Hong Kong/Eastern District - district of Hong Kong

The Eastern district in Hong Kong Island is not as full of attractions as neighbouring Central, although Wan Chai is known for its nightlife and Causeway Bay for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Understand

Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are the main tourism destinations along the eastern shore of the north coast of Hong Kong island. Inland, Happy Valley with its world famous racecourse is a major tourism attraction.

• Wan Chai (灣仔). Known for its sleazy nightlife, having been a favourite hangout spot for American soldiers on their R&R leaves during the Vietnam War. These days, it is much more than a couple of blocks of girlie-bars populated by drunken American sailors; after all, The World of Suzie Wong was just a work of fiction set in Wan Chai during a bygone age. Between Causeway Bay and Admiralty, Wanchai has an inner-city feel that makes it an interesting but safe area to walk around at any time. Wan Chai has traditional street markets that, unlike many other neighbourhoods, are still outdoors. In the so-called wet-markets, butchers hang animal carcasses on large hooks that overshadow pavements and fishmongers have stalls with live fish that do their best to escape. Between Johnston Road and Queen's Road East are numerous alleys that are worth exploring if you are looking for traditional family-run shops selling anything from tropical fish to cheap clothing.
• Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣). A shopping district that is home to large department stores, such as Sogo. Causeway Bay is crowded most of the time but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the 'calendar' New Year when you will be wise to stay away if you hate crowds. The area is also popular among Hong Kong's youth and is a good place to check out the latest fashion trends.
• Happy Valley (跑馬地). Nestled behind the Happy Valley Racecourse, away from the MTR line, this district has a more laid-back feel than nearby Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Happy Valley was not always the happiest place to be. When the first British troops were stationed in Happy Valley the death rate from malaria was so high that, with typical British sarcasm, the place was dubbed Happy Valley. It is a popular residential area, especially among expats. There is a tram line circling the racecourse that serves the district. This area is also home to the beautiful and historic Hong Kong Cemetery.
• The area further east, along the north shore is the Eastern District (東區). From west to east, it constitutes the urban areas of Tin Hau (天后), North Point (北角), Quarry Bay (鰂魚涌), Sai Wan Ho (西灣河), Shau Kei Wan (筲箕灣), Siu Sai Wan (小西灣) and Chai Wan (柴灣). If you are only in Hong Kong for a short time then you can safely ignore this corner of the island unless you intend to go to the Museum of Coastal Defence.

Get in

This area is a light walk to Central from Hong Kong's main transport hubs (except during the summer heat).

By metro

The Island Line of the Mass Transit Railway runs along the north coast of Hong Kong Island, stretching from Kennedy Town in the west and traveling eastward through Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond.

If you are arriving from Kowloon, the Tsuen Wan Line passes by Admiralty station from which you can transit to the Island Line very easily. You can also cross the harbour by taking the Tseung Kwan O Line or the newly extended East Rail Line.

By tram

The tram runs from Kennedy Town to Sai Wan Ho. The tram line trundles through Eastern as well and is a great way to see this part of town without too much effort or expense. Make sure you take a tram that does not deviate off course from your destination. Sundays it is very uncomfortable to use simply from the sheer volume of fellow travellers. The tram does not have air conditioning, only fans and open windows.

By bus

Many buses run from Central eastwards to Wan Chai and beyond, as well as some cross-harbour buses connecting this area to Kowloon. If you learn to master the bus system, then journeys will be more comfortable since you will avoid running around metro stations and get a seat in a clean air conditioned environment.

By boat

The Star Ferry arrives at Wan Chai Pier from Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. North Point also has a pier with frequent services to Hung Hom, Kwun Tong, and Kowloon City.

By taxi

Taxis are cheap enough if you want to get around in comfort. Hong Kong Station to Causeway Bay is around $30 depending on traffic.

