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Tsim Sha Tsui: The Ultimate Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong

tsim sha tsui tst neighbourhood guide hero
What's OnPost Category - What's OnWhat's On - Post Category - Hong Kong Neighbourhood GuidesHong Kong Neighbourhood Guides

There is a reason why Tsim Sha Tsui is a family-favourite hangout. This bustling neighbourhood is lined with restaurants, museums, not to mention the iconic Clock Tower, Star Ferry and the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre inside K11 MUSEA at East Tsim Sha Tsui and so much more. Find out why a day spent with the kids at TST will be well worth it!

Get some comfortable shoes on because this one is going to be big! Looking for a neighbourhood that comprises family-friendly brunches, hotels and museums to explore? We simply can’t get enough of the bustling neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui! Packed with malls like K11 MUSEA, K11 Art Mall and Harbour City, waterfront restaurants and tons of kid-friendly playgrounds and playrooms, our handy guide to Tsim Sha Tsui will tell you which spots you should hit with the kids!

Jump to:
Things To Do With Kids At Tsim Sha Tsui
Restaurants, Bars And Cafes At Tsim Sha Tsui
Where To Go Shopping At Tsim Sha Tsui
Family-Friendly Hotels At Tsim Sha Tsui

Read More: Tsueng Kwan O: The Ultimate Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong


space museum tst

Go museum-hopping: Visit Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Science Museum, M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum and more

Hong Kong has excellent, educational, interactive and affordable museums, many of which are located in Tsim Sha Tsui. These are all worth a visit (more than once!) and are great to keep up your sleeve for those bad weather days. From the Hong Kong Space Museum (we highly recommend their dome shows loved by kids and adults alike) to the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which one will you be stopping by first?

Plus, if you’ve got more time, make your way to the West Kowloon Cultural District and book tickets for the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+.

Read More: The Best Museums In Hong Kong To Visit With Kids


Legoland Discovery Centre Hong Kong Play Whats ON Family Life

Lego® Fun: Spend a day at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre at K11 MUSEA

Have Lego®-mad kids? There’s nothing better than a day spent at the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. You can check out the Hong Kong Lego® miniatures, enjoy the rides, watch a LEGOLAND® 4D movie, get the kids into a Lego® workshop or let them run wild in the soft play area.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Hong Kong, Shop B131-133 B1, K11 MUSEA Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9022 7362, www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com

Read more: Your Guide To LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong


Teach the kids history: Visit 1881 Heritage and House 1881

The historic former Marine Police Headquarters, 1881 Heritage, is well worth a stop when you visit Tsim Sha Tsui. Fun fact – it was actually built in 1884, but because of the bad luck associated with the number four the name has been changed! There are almost always seasonal exhibits in the Grand Piazza which make for great photo opportunities with the family. Head up the escalators to House 1881 and see how the 130-year-old building has been restored and how its stables have transformed into a restaurant!

House 1881, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3988 0000, www.house1881.com


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On BakeBe

For Junior Masterchefs: Get the kids baking at BakeBe

You knead to check out BakeBe (which also has a location in Causeway Bay) where you can make everything from cupcakes, mermaid cakes, macarons, tarts and more. There’s something for kids of all ages – you can easily pick a recipe according to the level of difficulty and that’s that!

BakeBe, Shop 170, Mira Place 2, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3165 8279, www.bakebe.com

Read More: Baking And Cooking Classes For Kids In Hong Kong


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On Kowloon Park

Parks and playgrounds in Tsim Sha Tsui: Kowloon Park and Middle Road Children’s Playground

Kowloon Park is a reason in itself to visit Tsim Sha Tsui with the kids. There are multiple playgrounds (including the Discovery Playground created around the old canons) and gardens, the outdoor maze and sculpture walk, and we haven’t even talked about visiting the flamingoes yet! When you need to cool down, head over to the public pool for a swim (there’s even a dedicated kids’ paddling pool).

Kowloon Park, 22 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.lcsd.gov.hk 

The Middle Road Children’s Playground is small and relatively quiet and is conveniently located directly above the MTR. Yes, it can get a little hectic at weekends, but during the week, it’s a hidden gem with shaded seating and picnic spots.

Middle Road Children’s Playground, Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.lcsd.gov.hk

Read More: Family-Friendly Places To See And Interact With Animals In Hong Kong


Walk along the TST Promenade: Skyline Viewing Area

Turn right when you come off the ferry and stroll along the harbourfront. Point out the landmark buildings; HSBC, Bank Of China, IFC and make a game by seeing if there are any that your kids recognise. If you really want to make your visit educational, do a Google image search of historic Hong Kong images and look how the skyline has changed over the years (make sure to search for the old Kowloon-Canton Railway too).


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On Star Ferry Hong Kong Skyline

Star Ferry Ride: Enjoy a Hong Kong legend

Help your kids fall in love with Hong Kong (and remind yourself of what a fabulous city we live in!) with a ride on the iconic Star Ferry. Children and parents alike will get a kick out of the 10-minute journey across Victoria Harbour.


