The 15 Best Things To Do In Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong

Located on the tip of Hong Kong’s peninsula by Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui stands as a bustling and iconic district, making it a must-visit for first-time explorers. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere and an array of activities, this neighborhood on the Kowloon side is renowned for its breathtaking view of the city’s harbor. As one of the busiest districts, Tsim Sha Tsui offers a delightful blend of shopping, cultural experiences, and unparalleled vistas. From designer boutiques to local bric-a-brac stores, the neighborhood caters to diverse interests, making it a dynamic hub for both residents and tourists alike. Join us as we delve into the best things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui, where every corner holds a promise of discovery and delight.

1. Go birdwatching in Kowloon Park

Park

Located just five minutes away from the K11 shopping mall, Kowloon Park is the perfect place to escape the city’s frenetic energy or to just be surrounded by plants and greenery. It’s also a surprisingly good place to indulge in some birdwatching – in the centre of the park there’s a pond full of flamingos and an aviary with exotic parrots and cockatoos. A swimming pool and health centre are located on the north side of the park, and if you’re not interested in squats or squash, there’s a McDonald’s in the same building.

2. Stroll along the Avenue of Stars

Park

A section of the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars in the form of a bridge above the sea water near K11 MUSEA and Regent Hotel.

View Tours

The Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but with a much more scenic backdrop. It’s located next to the breathtaking Victoria Harbour, giving way to a waterfront view of the city’s iconic skyline. The walkway is lined with celebrity handprints, movie memorabilia and commemorative plaques. Further along, you’ll find a life-size bronze statue of Bruce Lee.

3. Set sail on the iconic Star Ferry

Train Station

Photo of the iconic Star Ferry docked with a backdrop of Hong Kongs beautiful skyline

View Tours

For over 120 years, the Star Ferry has been shuttling locals between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Even though the two sides of the city have since been connected through roads and railways, tens of millions of people still choose to climb aboard these historic green and white boats every year.

5. Explore Chungking Mansions

Hotel

People crossing the road towards Chungking Mansions, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Tsim Sha Tsui Tours

Chungking Mansions may not stand out, but the buildings are well established in Hong Kong pop culture: the site was the subject of Wong Kar-wai’s romantic drama Chungking Express(1994). Among locals, it’s known as the best place in the city to get affordable Indian and African food. On the floors above there are plenty of hostels and budget hotels to choose from, and it’s a decent place to look for accommodation if you haven’t booked ahead. There are also plenty of currency exchange stores providing a good rate.

Admire K11, the world’s first art mall

Housed in a massive six-story building, K11 is more than just a mall. Besides a wide range of shops selling fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, there are also fantastic art exhibitions and events running all year round. It is said that K11 is the world’s first art mall – it tries to integrate elements of art and nature into the building through the placement of paintings, plants and installations on each floor. Local artists often showcase their work here.

Watch a live performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is the biggest multipurpose performance facility in the city. The venue hosts operas, dances, plays and musical performances throughout the year. The main concert hall is large, with the capacity to hold over 2,000 people. During the Cultural Centre’s off-hours, there are usually free foyer programmes and art exhibitions to take in.

Enjoy a cocktail with a view at Aqua Spirit

Located on the 30th floor of Peking Road Shopping Arcade, and with incredible floor-to-ceiling windows, Aqua Spirit offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour, with moody lighting and sophisticated decor. An alternative is Eyebar in Isquare, which has outdoor seating as well as the night views.

Visit Harbour City shopping mall

Hong Kong is known for its wide range of luxury brands and inexpensive gadgets. There are plenty of shopping malls in Tsim Sha Tsui, but Harbour City is the most impressive. It is the largest and most diverse mall in the city, and there are over 450 shops, 50 restaurants, two cinemas, three hotels and a luxurious private club.

Have a nightcap at Knutsford Terrace

While the most famous nightlife spot in Hong Kong is Lan Kwai Fong, there is also a late-night hub across the harbour, on a small side street called Knutsford Terrace. This narrow lane is packed with al fresco bars, pubs, clubs and a wide range of international restaurants. Some bars stay open until six in the morning, so it’s the perfect place to go if you don’t want the night to end.

Unleash your inner child at Wawa Planet

Located on the second floor of a building on Chatham Road is a large space devoted entirely to claw machines. There are all sorts of prizes to be won, from stuffed toys to snacks. Each attempt costs just 5 Hong Kong dollars and difficulty levels vary from easy to hard, but if you can’t face the prospect of going home empty-handed, you can pay more to guarantee yourself a prize.

Admire the historic Kowloon Mosque

The Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tsim Sha Tsui. The site was established during the British colonial era, when Indian Muslims were serving in the British Army in Hong Kong. At the time, they were based in Whitfield Barracks, the former site of which can still be found in Kowloon Park. Just a short walk from the park on Nathan Road, the mosque mostly serves Sunni Muslims from Pakistan and Indonesia. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers as long as they are covered from neck to ankle.

Expand your horizons at the Hong Kong Space Museum

The curious dome-shape building in Tsim Sha Tsui is the Hong Kong Space Museum. It’s a planetarium, as well as an exhibition centre for astrology. Here, you can experience the disorientation of being upside down in a virtual space station, while the gravity surfing exhibit will simulate a journey in space, whizzing past different celestial objects and planets. The museum makes for a great rainy day activity and it’s family-friendly too, as most of the exhibits are interactive.

Watch the sunset from Salisbury Garden

Located at the end of Star Avenue near the Arts Museum, Salisbury Garden is an exhibition space and a peaceful patch of green. It’s a nice spot to sit and admire the beautiful harbour view; bring a picnic just before sunset and wait for the buildings and light installations to come to life.

Indulge in high tea at The Peninsula

The most loved legacy of the British colonial era in Hong Kong is the decadent afternoon high tea, and the best spot to partake in this elegant tradition is the oldest hotel in the city, The Peninsula. The typical three-tiered set of cakes, scones and sandwiches is accompanied with a performance by a live string quartet. Dress code is smart casual and spaces are given on a first come, first served basis.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Katherine Lee Yik Mei.

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