See

Landmarks

• Central Plaza, 22.28°, 114.173611°. Can be seen from most of Wan Chai. Central Plaza was the tallest building in Asia from 1992 to 1996, and the tallest in Hong Kong until 2003. It is possible to tell the time by the changing lights on the top of this building. During business hours, you can take the lift from the ground floor to the sky lobby on the 46th floor to get a spectacular free view of the harbour and the island. Another option for a free is view is from the observation lift in the Hopewell Centre at 183 Queen's Road East. This is one of the very few round towers found in the city. This glass lift can be taken from the 17th floor and the amazing journey to the 62nd floor takes about 90 seconds. Once at the top you can eat at the revolving restaurant on top of the building, or head back down again.
• Noon Day Gun (Noonday Gun), 22.2826°, 114.184°. The historic gun is fired every day at noon. To access the Noon Day Gun, enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Centre and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs. Finding this subway is difficult and you might need to ask staff for directions. The tradition of firing a gun into Victoria Harbour everyday at noon dates back to the 1860s. It is believed that this is the gun referred to in Noel Coward's song "Mad Dogs and Englishmen".
• Golden Bauhinia Square, 22.28445°, 114.17237°. The site of the ceremony in 1997 in which the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong to China. A flag raising ceremony is held here ever morning at 8AM, when the Hong Kong Police will perform foot drills and raise both the Chinese national flag and the Hong Kong flag to the accompaniment of the Chinese national anthem. Visit at night time for a stunning view of the neon-lit skylines of Kowloon and Hong Kong.
• The Old Wan Chai Post Office, 221 Queen's Road East, Wanchai (Wanchai MTR, Exit A3), 22.27422°, 114.17334°. Now an Environmental Resource Centre, this building was used for over 70 years as a post office. This attractive building is the only declared monument in Wan Chai.
• Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay (Causeway Bay MTR, Exit E or take the tram), 22.279964°, 114.189528°, +852 3150 1234. Opened in 2001, Hong Kong's main public library looks over the playgrounds of Victoria Park. It is an impressive 12-storey structure that holds a vast collection of Chinese and English resources. Visitors will find exhibitions, wifi access, newspapers and magazines. There is a souvenir shop and a branch of Delifrance where you can relax.
• Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre (Wan Chai Mosque), No. 40, Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai (walk east from Wan Chai MTR station), 22.2775°, 114.178889°. The third mosque built in Hong Kong. 2021-02-10
• Chai Wan Mosque (Cape Collinson Mosque), Cape Collison Road, Tai Tam Gap, Chai Wan (walk southwest from MTR Chai Wan Station), 22.259444°, 114.233056°. The fifth mosque built in Hong Kong. 2021-02-10

Museums and exhibitions

• Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, 22.28925°, 114.21923°, +852 2367 7821. M W-Su 10AM-5PM. Exhibits firefighting stuff. Free
• The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 22.283661°, 114.172847°. One of Hong Kong's most outstanding buildings. If you are refused admittance, you can take a walk along the promenade at the front of the building to find the place where the British returned Hong Kong to mainland China. Paved in concrete, the modest plaza where the Handover took place in 1997 is home to two monuments; one takes the form of a giant golden bauhinia and the other looks like a chimney stack. The bauhinia tree is sometimes known as the Hong Kong orchid and has been adopted as the emblem of the SAR which features on the Hong Kong flag that flutters above the square. For the many tourists from mainland China, this place holds a special significance, so you can expect a steady stream or tour buses.
• Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, 22.2851°, 114.222°, +852 2739 2139.
• Law Uk Folk Museum, 14 Kut Shing Street, Chai Wan (5 minutes' walk from the Chai Wan MTR Station), 22.26419°, 114.23574°, +852 2896 7006. M-W F Sa 10AM-6PM; Su 1-6PM. 18th-century Hakka village house. Free
• The Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan (15-minute walk following road signs from Exit B2 of Shau Kei Wan MTR Station), 22.281944°, 114.235556°. F-W 10AM-5PM, last admission at 4:30PM. Despite its dry title, this museum is worth a visit if you enjoy military history. Admission $10
• Hong Kong Police Museum, 27 Coombe Rd, The Peak (NWFB Bus 15 from Exchange Square, get off at the stop after Stubbs Rd), 22.26765°, 114.169197°, +852 2849 7019. W-Su 9AM–5PM, Tu 2–5PM. There are five galleries: Orientation describing the history of the force, Triad Societies and Narcotics describing the history of Triad Societies and narcotic problems, Police Then & Now describing the transformation of Hong Kong Police Force over the years, Current Exhibition exhibiting changing themes, and Heroin Factory exhibiting a heroin production site. Free

