Hong Kong - World's Best Bars

Best Bars in

Hong Kong

New York may be “the city that never sleeps”, but this could just as easily apply to Hong Kong. It’s all too easy to succumb to sensory overload as you navigate the collision of temples, street food vendors, traffic-clogged streets, and neon signage.

Hong Kong is at its most vibrant come nightfall. Just take a ride on the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour or go for a stroll up The Peak to get a sense of the endless possibilities. Dazzled by the illuminated cityscape, you’ll see that nighttime is when the city truly comes alive. Locals just love spending their evenings out on the town, and with as many bars, restaurants, clubs, theatres, shopping districts and street markets as here, who could blame them?

If it’s your first time in town and you want to get a taste of the nightlife, a great place to start is Lan Kwai Fong. Located at the heart of the luxurious Central district, which concentrates the city’s business and administrative activities alongside high-end hotels and glitzy shopping malls, this small neighborhood is composed of a handful of narrow pedestrian lanes tucked behind Queen’s Road’s shiny skyscrapers. Once the sun sets, crowds of revelers start pouring into the busy streets as the hundred-plus bars and clubs open their doors. Being the city’s top party district, Lan Kwai Fong also hosts a number of street carnivals and celebrations during the year’s major holidays, with a special mention for Halloween and New Year’s Eve.

If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, but just as exciting, head on over to Wan Chai. Hong Kong’s former red light district is now home to some excellent restaurants, a thriving art scene, and great nightlife options. We just love the buzzy, friendly neighborhood vibe. It also boasts gorgeous colonial architecture and its own beautiful skyline.

If you want to satisfy your hipster tendencies, “It” neighborhoods Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun are both must-visits, charmingly fusing old-school heritage and contemporary tastes. With an abundance of cool bars, hip cafes and delicious eats, as well as avant garde art galleries, trendy vintage shops and independent boutiques, these are the city’s prime spots for leisurely strolls and endless people watching.

Finally, back at Central, high-end and multicultural SoHo (“South of Hollywood Road”) is a favorite among the expat and business crowds. Filled with upscale bars and restaurants as well as chic boutiques, art galleries and antique shops, you’ll find it buzzing with places to see and be seen come sundown. The best way to discover the area is by taking a ride on the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator, which is the world’s longest outdoor escalator system, connecting SoHo to central Hong Kong. The entire ride takes about 20 minutes and offers easy access to the neighborhood’s many cool spots. Make sure you visit the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, accessible through a footbridge right off the steps.