9 Unmissable Experiences in Kowloon

Raw, bustling, and full of character, Kowloon is the wild counterpart to the refined Hong Kong Island. But unlike the dark and twisted Mr. Hyde, Kowloon is surprisingly welcoming once you dig deeper.

Kowloon, first settled by the British in 1860, was originally home to fishing and farming communities that had thrived for centuries. Its name, meaning 'Nine Dragons,' is said to have been given by Emperor Bing of the Song Dynasty, inspired by the region's eight highest peaks.

The ninth dragon, naturally, was the emperor himself.

To pay homage to this self-important emperor, here are nine incredible ways to experience Kowloon in a day.

1. Enjoy the view with a refreshing drink

While Hong Kong Island boasts the majority of the city’s famous skyscrapers, the most stunning view of them all can be found in Kowloon, particularly from the new wave of high-rise bars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

On the 30th floor, Eyebar offers expertly crafted cocktails, ample outdoor seating, and panoramic views of the harbor. Reservations are highly recommended.

For an exhilarating experience, make your way to Ozone Sky Bar on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre, where you can gaze over all of Hong Kong Island – weather permitting, of course, as clear skies aren’t always a guarantee.

If you're prone to vertigo or prefer a more grounded experience, Deck ‘n’ Beer offers relaxed, ground-level views from its terrace by the harbor near the Avenue of Stars.

Eyebar, 30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2487 3988

Ozone Sky Bar, 118/F, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2263 2270

Deck ‘n’ Beer, East Promenade, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2723 9227

2. Discover the mansions of Tsim Sha Tsui

Before the rise of Louis Vuitton and upscale shopping centers, Tsim Sha Tsui was known for its 'mansions' – vast buildings filled with shops, eateries, and apartments.

Chungking Mansions and its twin, Mirador Mansions, are the most iconic. Once infamous for counterfeit goods and drug trafficking in the 1980s, they've since reinvented themselves as the go-to spots for delicious Indian cuisine and Bollywood films.

Behind Chungking Mansions, you'll find a no-frills Nepali bar where you can enjoy a cheap whisky and strike up conversations with the locals. The whisky is surprisingly smooth, though don’t count on recalling much the next day.

Not far from there, Champagne Court offers a completely different vibe, with its row of camera shops on the ground floor and the retro Star Cafe in the basement, famous for its comforting tomato-and-egg noodle soup.

MORE: Explore Inside Hong Kong’s Chungking Mansions

Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Mirador Mansion, 54-64 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Star Cafe, Shop 36, Champagne Court, 16-20 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

3. Stroll along one of Hong Kong’s most captivating streets

Shanghai Street, one of the oldest and most charming in Hong Kong, offers a fascinating glimpse of local life. A walk from start to finish reveals a rich cross-section of the city's history and culture.

The street begins at the northern entrance of Kowloon Park. As you head north, you'll pass some of the last remaining historic shophouses in Hong Kong, along with long-standing family-run shops selling everything from medicinal oils to wedding attire, cooking essentials, and herbal teas.

Before reaching Prince Edward Road at the northern end, you'll pass through the vibrant Nepali community, a red-light district, and the bustling shopping hub of Langham Place – don't miss the stunning views from the top of its 10-story atrium.

4. Relax and explore in Yau Ma Tei

Yau Ma Tei is one of Hong Kong's hidden gems. Meandering through its narrow streets offers a truly authentic Hong Kong experience, with plenty of intriguing sights along the way.

Kubrick is a cozy indie cafe, bookstore, and cinema attached to the Broadway Cinematheque. Nearby, the 55-year-old Mido Cafe provides a nostalgic 1950s vibe, serving Hong Kong milk tea and offering excellent views of the Temple Street night market from its second-floor booths.

Another iconic landmark is the Yau Ma Tei Theatre, which has been rescued from years of neglect and transformed into a thriving Cantonese opera house.

Directly across the street is Gwo Laan, formerly known as the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market, a lively cluster of fruit vendors that springs to life in the dead of night. Visit around midnight for a film noir-like experience as you wander its century-old alleyways.

Kubrick, Shop H2, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square St., Yau Ma Tei, +852 2384 8929

Mido Cafe, 63 Temple St., Yau Ma Tei, +852 2384 6402

Yau Ma Tei Theatre, corner of Waterloo Road and Reclamation Street.

5. Discover hidden gems above Mong Kok

Finding a peaceful spot to unwind in Mong Kok, Hong Kong's most chaotic neighborhood, can be a challenge.

Here’s a tip: look up. The upper floors of buildings house a variety of spots including bookstores, bars, cafes, and even a barbecue joint.

For a calming escape from the crowds on Sai Yeung Choi Street, head to Hong Kong Reader, a bilingual bookstore-café with a solid collection of books on philosophy, cultural studies, and social sciences. The venue also hosts regular readings and discussions.

More relaxation awaits at Full Cup Cafe, a three-story venue serving up great coffee, smoothies, beer, and snacks in a quirky, eclectic setting – each floor offers its own unique vibe.

Aqua Cafe, which leans more towards a bar vibe, features a surprisingly pleasant terrace on the third floor. Equally unexpected is Mongkok BBQ, a rooftop barbecue spot where you’re provided with a grill, abundant meat, and endless drinks. Be sure to call ahead to secure a reservation.

