Last updated on June 5th, 2026 at 11:32 pm
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With Central being known as Hong Kong’s financial district, you might think there’s not much around here.
WRONG!
Hanging around Central can easily take up a whole day.
In this blog post, I will outline what to do, eat, and see in this area.
Let’s get started!
Where to Shop in Central Hong Kong
Central is a top shopping area in Hong Kong. Here is a breakdown of all the places you can shop:
Shopping Malls
For dazzling malls, it’s got to be IFC (International Finance Centre) and The Landmark. These two malls have dozens of international brands you’ve heard of.
The Landmark is directly connected to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It’s also on Queen’s Road, the heart of Central. This mall is more intimate than IFC, with its clientele focused on affluent consumers. The Landmark is a curated mall, ideal for shoppers seeking a luxurious shopping experience.
(Be careful, though – I’ve gotten lost in The Landmark because four buildings make up the mall.)
The other mall in Central is IFC, the largest mall on Hong Kong Island. Although it is also an upscale mall, IFC has a different vibe compared to The Landmark. This mall, situated near the waterfront, caters to a broader range of budgets and offers a greater selection of stores to explore.
PMQ
PMQ (Police Married Quarters) was originally a dorm for married police officers. Now it’s a building housing local stores and dining spaces. With over 100 local designers under one roof, see the creativity hub and what these innovative designers and artists have to offer.
If you want to buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring home and support local designers, this is a place I highly recommend for picking some up.
Central Market
Walking by Central Market, you might not think much of it, assuming it’s a wet market that sells live seafood and other fresh produce.
Walk inside, and it’s a different story. Originally a wet market, it has now been transformed into a shopping center. Central Market has shopping booths, food stalls, and other quick-casual restaurants.
It’s a distinctive shopping center, and there aren’t many places like Central Market. Like PMQ, there are unique finds here that aren’t found everywhere else. It’s a shopping spot I tend to frequent when I’m in the area.
Queen’s Road Central
One of the best-known streets in Hong Kong, Queen’s Road Central, is the main road in Central. With a mix of dining, commercial, and retail spaces, Queen’s Road Central is one of those places that consistently attracts a steady flow of people.
Everything is here, from bank headquarters to international brand apparel stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Whether you need to shop or eat, this is the street for you.
Pottinger Street
Pottinger Street will make you feel like you’re in Europe with cobbled stone steps. The street is on a steep incline and will challenge you to exercise a little (more fun than walking on an incline on a treadmill, that’s for sure).
These stalls offer a diverse range of goods, including souvenirs, seasonal decorations, and other items. Though the truth is, you’re not likely to buy a lot here. It’s more about the experience and taking in your surroundings.
Soho
Soho is an area that comprises the following streets:
- Hollywood Road
- Staunton Street
- Elgin Street
- Shelley Street
This is a trendy area to explore with no destination in mind. There are boutiques, restaurants, bars, art galleries, shops, and bakeries all around.
You’ll stumble upon gems and feel the unique energy of the place. It will also feel very young, as most of the people you see in this hipster neighbourhood are young professionals, students, and expats.
Cat Street
Cat Street is a street renowned for its antiques. Both Hollywood Road and Cat Street offer antiques, but they provide distinct experiences. Cat Street is a small area in Central that has stalls and shops selling affordable antiques. It will resemble a flea market. Everything is more casual, and it’s common to see people rummaging through the stalls to find the perfect item. It can be a thrilling treasure-hunting experience.
On the other hand, Hollywood Road specializes in selling larger antique items, such as artwork and furniture. The prices are higher, and most are stores rather than stalls. The antique dealers here have carefully selected items for sale.
Hollywood Road is for those serious about adding to their antique collection, whereas Cat Street is for those looking to purchase fun knick-knacks.
Li Yuen Street East and West
There’s Jardine Bazaar in Causeway Bay, and then there’s Li Yuen Street in Central.
If you’ve been to Jardine’s Bazaar already, you will know what to expect here.
Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West are pedestrian-only street markets that sell a variety of affordable goods, including clothing, jewelry, and tech accessories.
What to Do in Central Hong Kong
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
By the Central Harbourfront, there’s a Ferris wheel you can take to see the Hong Kong skyline. This 15-minute ride offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Hong Kong from a bird’s-eye view. Tickets are also highly affordable, ranging from HKD 10 to HKD 20.
A tip: go on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel after the sun sets. The Hong Kong skyline is beautiful at any time, but the night view is truly exceptional.
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Many museums are located in Tsim Sha Tsui, but this museum is in Central.
It’s by the Central Pier and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.
Given its name, it’s no surprise that the location is by the harbourfront. The other museums in the city often overshadow the Maritime Museum, but it’s an underrated gem. Visit here to learn more about Hong Kong’s rich marine history, past and present.
Central Pier
Central Pier is a good starting point in Central, as it’s near multiple attractions, including the Maritime Museum, Observation Wheel, and IFC. It’s also the terminal for various routes, including Cheng Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Lantau Island.
Additionally, Central Pier hosts seasonal events in this area and serves as a meeting point for tours and tour buses.
Although a lot is going on at Central Pier, it’s still a nice area to relax in.
Mid-Levels Escalator
The Mid-Levels Escalator has always been an iconic tourist attraction, as the world’s longest outdoor escalator.
