Top things to do in Admiralty and Central Hong Kong

  1. Dazzling… Dazzling Cafe
  2. 5 reasons why I ditched London and move back to Hong Kong
  3. Wine and dine at Stone Nullah Tavern
  4. Sai Kung rock pools: the 4 consecutive pools and falls
  5. The Ultimate Guide to a Sai Kung Boat trip
  6. 5 transportations to take in Hong Kong
  7. Top 5 dessert place of Hong Kong (as of Sept 2016)
  8. 5+ amazing Sai Kung beaches in Hong Kong
  9. The Ultimate First Timer’s info guide to Hong Kong
  10. The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Peak, Hong Kong
  11. Best Egg Waffle Hong Kong: tried and tested
  12. Best brunch Hong Kong: my top 5 western restaurant
  13. Night Hike in Hong Kong: Suicide Cliff, Kowloon Peak
  14. The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
  15. Pineapple Mountain: a visit to the Hong Kong Grand Canyon
  16. Top things to do in Admiralty and Central Hong Kong
  17. The Best Place to Stay in Hong Kong for First Timers
  18. Alternative places to stay in Hong Kong
  19. The Ultimate Guide to Temples of Hong Kong (ALL free entry!)  
  20. Moreish and Malt Afternoon tea: a review
  21. West High Hill – an adventurous alternative to the Peak
  22. Ham and Sherry Brunch Review – Tapas in Hong Kong
  23. My top restaurants in Hong Kong
  24. Hiking Tsz Wan Shan: the most underrated view of Kowloon
  25. Bubble tea Hong Kong: a Laugh Travel Eat guide
  26. A Shop and Eat Guide to Mongkok Hong Kong:
  27. Tung Ping Chau Day trip: hidden Hong Kong
  28. Ninepin Island: the hidden hexagonal column paradise of Hong Kong
  29. Tai Tun Shan – the thousand islands view of Sai Kung
  30. 15+ most instagrammed place in Hong Kong that’s not the Peak and how to get there
  31. My 1 Day Itinerary in Hong Kong
  32. Best of Sai Kung’s nature: Lai Chi Chong, Sham Chung, and Yung Shue O hike
  33. MacLehose Trail Stage 4 – Shui Long Wo
  34. Wu Gau Tang to Tiu Tang Lung hike: Hong Kong’s mountain and bays
  35. Easy hikes in Hong Kong that aren’t Dragon’s Back
  36. Needle Hill Hong Kong – conquering the third sharpest peak
  37. High Junk Peak: hike the second sharpest peak of Hong Kong
  38. Lung Ha Wan Country Trail: a hike up Tai Tun Leng Hong Kong
  39. Sham Shui Po local guide: fabric, electronics, and food galore
  40. A local’s guide to Sai Kung Hong Kong
  41. Iris Hong Kong review: the annual yoga and wellness weekend festival
  42. A hike up Ma On Shan via Tiu Shau Ngam, Hong Kong
  43. Lion Rock Hike: how to hike up the iconic Hong Kong mountain
  44. Tai To Yan: a Hong Kong razor ridge hike
  45. Buffalo Hills: hike up rocky outcrops and silver grass in Hong Kong
  46. Robin’s Nest: hike between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
  47. Devil’s Peak: fortifications and urban views galore
  48. Qipao rental in Hong Kong: experience old Hong Kong charm
  49. Kai Kung Leng: the velvet trail of Yuen Long
  50. Tai O Hong Kong: a day trip from the city
  51. Hung Heung Lo Fung: shortest hike in Hong Kong with a view
  52. Top things to do in Lantau Island on a day trip (or two)
  53. Wo Yang Shan hike: frolic under Tai Mo Shan
  54. Things to do in Sheung Wan Hong Kong
  55. Things to do in Hong Kong at night
  56. Sheung Wan Restaurants: best eateries and cafes
  57. Cheung Chau Island: a Hong Kong day trip
  58. What to do in Hong Kong in 4 days – advice from a local
  59. Nui Po Shan: finding the phallic rock hike in Hong Kong
  60. Sharp Peak: conquering one of Hong Kong’s toughest trails
