Visitor Guide to Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island could be described as the epicenter of Hong Kong itself, being home to the largest number of tourist attractions in the city, holding the majority of shopping malls, the location of one of the worlds key financial districts, the base of the region’s government, and so much more.

A Map Showing Hong Kong Island

The districts of Hong Kong Island

District	CN	Pop.	Area (kmsq)	People/sqm
Central and Western	中西區	244,600	12.44	19,983.92
Eastern	東區	574,500	18.56	31,217.67
Southern	南區	269,200	38.85	6,962.68
Wan Chai	灣仔區	150,900	9.83	15,300.10

Central and Wan Chai are the key business districts while is Eastern is renowned for its racecourse, Happy Valley, and Southern is known for its natural attractions including hiking trails and beaches. Those four districts are further broken into 38 neighborhoods or localities. Those localities are

Aberdeen
Admiralty
Ap Lei Chau
Causeway Bay
Central/Chong Wan
Chai Wan
Cyberport
Deep Water Bay
East Mid-Levels
Fortress Hill
Happy Valley
Kennedy Town
Mid-Levels
Mount Davis
North Point
Pok Fu Lam
Quarry Bay
Repulse Bay
Sai Wan Ho
Sai Wan
Sai Ying Pun
Sandy Bay
Shau Kei Wan
Shek O
Shek Tong Tsui
Sheung Wan
Siu Sai Wan
So Kon Po
Stanley
Tai Hang
Tai Tam
Tin Hau
Victoria Park
Victoria Peak
Wan Chai
West Mid-Levels
Wong Chuk Hang

Although, for most travelers and visitors those names won’t mean much as they are administrative areas and you’ll likely be more interested in the localities where you’ll find the attractions and things to do. The main ones that you’ll hear again and again, and likely spend a lot of time in are

Central – the financial district plus shopping
Wan Chai – a continuation of the financial and business district plus shopping
Causeway Bay – shopping and dining
Mid-Levels – home to numerous attractions, dining, and nightlife
Victoria Peak – the tallest point in the region and home to The Peak and Peak Tram
Stanley & Repulse Bay – home to the Stanley Market, foreshore area, and beach.

Top attractions and things to see Hong Kong Island

The Peak & The Peak Tram
Ride the historic “Peak Tram” and take in amazing views of Hong Kong Harbour at The Peak. At the top, you can enjoy Sky Terrace 428, dining options, Starbucks and Pacific Coffee are there, wander to Lugard Road Lookout or the Lions Point View Pavilion, or even take the 3.5-kilometre Peak Circle Walk.
Address: Catch the Peak Tram at Cnr Garden Road and Cotton Tree Drive, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
Web: www.thepeak.com.hk
Ticket: Adult HK$ 99 (Two way – Inc. Sky Terrace 428) – Adult HK$ 52 (Two way – Not inc. Sky Terrace 428) Discounts offered for Children and Seniors
Hours: 7 am to 12 midnight – Sky 428 closes at 11 pm.

Ani-Com Park@Harbour”FUN”
Sculptures representing Hong Kong’s comic icons. Take it in after visiting the Golden Bauhinia.
Address: The promenade and open space near Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
Web: www.anicompark.hk
Ticket: Free
Hours: no hours

Golden Bauhinia Square (and HKCEC)
Home to the Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture and site for the daily flag-raising ceremony.
Address:1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Ticket: Free
Hours: no hours

Hong Kong Observation Wheel
A 60-meter-high wheel, or “eye”. Located on Victoria Harbour offering superb views from its gondolas during the 15 min ride.
Address:33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong Island
Web: www.hkow.hk
Tickets: HK$ 21
Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
The world-famous wax museum with over 100 lifelike wax figures. Take this in on a trip to The Peak.
Address: Shop P101, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak
Web: www.madametussauds.com
Tickets: HK$ 280 – go online for HK$ 220 and Peak Tram combo offers.
Hours: 10am – 10pm