In Central, getting to Soho and Lan Kwai Fong requires walking up a hill. It’s a workout, but for those of us who are lazy (like me), you can take the escalator.
It’s a convenient way to tour Central as you can stop at different points to explore the area.
Also, has anyone seen the Chinese drama “The First Frost?” It is within the same universe of Hidden Love; both hit with viewers. The First Frost was partly filmed in Hong Kong, featuring scenes shot on the Mid-Levels Escalator.
Now that this spot is on a TV show, it’s more popular than ever.
Lan Kwai Fong
With bars, restaurants, and clubs, Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s party district. After the sun sets, this area truly comes alive. It’s a place where people go after work to grab a drink and socialize with coworkers and friends.
Lan Kwai Fong is truly worth being known as a renowned entertainment scene.
If you visit Hong Kong during seasonal events like Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Halloween, consider checking out the social events Lan Kwai Fong hosts. It’s a great way to meet people!
Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple is an intimate temple, best known for the incense coils hanging from the ceiling.
Although most tourists visit here for Instagram pictures, it is also a religious site (duh).
The red-themed temple, along with the dim lighting, provides a comfortable space to pay respect and offer prayers to the Gods.
Street Art
Street art surrounds Central. These beautiful and bold murals are plastered on the walls, making them a hit with tourists. They are so eye-catching that you can’t help but take pictures with them.
One of the most famous street art spots is on Shelley Street. The other one is the Bruce Lee mural. Global artists have left their mark in Hong Kong, and it’s pretty cool to see!
It reaffirms Hong Kong’s status as an international hub, attracting visitors from around the world.
Tai Kwun
Tai Kwun is a historical building that was previously a police station. It has now been transformed into an area with a strong appreciation for history and art. Tai Kwun hosts a range of events, including theatre performances, art exhibitions, historical exhibitions, and dining spaces.
Additionally, this heritage building boasts beautiful architecture and has a courtyard where people can lounge and soak up the atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Central Hong Kong
There are hundreds of food options. The most notable ones are the following:
Kau Kee
Kau Kee’s signature dish is their beef brisket noodle soup. It’s always swarming with people eager to get a taste of their famous food.
Not everyone is a fan, though, with Google reviews complaining about the overpriced dishes, cramped spaces, and disappointing customer service.
Despite all of this, Kau Kee doesn’t deter locals and tourists from being repeat customers. It’s still one of the beef brisket places in town.
Lin Heung Lau
With a history spanning over a hundred years, Lin Heung Lau is a staple dim sum spot in Central, popular among locals.
Eating there is like taking a step back in time, from the interior design to the way food is served.
Most dim sum restaurants now use a dim sum sheet to order, but Lin Heung Lau still uses the traditional way of pushing dim sum around in a cart. Many restaurants no longer do this, so it’s a sight to behold.
As if you need another reason to visit Lin Heung Lau, the dim sum here is also pretty affordable.
Luk Yu
Luk Yu is another dim sum restaurant that made it on the list. Though both restaurants serve dim sum and feel like a time capsule, there are differences.
Luk Yu is a luxury Cantonese restaurant, while Lin Heung Lau is more budget-friendly. The atmosphere at Luk Yu is also more elegant and formal, with an air of quiet sophistication. Their interior design reflects their vibe, featuring dark wooden chairs and tables.
Many of Hong Kong’s elites are regular customers to the point that they have a floor designed for their clientele.
Tai Cheong Bakery
Tai Cheong is best known for their Hong Kong egg tarts. Although newer bakeries like Bakehouse and Hashtag B have joined the battle for the best egg tarts, they offer a modern twist.
Tai Cheong remains the top for traditional Hong Kong egg tarts. This bakery makes both cookie-crust and puff-pastry egg tarts. They go neck in neck. For me, the winner will always be a puff pastry egg tart. The cookie crust egg tart is still an excellent choice, though!
Lan Fong Yuen
When you see photos of Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng, it’s most likely going to be of Lan Fong Yuen. Tourists flock to this restaurant hotspot. You’ll always see this restaurant as a must-eat place on social media.
Their signature dish is their milk tea, for which they are widely known. This drink has become a Hong Kong culinary staple and a significant factor in the restaurant’s enduring popularity today.
It’s a great spot to grab a quick breakfast (don’t forget their pork chop bun) before starting your day.
Vission Bakery
Vission Bakery has taken off on social media with their famous Matcha Mochi Danish. Although the company only started in 2023, it has since then become viral. Their fresh pastries attract locals and tourists from all over the world. There is always a queue at this intimate artisanal bakery.
Next to Vission Bakery is Vission Nine, a shop that serves cakes and pies. What’s neat is that all customers can see the cakes available through the window. They sell cakes by slice, and the most significant decision you have is to choose which slice of cake you want to devour.
Even though you might think you only want a slice of red velvet cake, you’ll be tempted by the other options.
It’s too bad Vission Bakery overshadows Vission Nine. This cake place should be more well-known!
Final Thoughts – Central Hong Kong
As you can see, Central is so much more than just the financial district. With its unique experiences, delicious food, and fun activities, it is a must-visit destination in Hong Kong, especially for first-time visitors.
Now to You – Central Hong Kong
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Xoxo,
Nicole
