With the opening of museums such as M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the West Kowloon cultural district has become increasingly popular with Hong Kongers and tourists. And let's not forget its proximity to West Kowloon Station. The neighborhood is a wonderful mix of skyscrapers, world-class structures and vast green spaces. It's no wonder, then, that many visitors flock to the neighborhood during the weekend. Touted as a world-class cultural hub, the West Kowloon Cultural District places its name among the list of the city's coolest and must-see neighborhoods. So, read our handy guide to Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District to make the most of your visit.
that of Hong Kong West Kowloon Cultural District covers 40 hectares of reclaimed land. Perhaps this is the city's largest cultural project with the aim of developing the region to make it an artistic and cultural power. Today, it is a neighborhood that combines art, nature, retail, restaurants and entertainment. The sprawling cultural district is home to museums that rival other regions. It also has 23 hectares of open space with two kilometers of scenic harborside promenade, lavish hotels, giant shopping centers and many incredible restaurants. Tourists and locals will no longer raise their eyebrows when you mention West Kowloon, as it is now a major attraction in the city. If you're in the mood to explore, we've got you covered. Read our complete guide to Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District. Write down all the best places to eat, drink, shop and visit.
Your ultimate guide to exploring Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District
Where to eat?
The best way to get your bearings in the West Kowloon Cultural District is to divide your itinerary into pit stops. Every neighborhood attraction has its share of dining options, starting with the cream of the crop: M+. A real restaurant in a museum? Say hello to Mosu, an offshoot of the eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul. Treat yourself to a tasting menu that reinvents Korean cuisine through the use of seasonal ingredients, overlooking Victoria Harbour. Just a few steps from M+ is Phillips' Asian headquarters. If you weren't buying art, what would you do at an auction house? Well, eat at the very first Cafe Phillips, Of course. Choose from a menu combining Western and Asian dishes for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Or you can just have a cup of tea and admire the view of M+ and Artist Square.
At the Hong Kong Palace Museum, reserve a table at King Lung Heen and enjoy the taste of exquisite Cantonese dim sum with a modern twist to boot. For something a little lighter, we suggest Crepes and pastries, a French restaurant with over 14 different crepes to choose from. Whether you're looking for gluten-free options or innovative creations like lamb curry or the classic Nutella banana roll, you'll find one to suit your taste. We also recommend XIA, a tea room and restaurant that serves classic and folk palate dishes at affordable prices. Get a chance to taste Empress Dowager Cixi's favorite sweet pea cake or Emperor Qianlong's stewed bird's nest.
Right next to the Palace Museum is the magnificent Xiqu Center. Before or after attending an incredible Cantonese opera performance, stock up on delicious Chinese food. Enjoy wonton magic at Mak's noodles, inherited from the hands of the wonton noodle king of Guangzhou. You have more options on Peony garden, a cha chaan teng style restaurant that offers a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine. For something a little more familiar, MOS Cafean extension of the popular burger chain MOS Burger, offers a selection of Japanese comfort food.
After a day of exploring museums in the West Kowloon cultural district, Art Park is the best place to watch the sunset. Enjoy the view in summer or cozy up in winter with plenty of dining options nearby. There is food trucks around the park where you can grab snacks and munch on them while enjoying the view of the harbor. If you prefer to stay indoors, there are also places to visit. Panoramic offers a fine dining experience with its extensive menu of modern Asian and Western cuisine. F.A.M. is the ideal place to enjoy contemporary Chinese fusion dishes. Both also offer incredible views of the harbor. For comforting pizzas and pastas, you'll love it Café Bohème. Opt for outdoor seating to get some fresh air and take your pup with you for the meal.
For a five-star dining experience, check out nearby hotels like the W Hong Kong or the Ritz-Carlton. Sing Yin Cantonese Dinner offers a mix of modern and traditional delicacies accompanied by premium wines and teas. For your fix of Italian cuisine, there's no better place than a Michelin-starred restaurant Tosca di Angelo. Fine Italian cuisine, high ceilings, chandeliers and impeccable city views, what more could you ask for?
Where to drink?