Parks and nature

• Victoria Park, 22.281717°, 114.188914°. Take some time to walk through it or to watch people play football on three fields. There is also a jogging track through the park. Victoria Park can also be reached by MTR Exit B at Tin Hau station. During the summer months you can use the public open-air pool in Victoria Park. The pool costs $19 for adults ($9 kids) and payment can be made by coins or Octopus card.
• Quarry Bay Park, 22.2884°, 114.2157°. A good place to walk that provides an alternative view of the eastern end of the harbour, instead of the familiar one of the west. It also serves as a connection between SOHO east (a reasonably attractive restaurant and pub area) and Cityplaza shopping centre.
• Southorn Playground (修頓遊樂場, 修頓球場), Hennessy Road and Johnston Road (Adjacent to Wanchai MTR, Exit B1), 22.2769°, 114.172°. Amidst the skyscrapers of Wan Chai, Southorn Playground offers a scarce area of public outdoor space for football, basketball and has seating for those who just want to relax and watch.

General

• Gloucester Road, 22.27943°, 114.17519°. Pronounced in the British way as Gloss-ter Road, this street is famous for car showrooms where the rich will spend and the rest will take photographs of themselves in front of their dream car.

Do

• Horse racing, 22.273°, 114.182°. Horse racing has been taking place at Happy Valley racetrack since 1846. Happy Valley is particularly impressive during the evening meets with the surrounding skyscrapers lit up. Unless you know the right sort of people your best chance of getting into the races is by the public entrance. Entrance will cost you just a few dollars and you will have the advantage of being at ground level next to the race track. Alcohol, especially beer, is sold at cheap prices. Unless you like fast-food, plan to eat before or after gambling away your holiday savings.
  • Hong Kong Racing Museum, 2/F, Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, 22.274285°, 114.179916°, +852 2966-8065. Noon-7pm Everyday. Artificats and some of the largest exhibits in the world next to the track of the Happy Valley Racecourse. 2019-05-24
• Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (香港演藝學院), The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts 1 Gloucester Road Wanchai (The academy is mid-way between Admiralty and Wan Chai MTR stations.), 22.27980°, 114.16993°, +852 2584 8500. A venue for dance, music and drama.

Buy

The main department stores are in Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣). The biggest of these is Sogo.

• Sogo, 22.28°, 114.184°. A Japanese department store. As well as the standard fare of international label goods (clothes, electronics, home furnishings, etc), there is an excellent supermarket in the basement, which sells a variety of Asian foods.
• Times Square, 22.27809°, 114.18217°. A shopping centre in Causeway Bay with an excellent concentration of mid-price range shops and restaurants. CitySuper in the basement is one of Hong Kong's upmarket supermarkets, with a food court serving a variety of reasonably priced meals.
• Hysan Place, 22.279°, 114.184°. High-end shopping mall with a food court on upper floor.
• Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Sai Wan Ho (To get there, take the MTR to Taikoo on the Island Line.), 22.28557°, 114.21749°. A large shopping centre, with an ice-skating rink.
• Chinese Goods Centre Ltd, 395 King's Road, North Point, 22.29102°, 114.19957°, +852 2856 0333. Forget the westernised shopping malls and head for this Chinese-style department store in North Point. Here you will find almost anything you might expect in a large department store except prices are extremely competitive. If you are looking to buy gifts with an oriental flavour this is worth a try.
• Chun Yeung Street, 22.29110°, 114.19773°. A local market near the North Point Tram terminus. You can find traditional Chinese food, especially Hokkien style food there. There is a variety of household items, clothes and fresh food there. It is a bazaar typical of many on Hong Kong Island.
• Bowrington Rd Wet Market (寶靈頓道), 22.27876°, 114.18050°.
• G.O.D, Sharp Street, East Entrance, Causeway Bay (Close to the Leighton Centre), +852 2890-5555. G.O.D. is a play on the Cantonese slang for "to live better". Here you will find a range of designer gifts and household items.
• Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay (Parallel to Paterson Street), 22.280616°, 114.185264°. An indoor street with shops and a range of western and Asian restaurants.
• RC Outfitters (毅成戶外用品), 2/F, Kin Tak Fung Commercial Bldg, 467-473 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay (Causeway Bay MTR Exit C, next to Tom Lee Music, G/F is Luk Fook Jewellery). A good range of hiking and camping accessories, plus outdoor clothing at reasonable prices.
• Wan Chai Computer Centre, 130-138 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai (Take exit B2 at Wan Chai metro station), 22.277°, 114.173°. 10:30 - 22:00. Although not the largest computer centre in Hong Kong, this one is above Wan Chai station with two floors of small shops selling computers, laptops, tablet, accessories, headphones, games, etc. It is also the easiest to get to on Hong Kong island. Some shops open from 10:30, although generally speaking it isn't worth to visit before midday.