Hong Kong Reader, 7/F, 68 Sai Yeung Choi St., Mong Kok, +852 2395 0031

Full Cup Cafe, 4-6/F, Hanwai Commercial Centre, 36 Dundas St., Mong Kok, +852 2771 7775

Aqua Cafe, 3/F, Ho King Commercial Centre, 2-16 Fa Yuen St., Mong Kok, +852 3693 4818

Mongkok BBQ, 9 Soy St., Mong Kok, +852 6693 8700

6. Go on a market crawl in Sham Shui Po

Skip the mass-produced souvenirs at Ladies' Market and head to the street markets of Sham Shui Po for real hidden gems. Each market in this district offers something special.

For electronics and software at great prices, the Golden Computer Centre is your go-to. Meanwhile, the flea markets on Apliu Street and Pei Ho Street are a goldmine for second-hand items, including cameras, toys, phones, kitchenware, and a host of quirky finds you never knew you needed.

Cheung Sha Wan Road is the destination for wholesale fashion outlets, where you’ll find unbelievably cheap clothes set aside for retail buyers. If you're into crafts or sewing, entire streets are dedicated to everything from sewing machines to fabric, buttons, and zippers.

MORE: Your essential guide to Kowloon, Hong Kong’s ‘darker’ side

7. Immerse yourself in Kowloon’s creative scene

While the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Cultural Centre are well-known, for a taste of Hong Kong’s cutting-edge art scene, head over to Osage Kwun Tong, the city’s largest contemporary art space. Nearby, Hidden Agenda offers regular indie music shows in a lively warehouse loft.

The Cattle Depot Artists' Village has been quiet recently, but with new management, it’s expected to revive. Artists are now allowed to creatively use the open spaces of this former century-old slaughterhouse. Within the Depot, you'll find 1a Space and Videotage, both of which regularly host thought-provoking exhibitions.

Located in a creatively restored factory building, the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre offers artists’ studios, three art galleries, cafés, and a black-box theater.

Just around the corner, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Moot Gallery showcases work from its talented students.

Kowloon’s cultural scene is full of surprises, especially in the heart of Mong Kok. C&G Artpartment hosts occasional exhibitions and regular art workshops. The Shanghai Street Artspace, run by the local art group Woofer Ten, is a vibrant space for socially engaged art and activism.

To experience Hong Kong's vibrant street performance scene, visit the pedestrian-only stretch of Sai Yeung Choi Street, where music and theater groups take over the sidewalks every evening.

Hong Kong Art Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2721 0116

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2734 2009

Osage Kwun Tong, 4/F, Union Hing Yip Factory Building, 20 Hing Yip Street, +852 2793 4817

Hidden Agenda, G/F Hung To Industrial Building, 80 Hung To Rd, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong +852 9088 8950

Cattle Depot Artists’ Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan

Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin St., Shek Kip Mei

Moot Gallery, Savannah College of Art and Design, 292 Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po, +852 2253 8000

C&G Artpartment, 3/F, 222 Sai Yeung Choi St South, Mong Kok, +852 2390 9332

8. Discover Hong Kong’s vibrant Thai community

Bursting with color and scent, a hidden gem in Kowloon City is home to Hong Kong’s thriving Thai community.

Kick off your exploration with a meal at one of the many local Thai eateries. Amporn Thai Food, located in the neighborhood’s wet market, is perfect for grilled pork neck, tangy salads, and fresh seafood. For shrimp sashimi and amazing curries, head over to Chai Rung.

Next, stroll over to South Wall Road where Thai grocery stores offer a treasure trove of tropical fruits, spices, and unique products you won’t find elsewhere in Hong Kong. Don’t forget to pick up some khanom, traditional Thai sweets.

Amporn Thai Food, Shop 9, 3/F, Kowloon City Market, 100 Nga Tsin Wai Road, +852 2716 3689

Chai Rung, 33A Nam Kwok Road, Kowloon City, +852 2718 6588

9. Experience classic outdoor dining

While outdoor dining may be trendy now, Hong Kong has been enjoying meals al fresco long before the days of patio heaters and weatherproof furniture.

When the temperatures drop from October to May, Kowloon offers a wide range of open-air dining options. Tourists often flock to Temple Street’s spicy crab spots like Temple Spice Crabs – with cold beer, fresh seafood, and, of course, fiery fried crab.

For a truly rewarding dining experience, venture beyond the usual spots. Sham Shui Po is home to 14 of Hong Kong’s remaining dai pai dong, the iconic street food stalls that were once a fixture throughout the city.

Yiu Tung Street is where you’ll find a delightful cluster of stalls offering noodle soups, seafood, and other Hong Kong specialties. Nearby, Keung Kee’s sizzling woks dish out classic Cantonese fare.

For a more unique experience, seek out the dai pai dong-style 'mushroom hut' restaurants in public housing estates.

Head to Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate, near the iconic Wong Tai Sin Temple, where a collection of mushroom huts has recently been refurbished. Among them, 24-hour Chui Wo Lee serves up fresh seafood, including delicious fried squid balls, along with beer or wine on its relaxed terrace.

Temple Spice Crabs, 210 Temple St., Jordan, +852 2487 3688

Yiu Tung Street, located near Sham Shui Po MTR (Exit B2) and Shek Kip Mei MTR (Exit A), Keung Kee, 219 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, +852 2487 3688

Chui Wo Lee, Shop 2, Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate, Ching Tak Street, Wong Tai Sin, +852 2323 1703