Venues in Yau Ma Tei

Getting there

Yau Ma Tei station is on the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong lines, with exits along Nathan Road. Mong Kok is a few minutes' walk north and Jordan is just south. The West Kowloon side can be reached from Austin or Kowloon station, but it is a bit of a walk.

Buses and minibuses run along Nathan Road. Streets are narrow and parking is scarce, so driving is not recommended.

What venues are like here

Yau Ma Tei is one of the oldest parts of Kowloon, made up mostly of older mixed-use buildings and small to mid-sized commercial blocks. Venues are small to mid-sized: studios, compact photo studios, rehearsal rooms, mahjong rooms and board game rooms, with a few party rooms. Many keep the high ceilings and old window frames of their buildings, which photograph well.

Lifts in older buildings are small and many have no management office. Because venues share buildings with residents, rules on noise and hours are stricter at night, so read the house rules before booking.

What it's good for

• Small gatherings: easy to reach, with Temple Street nearby for food afterwards.
• Shoots: old streets and building interiors suit portraits and vintage styles.
• Rehearsals and classes: with cinemas and performance venues nearby, it suits drama and music rehearsals and small classes.

Practical tips

• Agree on an exit: Yau Ma Tei station has many exits, so name one when meeting.
• Food is easy: plenty of restaurants and markets, and the Temple Street area is busy at night.
• Plan for small lifts: some buildings have tiny lifts or only stairs; allow time for equipment.
• Respect the residents: keep it down at night and avoid chatting in the corridor when you leave.
• Check last trains: with two MTR lines it is easy to get home late, but check the last train times.