Eat

Eating out in Wan Chai or Causeway Bay is a great idea, but expect to meet crowds of people doing the same. Both areas offer a bewildering range of places to eat to suit all budgets and interests. Generally, Causeway Bay is a bit more expensive than Wan Chai and attracts plenty of young trendies who may be seen eating into the small hours. Look out for specialist dessert cafes and remember to look-up to see what is on offer on higher floors where you can find cafes with balconies that enable you to get a more relaxed view of the crowded streets below. Wan Chai also has some great places to eat and it is generally a little easier to find a table than in Causeway Bay.

You will find good places to eat in all parts of Wan Chai and part of the fun is looking around. A street not to miss is Star Street which is close to Pacific Place Three, which can be accessed via a subway from Pacific Place. If you arrive in Wan Chai via the MTR station you will land in the middle of the bar and drinking area where so many restaurants are geared to drinkers and tourists. Alternatively, head towards the Causeway Bay side of Wan Chai for a more local dinning experience.

Lei King Wan or SOHO East is an interesting place to go to wine and dine, often ignored by tourists. From Sai Wan Ho MTR Station, follow signs to Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier. It is about a 15-minute walk. There are a lot of restaurants and pubs where you can sit at the sidewalk while enjoying your dinner. Shau Kei Wan Main Street East is where the tram terminal located. Many small restaurants, mostly serving local food, can be found along this street in Shau Kei Wan.

The area around North Point is home to Duck Shing Ho 📍 (德成號), Hong Kong's most famous purveyor of egg rolls (蛋卷). They make a limited quantity every day, so be sure to join the queue at least 2 hours before opening time at 9.30am Tue-Fri, or you will miss out. Due to high demand, each customer is limited to buying 1.6kg per day.

Budget

If you are travelling on a tight budget, then Wan Chai offers a great choice of places, with the added bonus that the neighbourhood has plenty of character and personality.