  61. Lui Ta Shek hike: a quiet hike in Sai Kung
  62. Hiking Middle Hill – a fly by from Kowloon Peak
  63. Kayaking in Sai Kung: where to rent and paddle to
  64. Green Egg Island – an unusual oasis in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
  65. Seeking Kam Kui Shek Teng, Sai Kung Hong Kong
  66. Ping Nam Stream: hidden waterfall in Hong Kong
  67. Madai Stream: chasing waterfalls in Ma On Shan
  68. Grass Island Tap Mun- a Sai Kung getaway
  69. Pak Lung Stream: a Lantau stream hike
  70. Top Hong Kong Staycation deals
  71. Ap Lei Pai adventure via Yuk Kwai Shan
  72. Po Kwu Wan: a hidden Sai Kung bay
  73. Wang Chung Stream: the most scenic waterfall hike
  74. Tai Shing Stream – seeking birds and dragons
  75. Basalt Island: an adventure in Sai Kung Geo Park
  76. Jin Island: a day trip to Tiu Chung Chau
  77. Rhino Rock Stanley: a short hike with a view
  78. Tsing Tam Reservoir and Ho Pui Reservoir: an easy hike
  79. Lantau Peak from Ngong Ping: the easy route
  80. Bluff Island: an island adventure in Sai Kung
  81. Lo Fu Tau Country Trail: a Lantau Island hike
  82. Wilson Trail Stage 4: Tung Yeung Shan – an unexpected silver grass heaven
  83. Middle Dog Teeth Ridge – Mid Kau Nga Ling up Lantau Peak
  84. Kau To Shan: the hidden hike in Fo Tan
  85. Lau Shui Heung Reservoir to Hok Tau Reservoir: a Fanling easy day hike
  86. Tai Mo Shan hike: 5 ways to go up the Highest peak in Hong Kong
  87. 10 best hikes Hong Kong
  88. Devil’s Fist – a Plover Cove Reservoir hike out Wong Chuk Kok Tsui
  89. Cape d’Aguilar Hike Hong Kong: a complete guide
  90. Violet Hill hike + Twins Peak
  91. Sham Shui Po Food: a tried and tested guide
  92. Thousand Islands: Reservoir Island viewpoint in Tai Lam Country Park
  93. Tai Tong: Hong Kong’s red leaves haven
  94. Mau Ping Ancient Trail: seeking the Vine King and Bamboo Tunnels
  95. Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden: a sustainable and education day trip
  96. Pat Sin Leng hike: conquering the 8 immortals peak
  97. Shek Uk Shan: highest peak in Sai Kung
  98. Nam Sang Wai: cycling to the Yuen Long scenic wetland
  99. Tsang Pang Kok Tsui: the hidden headline
  100. Seeking Devil’s Claw along Chung Hom Kok
  101. Things to do in Aberdeen Hong Kong
  102. Sok Kwu Wan: hidden Lamma Island
  103. Best Burgers in Hong Kong
  104. Wang Chau: Sai Kung’s hidden tombolo
  105. Yim Tin Tsai: the salt farming island of Sai Kung
  106. Top things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui
  107. Checkerboard Hill: a Hidden Kowloon hike
  108. Hidden Hindu Temple Fanling: low level urban exploration
  109. Shark Rock Hong Kong: a hidden Kowloon hike
  110. Cloudy Hill: the easy way to hike Wilson Trail Section 8
  111. Ngau Wu Reservoir hike: a quick trip to the forgotten Ma On Shan reservoir
  112. 134 hike Sai Kung: Sharp Peak-3 Peninsula-4 beaches
  113. Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls hike: Bali vibes in Hong Kong
  114. Little Hawaii Trail: easy waterfall hike with tropical vibes
  115. Maclehose Trail Section 3: Ka Kung Shan hike
  116. MacLehose Trail Section 2: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Beach, and Chek Keng
  117. Po Toi Island Guide: hikes, attractions, and where to eat
  118. Tsz Sha Ancient Trail: an easy hike between Shatin and Kowloon
  119. Easter Island Rock Hike: Sunny Bay to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island
  120. Fan Lau Trail: the southwestern most part of Lantau Island
  121. Shek Nga Tau: the hidden hill of Sai Kung

