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For Filipino travellers who have already ticked off Hong Kong’s most familiar sights, the next trip could be less about checking landmarks off a list and more about discovering the neighborhoods that give the city its character.
One place to start is the Old Town Central neighbourhood that brings together historic streets, old-school shops, award-winning restaurants that sit just along the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, the iconic Central Mid-levels Escalator. Here’s how to spend a day discovering a more local side of Central:
- Old Town Signatures
These are local institutions that showcase Central Hong Kong’s traditions, flavors, and everyday experiences that have built the neighborhood for years. From the cuisines that are served at the dai pai dongs (open-air street food stalls) of Upper Lascar Row to traditional wet markets and historic temples, Old Town Signatures offer experiences that are unmistakable Hong Kong.
- Old Town Legacy
Walk through Central’s layered history and influences that have kept the district standing for generations. Explore through the distinctive granite steps of Pottinger Street, the revitalised former police station and prison complex at Tai Kwun, the historic Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, traditional tong lau architecture.
- Neighbourhood Taste
Michelin-starred restaurants, acclaimed bars and beloved local institutions together side by side. Immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s famous flavors such as traditional teas, dim sum, neighborhood bakeries, and cocktail bars even after dark.
- Art & Soul
Roam around the artistic side of Central, where contemporary art and design exist alongside traditional craftsmanship and historic streetscapes in every corner. From galleries and colorful murals along Hollywood road, cutting-edge creativity and design at PMQ, antiques along Upper Lascar Row, and the character-filled streets in Wing Lee Street and Tai Ping Shan Street, this creative side of Hong Kong is worth the visit.
To get even closer to the heartbeat of the community, allow this new interactive AR web app to guide you throughout your journey along Central which not only offers dynamic, motion-activated content at key locations along each themed experience but also allows visitors to listen to immersive audio experiences, where local business owners or staff at local institutions share personal stories about Central’s evolving character. Featured local voices include:
- Bonny Yuen (Founder of Yuen’s Tailor): a family-run tailoring shop boasting over 55 years of history and craftsmanship.
- Gavin Yeung (Co-founder of Kinsman): a Central cocktail bar known for its innovative drinks inspired by Cantonese and Chinese spirits.
- Ben Tsui (Fourth-generation owner of Kung Lee Herbal Tea Shop): a time-honoured herbal tea shop famous for its fresh sugar cane juice and traditional herbal jelly.
- Cecilia Chan (Co-founder of Glocal Mahjong): one of the few places in Hong Kong where visitors can pick up a unique mahjong-themed souvenir.
Take Central Memories Home with Limited-Time Keepsakes and Cocktails
Old Town Map are available to help visitors navigate the neighbourhood’s hidden gems. Old Town Exclusive Cocktails will be also served at selected bars for a limited time.
Get a chance to redeem one of five limited-edition Street Sign Pins at Central Market, Tai Kwun, PMQ or other participating merchants when you spend HKD200 or more in a single same-day transaction at participating merchants.
To add to the celebration, 14 neighbourhood bars will serve Old Town Exclusive Cocktails inspired by the Central’s character for a limited period. This includes 50 Best-listed bars such as COA, Montana, The Opposites, The Savory Project and Tell Camellia.
Visit Hong Kong Tourism Board’s page to start planning your Old Town Central journey!