• Chiu Yuen, 22.275627°, 114.172791°, +852 2892 2322. (潮苑), 37 Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai ( Wan Chai MTR station, exit B3). Small and usually packed eatery serving up a wide range of simple fare, but the crowd-pullers are the beef brisket noodles (a scarcely believable $13) and the homemade giant fishball soup ($16). Open 10AM to 9PM every day, other branches are in Aberdeen and Causeway Bay.
• Cooked Food Centre, 2 Yuk San St (Wong Nai Chung Bldg, Happy Valley).
• Tsui Wah Restaurant (翠華餐廳), G/F, 20-22 Cannon St, Causeway Bay, +852 25734338. 24hr. Clean and multilingual, this is a moderately priced cha chaan teng where even a non-Chinese speaker can easily explore. Aside from the typical cha chaan teng foods such as French toast, curry, baked rice, fried noodles, and Hong Kong style milk-tea, also try their famous fishball noodle in soup. Expect to share a table at peak hours.
• Cafe Kenon, Shop 208, 2/F Tai Yau Plaza, 181 Johnston Rd, Wanchai. Where affordable Italian food meets Chinese expectations.
• Tai Hing Roast Restaurant (太興燒味餐廳), G/F, Shop J, Po Ming Bldg, 49-57 Lee Garden Rd, Causeway Bay., +852 25768961. A Cantonese BBQ eatery. Roast pork, roast piglet, BBQ pork, roast goose, soy sauce chicken are all hanging in the front display window, available to eat in or take out.
• Loving Hut, Shops B&C, G/F, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Rd (MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A3), +852 2574 3248. Serving vegetarian and vegan fast food at affordable prices.
• New Bangkok Restaurant (新曼谷泰菜), 366 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, +852 2575 8981. Friendly staff serving excellent Thai food. $41-100
• Hokkaido Dairy Farm, Shop A-B, G/F, 211 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Ham, eggs, toast and Japanese milk. Very good for a light breakfast or lunch. $40
• 3.6.9. Restaurant Shanghai, 30-32 O'Brien Rd (Wan Chai MTR Exit A1). 1100-0400. Great old style dive usually packed with locals especially at lunch. Shanghai style Chinese food, excellent and inexpensive Xaio Long Bao. About as authentic as you'll find in this part of the island. 2017-11-21

Mid-range

• Baby Blue Cafe and Bar, 3/F, Chuang's Enterprises Building, 382 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, +852 2882 8770. Western food served to meet Hong Kong taste buds.
• The Quarterdeck Club, 1 Lung King St, +852 28278882. Fenwick Pier, Wanchai. This is one of the few harbourside restaurants. Slightly spoiled by the land reclamation nearby
• The Flying Pan, 22.278°, 114.171°. On the corner of Lockhart Road and Luard Road. Look above Mes Amis and you will find the best place for breakfast and it's open all-day, everyday. This is the place where you can have a full-English washed down with a glass of lager at any time you prefer. It has an extensive menu catering for all preferences and a "frequent fryer" club if you want to keep going back. Staff are friendly and speak good English.
• Kung Tak Lam, 10/F, World Trade Center, 280 Gloucester Rd, +852 2881 9966. A delightful vegetarian restaurant serving Shanghainese cuisine. Hotpot, dim sum and noodles dishes are made with MSG free ingredients.
• Chun Kee Restaurant, 117-119 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho (Shop H, G/F), +852 2560 6911. Daily 7:30AM - 8PM. Serves typical Chinese food from dumplings to Peking Duck.
• Red Pepper Restaurant, 7 Lan Fong Rd. Causeway Bay (MTR: Causeway Bay). Sichuan cuisine; spicy dishes.
• Pho Saigon, +852 28336833. 319, Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. Extremely good Vietnamese restaurant serving traditional dishes including Pho and Vietnamese coffee. Expect to pay around $120.
• {{eat | name=Tai Ping Koon Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.taipingkoon.com (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+852 2576 9161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=(太平館餐廳), 6 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay. Founded in Guangzhou in 1860, the three locations (two in Kowloon) have now become institutions of Canto-Western cuisine. Don't be put off by the touristy menu available in three languages, as the restaurant is very popular with locals. Some specialties are the Swiss sauce chicken wings, roasted young pigeon, smoked promfret, dried fried rice noodles with beef, and baked souffle. Reservation for a seating in their 1960-style room is highly recommended. }}
• Café One, 310 Gloucester Rd, +852 2839 3311. Causeway Bay, Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fun & friendly informal dining from an open kitchen and an exciting buffet featuring a wide selection of Asian and Western cuisines.
• Tony Roma's, Shop1,4/F, W Square,314-324 Hennessy Rd (Midway between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay MTR stations). International food. This branch has the advantage of an outdoor terrace that enables you to eat and drink above the noise of the streets below.
• Under the Bridge Spicy Crab (橋底辣蟹), Shop 1-2, G/F, 414 - 424 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay (Junction of Canal Rd and Jaffe Rd.), +852 2573 7698. This has become a Hong Kong institution that is famous for its Typhoon Shelter style crab. People come for the food not the interior which is basic. $151-300
• West Villa Restaurant (5 minutes walk from exit D2 of Taikoo Shing MTR), Shop 208, 2/F, Cityplaza II, Taikoo Shing, +852 2885 4478. 11AM–midnight. Its signature dim sum is the cha xiu bao (叉燒包) or roast pork buns that is served steamed, fried or as rolls. One of the items is named "Big Brother Chaxiu" after Hong Kong's film star Jacky Chan (Big Brother) who is fond of its cha xiu buns.
• Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai, 375-377, Queen's Road, East Wan Chai (8-minute walk away from the Causeway Bay subway station), 22.274724°, 114.178407°, +852 3552 8388, generalmanager@cosmohotel.com.hk. This hotel is spanned across 23 floors and consists of 142 rooms and suites. Free shuttle bus services are provided for 15 locations. They also offer free use of smart phone, 4G internet, Wi-Fi, local and IDD calls to 9 countries. 2017-04-28

