Nathan Road is Hong Kong’s oldest road, and a famous street shopping centre in Kowloon. Extending from Mongkok to Tsim Sha Tsui, this commercial road is a tourist attraction, popular for its malls, stores, historical attractions, and restaurants. Named Golden Mile because of its shining lights, Nathan Road is Hong Kong’s very own Times Square, complete with neon signs and busy streets.
This mile-long road was first constructed in 1861 and named Robinson Road, after the fifth governor of the province. In 1909 it was renamed to Nathan Road, after the thirteenth governor of Hong Kong, Sir Matthew Nathan. Stretching till Victoria Harbour, Nathan Road is a great sightseeing and shopping location for tourists and locals alike.
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Nathan Road Landmarks & Attractions
Kowloon Park: Previously a military building, Kowloon Park is perfect to catch a breath of fresh air in the busy street. The Chinese Garden is home to a stunning two-tiered lotus pond and rock display. The sheltered walkway is ideal for rainy days.
Hong Kong Avenue of Stars: Located near Kowloon Park, this walkway is an art installation featuring sculptures of regional comic icons and bronze prints of popular Chinese and Korean artists.
Kowloon British School: Take a walk down history lane and stroll into the former Kowloon British School, how housing the Antiquities and Monuments Office. The stately brick walls and charming British buildings are a must-visit.
Peninsula Hotel: Known to the locals as The Pen, this hotel is a popular landmark that has existed for almost a hundred years. A seat of luxury, class, and the elite, watch out for the Peninsula’s fleet of Rolls Royce limousines that takes guests around the city! The afternoon tea service at the stately twentieth-century manor is a must-try.
Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre: Get a glimpse of the history of Hong Kong under British rule at the Heritage Discovery Centre. This former army barracks was commissioned by the government as a heritage building, which now holds art pieces and heritage collections.
St Andrew’s Church: This hundred-year-old church boasts of magnificent Gothic columns and stained-glass paintings that remind visitors of Europe. This heritage stop is famed for its Sunday choir service and architectural style.
Tin Hau Temple: This ancient Chinese temple to the Sea Goddess Tin Hau was once built on the waterfront to honour the Pacific Ocean. Today, its interesting location near Nathan Road draws visitors eager to heed the blessings of this mysterious Goddess.
Shopping at Nathan Road
iSQUARE: One of the biggest malls in Hong Kong, with international clothing, accessories, and jewelry brands jostling for space in the shopping district. There are eating joints on the lower floors and a restaurant with a 270-degree harbour view on the top floor. Moviegoers are bound to enjoy the IMAX screens here – they are the largest in Hong Kong.
The ONE: Hosting 29 floors of fashion, beauty, skincare, lifestyle, jewelry, and furniture stores. This is Hong Kong’s tallest mall, and has some great dining options too.
MiraPlace: This is a luxury mall with pop-up stores, chic boutiques, and design studios. Custom made clothing is popular here. The mall is also home to a Michelin-star restaurant.
K11: This is easily the most aesthetically pleasing mall in all of Hong Kong, with its unique art-themed shopping experience. The mall floor exhibits larger-than-life art installations by local and international artists and hosts seasonal shows, concerts, movie screening, and art workshops as well. The stores are inspired by artsy themes and sell clothing, accessories, lifestyle goods, jewelry, and cosmetics.
Langham Place: The largest mall in Hong Kong, Langham Palace aims to please with its distinct design and layout. With over 200 stores selling sought-after brands, Langham Place regularly organizes art shows, light shows, and performances. The eye-catching corkscrew design of the mall and its 83 metres-tall escalator make Langham a tourist hotspot.
Granville Road: Witness the evolution of the new ‘It’ trends of fashion at Granville Road, where emerging designers and influences try out the newest fashion trends in charming boutiques and studios.
