Old Town Central Highlights:
Hollywood Road
Hollywood Road is one of the best places to start exploring Old Town Central. Established in 1841, it's the second oldest street in Hong Kong. Once lined with antique shops and trading houses, it has evolved into a vibrant stretch.
Today, it's filled with art galleries, street murals, boutique shops and cafés, blending the city’s historic roots with its modern creative scene.
Man Mo Temple
Just a short walk along Hollywood Road, lies one of Hong Kong’s most loved spiritual landmarks – Man Mo Temple. It is renowned for its photogenic, aromatic atmosphere created by hundreds of slow-burning, conical incense coils hung from the ceiling.
Built in 1847, this temple is dedicated to the gods of literature and war – Man Cheong and Mo Tai. Historically, it was a place where scholars would come to pray for success in imperial exams.
Central Market
Hong Kong’s Central Market is a historic landmark, revitalised into a vibrant community space. Once the city’s first wet market and now a Grade III listed building, it blends heritage with modern culture. Discover a mix of food stalls, shops and social spaces in the heart of Central.
Recommendation: Inside Central Market, be sure to visit Yan Chim Kee to pick up one of Hong Kong’s most loved sweets – Yan’s Coconut Sea Salt Candy. Known for its rich coconut aroma and smooth, delicate texture, it’s a nostalgic local treat and a perfect souvenir from your time in the city.
Tai Kwun
Tai Kwun is another must-visit spot in Old Town Central. This is the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison compound. Dating back to the mid-19th century, this historic site has been thoughtfully transformed - now a unique cultural and heritage hub.
Today, its restored prison cells, courtyards and courtrooms sit alongside contemporary art galleries, performance spaces and cafés, offering a striking blend of history and modern creativity.
Mid-Level Escalators Route
A quirky highlight of Hong Kong Island is the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator System, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator network. Stretching over 800 metres and rising 135 metres through the steep hillside, it’s made up of around 20 escalators and three inclined moving walkways, linked by footbridges and 14 entrances and exits.
Taking around 20–25 minutes to travel end to end, it’s both a practical commuter route and a memorable way to experience Hong Kong from above the streets.