Temples

Hung Shing Temple at Wan Chai
Once a seaside temple for the God of Ocean and Weather. Land reclamation has seen it become an inland temple. Originally built around 1847-1852.
Address: 129-131 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai

Lo Pan Temple
Dedicated to the patron saint of Chinese builders and carpenters. Dates back to 1884.
Address: 15 Ching Lin Terrace, Kennedy Town

Man Mo Temple
It was built in 1847 and is part of a complex that comprises three adjacent blocks namely Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Temple and Kung So.
Address: 124-126 Hollywood Road, in Sheung Wan

Pak Tai Temple at Wan Chai
Built in 1783, the temple is dedicated to Pak Tai, a martial deity, and houses a 10-foot (3 meter) Ming Dynasty (1604) statue of Pak Tai.
Address: 2 Lung On St, Wan Chai

Shing Wong Temple
Traditional 1877 temple dedicated to the worship of Shing Wong, the deity who watches over cities.
Address: Temple Street, Hong Kong

Tam Kung Temple
Built in 1862, in the late Qing Dynasty, the temple is dedicated to the Tam Kung who is a local god of fishing.
Address: Tam Kung Temple Road, A Kung Ngam

Tin Hau Temple at Shau Kei Wan
Built in 1873, this Chinese temple featuring woodcarvings & murals honors the goddess of the sea.
Address: 53 Shau Kei Wan Main St E, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong

Heritage

Asia Society Hong Kong Center
The site features four former military buildings that were set up by the British Army in the mid-19th century for the production and storage of explosives and ammunition.
Address: 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm. Closed on Mondays

The Blue House Cluster
Comprising the vibrantly colored Blue, Yellow and Orange Lignan style houses, the group of tenement buildings showcases century-old architecture and exhibitions in the Hong Kong House of Stories.
Address: 72, 72A, 74 & 74A Stone Nullah Lane (Blue House)
2, 4, 6 & 8 Hing Wan Street (Yellow House), 8 King Sing Street (Orange House), Wan Chai

Ding Ding Tram
The tramways have been servicing the main thoroughfare of Hong Kong since 1904.
Web: hktramways.com

Court of Final Appeal
Built by the British in 1912 it is a neo-classical treasure among the modern skyscrapers.
Address: 8 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong Island

Duddell Street Steps & Gas Lamps
Alighting a beautiful set of steps are two old gas lanterns dating back to some time between 1875 and 1889.
Address: Duddell Street, Central

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Located on the grounds of Hong Kong Park is Flagstaff House, an attraction in itself for its colonial architecture, inside you’ll find a museum for Chinese teaware.
Address:10 Cotton Tree Drive, (inside Hong Kong Park), Central, Hong Kong Island

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club & The Fringe Club
A members-only club in a historic building which was once the Old Dairy Farm Depot. Also located in the building is the Fring Club, an art gallery, and exhibition space.
Address: 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong Island
Web: fcchk.org – www.hkfringeclub.com

Former Central Police Station Compound
A majestic building that is currently under redevelopment to become an arts and heritage precinct.
Address:10 Hollywood Road, Central
Web: www.taikwun.hk/en/

Former French Mission Building
The former French Mission is now a declared monument, a historical building in Edwardian architecture.
Address: 1 Battery Path, Central, Hong Kong Island

Government House
Built in the 1850’s it was the former residence of 25 colonial governors.
Address: Upper Albert Road, Mid-Levels
Web: www.ceo.gov.hk/gh/eng/

Murray House
A beautiful 160-year-old Colonial building originally located in Central and moved, brick by brick, to Stanley.
Address: Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley
Web: stanleyplaza.com/../

Noon Day Gun
Exactly what it says on the tin, a gun that fires at noon every day. The story is far more interesting, it was punishment for randomly firing salutes bestowed on the company by a British Naval Commander. The punishment, which was to fire the gun/cannon every day at noon has been a continuing tradition.
Address: Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