Family activities: Check out the options at YMCA TST

With its convenient location on Salisbury Road, the YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui is worth checking out for all members of the family. The TST branch is home to The Salisbury, a hotel (perfect for out of town visitors who want a Victoria Harbour view without the Peninsula price tag!), and for us locals, a very reasonably-priced swimming pool and gymnasium, as well as educational courses and sports programmes for kids, teens, adults and even foreign domestic helpers. They even have an indoor rock climbing wall for your young adventurers!

YMCA of Hong Kong, 41 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2268 7000, www.ymcahk.org.hk

Read More: The Best Indoor Playgrounds And Playrooms In Hong Kong


Restaurants At Tsim Sha Tsui

spasso restaurants in tst

Alfresco Lane at Tsim Sha Tsui Centre: A variety of waterfront restaurants to choose from

What makes Alfresco Lane special is the variety of restaurants with outdoor seating and the harbour view. Choose from cafes like NOC Coffee and Black Sugar, or family-favourites like Pizza Express and Outback Steakhouse, or a restaurant with a great Sunday brunch deal like Spasso Italian.

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.tsimshatsuicentre.com.hk  

Read More: Hong Kong Private Kitchens And Event Spaces


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On BluHouse

Rosewood Restaurants: BluHouse, CHAAT, Asaya Kitchen, Bayfare Social and more

We love all the restaurants at Rosewood and occasionally, we love to take our kids there for a fancy meal! BluHouse, a casual Italian eatery serving authentic Italian fare, is a particular favourite with the kids. From freshly brewed coffee, pasta, rosticceria, pizza al taglio, pasticceria and gelato, there’s plenty to dig into.

Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8732, www.rosewoodhotels.com/dining/bluhouse


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On Kailash PArbat

Indian restaurants: Branto, Sangeetha, Saravanna Bhavan, Kailash Parbat and more

Tsim Sha Tsui has an abundance of kid-friendly Indian restaurants. On the weekends, you will see the South Indian vegetarian restaurants like Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant and Saravanaa Bhavan packed with families craving a crisp dosa with piping hot sambhar! If you want a heartier meal, you can also opt for creamy kormas, spicy vindaloos and endless baskets of buttery naan at Gaylord, Anjappar and Kailash Parbat (kids love that some dishes here are served on mini truck and rickshaw models!).

Read More: The Best (Kid-Approved) Indian Restaurants In Hong Kong


Din Tai Fung: For kids who can’t get enough of dumplings

How many of you have picky eaters who magically turn into little gluttons at Din Tai Fung? After all, who doesn’t love a good xiao long bao? This popular chain of restaurants serves up arguably the best in Hong Kong, alongside a mouthwatering list of all your dim sum favourites. With quick service, an English menu (we always appreciate the handy allergy guide) and classic Chinese favourites, your children are sure to be pleased!

Din Tai Fung, Shop 306, 3/F, Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.dintaifung.com.hk

Read more: Dim Sum In Hong Kong: The Best Yum Cha For Kids


eat best dim sum restaurants hk hutong

Special-occasion brunches: Hutong and aqua

With a breathtaking view of our skyline and a contemporary twist on all our local favourites, Hutong is ideal for special occasion brunches. With noodle pulling demonstrations and changing face mask entertainment on the weekends, the kids are bound to love it.

aqua also has unparalleled views over Victoria Harbour and fabulous food and drinks. While it’s more popular for a date night or a girls-only brunch, we love that their weekend brunch set featuring Italian and Japanese classics  is free for children under the age of 5.

aqua, 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3427 2288, www.aqua.com.hk

Hutong, 18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3428 8342www.hutong.com.hk


Ice Cream Hong Kong Eat: Twist & buckle

All things dessert: Twist & Buckle, Bakehouse and The Cheesecake Factory

With a hand-crafted and concise menu featuring just the right flavours, Twist & Buckle is always a joy to stumble upon! Its churros paired with sundae give a nice kick (our kids will second this!).

Though not only for dessert, who can resist the signature breads and pastries from the takeaway of Bakehouse?

And we have to admit that some of us are guilty of bringing the kids over for just cheesecake in the afternoon after playtime but The Cheesecake Factory is worth it! The waiting time is long during peak hours so get your table’s ticket and explore the malls nearby to stay cool while waiting.

Twist & Buckle, 29-31 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, www.twistandbuckle.com

Bakehouse, G/F, 44 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, www.bakehouse.hk

The Cheesecake Factory, Shop G102, Harbour City Gateway Arcade, 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2791 6628, www.thecheesecakefactory.hk 

Read More: That Papa – Juan Gimenez, Co-Founder Of Twist & Buckle


Malls and Shops At Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On K11 MUSEA

K11 MUSEA – Shops, restaurants, kids’ playhouse and more

K11 MUSEA is a destination mall for gems you can’t quite find elsewhere (aside from high-end brands). From beauty and skincare brands (think apothecary-inspired Le Labo and Aesop) to finding the cutest clothes shops for kids and homegrown lifestyle stores like MaskOn._, Casetify, MoMA Design Store and more, we discover new boutiques and shops each time. You drop your kids off at Donut Playhouse while you get yourself some retail therapy.

