Kowloon City travel guide

Kowloon City, Hong Kong

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Kowloon City

Introduction

Kowloon City is an area of New Kowloon in Hong Kong, and it forms part of Kowloon City District. If you are planning a stay in this part of the territory, you are heading to a district-level neighbourhood rather than a single sight, so your time here is shaped by the wider Kowloon City District around you.

Getting around

Kowloon City is a compact, walkable neighbourhood, and much of the pleasure of a visit comes from wandering the pedestrian-friendly streets around the markets, restaurants, and Kowloon Walled City Park. The public market is one of the largest wet markets in Hong Kong, and the food scene is the area's signature draw. Cycling is not really an option for getting around urban Kowloon City: dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited, cycling is more common in parks and the countryside, and cycling on busy city roads is not recommended. Major highways and tunnels are off-limits to pedestrians and cyclists, so cross at designated pedestrian crossings and watch for temporary diversions around construction zones.

For longer trips, the MTR's Tuen Ma line serves the district via Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station, with trains every few minutes at peak times and crowding during the morning rush. Buses, operated by KMB, Citybus, and New World First Bus, complement the metro for cross-town trips and areas the MTR does not cover, with most routes running from early morning to late evening. Red urban taxis serve Kowloon City, and you can flag one down on the street except in restricted areas such as double yellow lines, or find stands at transport hubs, hotels, MTR stations, and ferry terminals; cash is the most common payment, though some taxis take Octopus or credit cards, so confirm before you set off. Uber operates in Hong Kong, and the HK Taxi app can be used to hail a taxi. A single stored-value Octopus Card works on all public transport and at many retail outlets, and you can buy one at any MTR station; single-journey tickets are also available. The MTR Mobile app gives real-time information, while Google Maps or Citymapper help with planning bus routes. Most MTR stations are wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps, newer buses have low-floor wheelchair-accessible designs, and taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs. Renting a car is possible but not generally recommended for tourists given the efficient public transport, high parking costs, and congestion.

Three days in Kowloon City

Day one: Base yourself in Kowloon City, in New Kowloon, and start on foot. The MTR Tuen Ma line puts you within reach via Sung Wong Toi Station or Kai Tak Station, and buses run by KMB, Citybus and New World First Bus also serve the area. Pay your way with a Red Octopus or an Octopus Card, or book an Uber or HK Taxi if you prefer door to door. Use the MTR Mobile app alongside Google Maps or Citymapper to plan your movements. Spend the day getting your bearings in Kowloon City District and its streets, then settle in for the evening.

Day two: Give the day to Kowloon Walled City Park, the calm centrepiece of the area, and take your time wandering its grounds. Most MTR journeys make reaching it straightforward, and if you would rather move around on your own schedule, Uber and HK Taxi are options. Keep the Octopus Card handy for buses and trains, and check MTR Mobile, Google Maps or Citymapper before you set out. The park rewards a slow visit rather than a rushed one.

Day three: Use your last day to explore more of Kowloon City and Kowloon City District at an easy pace, whether on foot or by cycling. If you are covering more ground, renting a bike can suit the day, and buses from KMB, Citybus and New World First Bus connect you across Hong Kong. The MTR Tuen Ma line, with Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station, keeps the rest of the city within easy reach, so you can end your stay wherever suits you best.

About this place