The Pawn
Once home to the Woo Cheong Pawn Shop the restored 1888 era building now houses a classy restaurant and bar.
Address: 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Web: thepawn.com.hk

PMQ
Once a school, then burnt down, then a police quarters, then a school, yup, it’s got some history, and it’s now got creative enterprises, shops, teahouses, and cafes.
Address: 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Web: pmq.org.hk
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

University of Hong Kong
The campus features many colonial style buildings and is home to the University Museum and Art Gallery which houses many imperial era relics.
Address: Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Island

Wan Chai Environmental Resource Centre
A small colonial-era building that was once a post office.
Address: 221 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai

Western Market
An Edwardian style building that dates back to 1901 and is Hong Kong’s oldest market. Now featuring fabric, arts and crafts stores and cafe/restaurants.
Address: 323 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan
Web: westernmarket.com.hk
Hours: 10 am – 7 pm – restaurant hours may differ

Museums

Hong Kong Arts Centre
Promoting contemporary arts and visual arts, featuring galleries, theatres, a 3D cinema and more
Address: 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Web: hkac.org.hk
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre
Space for local sculptors, printmakers and ceramics artists
Address: 7 Kennedy Rd, Mid-level
Web: lcsd.gov.hk/CE/../
Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm

Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum
Featuring galleries and exhibits, and a look inside an old colonial jail.
Address: 45 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley
Web: csd.gov.hk/emuseum/

City Gallery
An insight into the city’s urban planning and infrastructure.
Address: 3 Edinburgh Pl, Central
Web: citygallery.gov.hk
Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and closed on Tuesdays

Police Museum
All about the Hong Kong Police and the colourful people they’ve dealt with over the years
Address: 27 Coombe Rd, The Peak
Web: police.gov.hk/museum/en/

Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum
The man who overthrew the Qing Dynasty and began China’s journey into the modern day.
Address: Kom Tong Hall, 7 Castle Rd, Central
Web: lcsd.gov.hk/../

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences
A museum dedicated to the history of Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Address: 2 Caine Lane, Mid Levels
Web: hkmms.org.hk/en/home/
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Ticket: Adult HK$ 20

Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Located on the waterfront it showcases HK’s deep maritime heritage.
Address: Central Pier 8, Central, Hong Kong Island
Web: hkmaritimemuseum.org
Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Monday to Friday) – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays)
Ticket: HK$ 30

The Hong Kong Racing Museum
A journey into 150 years of horse racing in Hong Kong.
Address: 2/F, Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse
Web: corporate.hkjc.com/../
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 noon to 7 p.m

Parks

Hong Kong Park
Located near the Peak Tram terminus, the park features an aviary, greenhouse, ponds and flowing streams.
Address:19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Hong Kong’s oldest park dating back to 1864 featuring mammals, reptiles, aviary, greenhouse, and heritage works among the landscaped grounds. Admission is free.
Address: Albany Road, Central, Hong Kong
Web: lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/hkzbg/
Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm while some sections open early and close later.

City Walks

Dragon’s Back
One of the most popular hiking treks, It’s 8.5 km (4 hours walk) and offers up amazing coastal views.
Address: Begins at Shek O Road, Tei Wan Village
Details: discoverhongkong.com/..

Peak Circle Walk
a 3.5 km walk around the top of The Peak. A shorter version of the next trek.
Address: Begins at the Peak Tram station
Details: discoverhongkong.com/

The Peak to Lung Fu Shan Country Park
After taking a ride on the famous Peak Tram, here is a 4.5 km (2 hr walk) trail that takes in historic buildings and paths, spectacular views, an old WWII coastal defense battery, ending at the University of Hong Kong.
Address: Begins at The Peak Tram
Details: discoverhongkong.com/..

Wilson Trail (Hong Kong Parkview to Stanley Gap Road)
4.8 km (3 hours) a trek for the physically fit that offers up superb views of Stanley and it’s coastline.
Address: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, Tai Tam
Details: discoverhongkong.com/..

