Mid-Levels Escalator
A series of outdoor escalators might not seem like much. But this innocuous development turned an unpleasant 135-metre (445-foot) vertical climb into a 20-minute cloud-watching/smartphone-gazing break. Before these escalators were built, SoHo was just an area that happened to be between where people lived (Mid-Levels) and where people worked (Central). Now the entire route is lined with some of the best bars, restaurants and boutiques in the city. Shuttling around 78,000 people every day, these hardworking escalators run downhill from 6-10am and uphill from 10am-midnight, to help get commuters to and from work. Once you get to the top you’ll be greeted with dramatic views of Hong Kong’s towering cityscape.
Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts
Built between 1864 and 1925, the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts used to be an old complex of 16 colonial buildings that housed the Central Police Station, Victoria Prison and the Central Magistracy. Today, it’s a peaceful enclave for creative inspiration smack bang in the middle of the city. For an unusual drinking experience, hit up Behind Bars, which is located in a series of former jail cells or, if you’re looking for something more refined, try Dragonfly, an Art Nouveau-style cocktail bar. However, Tai Kwun hasn’t completely shucked its history as a former prison: visitors can take a walk in Ho Chi Minh’s exercise yard and tour through the jail cells via video displays.
Little Bao
This Chinese diner offers classic comfort food with a playful twist, and is the brainchild of Asia’s Best Female Chef 2017, May Chow. As the name Little Bao suggests, the main offerings here are Cantonese buns stuffed with fillings like pork belly and fried chicken. Those with a sweet tooth can go for buns filled with green-tea ice cream or deep-fried bao drizzled with condensed milk. Portions are generous and meant for sharing. The decor is modern and hip: walls are lined with images of vintage Hong Kong mailboxes and diners are seated on bar stools along counter spaces. This popular restaurant has a no-reservations policy, so expect to wait.
Happy Paradise
Happy Paradise is owned and operated by celebrity chefs May Chow and John Javier. Together, they’ve created a wildly creative SoHo hangout, which offers a cool yet casual dining and drinking experience. Boldly designed with neon lighting and fluorescent artwork, this funky restaurant brings the outside in with its retro decor inspired by Hong Kong’s streets. But while the look might convince a passerby to stop off for a spontaneous drink, the food will guarantee repeat visits. The menu offers a modern take on Cantonese fare, from forgotten recipes such as slow-cooked chrysanthemum chicken to well-loved classics like sweet and sour pork. Make sure you sample the five-spice G&T.
Old Townhouses Mural
Located on a steep slope at the corner of Graham Street and Hollywood Road is Old Townhouses Mural. It is said to be the most photographed wall in Hong Kong and is surrounded by selfie sticks and snap-happy tourists at almost all hours of the day. Created by Alex Croft, the artwork features rows of traditional Hong Kong tenements on a bright blue background. The mural was commissioned by lifestyle brand G.O.D (Goods of Desire, a shop located in PMQ) and inspired by its signature print, Yaumati.