Splurge

• Fook Lam Moon, 45 Johnston Rd, +852 28660663. The main branch of an old school Cantonese restaurant group with locations in Kowloon, Shanghai and Japan. Famous for luxurious delicacies such as abalone, and swallow's nest. More affordable specialties include roast suckling pig, crispy chicken, and steamed lotus leaf rice.

Drink

Tea & coffee

• The Coffee Academics, G/F, Bigfoot Centre, 38 Yiu Wa St, 22.2773°, 114.1816°. Great coffee a short walk from Times Square in Causeway bay. Coffee is roasted on premise and they have an outside sitting area. $40 for a coffee
• The Cafe Corridor, G/F, 26A Russell Street, Causeway Bay, 22.27859°, 114.18195°, +852 2892-2927, info@cafecorridor.hk. Small coffee shop directly opposite Time Square. Entrance is really small so look carefully. Good coffee for $26.

Bars

Wan Chai is home to one of the territories major nightspots with a moderately seedy reputation. Leave Wan Chai MTR station at exit C, and you will find a wide choice of bars, clubs and places to eat. If you are offended by the sight of money girls on the pavement outside of certain bars then don't go. If you do go then they are unlikely to spoil your evening, although older 'madams' may try and grab foreign males to pull into bars! For those who are looking for a party atmosphere in a place where 'east meets west', it would be shame to not include this area on your itinerary.

• The Pawn, 62 Johnston Rd, 22.2763791°, 114.1714792°, +852 3866 3444. Wan Chai. A Western-style bar and cafe in an attractive building that was once a pawn shop. It is away from the naughty parts of Wan Chai in one of the few historic buildings remaining in Hong Kong. It will appeal to visitors seeking a good range of imported beers and wines.
• Joe Bananas, 23 Luard Road, Wanchai, 22.2786241°, 114.1714923°, +852 2529 1811. This is one Hong Kong's most famous and popular bars, and can be highly recommended to younger travellers. Drinks are competitively priced, and staff are helpful and friendly.
• Devils Advocate, 22.278°, 114.17°. Popular with the rugby crowd with English pub food.
• Kangaroo Pub, 54 to 62 Lockhart Rd, +852 2139 3111. Australian sports bar. Has a book exchange.
• Carnegie's, 51 Lockhart Rd, 22.2783014°, 114.1708157°. Rock music themed bar. Live bands playing occasionally, sports on multiple screens and a big screen, dancing the night away on the bar top.
• The Canny Man, 57-73 Lockhart Rd (Basement, The Wharney Hotel), 22.2782614°, 114.1709203°. Scottish style Whiskey Bar with a free pool table.
• Skitz Sports Bar, 21-25 Luard Rd, +852 28663277. 5/F. Sports bar with pool tables, darts and big screens.
• The Wanch, 54 Jaffe Rd, 22.2787324°, 114.1702005°, +852 2861 1621. A good bar for music lovers with live music playing every night. There is also a showcase of local bands held over several days around the 1st of July every year.