A Century of Architecture
Enjoy the contrast of modern and colonial architecture in Central.
Details discoverhongkong.com/..

Comic Culture Walk
Interact with classic characters in Wan Chai and immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s local lifestyle.
Details: discoverhongkong.com/..

Where Modern Classics Meet Historical Charm
Take a stroll through Wan Chai — an area steeped in the city’s multicultural heritage while reflecting its vibrant contemporary lifestyle.
Details: .discoverhongkong.com/..

Beaches

Repulse Bay Beach
Take 6X or250 bus from Exchange Square in Central.

Turtle Cove
Take the MTR to Sai Wan Ho MTR station, then bus 14.

Stanley Beach
6, 6A, 6Z or 260 bus from Exchange Square in Central

Big Wave Bay
Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan station then bus 9 to Shek O.

Where to stay on Hong Kong Island

There is an absolute plethora of hotels to choose from ranging from some of the best budget options in the region to the most luxurious. I will highlight some of the best value options and more importantly, I believe, ones near to MTR stations. Hong Kong is so much more convenient when you are steps away from an MTR.

Fuji Hostel – A simple hostel offering great value rooms in this prime shopping area. It is a very short walk away from Causeway Bay MTR Station.

Tian Jin Hostel – Perhaps the best value in HK. It’s a short walk from Causeway Bay MTR Station and is near a bus stop for the A11 Airport Bus.

Ibis North Point – Great value three-star. It is a little way away from all the action, but if your plan was to spend most your time on HK Island, and even exploring the nature parks such as Shek O, then this might be a great pick.

Homy Hotel Central – The four-star hotel is usually great value, unless it’s getting close to full occupancy, and is located steps away from Sheung Wan Station.

Brighton Hotel Hong Kong – Four-star hotel located right at Wan Chai Station. Normally this is a bit expensive, but occasionally they have half priced room specials on booking.com so it’s worth listing here.

There are some 22 five-star hotels on Hong Kong Island with my picks being

Regal Hongkong Hotel – great value and located in Causeway Bay near to all the shopping and dining action, and, close to the MTR station. Rooms are large by HK standards. Nice rooftop pool.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – the ultimate in luxury and prime location. It would be hard to find better anywhere.

Best restaurants on Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is a foodies heaven as is HK in general. For this list, I will focus on local Hong Kong style, Cantonese, and Chinese cuisine.

The Top Restaurants

Paradise Dynasty 樂天皇朝 – Guangdong Shanghai style
Address: 6/F, Lee Theatre, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

Ming Bistro 名館 – Guangdong Shanghai style
Address: Shop 1401, 14/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

SUPPA 十下 – Guangdong Hot Pot
Address: 2/F, Circle Tower, 28 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

Running Chicken Deluxe 米走雞Deluxe – Hong Kong Style Hot Pot
Address: 3/F, Jardine Centre, 50 Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

101 Grill Bar + Hot Pot 101手工涮涮鍋 – Taiwan Hot Pot
Address: 29/F, Soundwill Plaza 2, 1-29 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Av. Spend: $201-400 HKD

The Top Cha Chaan Teng – Hong Kong Tea Restaurants

Sing Heung Yuen 勝香園
Address: G/F, 2 Mei Lun Street, Central
Av. Spend: Below $50 HKD

Shui Kee Coffee 瑞記咖啡
Address: Shop 17, 18167, Sheung Wan
Av. Spend: Below $50 HKD

Capital Café 華星冰室
Address: Shop B1, G/F, Kwong Sang Hong Building, 6 Heard Street, Wan Chai
Av. Spend: Below $50

Kam Kee Cafe 金記冰室
Address: Shop D-E, G/F, Diamond Building, 6-18 Tin Lok Lane, Wan Chai
Av. Spend: $51-100 HKD

The Top Dim Sum Restaurants

Social Place 唐宮小聚
Address: 2/F, The L. Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

YUE 粵
Address: 1/F, City Garden Hotel, 9 City Garden Road, North Point
Av. Spend: $201-400 HKD

The Graces Restaurant 玉桃軒酒家
Address: 20/F, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

Yum Cha 飲茶
Address: 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
Av. Spend: $101-200 HKD

Markets and Shopping on Hong Kong Island

Malls

The Landmark at Central – read more
Located in Central on Hong Kong Island, the most prosperous business area, The Landmark is one of the most famous shopping malls in the city.

