
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• The Hong Kong Institute of Education
• Hang Seng Management College

Places of Worship:

Churches:
Star of the Sea Mass Centre
Wah Fu Estate Mass Centre
Kam Kong Church
Church of Christ in China Hong Kong
Church of the Saviour Hong Kong (Methodist)
Christian Evangelical Centre Nian En Church
Ambassador International Church
Kowloon International Baptist Church
Mu Min Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Shepherd Community Fuk Lam Church
Shatin Anglican Church

Synagogues:
Shuva Israel Hong Kong
Ohel Leah Synagogue
The United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong
Kehilat Zion Hechal Ezra Synagogue

Mosques & Islamic Centers:
Masjid Ammar & Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre
Kwun Tong KNM Islamic Education Centre
Cape Collinson Chai Wan Masjid
Stanley Mosque Hong Kong
Kwai Chung KNM Islamic Education Center