Central District

Hong Kong’s Central District is quite literally at the heart of Hong Kong Island — culturally, financially and geographically. During the 1840s British colonists founded the community of Victoria here, and it quickly expanded to become a world hub for trade and commerce. Sandwiched between Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak, Central is a packed grid of innovative high rises, historic landmarks, restaurants, bars and high-end shopping malls. It’s an eclectic mishmash that somehow works, much like Hong Kong as a whole.
For travelers, Central District also houses some of Hong Kong’s most famous attractions. Visitors can ride the Peak Tram for views of Victoria Harbour from above, or take in this historic district at street level aboard one of the city’s historic trams. The Zoological and Botanical Gardens are also found in Central, as is Hong Kong Park. The Mid-Level Escalators, the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, takes passengers up and down the hilly terrain of Central District. Shoppers flock to Central for the designer shops at IFC Mall as well as the antique dealers and contemporary art galleries along and around Hollywood Road.

Practical Info

Central is a major public transportation hub in Hong Kong, and you can easily reach it by taking the MTR to Hong Kong, Central or Admiralty stations.