The beating heart of Hong Kong, with its sprawling network of roadways and streets, encompassing some of the densest neighbourhoods globally: welcome to Central. For decades now, it has stood as one of the most recognisable landmarks of Asian economic prowess, with its gleaming skyscrapers and fast-paced lifestyles. To this day, that reputation continues to ring true, as indicated by the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike filling its sidewalks. That’s no surprise when you consider how almost everything Hong Kong has to offer can be found right here, from dining hotspots to retail enclaves, if you know where to look. Read through our guide to Central Hong Kong to learn what you should put down on your trip itinerary next.
Being the economic centre of the city, Central is undoubtedly pricy. This neighbourhood really lives up to its reputation. And yet, it is home to offices, restaurants, bars, galleries, entertainment venues, and more. It’s where the city comes alive and where one can experience Hong Kong at its finest.
Think Michelin-starred restaurants alongside old-school dai pai dongs, majestic historical buildings next to stunning skyscrapers and high-end brands and small boutiques, vintage stores lined across streets. It’s a wonderful contrast that you can’t find anywhere else. So, the next time you find yourself in Central, make the most of your time. Our Central Hong Kong neighbourhood guide lists out all the unmissable eateries and bars as well as shops, places to visit, and things to do.
Bookmark this Central Hong Kong guide next time you’re in the hood. You’ll need it, we promise.
Your ultimate guide to exploring Central Hong Kong
Where to eat?
If you always find yourself dining out in Central, that’s not a surprise. The top restaurants in the city are here, which makes it quite difficult to condense a guide of the eateries in Central Hong Kong. We guarantee that wherever you choose to dine, you’ll always be in for a good time. Below are simply some of our recommendations but in no way exhaustive of Central’s many eateries.
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When it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants, your best bet is Central. At Ando, chef Agustin Ferrando Balbi stays true to his Argentinian roots and fuses them with Japanese influences from his time in the country. The result is an interesting mix of flavours from two ends of the world. To sample food that not only has two Michelin stars but also a Green star, head over to Amber. Savour the flavours of French cuisine in an elevated fine-dining setting.
And on the note of marrying two culinary traditions and flavours with each other, we also love Noi. This is where chef Paulo Airaudo mixes Italian cuisine with Asian flavours. There’s also nothing like chef Ricardo Chaneton’s take on Latin American cuisine using French techniques at Mono. For a truly rare experience, we also recommend Ichu, which specialises in Nikkei cuisine, essentially, a blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
Moving on to Japanese delights, you can’t go wrong with Censu. Sample chef Sato’s interpretation of his childhood roots merged with the Wabi-sabi principles. Experience the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine with a kaiseki meal but with a contemporary spin at Wagyu Kappo Oda. Relish the premium A4-grade Odagyu beef from Kagoshima Prefecture and catch chef Tomiya Yu in action. For something more casual, head over to Yurakucho, inspired by the eponymous district and under-the-train-tracks eateries in Tokyo. Come for a meal and a drink or two at this bustling izakaya.
One can’t talk about dining in Central without listing out-of-this-world locations. For instance, the Magistracy Dining Room is located in one of Hong Kong’s oldest court buildings. It serves British and European fare and even has a lavish garden space. Then there’s Jimmy’s Kitchen which reopened in Pedder Building with a new look. The restaurant has served multiple generations with comforting dishes and they’re back to delight more tastebuds.
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We do love a few places offering modern Chinese cuisine. There’s Ho Lee Fook for amazing wok-fries and dim sum housed in a cha chaan teng-inspired restaurant reminiscent of the 1960s late-night hangouts in Chinatown. For something more lavish, there’s Duddell’s with its traditional Cantonese fare in a luxury setting. We also swear by Grand Majestic Sichuan for its tongue-rolling dishes. Otherwise, Lung King Heen is always a favourite too.
Those with a penchant for more traditional flavours also have plenty of choices. Just head over to the numerous dai pai dong eateries across Central. We love Sing Kee for breakfast—their sunny-side-up egg is all the rage for good reasons. Just prepare to dine elbow-to-elbow but that’s part of the experience. If you have the patience to join the queue at Sing Heung Yuen, the wait is worth it. There’s also Lan Fong Yuen which has been operating since 1952. If that’s not enough, why not take a trip down memory lane? Reflect back on the good times at Luk Yu Tea House or Tai Ping Koon for much-needed nostalgia.
Other must-visit restaurants include Barkada for their contemporary take on Filipino cuisine. They also have a fun karaoke brunch on the weekends that you’ll enjoy. We also love the flavourful dishes at the Michelin-starred New Punjab Club. The tandoor grill house boasts Northern Indian cuisine that will take your tastebuds on quite a gastronomic journey. We also love the intimate and cosy Bedu. This Middle Eastern restaurant and bar serves up the best cuisine of the region with chef Ali Ahmadpour channelling flavours from his Persian heritage. For Korean cuisine, we swear by Michelin-starred Hansik Goo for its home-cooked fare. Testina is also a must for authentic yet modern Italian dishes.