IFC Mall – read more
Located at the Finance Street in the heart of Hong Kong, IFC mall, also called International Finance Centre Mall, is adjacent to the five-star luxury Four-Season Hotel and Victoria Harbour.

Times Square Causeway Bay HK – read more
Located at Causeway Bay, the most vibrant district in Hong Kong, Times Square is one of the largest shopping malls in the city.

Pacific Place Hong Kong – read more
Located at Queensway, the heart of Hong Kong and a prosperous business area, Pacific Place is a popular shopping place for Hong Kong people.

SOGO Department Store (Causeway Bay) – read more
Located at Hennessy Road close to Times Square on Causeway Bay, SOGO is a large department store shopping and leisure complex. Possessing a total shopping area of 400,000 square meters.

Horizon Mall – read more
Here’s a place that you probably won’t read about in the tourist books or mags and for a long time it’s probably been one of Hong Kong’s best-kept shopping secrets. Featuring outlet shopping for many luxury brand names.

The East – on Queens Road East – read more
Hungry? Looking for some fine dining, international leading chefs, and global cuisine offerings? Well, this might be worth a look.

Markets

Antique Street (Hollywood Road) and Cat Street – read more
Address: Lascar Row Street, Sheung Wan

Wan Chai Computer City – read more
Address: 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

Jardine’s Crescent – read more
Address: Jardine’s Crescent, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

Tai Yuen Street – read more
Address: Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

Stanley Market – read more
Address: Stanley Village Road, Hong Kong Island

More on markets here at top 16 markets in Hong Kong which has some more detail and opening hours.

The best spas and massage on Hong Kong Island

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong – massage, beauty, therapy, pool, steam
Address: 8 Finance St, Central

Massada Spa – beauty spa
Address: 18 Pennington St, 25/F, Guangdong Tour Centre, Causeway Bay

Ayana Spa & Massage – modern with excellent service
Address: 12/F Jade Center, 98 Wellington Street, Central

Sunny Paradise Sauna – old school HK sauna with superb massages
Address: 341 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai

Chi Wa Siam – body scrubs, massage, and beauty.
Address: Winning House, 28 Hollywood Rd, Central

Home Thai Massage and Spa – genuine Thai massage and body treatments.
Address: 1/F, No.5 – 7 Swatow Street, Johnston Road, Wan Chai

Gyms, Pools, and Yoga on Hong Kong Island

Pure Fitness – gym and personal training
Address: 3/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central

Goji Studios
Address: 4/F, 250-254 Gloucester Road, Elizabeth House Block B, Causeway Bay

Utime – no membership rqd.
Address: 1/F, King-Inn Mansion, 13-15 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley

CROSSFIT 852 – crossfit, yoga
Address: Li Dong Building, 1st & 2nd Floor Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen St E, Central

Pools

Kennedy Town Swimming Pool – Public Pool
Address: Hong Kong, Kennedy Town

Morrison Hill Swimming Pool – Public Pool
Address: Morrison Hill Swimming Pool, 7 Oi Kwan Rd, Wan Chai

Wan Chai Swimming Pool
Address: 27 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai

Nightlife on Hong Kong Island

Lan Kwai Fong
Looking for nightlife? Here is the spot and there are over 90 bars and restaurants to choose from here.
Address: Lan Kwai Fong St., Central
Web: www.lankwaifong.com
Hours: 2 pm – 6 am

SoHo
SoHo is a popular entertainment district located in Central where you can find many bars and restaurants. Centered around Staunton, Shelley, and Elgin streets.
Address: Cnr of Staunton and Elgin Street, Central