Joanna James
From galleries to sunsets to museums, Kowloon offers everything you could possibly want on a perfect vacation. For want of a summary of best things to do – here's a list of the finest attractions.
Standing above ground at 1,600 feet, Lion Rock shots into the sky majestically. This is where you should come to get the best view of Hong Kong and also if you want to break some sweat. If you start walking from Diamond Station, the whole journey takes about 4 hours – but the best way to go about it is to take a taxi from the station and save your energy for the hike. Don't forget to take enough water to avoid the risk of dehydration.
If you are a hello kitty fanatic, go to Hello Kitty Café – definitely, a must do if you are ever in Kowloon – the café is decorated with all kinds of hello kitties. And the dim sums served here are pretty good too. Make sure you take some cash with you as they don't accept cards.
No doubt this is one of the best things to do in the city – and you have no choice but to take the Star Ferry if you want to get to Dorsett Hospitality International on the mainland or one of the other Hong Kong family hotels. The best time to ride the Star Ferry is during the night time as you can cross the strait under the starry night of Hong Kong. The ferry runs daily between 7.20 am and 10.50 pm.
If you head to Victoria Harbour at 8 pm – you are in a for a mesmerising spectacle – in other words, the Symphony of Lights show. It is also the world's largest permanent light and sound show and doesn't cost you anything. With over 40 lit up buildings, coloured rays and music, it is truly a hypnotic phenomenon.
The cheapest restaurant to have earned a Michelin star – Tim Ho Wan is where you will taste the best dim sums in Hong Kong at an affordable price. It is also known as the world's cheapest Michelin star restaurant.
A short walk from Tai Sin MTR station is Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. The temple is revered by three religious groups: Buddhists, Taoists and Confucius. The temple is claimed to be the best temple in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's largest night market, Temple Street Night Market is a must have experience. You can buy anything from sunglasses to bags and clothes to street food. Even if you don't feel like buying anything, you should go there for a walk after the sundown.
Your trip to Kowloon isn't complete if you don't taste the street food. Like every other Asian city, Kowloon is bursting to the brim with street food vendors. From grilled fish to chicken noodles and fish balls to deep-fried tofu, you can find any variety of cheap street food in the alleyways of Kowloon.
If you walk down to Victoria Harbour waterside at the southern peninsula, you can see the glorious setting sun hovering over all the skyscrapers. Grab a few drinks and go down to the waterfront for a mesmerising vista that comes free.
For an entrance fee of HK$10, you can enjoy an array of artworks ranging from sculptures, paintings, antiques, Chinese art and Western art. The museum is located right in front of the waterfront and has the largest assortment of fine art in Hong Kong.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
