HKG: Guide to Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

- from Little Steps HK July 11, 2013 entry

Kennedy Town is the perfect mix of old and new, and one of the hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods in Hong Kong! Head to this waterfront gem for fun with kids, great food, and history. Easy to access from all over Hong Kong, Kennedy Town is the perfect adventure for families with kids of any age. Go West!

 

WATERFRONT ADVENTURES:

Kennedy Town Praya is one of the last remaining undeveloped strips of waterfront in Hong Kong. Many eateries have great views of the South China Sea. Catch some salt air while you watch tug boats and ferries pass by, or fisherman teetering on the docks. Hurry up and get a peek of old coastal Hong Kong, because this area is marked for development!

FUN FOR KIDS:

The Kennedy Town pool is a big draw for families in the summer, as it has a fabulous children's pool complete with slides and fountains, as well as a separate lap pool. If it's not too hot out, let the kids run wild at Belcher Bay Park's huge playground, and then picnic in the grassy lawn. Rainy days call for Fun Zone, The Westwood's famous indoor playspace.

GROCERIES:

K-Town is home to great mom + pop grocers, plus a brand new Fusion! Pavilion Gourmet has a nice selection of cheeses, sliced meats, and steaks, plus a well-stocked section of international groceries. The Fresh Grower flies in fresh veggies from NZ twice a week, and offers delivery! Also check out health food store Redwood, wine shop Mini Store, and Percy's.

RESTAURANTS:

A new restaurant seems to open up in Kennedy Town every week! Whether it's a thin-crust Margherita pizza at Piccolo, pancakes with ice cream at Jaspa's, or a straight-from-the-oven chocolate croissant at Boulangerie Bistronomique, K-Town has your family covered. With older kids, try fancy French at Bistro du Vin or Bistronomique.

NIGHTLIFE:

Ok, so you've done K-Town with kids, now go for date night! Sample Thai fusion dishes like Tom Yum Goong Nachos at Limestone Arms, open until 2am Fri + Sat! If you want laid back drinks, K-Town has many other hot spots open late and with above average food - check out Quay West, Harbour Restaurant, Old China Hand, Belgica, and Bulldog's Grill.

HISTORY:

The beauty of Kennedy Town lies in its harmony of old and new, local and expat. Look out for funky low-rises from the '60's, medicinal tea shops, Cha Chaan Teng, and more. For a little history, check out stunning Lo Pan Temple, or the WWII remains along Mount Davis Path. And for more history, Jason Wordie's 3-hour Kennedy Town walk is an absolute must.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Kennedy Town is the transportation hub of Hong Kong's Western District. With taxi stands, 20+ buses, plus the beloved tram in the area, you're sure to find a direct route from anywhere in Hong Kong. Plus, the MTR's new West Island line is due to open in 2014, which will whisk you from Central to Kennedy Town in only 10 minutes!

**Main Image Credit:  Painting by Peter Yuill, www.peteryuill.com.