Where to drink?
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Down for drinks? There’s absolutely no better place to be than Central, Hong Kong. It’s home to Lan Kai Fong, the iconic drinking spot in the city. This is also where you’ll find numerous bars—rows and rows of them across streets and alleys. Another favourite of ours is Soho, specifically, Peel Street for its al fresco drinking option. Then, there’s Shady Acres, The Last Resort, and Uma Nota.
For some downtime drinking, Four Season’s Argo is a must. It even ranks on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. You also can’t go wrong with Mandarin Oriental’s The Aubrey, complete with stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. The al fresco terrace at Cardinal Point is absolutely stunning complete with incredible views and drinks. We also love the Cantonese bar concept at Kinsman, that looks like it’s straight out of the set of In the Mood for Love. Cantonese spirits take centre stage at the bar.
Also, taste the creations of award-winning mixologists such as Jay Khan at The Savoury Project or Lorenzo Antinori’s Bar Leone. Of course, Asia’s 50 Best Bar winner COA is simply a must. After all, who doesn’t love good music with their drinks? Put jazz bar Ella on your list for some live performances and classic drinks. Maggie Choo’s always has something in store for everyone—drinks and performances included as well as Quality Goods Club. We also love the good vibes at The Pontiac.
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When it comes to speakeasy-style bars, Hong Kong has plenty to offer too. There’s 001 which relocated to Tai Kwun after a decade. Artifact Bar is a must too as well as Lockdown. These creative bars make drinking a lot more fun. Other drinking dens to visit include The Green Door which is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland (no surprises there as that’s where they drew inspiration from). We also love Please Don’t Tell, cheekily hidden behind a phone booth while Foxglove is behind an umbrella shop.
Where to shop?
Prepare to spend a hefty amount when you’re in Central, Hong Kong. In the downtown area, there’s no shortage of places for high-end shopping. Make your way to ifc and get lost for hours just going through the different stores. There’s also Landmark, which is made up of four buildings connected via walkways. All four—Landmark Atrium, Landmark Alexandra, Landmark Chater, and Landmark Prince’s—are home to luxury fashion brands.
Shoppers on a budget can opt for more creative options. PMQ is home to cute boutiques selling everything from eyewear to accessories and most of them are run by local or independent brands. The building itself is iconic as it used to be the former Police Married Quarters. Central Market, a former wet market, is now a cultural hub with stalls offering products from local designers. Both places also occasionally have pop-up events and performances so watch out for that.
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Other shops to visit include Stone Cold Records for vinyl, Bookazine for books and other home products, and Imageplayground for film cameras. Over at Hollywood Road, you can find galleries and antique shops, specifically Goods of Desire. They have really funky and creative products that champion Hong Kong. Later, drop by World Wide House to shop for Filipino snacks and treats.
Things to do and places to visit in Central, Hong Kong
Where’s the best vantage point to admire Hong Kong’s skyline, especially at night? It’s at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. While not for those with a fear of heights, the view at the top is absolutely incredible. Otherwise, taking the Peak Tram is another option. You’ll also get majestic views of the city. The tram takes you all the way to The Peak, which also has its own commanding views of Hong Kong. A stroll along the Central promenade is also an option, because who can say no to the famous Victoria Harbour? The view at the top of ifc is also not bad.
It’s not so much a “must” but taking the Mid-Levels escalator is essential when trekking Central’s uphill slope. Plus, it’s the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world so that’s quite something to try, right? Or you can take a nice stroll along Hollywood Road and browse through the shops selling antique, retro, and vintage items. If you’re looking to cross from Central in Hong Kong Island to the Kowloon side, forget about taking the MTR. Instead, take the Star Ferry which will bring you to Tsim Sha Tsui. It’s one of the most iconic symbols of Hong Kong and you’ll get to enjoy a nice view of the city. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes.
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Take a break from all sightseeing and head over to Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens for all the flora and fauna instead. There are even some historical sites in the park too. Central in Hong Kong also has plenty of galleries to visit such as Villepin, all the ones at H Queens and Pedder Building, Galerie du Monde, Karin Weber Gallery, and Perrotin. Make your way to Tai Kwun for more art, cultural, and historical displays and exhibitions. It’s also a place bursting with history being the former Central Police Station.
Which of these places from our Central Hong Kong guide will you be visiting next?
All images credit: johnlsl/Flickr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How can I go to Central Hong Kong?
Take the MTR to Central Station or the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to reach Central. There are also plenty of buses that go to Central.
-What are the preferred things to do in Central Hong Kong?
The best things to do in Central include eating, taking a stroll along the promenade, gallery-hopping, and shopping.
-Which is the best cafe in Central Hong Kong?
Ralph’s Coffee, On the Hill, and Solebrew are among the best cafes in Central.
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. This Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is a certified foodie and cinephile. When she’s not writing, you can find her chilling at cafes, watching movies, or travelling solo.
