If you travel to Hong Kong, make sure you visit one of its busiest and most dynamic areas, Tsim Sha Tsim. It sits across from Hong Kong Island, on the southern tip of Kowloon. Being near Victoria Harbor makes it an amazing spot for a view of the city skyline. Tsim Sha Tsui is also famous for its cultural diversity and various entertainment businesses.
There is an almost overwhelming number of attractions, including museums, galleries, theaters, shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. Make sure you don’t miss the iconic Star Ferry ride across the harbor and take a stroll along the Avenue of Stars, which showcases handprints and statues of Hong Kong movie stars.
Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui Facts
- Location: in Southern Kowloon Peninsula, spanning across from Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island
- Opening hours: Depending on the attractions, most places are open from morning to evening
- Hong Kong Museum of Art: Monday to Wednesday, and Friday, 10 am-6 pm; weekends and public holidays, 10 am-9 pm
- Hong Kong Space Museum: Monday, and Wednesday to Friday, 1 pm-9 pm; weekends and public holidays, 10 am-9 pm
- Star Ferry: 6:30 am-11:30 pm
- Tickets: Depending on the attractions, mostly free admission; but some may charge a fee
- Hong Kong Museum of Art: Free entry
- Hong Kong Space Museum: 10 HKD for adults, free entry for children under 4 years old; free admission on Wednesdays and for full-time students!
- Star Ferry: 4-6.5 HKD for adults
- Recommended visit time: about 3-4 hours or more
- Best time of the day: you can visit anytime, but the evening is recommended for you to enjoy the best view of the skyline, and you might catch the Symphony of Lights show
- Features: culture, history, shopping, entertainment, and stunning views
What to See and Do in Tsim Sha Tsui
1. Experience the Iconic Star Ferry
The Star Ferry Company dates all the way back to 1880. The green and white vessels have since become a signature of Hong Kong, connecting Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The very affordable trip across Victoria Harbour is about 12 minutes from Central or Wan Chai.
On the ferry, enjoy your view of the sea, mountains, and the city skyline. It is also a great spot for watching the sunset while feeling the ocean breeze. It is a cultural experience you must not miss on your Hong Kong tour.
2. Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
The waterfront walkway not only offers a magnificent view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, but also has a series of amazing attractions along the way.
The popular historic landmark, the Clock Tower, has been around for over 100 years. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre offers world-class performances. The Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art both house excellent exhibitions.
3. Explore the Avenue of Stars
Make a pilgrimage to the Avenue of Stars, a site dedicated to Hong Kong’s film industry featuring over 100 handprints and statues of celebrities and directors. The iconic bronze statue of Bruce Lee, a symbol of Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage, has attracted countless visitors from all over the world. Also, it is a great spot to catch the Symphony of Lights show at night.
4. Try out the Diverse Cuisine
From street food to upscale restaurants, Tsim Sha Tsui will not disappoint you with its diverse style of cuisine.
If you are wondering about where to eat Indian and halal food, you will find plenty of options inside Chungking Mansions. While Kimberley Street is known as “Little Korea,” if you’re looking for Korean restaurants or grocery stores. You will also find steakhouses, Japanese cuisine, and dessert places at Tsim Sha Tsui. (You May Like 16 Must-try Dishes in Hong Kong)
5. Indulge in Shopping along Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui’s bustling shopping street, Nathan Road, offers every type of shop, mall, and restaurant you can think of. Splurge on world-famous brands, local products, electronics, souvenirs, and more at Harbour City, K11 Art Mall, or K11 Musea. You will not want to head back to the hotel with all the vibrant neon signs lighting up the street at night.
Best Time to Visit Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
The best time to explore Tsim Sha Tsui really depends on your personal preferences, but evenings are generally recommended for the best views of the harbor and the skyline. The Symphony of Lights show begins at 8 pm. Aside from the views, the evening offers an exciting number of nightlife options and entertainment venues.
If you wish to evade the crowds and the heat, you might consider mornings or the winter months (December to February) with cooler and less humid weather. Take advantage of this time to immerse yourself in the cultural experience by visiting the attractions and museums at Tsim Sha Tsui.
How to Get to Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is very accessible, and you have a range of options depending on the time, where you are, and your budget.
Ferry
Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour from Central Pier or Wan Chai Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui Pier. The journey will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
MTR
Simply take the MTR Tsuen Wan Line to Tsim Sha Tsui Station or the Tuen Ma Line to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. The two stations are connected by an underground walkway. The journey will cost 5-15 HKD depending on your starting point.
Bus
The bus will take you to Tsim Sha Tsui from many different locations in Hong Kong, including the airport, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok. See what bus station is near you and take one of these buses: A21, E23, N21, N216, 1A, 2A, 6A, 8A, 9A, 13X, 14X, 26X, 28X, 30X, 35X, 39X, 41A, 63X, 68X, 69X, 81C, 87D, 93K, 95P, 110P. The cost will be around 4-19 HKD.
Taxi
Take a taxi from anywhere in Hong Kong to Tsim Sha Tsui. Taxi fares depend on the distance and traffic. To give you an idea, taking a taxi from the airport to Tsim Sha Tsui is around 320-390 HKD.
Where to Stay at Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
There are a great number of high-end, five-star hotels at Tsim Sha Tsui with swimming pools, sky-high views, designed by famous Hong Kong architects, as well as historic hotels frequented by royalties and celebrities, featuring luxury suites. For more affordable options, you will find plenty of Airbnb apartments within walking distance from Tsim Sha Tsui station.
Attractions Nearby Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong Museum of History is located 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from Tsim Sha Tsui Station. If you are interested in Hong Kong’s history and culture, the museum has a large collection of artifacts with interactive features.
Hong Kong Science Museum is next to the Hong Kong Museum of History. Immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits on science and technology in the middle of metropolitan Hong Kong. There is also a planetarium and an IMAX theatre inside.
Kowloon Park is where you will find some quiet space near Tsim Sha Tsui. Just 0.3 miles (500 meters) from the MTR station, it offers a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, sculpture garden, aviary, flamingo pond, and a Chinese garden.
Temple Street Night Market is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) from the Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Inside this bustling night market, you will find a variety of things, from street food to performances, and even fortune tellers. (You May Like 8 Best Markets in Hong Kong)
