Your local neighborhood guide to Central – where to eat, drink and hang out
From towering skyscrapers to hidden gems, there's always a surprise waiting to be discovered in Central.
A few minutes every morning is all you need.
Stay up to date on the world's Headlines and Human Stories. It's fun, it's factual, it's fluff-free.
Central in Hong Kong is a treasure trove of places to explore – from towering skyscrapers to tucked-away gems, there's always a surprise waiting to be discovered in this neighborhood. We've rounded up some of the best things to do in the area, like visiting the revamped Tai Kwun Police Station and trying the delicious milk teas of Lan Fong Yuen. So, if you're craving early-morning coffee, an evening of fine dining, some retail therapy or just looking for the perfect spot for happy hour or brunch – Central has something to fit the bill.
Tai Kwun Centre
Tai Kwun used to be all about law and order, but now it's rocking a whole new vibe. This site, which used to be home to the old Police Headquarters Block built in 1919, is now a mix of revamped heritage and contemporary architecture. There are 16 heritage buildings here that have been restored with a close eye on preserving authenticity, and now they're home to a variety of bars, restaurants, shops and cultural and educational programs. Take a walk down memory lane with snapshots of Old Tai Kwun and get a peek into its old jail cells. Be sure to stop by its Heritage Storytelling Spaces to learn more about the area's history. Once you work up an appetite, you've got venues like Aaharn, The Chinese Library and Madame Fú to grab a bite. There's a plethora of art galleries to visit, too, with artists-in-residence accommodations in some of the restored buildings.
Quick Facts
- Where – 10 Hollywood Road, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Phone – +852 3559 2600
- Website
Pottinger Street
Running down from Hollywood Road to Queen’s Road Central are the iconic granite steps of Central. They've been around since the 19th century, and the area is also known as “Stone Slab Street” by its Chinese name. The English name comes from Hong Kong’s first governor, Sir Henry Pottinger. Nowadays, shops along the steps are bursting with vibrant outfits and costumes, making it a particularly popular place for some Halloween shopping. But you can really pick up just about any type of outfit in this area, and it's great for photo ops, too.
Quick Facts
- Where – Pottinger Street, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Lan Kwai Fong
Looking for a good time? Lan Kwai Fong is where it's at in Hong Kong. The vibrant streets and neon lights set the perfect background for Hong Kong's buzzing nightlife scene. With a bunch of restaurants, bars and clubs to hop between, it's known for being the city's ultimate playground after dark. It's also often home to events like art exhibitions and music festivals. But whether you're in the mood for an epic night out or just a chill free-flow brunch over the weekend, Lan Kwai Fong is worth a visit.
Quick Facts
- Where – Lan Kwai Fong, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 a.m.
- Website
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is an awesome hidden gem in the Tai Kwun cultural hub. Here, you'll find yourself in a magical garden setting surrounded by glowing dragonflies. This cocktail bar's whole aesthetic, crafted by Ashley Sutton, pays homage to the Art Nouveau movement and artist Louis Comfort Tiffany with its stained glass and lamps patterned like dragonfly wings. Right behind the bar is a giant human dragonfly with open wings made of intricate stained glass. But aside from the aesthetic, you can grab a top-notch drink here, too. Try the For Whom The Bell Tolls, with red pepper, tomato and black pepper tequila, or the Utopia, featuring Sichuan Baijiu, coconut rum, tequila and sesame oil. They've got some small bites and desserts, too, if you're feeling peckish.
Quick Facts
- Where – Shop 10 - G1, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
- When – Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday to Saturday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
- Phone – +852 9359 0999
- Website
The Old Man
Are you a bookworm or just up for a unique night out? Check out The Old Man, the first Ernest Hemingway-themed bar in Hong Kong. The bar is all about Hemingway-inspired everything. Some drink standouts include Men Without Women, Cat in the Rain, Soldier's Home or the True at First Light, named in honor of the writer, who was known to be a sophisticated cocktail enthusiast himself. This bar was named No. 1 Best Bar in Asia in 2019 and No. 2 in 2020, as well as making it to the World’s 50 Best Bars No. 9 spot in 2019.
Quick Facts
- Where – 37 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central.
- When – Sunday to Wednesday, 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
- Phone – +852 2703 1899
- Website
Filter’s Lane
Need a caffeine fix? Head to Filter's Lane, one of Hong Kong's top roasteries. They take their beans seriously, roasting and brewing the best of the best coffee beans directly sourced from their origins. For a pick-me-up, go for the Espresso Macchiato, Americano or Piccolo. And if tea's your thing, they've got breakfast tea, chamomile, Earl Grey and peppermint available. Plus, for chilly winter days, don't miss their homemade apple ginger tea. If you bring your appetite, you can get anything from a wrap to a salad to a full breakfast – meaty or vegetarian.
Quick Facts
- Where – 34 Graham Street, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 2517 1868
- Menu
- Website
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle is big on quality coffee and being eco-friendly. Each cup is made with extra care to enjoy in their minimalist yet artfully designed space. Classics include the Mocha and Macchiato, plus there are some special treats like hot chocolate and affogato. Feeling hungry? They've got you covered with brunch plates, avocado toast and spinach frittata.
Quick Facts
- Where – G/F & 1/F, 38 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 6376 9223
- Website
Lan Fong Yuen
Lan Fong Yuen has been a city favorite since 1952 for its authentic milk tea. Their famous "silk stocking" milk tea – a mix of black tea and condensed milk – is a classic made expertly using a secret recipe. Beyond milk tea, their menu is also filled with classic cha chaan teng dishes like their iconic French toast, loaded with condensed milk goodness. If you come after breakfast, you can't miss their comforting chicken noodles and pork chop buns.
Quick Facts
- Where – 2 Gage Street, Central
- When – Monday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
- Price – $
- Phone – +852 2544 3895
- Menu
- Website
Uma Nota
Uma Nota on Peel Street is a real flavor bomb in Central. Here, Brazil meets Japan, inspiring dishes you won't find anywhere else. Don't miss their signature Coxinhas de Frango – these Brazilian dumplings are filled with chicken and okra and served with a spicy homemade chili sauce. And be sure to try something from their “The Spirit of Brazil” drinks menu, like the Classica or the Maracuja.
Quick Facts
- Where – 38 Peel Street, Central
- When – Monday to Thursday, noon - 3 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m.; Friday, noon - 3 p.m.; Saturday, noon - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. - midnight; Sunday, noon - 4 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m.
- Price - $$$
- Phone – +852 5185 8935.
- Menu
- Website
Mott 32
If you're in Central, you can't skip Mott 32, a legend in the world of Chinese food. It's one of the most awarded Chinese restaurant brands in the world, serving up dishes from regions like Canton, Shanghai and Beijing. They're most famous for their 42-day Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck, which is seriously juicy and crispy in all the right ways. But hold onto your chopsticks, they've got more to offer, like barbecue pork with yellow mountain honey and Shanghai soup dumplings.
Comments ()