Central district is the financial hub of Hong Kong, filled with impressive skyscrapers, luxury shopping, endless restaurant options, cultural heritage and a vibrant nightlife. The constant hustle and bustle make it a popular area for tourists, locals, business travellers and expats alike. This guide highlights the best culinary, entertainment and cultural options, along with a multitude of things to do to make of your time in Central.
Hong Kong's Financial Hub
Central is the thriving heart of Hong Kong’s Central Business District (CBD), encompassing Central, Wan Chai and Admiralty. Many multi-national companies have established their regional headquarters in the district or in its proximity, including the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank and Bank of China. Housing many newly completed or renovated Grade A buildings, businesses based in Central enjoy a boost in their corporate image, convenient access to services and resources and plenty of professional networking opportunities.
Unlimited Access
As the name suggests, Central district is essentially the centre of Hong Kong. The district is home to some of Hong Kong’s most popular landmarks and attractions and with numerous transportation options connecting to the Kowloon Peninsula and outlying islands, it is a great base to explore the whole city.
MTR
Central MTR will take you to either side of Hong Kong Island on the Island Line or across the harbour to Kowloon on the Tsuen Wan Line.
As an added convenience, the station is connected to Hong Kong MTR station via a quick 8-minute walk underground. At Hong Kong station, you can take the Tung Chung line across Kowloon to Lantau Island or the Airport Express directly to the airport and Asia World-Expo.
Central Ferry Piers
There are 10 ferry piers in Central and most routes take you to Hong Kong’s outlying islands. You can also hop on the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui and experience scenic way to cross the harbour.
Taxi
Finding a taxi in Central is an easy task, no matter the time of day. The streets are filled with the iconic red Toyotas and there are plenty of taxi stands. A ride from Central to the Airport costs about $370 HKD.
World-Class Dining
There is certainly no shortage of restaurants in Central. From world renowned Michelin starred restaurants to local Cantonese food stalls: there is something for everyone and every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a business lunch to impress a client or to grab a quick bite, here are our top picks.
Business Lunch
Linguini Fini. 49 Elgin Street, Central.
Venture into Soho to find this spacious and trendy restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes. The pasta is homemade, and the ingredients are farm-grown, leading to great quality dishes that are sure to satisfy any lunch partner.
Mandarin Oriental’s Clipper Lounge. 5 Connaught Road, Central.
The Clipper lounge has a solid reputation among Hong Kong’s elite. The refined and classy environment promises the perfect setting for a business lunch. Do try their signature afternoon tea set if time permits.
Grab & Go
MANA! Fast Slow Food. 92 Wellington Street, Central
Famous amongst those who are health-conscious, MANA! offers delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Order at their designated take-out counter for added efficiency.
The Sultan’s Corner. UG/F 30 Hollywood Road, Central
The kebabs here are freshly and quickly baked to order and follow an authentic Turkish recipe. As an added bonus, they come conveniently packaged in a box.
Local Treasures
Lan Fong Yuen. 2 Gage Street, Central.
Open since 1953, this local restaurant or cha chaan teng prepares their signature milk tea using silk stockings as a filter. The one-of-a-kind taste cannot be missed and is a favourite amongst locals.
Kau Kee Restaurant. 21 Gough Street, Central
Kau Kee is renowned for its beef brisket and curry noodles. The restaurant has been operating for over 90 years and not a day has passed without people queuing up outside for its delicacies.
Entertainment & Networking
Central is home to the famous nightlife district of Hong Kong. Lan Kwai Fong, or simply LKF, is a vibrant area up the slope lined with bars, restaurants and nightclubs of all sorts. It is lively every day of the week, but watch the area truly come alive on Friday and Saturday nights when locals come flocking to have a fun night out and crowds of visitors from all over the world drop by to experience the infamous Hong Kong nightlife.
Lan Kwai Fong is a great place to network and meet with like-minded people, as many expats, local professionals and business travellers frequent the area. Here are some of the best spots to mingle.
F.A.B (French American Bistro). G/F, 30 Hollywood Road, Central
This bistro is both American and French and attracts an equally diverse crowd.