Happy Valley has a far snootier feel about it compared to nearby Wan Chai. If you are looking for a slower pace and want a quiet drink, Happy Valley has a few bars and coffee shops that might appeal if you are based in this area.

• The Chapel, 27 Yik Yam St, +852 2834 6565. Serves curry.
• The Jockey. A relaxed British style pub that serves food. When the weather suits this is a great place to sit outside and watch the world pass by.

Causeway Bay is a great place for a night out, but there is no obvious bar area. Although this is the place to be if you are young and glamorous on a Saturday night, you maybe pushed to find a bar that sells a decent beer. Alternatively, why not go native, forget the alcohol and indulge in the hip cafe scene?

• Inn Side Out, Sunning Plaza, 10 Hysan Ave. Also 'East End Brewing Company'.
• Moon Garden Tea House, 5 Hoi Ping Rd (Take the MTR to Causeway Bay station and leave at either exit A or F.), +852 2882 6878. A calming location in a busy part of town where you can choose from over 70 types of tea and, for a price, enjoy the Chinese ritual of tea served in tiny cups. Food is also served.
• Dickens Bar (Excelsior Hotel), 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay (Leave Causeway Bay MTR station at exit D1. Close to the Noon Day Gun), +852 2837 6782. Popular British-style sports bar in the basement of the Excelsior hotel. A good range of drinks and serves very good English food, including a notable curry lunch buffet.

There are quite a few bars and restaurants on Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay.

• East End Brewery, 23-27 Tong Chong St.

Sleep

Budget

• Wang Fat Hostel (Hong Kong Hostel), 3rd floor, block A, 47 Paterson St., Causeway Bay (Exit E from Causeway Bay MTR station, turn left out the exit and left again at Paterson St., the hostel is on the left), +852 2392 6868. This hostel would go out of business competing against any hostel in any European city, but compared to the prisons of Chunking and Mirador Mansions, it's halfway decent. Single rooms go for $250-300 and dorms run about $170. There is one dingy kitchen and a few refrigerators. The staff are brusque but helpful and honest, and there is free wireless and a single molasses-slow computer with free internet for hostel guests.
• Yesinn Hostel, Flat B, 5th floor, Front Block, 294 King's Rd., Causeway Bay, Hong (Exit B from Fortress Hill MTR station, turn right walk about 3 minuties), +852 8338 6464. The youth & budget hostel in Hong Kong Island. Provide Mix/Female Dorms and private rooms for backpackers, young people, internship and budget business travellers who are looking for a warm, local, homely atmosphere and an affordable quality hostel.Private rooms go form HK$260 and dorms run from HK$99.
• Sun Kong Hostel, 47 Patterson St. Block C, sixth floor. A few minutes walk from Causeway Bay MTR Station (exit E). Rooms are small but clean with daily maid service. There is a communal refrigerator for roughly ever eight rooms. Toilets tend to block rather easy though. Double rooms run at about $300 with singles being anything from $130 with a shared toilet to between $200 and $400 with a private one.