Temple Street Night Markets: Watch the Bazaar erupt into a celebration at the Temple Street Night Market, as sellers call out their wares amidst bright lights and neon signs. One of the busiest streets of Nathan Road, this Chinese market sells pottery, teas, amulets, jewelry, silks, watches, robes, electronics, and antiques. The street food here is delicious!
Jade Market: The Chinese fascination with jade has been associated with its miraculous healing properties; it is a good luck charm that promises to keep hard times at bay. Give into Chinese traditions and wish for luck at the Jade Street market, where one can find jade amulets, bracelets, necklaces, and other trinkets of this precious stone. Patrons can get a customized jade amulet handpicked by sellers based on their birth year, star sign, and other astrological factors.
Shanghai Street Ladies’ Market: A one-kilometre stretch of clothing, accessories, fashion, and jewelry at inexpensive rates awaits visitors at Ladies’ Market. Feel free to haggle to get your price!
Dining Options at Nathan Road
The Drunken Pot: This restaurant at Nathan Road puts a modern twist on the traditional Chinese hotpot and gives patrons the chance to customize their dishes. We recommend the Angus beef cut! Address: 8 Observatory Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Spring Deer: The must-try dish at Spring Deer is the Peking duck, a Cantonese specialty famed for its crisp skin and buttery fat. Address: 42 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
TAP: The Ale Project: TAP offers in-house and imported beers and ales, paired with artisanal bread and snacks. Address: G/F, No.15 Hak Po Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Shang Palace: This Michelin-star restaurant is a luxurious Imperial-style venue located along the Nathan Road that serves Cantonese specialties amidst rich ceramics and Oriental ware. Address: 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Scarlett: This charming French bistro is popular for its sweet wines, quiches, and oysters. It's affordable menu makes it a tourist favourite. Address: 2 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Koko Coffee Roasters: Get a caffeine fix at Koko, and sample their freshly roasted fine beans. The hot and cold snacks offer a quick break from shopping. Address: 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon
Felix: Felix is the Peninsula’s famous European restaurant that specializes in Spanish fine dining. The stunning views of Victoria Harbour perfectly complement the delicacies and fine meats at Felix. Address: Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Ant One K11: This inexpensive restaurant at Nathan Road offers comfort food, pasta, rice, and dumplings – perfect for Sunday brunch or a quick snack! Address: K11, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Wooloomooloo Prime: This steakhouse imports prime beef from Australia. The wagyu burgers are a must-try, while the freshly caught seafood options are a refreshing snack. Address: The ONE, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Whisk: Whisk is a fine-dining luxury restaurant that offers European and east-Asian cuisine under one roof. The French desserts are a must-try here. Address: The Mira, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Along Nathan Road and Tsim Sha Tsui, one can also find street food vendors selling East Asian food, Indian curries, ice cream, American snacks, and bubble tea.
Best Time to Visit
Most stores at Nathan Road are open by 9:00 AM, and we recommend the morning hours between 10:00 AM and noon to avoid the crowds. If night markets sound appealing, hit Nathan Road by 4:00 PM to shop and grab dinner along the way.
How to Reach Nathan Road
Bus: Buses 3C and 81C ply to all stops in Nathan Road but there are multiple buses that ply to different stops down the road, to Argyle Centre, Bank Centre, Sino Centre, Man Ming Lane, Nathan Hotel, Prudential Centre, Kimberly Road, Cameron Road, or Middle Road.
MTR: 5 MTR stations are found along Nathan Road – Prince Edward Station in Mong Kok, Argyle Station in Mong Kok, Waterloo Station in Yau Ma Tei, Jordan Station in Jordan, and Tsim Sha Tsui Station in Tsim Sha Tsui. Visitors can get off any one of them to explore the road.
Taxi: A taxi from the airport costs around HKD 230. There are loading bays and drop-off spots at various spots along Nathan Road, in front of stores and hotels.
Tips
· We recommend purchasing electronics only at the malls and shopping centres; avoid shopping for electronics from street vendors.
· The best deals are struck in the evening, so set aside an evening to go souvenir shopping here!