Mokum. 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central
A spacious Dutch bar featuring artwork. Football fans come here to enjoy football screenings accompanied by Dutch snacks and beer.
Le Boudoir. 65 Wyndham Street, Central
This classy and sultry French-themed bar with Asian accents entices a glamorous crowd.
Stockton. 32 Wyndham Street, Central
A lusciously decorated whiskey bar, Stockton oozes charm, attracting the young, old and refined crowds in Hong Kong.
Sightseeing & Culture
Some of Hong Kong’s must-visit attractions are located in Central. From unique experiences to cultural sights, you will never find yourself wondering what to do in the area.
Central-Mid-Levels Escalator
The series of escalators make up the longest outdoor-covered escalator and walkway system in the world. It connects Mid-Levels to Central, passing through the exciting Soho district. Soho stands for south of Hollywood Road and the area offers a myriad of cuisines, from local and international to fusion and wonderful boutiques for a day of shopping.
Man Mo Temple
Once you arrive in Soho by escalator, be sure to visit the peaceful and fragrant Man Mo temple. With a ceiling covered in large, beautiful incense holders complementing the exquisite traditional Chinese architecture, this temple has officially been declared a monument of Hong Kong.
The Peak Tram
With more than 125 years of operation, the peak tram offers a timeless perspective on Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour as it takes you from Central to Victoria Peak. Make sure to visit The Sky Terrace 428 once you reach the peak. At 428 meters above sea level, it offers stunning views of the skyline.
Shopping
The shopping possibilities are endless in Central: here you can find anything from luxury shopping malls stocking designer goods to local street vendors willing to haggle.
Local Treasures
Hollywood Road and Cat Street are lined with stores that sell authentic antiques, jade, wooden furniture, Chinese medicine, dried fish and other local memorabilia. Some of the offerings change by season, making this a great place to shop for lucky charms, Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns and Chinese New Year decorations.
Nifty Markets
Pottinger Street runs along a slope and features endless little market stands. Recognisable by its uneven stone steps, it has earned the nickname of ‘stone slabs street’ among locals. Here you can buy anything ranging from Halloween costumes, festive decorations, fake flowers, phone cases and accessories. Try your luck at closing a good deal as you stroll along multiple sellers with the same offerings.
Luxury Shopping
Head over to Queen’s Road or Des Voeux Road to find every imaginable luxury designer store featuring beautiful and impressive facades. Or traverse around Wellington Street and Staunton Street to find unique items from standalone boutiques.
Hotels & Serviced Apartments
Central has accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to serviced apartments. Since this is a highly sought-after location, the price point for accommodation in this neighbourhood is typically higher than in other areas of Hong Kong, but choices are plentiful and of high quality.
Boutique Hotel
Ovolo Central. 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central
This quirky hotel features modern and spacious rooms with a free minibar and refillable loot bag.
Madera Hollywood. 53 Hollywood Road, Central
The façade of the hotel is decorated with colourful portraits of Old Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin: a great indicator of the chic vibe and interior design of this hotel.
Luxury Hotel
Mandarin Oriental. 5 Connaught Road, Central
Affluent luxury situated right in downtown Hong Kong.
Four Seasons. 8 Finance Street, Central
Featuring beautiful harbour view rooms and a convenient location next to IFC mall.
Serviced Apartments
Shama Central. 26 Peel Street, Central
Shama offers spacious bedrooms, a welcome asset in the middle of the city.
The Staunton Suites. 22 Staunton Street, Central
Their convenient location allows you to indulge in Soho’s rich cultural heritage - every day.
As you can see, the possibilities for both business and pleasure are endless in Central. No matter the length of your stay, you will always find yourself with endless options for dining, shopping and things to do in the thriving heart of Hong Kong.
Central is also an ideal location to set up a business due to the area’s optimal location, networking opportunities and accessibility. Compass Offices has 7 business centres in the area catering to global businesses expanding into Asia or entrepreneurs and growing businesses looking to grow in Hong Kong’s most sought-after district. View our business centres in Central or contact us to enquire about our latest offers.