Explore Like a Local: A Day in Central & Western District
Hong Kong is more than its skyline—beyond the glass towers and neon signs lies a city with soul. The Central and Western District, a treasure trove of contrasts, is where tradition flirts with trend, and old alleyways open into buzzing art hubs. This insider itinerary is your passport to experiencing Hong Kong like a local—from dumplings too cute to eat and vintage gems waiting to be discovered, to moody cocktail salons and street corners made for cinematic snaps. One district. One perfect day. A thousand memories waiting to be made.
(Photo credit to Discover Hong Kong)
1. 🥢 Yum Cha – When Tradition Meets Innovation
Begin your day with a dim sum experience that’s equal parts delicious and delightful. Yum Cha reimagines the traditional Cantonese tea brunch into a playful, modern feast. Think barbecue pork buns shaped like piglets, custard buns with cheeky expressions, and a table full of bites that double as edible art. It’s not just yum—it’s camera-ready. Pair your meal with their signature peach oolong tea—a floral, fruity infusion that refreshes the palate and sets the tone for a day of whimsical discovery.
Opening and Closing Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:00–16:00, 18:00–22:00 | Sat–Sun: 10:00–16:00, 18:00–22:00
Address: Shop 1-2, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
📍10 mins stroll from Dash Living on Queen’s
(Photo credit to Discover Hong Kong)
2. 🕶️ Select 18 – Vintage Wonderland in Sheung Wan
After lunch, stroll through Sheung Wan’s quiet lanes and stumble into Select 18—a charming vintage shop that feels like a time capsule curated with love. Shelves are packed with retro trinkets, nostalgic vinyl records, antique furniture, and statement sunnies that feel straight out of a Wong Kar-wai film. It’s a collector’s paradise, a stylist’s dream, and a photographer’s haven—many even come here to shoot wedding portraits in its moody, eclectic corners.
Opening and Closing Hours: Daily: 12:00–20:00
Address: Shop 14, Tung St, Sheung Wan
📍3 mins stroll from Dash Living on Hollywood
(Photo credit to Discover Hong Kong)
3. 🧱 Tai Kwun – A Living Legacy of Hong Kong
Culture and creativity collide at Tai Kwun, an award-winning revitalisation of the former Central Police Station compound. With its red-brick courtyards and colonial architecture, Tai Kwun transports you through time. Wander through contemporary art exhibitions, watch a live performance, or simply sit with a coffee as stories from Hong Kong’s layered past unfold around you. It’s heritage you can touch, art you can interact with, and history that feels alive. Be sure to check out their April events—you might just stumble upon a hidden concert or interactive exhibit.
Opening and Closing Hours: Daily: 11:00–23:00
Address: Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central
📍4 mins ride from Dash Living on Hollywood
(Photo credit to Kinsman)
4. 🍸 Kinsman – A Cantonese Cocktail Salon for the Curious
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Central is Kinsman, a cocktail bar that feels like a love letter to Hong Kong’s cultural soul. Step inside and you’ll find an atmosphere thick with nostalgia—wooden interiors, old-school touches, and a playlist that hums with heritage. But it’s the cocktails that tell the real stories. Drawing on traditional Chinese ingredients and Cantonese flavors, each drink is a journey through taste and time. Think ginseng gin, baijiu blends, and smoky oolong infusions. This is mixology with meaning—and a perfect pre-dinner pause.
Opening and Closing Hours: Tue–Sat: 17:00–01:00 | Closed on Sun–Mon
Address: 65 Peel St, Central
📍8 mins stroll from Dash Living on Queen’s
(Photo credit to Timeout)
5. 🍜 Ho Lan Jeng – So Damn Good, Literally
By now, you’re hungry for more—so head to Ho Lan Jeng, a name that cheekily translates to “so damn good.” This craft beer gastropub serves up bold fusion plates alongside a rotating tap of Hong Kong-brewed beers. It’s a riot of flavors, lights, and textures—neon signs buzz overhead and local graffiti on the walls. Whether you’re craving spicy wings, umami-packed noodles, or just a cold one to toast the day, Ho Lan Jeng delivers in every sense.
Opening and Closing Hours: Mon–Sun: 16:00–00:00
Address: 2/F, LKF29, 29 Wyndham Street, Central
📍8 mins ride from Dash Living on Queen’s
(Photo credit to XHS: 494954252 & k00000000000k)
6. 📷 Kennedy Town Photo Spot – The Day’s Cinematic Finale
As the city lights begin to glow, hop on a tram or take the MTR to Kennedy Town, where Hong Kong reveals one last gift: a seaside cityscape that looks like it leapt out of a movie. Snap a shot with the ocean on one side, a bustling road on the other, and a vintage tram gliding past—it’s a portrait of the city in all its contrasts. Beloved by street photographers, this photo spot is a mood, a moment, and the perfect way to close your day.
Opening and Closing Hours: Open 24/7
Address: Basketball Courts, Kennedy Town Playground
📍14 mins ride from Dash Living on Hollywood
This isn’t just a day trip; it’s a deep dive into the soul of Central and Western District, experienced through the eyes (and taste buds!) of a local. From the playful artistry of modern Yum Cha to the whispered stories of vintage finds, the cultural heartbeat of Tai Kwun, the innovative spirit of Cantonese cocktails, the local pride of craft brews, and the captivating beauty of Kennedy Town’s urban scenery, you’ve peeled back the layers and discovered the authentic rhythm of Hong Kong. So go forth, explore, and let the unexpected charm of this district unfold before you. You might just find a piece of its vibrant spirit stays with you long after you leave.
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