Tsim Sha Tsui is a traditional, yet touristy neighbourhood. You can take in the culture in its many museums, galleries and performance spaces. From the waterfront you have an impressive view of the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island across the Victoria Harbour; especially for the Symphony of Lights or during a fireworks display.
But Tsim Sha Tsui is best known for great shopping. Especially along Canton Road you can find the large designer shops where people queue up to get into, while on Nathan Road there are litterally hundreds of camera and electronics shops.
MTR – Tsim Sha Tsui:
The quickest and most efficient way to get to Tsim Sha Tsui to the Metro, or MTR as it is known.
Tip: Do you plan to travel a lot by public transportation? Then take the Octopus Card.
Link: Hong Kong Metro
Link: Octopus Card
Kowloon Park:
Kowloon Park is one of the largest parks in Kowloon with an area of approximately 33 hectares, where you can totally unwind. The park is built in a classical Chinese style with many picturesque spots among the flowers and trees. You can ‘get lost’ in the Maze Garden, enjoy the birds at Bird Lake, or walk along several of the sculpture in the Walk & Sculpture Garden. If you fancy a dip in the pool, you can, in the olympic size pool.
Tip: Morning Bird Watching: every Friday, from 7:30 to 9:30 you with a guide (free).
Tip: Kung Fu Corner: every Sunday between 14:30 and 16:30, various martial arts from Tai Chi to the Lion or Dragon Dance.
Link: Activities in Kowloon Park
Link: Morning Bird Watching
Link: Kung Fu Corner
Address: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui exit A1, or MTR Jordan exit C1
Nathan Road:
Nathan Road is the main street of Tsim Sha Tsui, and also the first street that was laid down in Kowloon in 1860 when the Qing Dynasty transferred it to the United Kingdom. It was formerly called the Robinson Road in 1909, but changed to Nathan Road because it caused confusion with the Robinson Road on Hong Kong Island. Nathan Road is famous for its many shops, restaurants, clubs and bars which attract a lot of young people.
Peninsula Hotel:
A remnant of the British colonial influence in Hong Kong is the Afternoon Tea. In the Victorian lobby of the Peninsula Hotel, the oldest hotel in Hong Kong opened 1928, you can enjoy high tea. You can drink unlimited tea from silver teapots and taste the delicacies such as scones, sandwiches, cakes and French pastries, whilst the soothing sounds of the string quartet on the balcony plays in the background. High tea is served between 14:00 and 18:00 , except Mondays.
Tip: It can get quite busy, so you might have to queue. They do not take reservations for high tea.
Note: There is a dress code, wearing slippers or sleeveless shirts (in case of men) is not allowed. You could be denied access.
Link: Peninsula Hotel
Address: Salisbury Road
Avenue of Stars:
The Avenue of Stars has been a tribute to the Hong Kong film industry since 2004, where the hand prints of 100 local film stars are immortalized in concrete. Some famous ones include the likes of: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Chow Yun Fat. Of some of the favourites statues are made as well, think of the likes of Bruce Lee. On a TV screen nearby you can view the 100 years of cinema history of Hong Kong.
Tip: On Saturdays between 19:00 and 22:00 you can listen to local Hong kong bands.
Link: Avenue of Stars
Address: At the end of Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at the end of the Salisbury Garden.
Hong Kong Museum of Art:
The museum has hundreds of paintings and art objects with Chinese contemporary art, as well as current day modern works. There are collections about calligraphy, jade, ceramics and antique Chinese treasures, and also thematic local and overseas exhibitions. The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is a branch of the museum, which holds a collection of Yixing teapots on display.
Tip: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 08:00 and 09:00 you can get free Tai Chi on the waterfront of the museum. Lots of fun, relaxing and really insightful.
Link: Hong Kong Museum of Art (EN)
Address: 10 Salisbury Road (FYI closed on Thursday)
Address: Dependance Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware: 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong (inside the Hong Kong Park)
Hong Kong Space Museum:
If you’re interested in space and astronomy, then this fun interactive museum is for you. The distinctive dome of over 8000 sqm houses the planetarium and the Stanley Ho Space Theatre with an IMAX cinema. In the Hall of Space Science and the Hall of Astronomy, you can learn interactively about astronomy, human spaceflight and future space programs.
Link: Hong Kong Space Museum
Address: 10 Salisbury Road (closed on Tuesdays)
Hong Kong Cultural Center:
The Hong Kong Cultural Center is easily recognizable by its futuristic curved roof and one of the many entertainment venues in Tsim Sha Tsui, and with more than 2,000 seats its the home of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The hall is made of oak and fitted with an adjustable ceiling in order to ensure the best accoustics. Behind the open stage there is an organ with over 8000 Austrian pipes, one of the largest mechanical organs in the world. This is the place for concerts, opera, ballet, theater and musicals. Furthermore, conferences, conventions and exhibitions can be held at this venue.
Link: Hong Kong Cultural Center
Address: 10 Salisbury Road
Symphony of Lights:
Every night at 20:00 you can view the largest harbor light show in the world from Victoria Harbour, both from the Kowloon and the Hong Kong Island. On and around more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour you see the coloured dancing lights, of the Symphony of Lights synchronized with accompanying text and music.
Tip: October 1st is ‘National Day of the People’s Republic of China’. After the already impressive light show, an even more impressive fireworks will start.
Link: Symphony of Lights
L ink: Click here for the Fireworks images and the story: Anna lashes out at the police!
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Clock Tower:
The 44-meter tower from 1915 is a reminder of colonial times. It is the only remnant of the former Kowloon Station and Kowloon-Canton Railway station, where now the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Space Museum are standing.
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E
Star Ferry:
The Star Ferry sails back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since 1888. The trip itself is already worth it, giving a great impression of both the neighborhoods from the water. In the evenings, the ride can be even more impressive due to the illuminated city landscape.
Tip: Take the ferry, leaving Hong Kong without a trip on the Star Ferry would be such a shame.
Tip: Do you plan to travel a lot by public transportation? Then take the Octopus Card.
Link: Star Ferry
Link: Octopus Card
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui, Star Ferry Pier from Kowloon
Address: Wanchai, Star Ferry Pier from Hong Kong Island
Adsress: Central, Star Ferry Pier 7 from Hong Kong Island