If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, West Kowloon deserves a spot on your itinerary.
This neighbourhood offers the perfect mix of old and new Hong Kong – where modern museums and cultural venues sit just minutes away from bustling markets and family-run shops that have been around for decades.
What makes West Kowloon special is how easily you can experience both sides of the city. Spend your morning browsing world-class art, then grab lunch at a local noodle shop where the recipes haven’t changed in 60 years.
West Kowloon deserves a spot on your itinerary
Watch a traditional Cantonese opera performance, then hunt for bargains at a lively night market.
West Kowloon gives you an authentic taste of Hong Kong without having to choose between cultural attractions and local experiences.
Here’s what not to miss when you visit.
Culture on the Harbour-front
M+, a major museum of contemporary visual culture
West Kowloon’s waterfront is home to some impressive cultural venues.
Start at the West Kowloon Cultural District, a large arts area right on the harbour. The standout attraction here is M+, a major museum of contemporary visual culture that showcases modern and multimedia art from Hong Kong, and beyond, in a striking building.
Right next door, you’ll find the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which displays hundreds of valuable Chinese artefacts on loan from Beijing – everything from ancient pottery to royal jewellery that you won’t see anywhere else.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum displays hundreds of valuable Chinese artefacts
The Art Park is the perfect place to take in the view
When you need a break, head to the Art Park – a lovely green space where you can stroll along the waterfront and enjoy incredible views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s famous skyline.
If you’re visiting in the evening, try to catch a performance at the Xiqu Centre, a beautiful theatre dedicated to Cantonese opera that blends traditional art with modern design.
Unexpected Discoveries
Browse through art books at Broadway Cinematheque
Mido Café is a 1950s diner that serves classic milk tea and French toast in a setting that feels like stepping back in time
Some of West Kowloon’s best spots are its lesser-known attractions.
In Yau Ma Tei, you’ll find colourful street art brightening up otherwise ordinary alleys – look for murals on shop shutters, including playful fruit designs near the old wholesale fruit market and a cool robot-themed piece on Shanghai Street.
Film buffs should check out Broadway Cinematheque, a cozy independent cinema and café where you can watch art house movies and browse through art books.
After that, step across the street to Mido Café, a 1950s diner with green tiled walls and old-school ceiling fans that serves classic milk tea and French toast in a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Fabulous Foodie Scene
Try a bowl of noodles at Mak Man Kee – a 60-year-old local favourite
West Kowloon is a foodie’s paradise with everything from street eats to retro-cool restaurants.
During the day, try a bowl of wonton noodles at Mak Man Kee, a 60-year-old local favourite known for its springy noodles in flavourful broth.
For something sweet, visit a traditional herbal tea shop like Kung Wo Tong for guilinggao (a bittersweet herbal jelly that locals love in hot weather) or find a family-run stall selling homemade rice flour pudding.
Temple Street comes alive with dai pai dong (open-air food stalls) setting up plastic tables under the night sky
In the evening, the Temple Street area comes alive with dai pai dong (open-air food stalls) setting up plastic tables under the night sky. They serve everything from spicy crab and claypot rice to curry fish balls. Grab a beer, share a table with locals, and enjoy your meal under the glow of neon signs with the distinctive aroma of Cantonese cooking all around you.
West Kowloon also offers plenty of dining experiences beyond street food. For something fun and unique, stop by CURATOR Creative Café at M+ museum. This stylish museum café features a state-of-the-art latte printing machine that can print full-colour images directly onto your coffee foam. You can even upload your own photo or artwork to create a personalised, social media worthy treat.
Escape from the city buzz at Civic Square, a hidden rooftop retreat at Elements Mall
Chef Ken Lau blends Asian and French cuisines at PANO
For an escape from the city buzz, head up to Civic Square, a hidden rooftop retreat at Elements Mall. This open-air dining area feels miles away from Hong Kong’s chaos despite being right in the middle of it.
Check out Joia for Italian food with a twist, offering both indoor and outdoor tables perfect for groups. It’s a breezy spot to recharge after exploring the neighbourhood.
Hungry for something fancier? Try PANO (short for “panorama”), where the views are as good as the food. Chef Ken Lau blends Asian and French cuisines in this sleek two-story spot on the waterfront. Grab a table on the terrace for stunning harbour views.
High End Shopping and Bustling Markets
The Jade Market features rows of stalls selling jade bangles, pendants, and trinkets
Shopping in West Kowloon offers a genuine local experience.
In Yau Ma Tei, traditional craftsmen still work in old-school shops. Along Shanghai Street, you’ll find stores selling handmade kitchen tools – from chopping blocks at Man Kee to bamboo steamers and sharp cleavers at Chan Chi Kee – the same items Hong Kong’s cooks have used for generations.
Nearby, the Jade Market features rows of stalls selling jade bangles, pendants, and trinkets. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to browse and chat with the vendors, who might explain which jade colours are considered lucky or demonstrate how they carve the stone.
Temple Street Night Market is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone
When evening comes, don’t miss Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong’s famous night bazaar.
Under strings of lights and neon signs, you can find everything from electronics to vinyl records and antiques. Street performers and fortune-tellers add to the lively atmosphere, and the scents of incense and food waft through the crowded market.
Be prepared to haggle – it’s all part of the fun!
Elements Mall houses luxury brands, boutiques, an ice rink, and a premium cinema
For a more modern shopping experience, visit Elements Mall near the ICC tower. This upscale complex houses luxury brands, boutiques, an ice rink, and a premium cinema – for an air-conditioned retreat from the busy streets outside.
It’s also a great place to take advantage of Hong Kong’s zero sales tax.
Epic Events and Festivals around Hong Kong
Art Basel Hong Kong attracts serious collectors and art world insiders
Why not time your trip to coincide with the city’s most exciting cultural events?
March brings Art Basel Hong Kong, the city’s biggest international art fair, to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. While it attracts serious collectors and art world insiders, it’s also fascinating for casual visitors.
The 2025 event will feature around 240 galleries from around the world, transforming the convention centre into a massive showcase of everything from famous 20th-century masterpieces to cutting-edge works by emerging artists. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s a rare chance to see museum-quality art from across Asia and beyond all in one place.
Until July 13, visit M+ to see “Picasso for Asia”, which features 60+ masterpieces from the Musée national Picasso-Paris alongside works by Asian artists. The exhibition offers English tours and engaging displays showing how Picasso influenced art worldwide.
Watch all the action at the Dragon Boat Festival this June
On June 7 to 8, the Dragon Boat Festival brings excitement to the waterfront, where teams race dragon-headed boats to drum beats. Watch from the promenade along Victoria Harbour and tuck into traditional zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) sold by vendors during the races.
The Hungry Ghost Festival brings free Chinese opera performances to outdoor bamboo stages throughout the neighbourhoods of Kowloon
Later in the summer, the Hungry Ghost Festival (September 2025) brings free Chinese opera performances on outdoor bamboo stages throughout Kowloon neighbourhoods, with locals burning incense to honour their ancestors – a fascinating insight into local traditions.
Finally, early October brings the Mid-Autumn Festival, when parks and promenades are decorated with colourful lantern displays. Families gather under the full moon to share mooncakes and light lanterns. Join a lantern walk or simply enjoy the hundreds of lanterns illuminating the night sky – a magical way to end summer in West Kowloon.
To find out more visit discoverhongkong.com
