Kennedy Town
Jul 2023 | Last Updated
Kennedy Town is located on the furthest northwestern part of Hong Kong island. It was named after Arthur Edward Kennedy, a governor of Hong Kong in 1886 when land was reclaimed along the coast of Kennedy Town.
Not long ago, Kennedy Town still had that truly local vibe with plenty of hole-in-the-wall eateries and mom-and-pop shops. Then the neighbourhood got an MTR station, and things changed quickly. Now, this area in the Western District has slick residential buildings, a line-up of restaurants, cool cafés serving artisanal blend coffees, and even a few hidden bars shaking up quality cocktails. Then there's the waterfront, a stretch of prime land that's been revamped to become an attraction in and of itself.
Where is it?
Located at the very end of the MTR Island Line, Kennedy Town is situated west of Central and predominantly residential - close enough to the heart of Hong Kong and all the city offers but with a more relaxed vibe.
Why live here?
Kennedy Town was once an average residential area. Since the opening of the railway station, it has become home to a growing number of laidback cafés and trendy boutique stores. From late-night dim sum, to modern Middle Eastern fare and tacos with The Final Table’s stamp of approval, Kennedy Town is a melting pot of international influences and local flavours.
Discover Kennedy Town serviced apartment living here.
Neighbourhood Info
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With the extension of the underground system making this western most part of the island easily accessible, developers have invested heavily in Kennedy Town. Recent developments in the area include The Merton, Cadogan and Lexington Hill. The Belchers development is another good example of a modern high rise development with extensive club house facilities as well as a large Wellcome supermarket on site.
A wide choice of serviced apartments are also now available in the area, some with ocean-front harbour views such as Manhattan Heights, a mixed unfurnished, furnished and serviced residence. As Kennedy Town becomes more culturally diverse and easily accessible, shops and restaurants catering to all nationalities and tastes are now in good supply.
Kennedy Town straddles the hustle and bustle of city living and the tranquility of the Pokfulam area with stunning sunsets over the Lamma Channel, and is only a short distance from an extensive country park area with lovely walks up to the Peak and the excellent shopping/entertainment area at Cyberport.
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A wide selection of western and local eateries abound, particularly around Catchick Street. A recent plethora of boutique shops, restaurants, and apartments has attracted professionals and young families wanting a bit more surrounding space or buying opportunities. Kennedy Town Public Swimming Pool is an ultra-modern and hugely popular indoor-outdoor recreational bonus on the harbour-front.
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Kennedy Town benefits from its own MTR station, with Central roughly 10 minutes ride by train. Multiple bus routes will get you to Admiralty in about 15 minutes. There is also a tram line that takes you straight to Central in just over 20 minutes.
There is an extensive bus & minibus network from Kennedy Town. With its close proximity to the Western Tunnel, there are many buses to various areas of Kowloon as well as buses to North Point and Happy Valley. The A10 bus goes to the airport. Kennedy Town is the last stop at the Western end of the island line and there are several entrances to the MTR scattered around the area.
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Blessed with seaside views, New Praya Kennedy Town gives you a panorama of the harbour. The seaside promenade is now revamped with wooden benches and paved floors, welcoming furry friends and joggers. Come early evening, you can enjoy the golden sunset while listening to the sound of splashing waves.
On the way to Cyberport, a narrow and winding staircase down the hillside rocks leads you to a wooden swimming shed. Although it still retains its original function, the swimming shed is more of a photo-taking spot now. Attracting locals and tourists alike, the shed is crowded on weekends so pick your days wisely. Do note that the facility can only carry one to two people at a time, so be careful when you’re trying to get a shot.
It may seem like a normal public housing estate, but Kwun Lung Lau’s history is more than its humble exterior. Built in 1967, it is one of the earliest public housing estates established to alleviate the housing crisis. In 1994, a devastating landslide caused casualties and led the government to a major review of slope safety in Hong Kong. Today, you will find the revitalised residence with a vibrant look thanks to its mural paintings.
With Pok Fu Lam sitting right behind, Kennedy Town is also close to Mount High West. From MTR Kennedy Town Station, walk up Pokfield Road and pass by the staircase next to Sinopec Gas Station. Although the path is surrounded by lush greenery, you can still find clear road signs for Pinewood Battery. Trek along the paved paths and stairs and you’ll be taken to the viewpoint in just an hour, where you can enjoy views of Cyberport, Lamma Island, Pok Fu Lam, Lantau Island and Victoria Harbour.
Key Characteristics
Proximity to Hong Kong Central Business District
Stunning sunsets at Lamma Channel can be viewed
Plenty of wet markets
The western end of iconic Hong Kong tram