Admiralty and Central are the financial heart of Hong Kong. Admiralty is where the government headquarter is, along with many business offices; Central is the place where LKF, SoHo as well as many hip restaurants and shops are. It is the ideal place for first time visitors to get to know Hong Kong and see its most iconic sights.

There are many things to do in Central and Admiralty but most are outdoor – so make sure you check the weather. If it’s your first time to Hong Kong, I’ve got a guideIf you haven’t decided on when to come, here’s the best time to visit Hong Kong.

Contents

History of Central and Admiralty

Chosen due to its deep water bay, the British had settled with warehouses and offices since 1841 and it became the main westerner zone. Called Victoria City prior to World War II, the name was eventually changed to Central based on the MTR station of the same name, based on the squatter area that was once in Graham Street. It’s THE part of Hong Kong with the richest colonial history and with the neighbouring district of Admiralty, the two are the financial and political heart of Hong Kong.

While you can probably do the top sights quickly, there’s nothing better than an in-depth tour and here’s what you can do for a half day around Central and Admiralty.

Things to do in Admiralty

Tamar Park

Tamar Park facing Central, Hong Kong | Laugh Travel Eat
Walking on the norther edge of Tamar Park close to the sea front

A patch of green in the heart of the city, Tamar Park is a great place to hide from the skyscrapers and traffic. The park is designed as part of a project to move the Central Government buildings to this site. Started in 2007 and completed in October 2011, they managed to keep the site 80% green with the Legislative Council Complex in the southern end of the park, close to the Admiralty MTR station.

Tamar Park facing the Hong Kong Legislative Building, Admiralty, Hong Kong | Laugh Travel Eat
The modern Tamar Park with the Legislative building on the other side

The Legislative Council Complex resembles an open arch with the entrance to the park through it. The post-modern design aims to reflect the independent and transparent image of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, particular with its use of glass and metal. The north wing houses the Chief Executive Officer’s office, while west and east are the normal legislative office. The park connects to the Central Promenade.

Battery Path

A wild footpath in Central that goes past a collection of historical monuments and eventually lead to St John’s Cathedral. Its “entrance” is located on the junction of Ice House Road and Queen’s Road Central and there’s a little map showing the landmark and information there if you are unfamiliar with it. The path is named after Murray’s Barracks and used to be the site of the administrative headquarters (now the Justice Place) when the British take over in the mid 19th century. This also used to be at the waterfront before land reclamation has set it back. The other sights along the path are the Former French Mission Building (a pink and white building that dates back to the 19th century) and the Court of Final Appeal.

St John’s Cathedral

St-Johns-Cathedral-Central-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
St John’s Cathedral hidden in the streets of Central

At the end of Battery Path is the yellow and white Gothic Revival style Anglican Cathedral. Built in stucco and wood, the church was completed in 1849 and is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East as well as one of the only five cathedrals in Hong Kong. There is also a War Memorial in the shape of a Celtic Cross commemorating the soldiers of WWI.

From here, you are very close to the Peak Tram terminal – which you might or might not want to visit. I have a separate guide on the Peak here if you do. Though there tends to be a long queue all the time.

Hong Kong Park

Hong-Kong-Park-facing-Admiralty-by-the-man-made-lake-Central-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
Hong Kong park on an overcast day with the skyscrapers of Admiralty clearly visible from the manmade lake

Opened in 1991, the Hong Kong Park spans over 8 hectares of land featuring a manmade lake, Edward Youde Aviary, Olympic Square as well as the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry.

Walkway-towards-the-Cotton-Tree-Drive-Registry-in-Hong-Kong-Park-hong-kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
The colourful walkway towards the Cotton Tree Drive Registry

Before Tamar Park, this was the only oasis in the city. It occupies the site called Cantonment Hill which used to house a barracks and school. There are some buildings left and one of them was converted into the registry. The park reminds me of St James Park, albeit smaller with its ponds and bridge. There’s even koi and tortoise in the lake!

A-set-of-beautiful-stairs-in-Hong-Kong-Park-Central-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
The exit towards the skywalk is by this delightful flight of stairs!

Things to do in Central

Central Promenade

twilight-in-tamar-park-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
View from Central Promenade

Although the promenade is still under construction, most of it is already well paved and faces the Avenue of Star in Tsim Sha Tsui. In fact, you can almost say that it’s a direct reflection. It offers a great alternative view from that of the Tsim Sha Tsui and a side view to the Central Pier and the Hong Kong Convention Center.

Central Pier

Central-Pier-10-Central-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
pier 10 – a public pier in Central Pier

A short stroll via the Central Promenade, the Central Pier connects Hong Kong Island to various outlying islands as well as the Kowloon Peninsula. With a total of 10 piers, the most famous is the Pier 7 where the Star Ferry transport people from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. Other destinations are Cheung Chau, Pen chau, Mui Wo, Lamma Island, Sok Kwu Wan, Yung Sheu Wan, Discovery Bay and Park Island. The current pier is the third generation of Central Pier and built in 1957 in Streamline Moderne style, designed by a local architect.

