The best Hong Kong nightlife

Description:

Carved along the hillside was built in 1844 for the British regiment attached there and named after the holly wood trees that used to line the street. It winds its way down from the upper section of "Central" into the heart of Sheung Wan at Queen's Road West, and makes for a fascinating stroll. At night, the upper part of Hollywood Road is home to crowds and crowds of young and professional groups of people come and party in the clubs of SoHo (South of Hollywood Road). Soho is gaining a growing reputation as the place to seen partying. The Western District of the road are lined with dozens of antique stores and other shops selling all manner of merchandise. Here you can buy snuff bottles, carpets, bird cages ornate name seals that are made to order, paintings etc. Most of the stores are for the serious collector but as move farther and farther down west, the glass fronted stores with expensive displays give way to traditional Chinese knickknacks or making and selling coffin, funeral wreaths and antique reproduction.

Description:

If you don't embarrass yourself by falling down the stairs leading to this hip basement venue, decorated in chic Asian style, you might find this a welcome refuge for an early evening drink or a quiet place to chill Monday and Tuesday nights. Things heat up the rest of the week after 9pm, however, when the resident DJ's house music entices people to the small dance floor. Open 6pm Monday to Friday and 8pm Saturday, closing at 1am Monday to Thursday and 5am Friday and Saturday.

Description:

Members only club with a large bar and a small dance floor.

Our Local Expert Says:

Wild Berry Mojito and Honey Lychee Smash are must tries.

Description:

If you don't have what it takes to get into Dragon-i , take solace in Solas, just a short walk downhill. The roomy, Irish-owned lounge bar, with dramatic red lighting with a touch of East meets West and Celtish-themed accents, has a daily happy hour from 4 to 9pm and a DJ nightly from 10pm playing everything from funk and Latin to underground disco. It's open Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 3am and Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 4am.

Description:

This is the place to ponder the state of the Hong Kong arts scene, discuss the works of Brecht, or ostentatiously read books by authors with unpronounceable East European names. The Fringe Club Bar is where the alternative arts crowd gathers for drinks and to sample some of the excellent programmes on offer. The choice of drinks might be limited but this is one of the more convivial places for a civilized evening out in Central.

Original music in its gallery bar from 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday with jazz, rock and world music getting the most airplay. There's a pleasant rooftop bar open in the warmer months. The intimate theatres, each seating up to a hundred, host eclectic local and international performances in English and Cantonese.

Description:

The Kee Club invites you to unlimited drinking in a fun-filled atmosphere. Shake a leg to the fast track music played by resident DJ Vinnie and sip on your kind of drink – wine, brandy, scotch, cognac or beer. Antique paintings, small statues and mirrored walls constitute the interiors. The club also recently launched its own magazine, the Kee Magazine, which provides details on the various drinks and dishes on offer. Although Kee has a dinner menu, guests generally visit this place to chill out with a couple of drinks and some dance. Regulars are also treated to some discount by the club authorities.

Description:

Wyndam Street is close to transport, making Works well-placed for Lan Kwai Fong, and a multitude of Chinese and international restaurants. Built on the site of the old Propaganda, Hong Kong's premier gay and lesbian nightclub, Works is friendly and relaxed, attracting a mixed crowd of Chinese and Europeans, usually young professionals. Drinks are a little expensive but paying the extra is worth the privacy and the atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

Staunton's is swish, cool and on the ball with decent wine and a lovely terrace. For eats, there's light fare downstairs and a modern international restaurants called Scirocco above.

Description:

Located on the corner of Staunton and Shelley streets, beside the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, this open-fronted bar, with views of commuters traveling on the escalator, was one of the first of many bars and restaurants that now give the SoHo district its unique, homey atmosphere. It offers more than 30 wines by the glass, as well as Wi-Fi. Happy hour is from 4 to 8pm daily. It's open Monday through Friday 10am to 2am, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2am.

Description:

Yaumatei is one of the liveliest districts in Hong Kong. One can easily spend a whole day wandering around the area, which is buzzing with traditional Chinese street-scenes. For the eldery to enjoy a chat and sip tea, this is definitely a glimpse into traditional Chinese lifestyle and excellent to explore on foot. Retirees love to gather around the public square in front of the Tin Hau Temple, and enjoy a game of Chinese chess as well as Horse race betting. Start by exploring Jordan Road and end off at Temple street. Along Shanghai Street, street shops sell traditional Chinese red wedding Gowns. Tin Hau temple is between the Market and public square street. A little further is the Jade Market with a wide range of jade products on sale. Sometimes the best times to visit are at night, the Temple Street Night Market is packed with people looking for bargain merchandise, and there are also Chinese fortune-tellers, Nepalese palm readers, Tarot Card fortune readers for that elusive look into the future.

Description:

The Grand Ocean is a one screen affair, situated beside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, close to the ferry terminals that take you off to China, Macau, or even for a long cruise down to Hainan Island if you desire. So, if you are looking for escape and there is nothing interesting on at the cinema, take a ferry somewhere and make up your own story.