Tsim Sha Tsui is a famous area in Hong Kong, known for its iconic view of the Victoria Harbour. It’s one of my favourite places in the city with a great range of shopping choices, museums and galleries. If you’re looking to take photos of the billion dollar skyline, this post is for you! Here are my top spots for taking photos in Tsim Sha Tsui.
OCEAN TERMINAL RESTAURANTS AND DECK (the Gateway area)
If you want to photograph the iconic Hong Kong skyline, Ocean Terminal should be on the top of your list! Firstly, I would recommend lunch in the restaurants on the left side of the mall for harbourside views while you eat! Here are some places to check out:
- Hexa: This restaurants has stunning harbour views with an impeccable interior! They serve delicious dim sum with a contemporary flair. The best spot to take pictures here would be their private grass courtyard outside the restaurant. However, this restaurant is higher up in budget, so it may be a great spot to save and share for a special occasion. Click here for more information!
- Hiyama Sukiyai: Other than the view of the Victoria Harbour and their amazing Japanese food, they also have a bamboo tunnel at the front door of the restaurant. However, this is another place to save for a special occasion because it is also higher up in budget
Tip: It’s very difficult to book a table! Click here for more information and plan ahead! - Paper Moon: Paper moon is a fabulous and unpretentious Italian restaurant which also offers great views. The tall floor to ceiling glazing means you can see the skyline no matter where you are seated inside! It’s also a great place to unwind with a nice drink out on their private balcony in the evening. Click here for more information!
- Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel: If your Instagram is all about cute looking pastries and aesthetic, stop by the newly opened Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel to take photos in their photo booth and try their Hong Kong’s iconic snacks (pineapple buns, fishballs, lemon tea, milk tea…) with a French twist! Click here for more information.
After a lovely meal, go to the Ocean Terminal deck on the roof top for a panoramic view of the Hong Kong skyline! An instagram content creator you should check out for inspiration is @samishome. As seen in her photo, the deck offers panoramic views of the skyline from a higher point.
Tip: Bring your own drinks and snacks and watch the sunset here!
HARBOUR CITY DECKS (and a hidden gem!!)
After exploring Ocean Terminal, walk over to the Harbour City deck for a hidden gem!
This little courtyard is located between the carpark entrance and the balcony space outside Muji. It’s a great space for your outfit photos! The way the natural light bounces off the white walls makes this corner a well lit space in the day. Although it’s a little difficult to find, it’s a corner not many people pass through, so you can take all the time you need to capture the perfect photo for the grid!
Tip: While you are there, take a stroll to the balcony outside Muji for more unobstructed sea-sky views!
Tip: Go to the little courtyard at noon/early afternoon for the better lighting
HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART (HKMOA)
The HKMOA is a my top recommendation for Instaworthy photos on a rainy day. Currently, this museum features some really famous Chinese ink paintings in their permanent collection, as well as art by local Hong Kong artists. To take pictures for free, go up to the 5/F to the exhibition room featuring local Hong Kong artists. You’ll see lots of lovely sculptures, and even a leafy installation you are encouraged to walk through!
Tip: bring a wide angled lens
Tip: Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, HKMOA has closed off some exhibitions (until late October) and has 3 limited time slots for a restricted number of visitors per day. On a positive note, the free admission exhibition on 5/f is permanent and open to all! But please plan ahead!!!
I would also stop to admire the view in the corridors, where the double-height floor to ceiling glazing offers great views of the Victoria Harbour and all the red junk boats passing by.
You can find updated information on admission and which exhibits are on display by clicking here.
AVENUE OF STARS, VICTORIA DOCKSIDE AND THE OLD CLOCK TOWER
The Avenue of Stars is a popular tourist attraction – and there’s a good reason why. If you start your walk along the promenade near the Star Ferry and the old clock tower, you can get a taste of Old Hong Kong and compare it to the skyscrapers across the harbour on Hong Kong Island. You can even walk all the way down the promenade towards Victoria Dockside to see newer builds such as the HKMOA and the K11 Musea. If you’re visiting in the evening, you can watch the Symphony of Lights show every night at 8pm! This is a great place to take a sunset stroll with your camera and an ice coffee in hand.
Tip: It can get quite busy because it’s a popular location! If you want photos without the crowds, I would recommend going early in the morning (or even at sunrise if you’re keen!)
K11 MUSEA (art mall)
If you’re looking for something truly ‘out of this world’, the new K11 MUSEA art mall in the Victoria Dockside art and culture district has a crazy interior with massive glass and golden ball being the centrepiece of the atrium. This mall has many great places to eat and has multiple spots indoors and outdoors for photos! Here’s a list of spots you should check out while you’re there:
- Large glazed entrance of the mall on G/F: If you enter the mall from Victoria Dockside, you may see a very tall decorated window (next to Yves Saint Laurent).
- The Gold Ball on 2/F: as described, it’s the centrepiece of the atrium!
- The Bohemian Garden on 7/F
Tip: There are seasonal exhibits and installations in this outdoor space that could be great for photos if you prefer a more decorated aesthetic on your grid (such as the ‘Love Garden’ back in February for Valentines Day in my photo below!). Check here for updates! - Elephant Grounds on 7/F: This is a fabulous outdoor cafe to have a casual meal (or just their amazing ice cream with friends! Click here to check out their menu.
- The Nature Discovery Park on 8/F: an urban biodiversity educational park that has a tea house looking out to a beautiful garden of local flora!
Tip: K11 limits the number of guest access per day to prevent the space from over crowding, so book your place before you go and click here for more information on how the venue can be rented for special occasions!
Tsim Sha Tsui is a cultural hub with so much to offer! Whether you’re here for Harbourside views or looking for a bite to eat, it’s a great place to spend a day in the heart of the city. I hope you enjoyed this post and feel inspired for your next photoshoot. What places in Tsim Sha Tsui do you like most? I would love to know!
I love this! So insightful. Can’t wait to visit and go to all these places you mentioned 😍
Author
Thank you, glad you liked it! Can’t wait for you to come visit ☺️☺️