The West Kowloon cultural district is simply full of cafes. Tea lovers, see you Wabi Sabi Cafe. After all, it is inspired by Japanese tea ceremonies. It's also a pet-friendly cafe that works with animal rescue organizations. On the theme of pets, Hooman by the sea offers specialty coffee and a range of snacks for diners and their pets.
Get an Instagrammable cup of tea at Curator Creative Café. Create your own works of art (we mean tea and coffee) using the latte printing machine. How cool is this? Tasting room is another place to grab a coffee with an all-day breakfast menu. Rest of Cafe Gin, as its name suggests, is a cafe by day and a bar by night. Satisfy your coffee cravings before trying their alcoholic drinks in the evening.
The best place for a drink in West Kowloon Cultural District is undeniably Ozone, the highest rooftop bar in the world. Sip signature cocktails with unrivaled views of the Hong Kong skyline. A.Next door is the W Hong Kong Woo Bar, a place that mixes drinks, music and bites. Also boasting stunning views, the chic bar offers creative cocktails to a backdrop of DJs spinning dance-worthy tunes. Another place that serves innovative cocktails is Anju's in Elements. The drinks menu includes classic Korean liquors and spectacular concoctions.
Where to shop ?
Want to splurge during your stay in the West Kowloon cultural district? Elements is where you'll find all the biggest luxury brands. From designer clothing to sumptuous accessories and sporting goods, the mall has it all. You will even get lost in the plethora of choices available and we don't blame you for spending hours at the mall.
Then there are the museum gift shops. Art Express by the commercial press at the Palace Museum is akin to that of an emperor's treasury cabinet. It is a large space made up of six zones, displaying books, gifts and other art-related items. Over there at M+ Shopyou will discover limited edition items and collaborative collections. THE Shop M+ Children This is where kids (and adults) can browse cuddly creatures and adorable products.
If books or art aren't really your thing, maybe you can buy snacks at the Natural is best at the Xiqi Center. The flagship store offers a full range of delights, including canned fruit, chocolate, roasted nuts and more, sourced from across the region. Find your next favorite snacks from places like Taiwan, Japan, Europe and Southeast Asia.
What to do in West Kowloon Cultural District?
We can't talk about West Kowloon without talking about art and museums. After all, its full name is West Kowloon Cultural District. Aiming to become the artistic hub of the city, the district is unsurprisingly full of museums and cultural places. It's the perfect place to visit the museums after you've had your fill. Tsim Sha Tsui.
West Kowloon's star attraction is the M+ Museum, one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. Its striking exterior façade is already remarkable, designed by renowned architectural firms Herzog de Meuron and Farrells. The museum also regularly holds special exhibitions, most of which are on display for the first time in Hong Kong. Discover its largest collection on display, including Yayoi Kusama.
Next to it is the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which showcases over 900 amazing artifacts from the Beijing Palace Museum. Most of the artwork here has never been exhibited in Hong Kong or even shown to the public. Meanwhile, the impressive Xiqu Center This is where visitors can experience world-class Cantonese opera productions as well as other regional forms of Chinese opera. Its two theaters are also distinctive. The more intimate Tea House Theater is modeled after 20th-century Hong Kong tea houses. Meanwhile, the larger Grand Theater presents performances by the best troupes from Hong Kong and the region.
To enjoy a break from the impressive structure and skyscrapers, head to Artistic park and soak up some greenery. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and soak up the magnificent views or watch the sunset on a picnic. Visitors can also ride bikes or play with their pets in the park. On special days, open-air shows, exhibitions and other events are organized. For those interested in learning more about Hong Kong's art scene, visit Free space. This venue regularly hosts shows and multi-genre events showcasing the city's emerging talents, as well as established artists.
If shopping isn't your cup of tea, there are still plenty of things to do in Elements. For example, to ice skate at Elements and enjoy the view of Vicotir Harbor for only HKD 20. Or watch a movie At the movie theaterwhich also regularly hosts event screenings and celebrity appearances, if you happen to catch them.
So, save this list and have a fun-filled day in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District.
Credit all images: West Kowloon Cultural District
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-How big is the West Kowloon Cultural District?
The West Kowloon Cultural District covers 40 hectares of reclaimed land.
-What is the future development of West Kowloon?
West Kowloon is developing as a leading art and culture district.