Mid-range

• Ibis North Point, 138 Java Rd, +852 2588 1111. This inexpensive Ibis offers really tiny rooms in a 31-floor high building. The view towards the harbour is rather nice. Rates starting around $400
• Walden Hotel, 353 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Republic of China, +852 82003308. Walden Hotel is a 3-star business and leisure hotel which offers 54 guest rooms. Well equipped bedrooms include a desk area, tea and coffee making facilities, LCD television with satellite TV channels, full amenities, mini bar and free In-room Internet service.
• Lanson Place Hotel, 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, +852 34776886. Lanson Place Hotel is five to 10 minutes walk from the MTR system. It's 20 minutes away from Central by taxi, and 20 minutes from Kowloon by MTR. If you want to take a breather, Vistoria Park is five minutes walk. Some of their in-room amenities include an LCD flat screen TV, wireless broadband Internet connection, and a personal safe. As for guest service, they provide 24-hour reception, concierge service, business centre, fully equipped gymnasium, and food delivery service.
• Wharney Hotel, 57-73 Lockhart Rd.
• Cosmo Hotel, 375-377 Queen's Road East Wan Chai, 22.274724°, 114.178407°, +852 3552 8388, generalmanager@cosmohotel.com.hk. This hotel spans across 23 floors and consists of 142 colour-coded rooms and suites and offers green amenities, free Wi-Fi up to 200 mbps, provides a smart phone with 4G Internet access and free shuttle services for 15 destinations.
• Empire Hotel Hong Kong, 33 Hennessy Rd.
• Mingle Place By The Park, 143 Wanchai Road, Wanchai, +852 2838 1109. In the heart of Wanchai next to parks, public facilities, shopping centres, historical sites and close to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel has a business centre. Rates start at $600
• Novotel Hong Kong Century (香港诺富特世纪酒店), 238 Jaffe Rd, +852 2598 8888. A fairly reasonable 4-star hotel in the heart of Wanchai.
• Holiday Inn Express, 33 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay (Take Metro Island Line to Causeway Bay station. It is a very long walk to the closest Exit (A)), 22.2776°, 114.1819°, +852 3558 6688. Comfortable, clean and next to the shopping action in Times Square. Breakfast has Western and Chinese options, with the Western options decidedly underwhelming. Internet is fast. Rooms starting $1,500 a night
• Dorsett Wanchai Hotel, 387-397 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, 22.274559°, 114.178936°, +852 3552 1111, gm.wanchai@dorsetthotels.com. An environmentally friendly “green” hotel having 454 superior rooms, premier rooms, grand deluxe course view rooms and suites. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi up to 200 Mbps, walk-in massage shower with rain shower head and coffee and tea-making facilities. 2017-04-28
• Somerset Victoria Park Hong Kong, No.118 Electric Road, Causeway Bay, 22.285341°, 114.1896003°, +852 3653 8088, enquiry.hongkong@the-ascott.com. This property offers studio and one-bedroom apartments, equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and a smartphone with 3G data. 2017-09-18

Splurge

• Metropark Hotel Wanchai, Hong Kong, 41-49 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, +852 2861 1166, rsvn.hkwh@metroparkhotels.com. The 4-star hotel underwent a multi-billion major renovation, representing a new and refreshing image. In heart of the city, equipped with LCD TV and broadband service. From $450
• Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, +852 2588 1234, info.ghhk@hyattintl.com. Overlooks Victoria Harbour. Has a direct connection to the Hong Kong Conventions and Exhibition Centre. Host to the renowned Plateau Spa. $3500-4600
• Lanson Place Hotel, 133 Leighton Rd, +852 34776888. Causeway Bay. A small boutique hotel in a modern building with an old world European facade. Situated in a "less-busy" corner of Causeway Bay. Rooms $2300-3600. Suites $4500-10,500
• Jia Boutique Hotel, 1-5 Irving St, +852 31969000. Causeway Bay. A 54-room boutique hotel designed by Philippe Starck. Complimentary in-room broadband internet access, breakfast, wine during cocktail hour, afternoon cakes, and California Fitness gym access. Some rooms with cooking equipment. $2500-6000
• The Park Lane Hong Kong, 310 Gloucester Rd, +852 22938888. Causeway Bay. This 810-room 4-star hotel may not be brand new, but it is in the heart of Hong Kong's shopping and entertainment district. Great views of either Victoria Harbour or Victoria Park. From $1380.

Connect

Cope

• Central Library. Central Library feels a world apart from the hustle of Causeway Bay where it is located. Its grand post-modern facade overlooks Victoria Park and is a statement of how seriously Hong Kong people take education. Many universities around the world struggle to provide library facilities this good and visitors often leave suitably impressed. Lending services are provided to non-residents upon production of either a residents Hong Kong ID card, or a cash deposit. It is well stocked with Western periodicals, as well as free internet access. Major newspapers from all over the world are available. There are public computer terminals throughout all floors. The working tables with internet access for your laptop start on the fourth floor. Either you bring your own LAN cable or ask one of the librarians to lend you one. The library has a souvenir shop and a cafeteria which is operated by Delifrance. 2016-11-25

Go next

• Southern side of Hong Kong Island