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Traveloka PH

06 Sep 2018 - 6 min read

Guide to Hong Kong's Cool & Hip Neighborhoods

1. Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay HK

Causeway Bay is the place-to-be when it comes to shopping. Whether you prefer shopping for luxury brands at the west end or want to go bargain hunting at Jardine’s Crescent street market, there’s a purchase for everyone! If you get hungry though, you can head over to Houston Street (more popularly known as Food street) for a variety of al fresco dining options. You can take your pick from Chinese dimsum or Italian dishes! Other must-visits in the area include Victoria Park, the Hong Kong Central Library, and the Tin Hau Temple which offers respite from Causeway’s crowds. It is one of more than 100 temples dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

2. Wan Chai

Wan Chai Hong Kong

More popularly known as the “Party District”, Wan Chai has a variety of things to do - whether it be walking down historical or cultural trails to or partying at Lockhart Road, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Visitors can start off by walking down the Wan Chai Heritage Trail that’s divided into two parts - the cultural and architectural. It’ll take you down tourist spots like the Blue House, the Pak Tai Temple, Nam Koo Terrace and more. It takes two hours to complete but is worth it if you want to get to know the area’s history better. You can also enjoy a picnic at Tamar Park, check out Hong Kong’s Sydney Opera House counterpart - the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, enjoy dimsum at Fok Lam Moon and last but not the least, visit the Tai Yuen Street Market for throwback toys from the 1980s.

3. Central

Central Hong Kong

Formerly known as Choong Wan, this cosmopolitan neighborhood changed its name to Central in the early ‘80s. Nowadays, it is the business and finance hub of Hong Kong, with several shopping malls, Michelin-starred restaurants and fancy hotels. Locals and tourists alike flock to the area for a good time - especially to Lan Kwai Fong for a night of drinking, be it cheap beers or premium cocktails. Another way to enjoy Central at night is by riding the Peak Tram up to The Sky Terrace 428 for a breathtaking panoramic view of Hong Kong. Guests can also embark on a haunted tour that takes them from a haunted mansion to an abandoned school. The stories that accompany these buildings have been passed down from one generation to the next, and have several historical contexts.

4. Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong Hong Kong

With its Beer and Music Festival, Opera Gallery and two-story gallery, Artjamming - it’s no surprise that locals and expats alike head over here for a dose of good music, beer and art. While day time may be fairly chill, Lan Kwai Fong comes to life at night. Every July, Lan Kwai Fong is filled up with over 50 stalls selling craft beers and delicacies from all over the world. There are artists set-up up and down the neighborhood, playing everything from R&B to guitar performances. On the other hand, art lovers can enjoy paintings, sculptures and other visual installations from local and foreign artists alike at the Opera Gallery, the Fringe Club and at Artjamming. If you want a respite from the crowd though, head over to St. John’s Cathedral which is Hong Kong’s oldest Anglican church.

5. SoHo

Soho Street Hong Kong

Known for its posh bars, fine dining and boutique stores, SoHo or South of Hollywood Road is where people come to enjoy the finer things in life. Case in point, if you want a break from disum or Chinese dishes, you may want to dine at Michelin-recommended Jashan Indian Cuisine. Apart from the buffet that they offer, you can also partake in in the Indian-style high tea, which is a concept that they pioneered in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, you can also check out iconic Soho buildings such as former Central Police Station and Victoria Prison. The former is being renovated in hopes that it will be a place that houses cultural exhibition, where people can hold events and more.

6. Sheung Wan

Man Mo Temple Sheung Wan

When you walk through this district, you’ll quickly notice that it is undeniably one of the older areas in Hong Kong. With buildings inspired by British-colonial architecture versus modern and sleek buildings in neighboring areas, guests will find stalls selling dried seafood, Chinese herbal medicine, antiques and other trinkets. You can also head over to Graham Street Market for fresh produce, fruits and more - in fact, the market is so famous that a scene with Hollywood actor Chris Tucker was shot here for the 2001 film, Rush Hour 2.

7. Sai Ying Pun

Sai Ying Pun Colonial Buildings

Once home to British military personnel when they first arrived in Hong Kong, Sai Ying Pun is now a hodgepodge of temples, markets, watering holes and hipster dining options. Because of the fairly low rent, expats and tourists come here in droves for a place to stay. Visitors can head over to the Tai Sui Temple which is dedicated to the gods that govern the animals of the Chinese zodiac. You can burn incense and pray for your animal sign. On the other hand, you can check out Above Second Gallery for loud and controversial pop art that made use of different mediums. If hungry, you can get your usual dimsum fix here - but you may want to give Craft Brew & Co. for craft beers and gourmet sausages. You can also get your cocktail fix and tapas at the well-hidden watering hole, Ping Pong 129.

8. Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower

Located at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui is a bustling tourist area full of shops, restaurants, hotels and more. One of the must-visits in the area though is the clock tower which has been standing for more than 100 years. You can also head off to the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History, and the Avenue of Stars. The latter is Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame - with a statue of Bruce Lee being one of the most iconic figures along the waterfront. Visitors can also get themselves a bespoke suit at one of the most well-known tailors in Hong Kong, the Punjab House. Formerly, the Punjab House made suits for members of the Royal Navy and British military. Nowadays, they make one-of-a-kind suits for politicians and celebrities.

9. Sham Shui Po

Sham Shui Po Hong Kong

Undoubtedly one of the older areas in Kowloon, the neighborhood is characterized by Chinese buildings and packed alleyways. One of the most visited spots in the area is Golden Computer Arcade which is the go-to place for electronic goods or anything else that has to do with computers. Visitors can also check out the second-largest shopping center in West Kowloon, the Dragon Centre. It’s nine-stories full of beauty and health products, electronics, restaurants, clothing stores and more. Or you can stroll down Yu Chau Street for materials you might need for clothes making or whatever other DIY project you have.

10. Mongkok

Mong Kok Hong Kong

When the sun sets, Mongkok is at its busiest ever. Neon lights of Chinese characters and in english come to life, crowds take over the streets and stalls that sell everything from jewelry to household items at incredibly low prices are all over the place. To be specific, if you want to buy electronics, cosmetics and clothes - head over to Sai Yeung Choi Street. When at Shantung Street or Dundas Street, expect to find the latest in Japanese and Western fashion. If you’d rather stay in an air-conditioned mall though, make sure you drop by Langham Place. Ready to check out these cool and hip Hong Kong neighborhoods? Make sure you book your flight and hotel with Traveloka. ]]>

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