Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)
Kowloon, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Across the water from Hong Kong Island on the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is a buzzing, dynamic district that encapsulates Hong Kong’s diversity. From the Indian restaurants and martial arts schools in Chungking Mansions to fascinating museums and luxurious hotels, this is Hong Kong in all its glorious color.
The Basics
A stroll down Nathan Road, TST’s main artery, is a sensory assault—from the touts offering cheap tailoring through to the scent of steaming dim sum—and street food tours unveil the hidden gems nestled in the warren of side streets. But the waterfront is more than just a jump-off point for a Victoria Harbour cruise. The Peninsula Hotel boasts a heritage dating back to 1928; the Hong Kong Cultural Centre hosts performers from around the world; while the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Science Museum, and the Hong Kong Space Museum offer something for all tastes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tsim Sha Tsui is a must for anyone who likes to shop, eat, or people watch.
- Custom tailoring is great value, but allow time for at least two fittings in your schedule.
- Since June 2019, protests have occurred around Hong Kong, including in TST. The US State Department advises travelers to avoid areas where demonstrations are planned and maintain a low profile.
- Larger TST attractions—such as malls, high-end hotels, and museums—are adapted for travelers who use wheelchairs. Smaller shops and eateries may not have access.
How to Get There
The best way to arrive in Tsim Sha Tsui is on the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island, particularly when the Symphony of Light show illuminates the harbor. Alternatively, catch the MTR train to Tsim Sha Tsui (Tsuen Wan line) or East Tsim Sha Tsui (West Rail line).
When to Get There
Tsim Sha Tsui has something to offer at every time of day and night. Accommodation prices can soar over peak periods, such as New Year and Lunar New Year.
Things to Do on the Hong Kong Mainland
Many travelers think of Hong Kong simply as Hong Kong Island, but the territory spans a range of other islands and a chunk of mainland China. Visit the New Territories for historic farms, temples, and villages; head to Kowloon districts such as Mong Kok, Jordan, and Tsim Sha Tsui for color, life, and street food; or hike Tai Mo Shan, an extinct volcano.
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