If you are interested in Hong Kong maritime history, Pier 8 is home to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

Li Yuen Street East Market

Li Yuen Street East, in all honesty, is nothing but an ordinary, narrow street in Central. However, it is made less ordinary with the market going through it. Full disclosure: the market doesn’t sell anything special, mostly common clothes and accessories. However, Gong Cha has a hidden branch here and it’s a nice little street.

Pottinger Street

Named after the first Governor of Hong Kong, Pottinger Street is better known as the Stone Slab Street. With a steep, almost 45 degrees inclined and cute stone steps, it’s an absolute must-visit when in Central. To the locals, it’s more well known for selling props and knick-knacks along the street. The street extends all the way along the Mid-Levels Escalator from Queen’s Central Road to Hollywood Road.

pottinger-street-central-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
The second half of Pottinger Street was all decked out for Christmas (2016)

Mid-Levels Escalator

Mid Level Escalator, Central, Hong Kong | Laugh Travel Eat
Longest outdoor escalator in the world!

The longest outdoor covered escalator in the world (it probably isn’t the longest if you take away the outdoor and or covered), the escalator spans over 800 meters and up 135 meters of elevation. It was a projected proposed in 1987 to make the life of residence around the region easier. It was finally constructed by a French company in 1993 and although it ran over its budget as well as failing its aim to ease congestions, it has become a popular tourist attraction. It also passes by the Old Central Police Station as well as the SoHo district. It’s due to be refurbished in 2017 (that’s next year!), so see it before it’s changed.

It’s one of my top favourite sights in Hong Kong, and it’s part of my 1 day Hong Kong itinerary.

Tai Kwun: Old Central Police Station and Victoria Prison

tai-kwun-hong-kong-laugh-travel-eat-4

Also called the Former Central Police Station Compound, this beautiful building along Hollywood road has been there since the 19th century. It was originally a barracks and with WWII and the quick development of the city, it expands to become the Police Station, Victoria Prison and Central Magistracy as well in the 1920s. The redbrick building is the headquarter in late Victorian style, the Magistracy is the white, classic Greek revival style.

tai-kwun-hong-kong-laugh-travel-eat-3
One of the exhibit space on the building’s history

It has reopened in the summer of 2018 as Tai Kwun – its informally name in Chinese, as a heritage building, museum, and part-shops. 

tai-kwun-hong-kong-laugh-travel-eat-6
The spiral staircase at the modern art museum
tai-kwun-hong-kong-laugh-travel-eat-5
And this

Graham Street street art

Old Hong Kong building street art, Graham Street, Hong Kong | Laugh Travel Eat
The Insta-famous street art on Graham Street

The Graham Street graffiti is made famous on Instagram, depicting a series of old-fashioned Chinese buildings against a bright blue background, following the stone steps up. I am not entirely sure who the artist is – so if you know, drop me a comment below!

Lan Kwai Fong

The party district of Hong Kong, LKF is so famous that it even has a movie of the same name. it refers to a small collection of streets in Central lined with bars and pubs. It’s extremely popular with expats and tourists, but it wasn’t always like this. Prior to the 1980s, it used to be an area for hawkers. It’s often packed during festive seasons and is always lively. It is the most packed during Halloween and New Year’s Eve and hosts a lot of activities throughout the year.

Duddell’s Street

Note: the stair was damaged extensively from the typhoon Sept 2018

Duddells-staircase-and-gas-lamp-Central-Hong-Kong-Laugh-Travel-Eat
A wild staircase from teh 19th century appears at the end of Dudell’s Street, almost like it time travelled through!

A flight of Granite Steps at the end of Duddell’s Street, the staircase is a relic from the end of 19th century. The four gas lamps that are set atop the balustrades are from the 1920s, although it isn’t clear when it’s installed. The entire structure was kept as it is despite the upgrade of streetlamps to electricity run. They are now maintained by the Towngas company and switch on from 6pm to 6am. Also, it’s a statutory monument. Just sayin’.

Chater Garden

You can exit towards Admiralty or Central MTR from Hong Kong Park, but if you pick the one near the man-made lake that exit to a sky walk, you can follow it towards Chater Garden. A small park that’s named after Sir Paul Chater, a prominent businessman in Hong Kong in the early 20th century, it opened in 1978 and honestly, there isn’t much to see. It has, however, witnessed a lot of history since it’s closed to the government quarters.

