Kowloon
Kowloon is the peninsula for harbor views, night markets and street food, most of it a walk or a short MTR ride apart.
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Kowloon is the peninsula across Victoria Harbor from Hong Kong Island, part of Hong Kong on China's southern coast. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the southern tip, has the harbor promenade, the Star Ferry terminal and the Avenue of Stars. Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, farther north, are denser, with street markets and older low-rise buildings. Temple Street night market in Yau Ma Tei sells clothing, souvenirs and street food, and Wong Tai Sin Temple, further north, draws worshippers and visitors alike.
Kowloon suits first-time visitors who want to walk, eat and see the skyline without a long itinerary. Hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui are close to the harbor and the MTR, and Mong Kok is a base for markets and budget stays. Plan two or three days for the main districts, and leave time for the Star Ferry crossing and the harbor promenade after dark. October to January is the most comfortable stretch. Summer is hot and humid, and typhoon season falls in the warm months.
Kowloon in five
- Get an Octopus card on arrivalOctopus works on the MTR, most buses and the Star Ferry, and in many shops. Buy one at an MTR station counter or the airport, and tap in and out on every ride.Getting around
- Take the Airport Express to Kowloon StationThe Airport Express reaches Kowloon Station in about 20 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. It skips road traffic on the way in.
- Ride the Star Ferry across the harborThe Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbor between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central in about 10 minutes. It is a low-cost way to see the skyline from the water, and it takes Octopus.
- Set up an eSIM before you landMaps, ride apps and ride-hailing all need data as soon as you clear immigration. Install an eSIM at home so you are online from the arrival hall.Phones and eSIM
- Check the typhoon signal before you go outThe Hong Kong Observatory issues typhoon signals and rainstorm warnings. Ferry services and outdoor sites can change when a signal is raised, so check the warning before you plan a harbor trip or a hike.
Need to know
- Currency
- Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check with Immigration before you fly Read more
- Emergency
- 999 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryMisty, damp
- MarchDamp, humid
- AprilWarm, rainy
- MayHot, humid
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHot, typhoons
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberHumid, typhoons
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberDry, pleasant
- DecemberCool, dry
Right now in Kowloon
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 27°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 27 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 55%
Hong Kong Island
04:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today28°24°55%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Wed27°24°70%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 70%.
- Thu28°25°53%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Fri28°24°35%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Sat27°24°31%Saturday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 31%.
- Sun28°24°3%Sunday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Mon29°19°6%Monday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 6%.
Updated 01:14 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 7.845 HKD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Hong Kong Islandabout 10 min by Star FerryCentral, the Peak and the trams, reached across the harbor by the Star Ferry.Read the guide
- Macauabout 1 hour by ferryOld Portuguese streets and casinos, a day trip by high-speed ferry.
- Lantau Islandabout 1 hour by MTR and cable carNgong Ping and the Tian Tan Buddha, reached by MTR and cable car.
Before you go to Kowloon
Rules for Kowloon, checked
- Many nationalities enter Hong Kong visa-free for short stays. Check your passport's entry rules with the Immigration Department before you book.Source
- Hong Kong enforces strict drug laws, and some medicines need documents. Carry prescriptions in their original packaging and check the Customs website first.Source
- Typhoon and rainstorm warnings come from the Hong Kong Observatory. Check the current signal before ferries, hikes or outlying islands.Source
- Smoking is banned in most indoor public places and on many outdoor spots. Check signs before you light up, since fines apply.
- Tipping is not expected in Hong Kong. Many restaurants already add a 10% service charge, so check the bill before you add anything.
Plan around Kowloon
The wider city guide, from the islands to the New Territories.
Read the guideGetting aroundMTR, buses, ferries, taxis and the Octopus card in one place.
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, cash and typical prices for a Kowloon trip.
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for visitors and what to check before you fly.
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and nearby.
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans and offline maps for the MTR and the harbor.
Read the guideKowloon FAQ
Is Kowloon worth visiting?
Yes, if you want the harbor promenade, night markets and street food. A half day covers the Star Ferry and Tsim Sha Tsui, and an evening in Yau Ma Tei or Mong Kok adds the markets.
How many days do you need in Kowloon?
Two days cover Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po at an easy pace. Add a day on Hong Kong Island if you want the Peak and Central.
How do you get from Hong Kong airport to Kowloon?
Take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station, which takes about 20 minutes. A taxi is the other option, but it can be slower in traffic.
Can you pay with Octopus in Kowloon?
Yes, on the MTR, most buses, the Star Ferry and many shops and convenience stores. Buy the card at an MTR counter or the airport and tap in and out on every ride.
What color are taxis in Kowloon?
Taxis in urban Kowloon are red. Green taxis serve the New Territories and blue taxis serve Lantau, so check the color before you get in.
When is the best time to visit Kowloon?
October to January is mild and dry. June to September is hot, humid and exposed to typhoons, so check the warnings before you plan outdoor days.