Photo: Ceeseven / CC BY-SA 4.0
Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Island’s oldest street, is a captivating blend of antique shops, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Wander past traditional Chinese shophouses and colonial buildings, where the scent of incense mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. This is the heart of Hong Kong’s heritage, offering a glimpse into the city’s past while buzzing with contemporary energy.
Highlights & What to See
- Antique Shops & Art Galleries: Browse for Ming dynasty ceramics, vintage watches, and contemporary art in the dozens of galleries and curio stores lining the street.
- Man Mo Temple: A serene 19th-century temple dedicated to the gods of literature and war, with giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling.
- Possession Street (Upper Lascar Row): A lively alley of stalls selling jade, calligraphy, and quirky souvenirs – perfect for treasure hunting.
- PMQ (Police Married Quarters): A revitalized heritage complex housing design studios, pop-up shops, and hip cafes in a former police dormitory.
- Cat Street Market: A narrow lane packed with antiques, vintage posters, and Mao memorabilia – a nostalgic flea market experience.
Suggested Time to Spend
Half a day is ideal to soak up Hollywood Road’s atmosphere. Start late morning to explore the antique shops and galleries before they close for lunch, then visit Man Mo Temple and PMQ. Afternoon is perfect for a coffee break at one of the stylish cafes on nearby Gough Street or Staunton Street. If you’re a dedicated antiquer, you could easily spend a full day combing through the treasures.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Central & SoHo: A vibrant dining and nightlife district with international restaurants and bars, just a short walk uphill from Hollywood Road.
- Sheung Wan: A neighbourhood of traditional dried seafood shops and modern boutiques, offering a glimpse of old Hong Kong.
- The Peak: Take the Peak Tram from nearby Garden Road for panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon.
- Mid-Levels Escalators: The world’s longest covered escalator system, connecting Central to the Mid-Levels, with easy access to Hollywood Road.
- Lan Kwai Fong: A bustling nightlife hub with pubs and clubs, a 10-minute walk east.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Central — ralphrepo / CC BY 2.0
- SoHo — AsAuSo / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Sheung Wan — Wpcpey / CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Peak — Samson Ng . D201@EAL / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mid-Levels Escalators — Wpcpey / CC BY 4.0
- Lan Kwai Fong — Studio Incendo / CC BY 2.0