Our picks of everything you need for a great stay
A visit to Hong Kong isn’t complete unless you’ve been to Tsim Sha Tsui, or TST, as it’s commonly known. Located at the southwestern tip of Kowloon, the district offers the best views of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline. TST is also Kowloon’s retail, commercial and entertainment heart, crammed with luxury malls and hole-in-the-wall eats. Whatever you want, you’ll find it here.
Unique Shopping Experiences
Canton Road is the most exclusive shopping street in the city, and that’s where you’ll find DFS, with five stories of the most sought-after luxury and cult fashion, fragrance, beauty, and accessories brands, and in-store services such as concierge and gift wrapping.
A short stroll away, hidden in one of the area’s many adapted tenement buildings, is LAB Collector, a cool independent lifestyle and design store, selling products as varied as coffee makers, incense, pocket knives, tableware, and stationery.
At groovy boutique Little DOT Vintage, a treasure trove of clothing and accessories from the 1950s to 1980s awaits. Items are mostly unbranded, though vintage designer pieces occasionally appear.
And on the southern tip of TST with a view toward Hong Kong, the MoMA Design Store at cultural-retail destination K11 MUSEA offers a selection of iconic modern designs.
Must-See Sights
Among the shops and high-rises, it’s easy to overlook the many sights that make TST so fascinating. A must for anyone, local or visitor, is a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, which goes between TST and Central or Wan Chai. Starting at just HKD2.60 for an adult ticket, it’s one of the cheapest and best ways to see Hong Kong from the water.
Kowloon Park is a tranquil green lung in one of the most densely populated areas in the world. It’s lovely for a wander around the gardens and bird lake, or a spot of people watching. Kowloon Masjid, at the southeastern edge of the park, is the largest mosque in Hong Kong, and an architectural landmark.
The Avenue of Stars may not have the celebrity power of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, but its harbor and skyline views are infinitely better, especially at night, and you get to learn about key players in Hong Kong’s storied film and TV industry. Another hidden gem offering spectacular harbor views is Ocean Terminal Deck, which features 270-degree panoramas of Victoria Harbour and the cityscape, and is a great spot to enjoy the sunset.
Gourmet Delights
Hong Kong is one of the world’s great food cities, with almost every cuisine available. When in TST, however, why not sample the local cuisine and flavors? Australia Dairy Company, despite its name, is a modest but tasty and popular cha chaan teng, or teahouse, famed for scrambled eggs on toast and steamed milk pudding. Almost as renowned is Lan Fong Yuen, another cha chaan teng, this one known for its milk tea and pork chop bun as well as its location in Chungking Mansions.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is T’ang Court, one of only a handful of Chinese restaurants worldwide to receive three Michelin stars. You can’t go wrong with any of its classic Cantonese dishes, and the dim sum lunch is excellent too.
A French chef from New York opening an upscale Hong Kong-style bakery might sound strange, but master patissier Dominique Ansel pulls it off with Dang Wen Li in Harbour City. In addition to his signature viennoiseries are cakes and desserts created exclusively for Hong Kong.
If you’re craving international fare, book a table at Hue, located in the recently renovated Hong Kong Museum of Art. Its modern Australian cuisine is a match for the impressive collections and harbor views. Ink, downstairs, is a relaxed, al fresco option, whether for simple seafood dishes or a beverage.
When it’s cocktail hour, seek out Bar Butler, a discreet Japanese-style bar mixing some of the best drinks in town. It’s actually two bars in one, with whisky a specialty on one floor and cocktails on another.
Luxe Stays
Hong Kong is the headquarters for many of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, including The Peninsula. The flagship property, known as the “grande dame of the Far East,” is the height of refined hospitality, with all the dining, wellness, and views you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber.
Another local-gone-global brand, The Langham, sits right above DFS, so you can go from suite to shop without having to leave the building. Airy accommodation is complemented by fine dining and fitness facilities.
The Rosewood, one of the city’s newest five-stars, is a haven of ultra-luxury with plenty of beautiful art and design details. Its restaurants and bar are TST hot spots, the wellness offerings top-notch and the views unbeatable.
For those looking for a heritage touch, the 140-year-old former Marine Police Headquarters has been converted into an upscale mall and boutique hotel, FWD House 1881. Its colonial-style suites are among the largest and most exclusive in town.
We recommend calling ahead or checking websites before visiting, as some venues are currently impacted by social distancing restrictions that limit hours and capacity.