K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3892 3890, www.k11musea.com

Read More: Where To Buy Bedding In Hong Kong: Linen Bed Sheets, Children’s Bed Sets & More


Harbour City – Biggest shopping mall in Hong Kong

Arguably the biggest shopping mall in Hong Kong, you are sure to find everything you need (and many things you don’t) for your family at Harbour City’s 450 shops. Home to a Cruise Ship Terminal, three hotels and more than 70 food and beverage outlets you could easily spend a day or more in this shopping, dining and entertainment precinct. If you are after some junior versions of Armani, Dior, Burberry or Gucci, this is your place and you’ll also find the likes of Mothercare, Toys R Us and many, many more.

Sassy Mama Tip: For a spectacular view, head to the observation deck for unobstructed views across to Hong Kong Island.

Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2118 8666, www.harbourcity.com.hk


iSquare – Mall right at the MTR exit

Located at the intersection of Nathan and Peking Road and directly connected to the MTR, iSquare is super convenient, especially if you need to do your weekly grocery run. You’ll also have the option to park the older kids at the movie theatre while you get some shopping done!

iSquare63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3665 3333www.isquare.hk

Read More: Where To Get Party Food: Catering For Every Occasion In Hong Kong


K11 Art Mall – With global brands like Arc’teryx, IKEA, Sttoke and more

K11 Art Mall prides itself on bringing well-known international brands to Hong Kong. No wonder that IKEA chose this mall for its first location in Kowloon. There are always events happening at K11 Art Mall so check ahead and plan your mini field trip to this side of Tsim Sha Tsui.

K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3118 8070, www.hk.k11.com

Read More: Furniture Stores In Hong Kong: Homeware, Decor And More


cotton on kids shopping in tst

Cotton On – Wide range of kids’ clothes

The Tsim Sha Tsui branch of this chain store gets a special mention because it has a whole floor dedicated to Cotton On Kids. Pick up affordable (and adorable!) clothes for your little one, from babies through to teens. Speaking of teens, your older ones are sure to love the selection of stationery on offer at Typo, also located in the Granville Road megastore.

Cotton On36 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2367 2190, www.cottonon.com

Read More: Baby Clothes In Hong Kong: Top Baby Clothing Stores In-Store And Online


Family-Friendly Hotels And Serviced Apartments In Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On Hotel Icon Boy Jumping On Bed

Hotel ICON

This Hong Kong hotel knows how to keep the kids entertained! For starters, there’s a stunning outdoor heated swimming pool facing the city lights. There’s also a lounge filled with games, a pool table, Nintendo Switch and VR headsets.  We also can’t get over the high ceiling at GREEN and its kids-friendly menus.

Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3400 1000, www.hotel-icon.com


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On K11 Artus

K11 ARTUS

Whether you’re looking for a short stay or a longer one, booking one of the residences at K11 ARTUS will set you up for sheer luxury. It has a stunning library, an unbeatable infinity pool and rooms that come with balconies offering beautiful views of Victoria Harbour.

K11 ARTUS, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2107 3388, www.artus.com.hk

Read More: Hong Kong Serviced Apartments And Long Stay Hotels For Families


Tsim Sha Tsui Neighbourhood Guide Whats On Rosewood Mom And Her Kids

Rosewood Hong Kong

Want a high-end hotel stay within Hong Kong with a touch of opulence whilst remaining family-friendly? Rosewood is a personal favourite of ours – it remains both luxurious yet relaxed leaving us feeling like we’re truly on vacation!

Rosewood Hong Kong, No 18, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8888, [email protected], www.rosewoodhotels.com


The Peninsula

Want your kids to experience the Peninsula High tea? Take a look at Peninsula’s Stay in Style staycation offer. The package incudes dining and spa credits, all on Peninsula time, which means it offers flexible check-in and check-out times.

The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2920 2888, www.peninsula.com

Read More: Hong Kong Staycation With Kids: Hotels And Packages To Book With The Family


Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in February 2018 by Melissa Albarus, and most recently updated in March 2024 by Anita Balagopalan. 

  Main image courtesy of Getty, image 1 courtesy of Elly Liu, image 2 courtesy of LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Hong Kong 香港樂高探索中心 via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of House 1881 via Instagram, image 4 courtesy of BakeBe via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of @mibillante via Unsplash, image 6 courtesy of @shujaofficial via Unsplash, image 7 courtesy of Spasso via Instagram, image 8 courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong via Facebook, image 9 courtesy of Kailash Parbat Hong Kong via Facebook, image 10 courtesy of Anita Balagopalan, image 11 courtesy of @twistandbuckle via Instagram, image 11 courtesy of K11 Musea via Facebook, image 12 courtesy of Cotton On Kids via Instagram, image 13 courtesy of Hotel ICON via Facebook, image 13 courtesy of K11 ARTUS via Facebook, image 14 courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong via Facebook.

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