Court of Final Appeal and Statue Square

The Court of FinalAppear next to Statue Square in Central, Hong Kong | Laugh Travel Eat
The Neo-Classical building has a regal charm to it!

Right next to the Chater Garden and where the Central MTR Exit K is, the Court of Final Appeal and Statue Square are a reflection of the British rule. The Court of Final Appeal is housed in the building that was once the Supreme Court till the 80s, and the Legislative Council until 2011 after. Build in the Neo-Classical style, it is a declared monument of Hong Kong. The land here are reclaimed during the 1880s, and the Statue Square is named so after the statues of the British Royal family that are erected here.

Since the World War II, the statue of King George VI and his wife were shipped back to England and the statue of Queen Victoria moved to Victoria Park. Only the statue of Sir Thomas Jackson remained. An interesting tidbit: it was believed that the statue of Sir Thomas Jackson was the cause of several missing person’s cases around the Statue Square. Triangles were put in place under the statue by a monk and the disappearance stopped.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad Blocker Detected!

Advertisements fund this website. Please disable your adblocking software or whitelist our website.
Thank You!
Want an off-line guide for Cinque Terre?
Including exclusive photo spots and tips Plus more travel tips in my FREE resource library
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download THE travel planning spreadsheet
Get THE travel planning spreadsheet I use to plan your trip and track your finance!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get a free travel plan & finance spreadsheet!
And get access to my exclusive resource library with map itineraries, travel checklist and more
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download a one-page price list for reference on your trip to Chiang Mai!
Have it handy so you know what price you should pay when you haggle!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Ljubljana
Get a copy of the map for your trip to the Slovenia captial! You can probably do everything in 1 day
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for the Lake Bohinj region
Lake Bohinj region is big - so get a map of my favourite spots to make the most of your trip!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Lake Bled
Get a free map of best viewpoints, sights and restaurants in Bled for your trip!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Milan
Get your map of what to see in Milan in 48 hours - including tips and tricks
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Taormina
Know where the best spots in Taormina is with this Google My Map
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for the Lake Bohinj region
Get this comprehensive map with transport stops and routes clearly marked for your trip to Bohinj!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for your trip to the Peak!
Get this comprehensive map with transport stops and routes clearly marked for your trip to The Peak
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Prague!
Get this all-in-one map for the best viewpoints, top 5 and restaurants pick in Prague!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get free destination maps for your travels
Join my exclusive resource library with map itineraries, travel checklist and more. Currently most popular: Milan, Lake Bled and Hong Kong maps
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download the free 1 day Itinerary for Hong Kong!
Make it easy to find all the spots and follow with the infographic
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Eze and Monaco
the all-in-one day trip map with bus stops, sights and viewpoints labeled for you
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your 3 day map itinerary for Danang
Enjoy a 3 day trip that you don't need to plan!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Do you want to know all my blogging secret?
Sign up to hear first about my Ultimate blogging beginners course
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Hoi AN!
Get this all-in-one map for the Hoi An old town and best restaurants
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Hue!
See Hue in 2-3 days with this guide!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Phong Nha!
Where the caves are, what there's to do and where to eat in Phong Nha!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Padua!
It include my entire day's itinerary, not just the top 5!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Sirmione
This might be a small town, but knowing where to go will still help your day!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Sirmione
This might be a small town, but knowing where to go will still help your day!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Verona!
My all in one guide to Veona including secret spots, restaurants and top sights!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Chiang Mai
Get the exact map hat I prepped for the trip with restaurants, sights and spa locations marked on!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Nara!
Get the itinerary for food, temples and deer spotting in Nara!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Macau!
Get my 48 hours itinerary for Macau
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Macau!
From how to get there to what to eat after in Yuen Long
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Central & Admiralty
get your half day itinerary to the heart of Hong Kong!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your Shui Long Wo Hiking Map
It isn't hard - but better safe than sorry ;)
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get all 9 spots with 1 map!
For the hiking views, you'll need to read their respective articles for transport options!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Let's hike West High Hill!
Let's get you from the Peak to some stunning vista!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get a map of my favourite restaurants in Hong Kong
This map would be updated as I add more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my Angkor + Siem Reap Itinerary
Restaurants, markets and more
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my 7 days Tokyo Itinerary!
Including all the spots in the post and more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get your FREE Nusa Penida Map
Including all the spots in the post and more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my Singapore map!
Including all the spots in the post!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.