Hong Kong Nightlife
Enterprising night animals are likely to get invited to a local karaoke party or join in a lively dice game with beer-swigging regulars in the bars of Tsim Sha Tsui, but it’s Lan Kwai Fong, the famous square mile of Central with the most relaxed drinking hours and the most intense partying, that is still a beating nightlife heart. SoHo ('South of Hollywood Road') is slightly more chic with a relaxed concentration of bars and beer spots, just off the Mid-Levels Escalator. Chinese locals favour Tsim Sha Tsui, riddled with bars and clubs.
Those wanting a dose of culture can check out one of Hong Kong’s up-and-coming local bands, stroll around the hip contemporary art galleries on Hollywood Road or catch a local film. While Hong Kong isn’t exactly a cultural hotspot, it should be remembered that this is Greater China's film and media powerhouse and one area where Chinese arts and culture have flourished without political and ideological interference.
The main ticketing agents are HKTicketing (tel: +852 3128 8288; www.hkticketing.com) and Urbtix (tel: +852 2111 5999; www.urbtix.hk). Listings can be found in Time Out HK (www.timeout.com.hk), BC Magazine (www.bcmagazine.net) and expat magazine HK (www.hk-magazine.com).
Bars in Hong Kong
Felix
This rooftop fixture, at the top of the Peninsula Hotel, is famed for its circular bar, a quiet spot ideal for grabbing a pre-dinner drink. But what really makes it stand out is the gent’s loo. There aren’t many urinals that afford a better view: looking straight out across Victoria Harbour.
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui, 28th Floor, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2696 6778.
Website: http://hongkong.peninsula.com/en/fine-dining/felix
Ozone
At 490m (1,607ft), this is one of the world’s highest bar. People come for the views, but the brash decor and boldly mixed cocktails won’t disappoint either. The drinks blend Korean and Spanish styles (thanks to the chief mixologist’s heritage), meaning you’ll find booze here unlike anywhere else in the city.
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui, 1 Austin Ave, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2263 2263.
Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hong-kong/dining/ozone
Sevva
While this Central–based spot isn’t the highest drinking spot in Hong Kong, its terrace still affords stunning views across the bay, with the bar serving up top notch cocktails. Dress for the occasion.
Address: Central, Prince's Building, 10 Charter Road, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2537 1388.
Website: http://www.sevva.hk
Clubs in Hong Kong
Dragon-i
Claiming to sell more champagne than any other watering hole in Hong Kong, Dragon-i is the hangout of the stars, and although it's socially exclusive, it's also surprisingly ordinary. The door policy here is strict, with owners boasting that "only the stylish and beautiful need apply", but the tunes are generally good with Jazzy Jeff and Louie Vega among its former wax spinners.
Address: Central, Upper Ground Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street,, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 3110 1222.
Website: http://www.dragon-i.com.hk
Drop
Just down the hill from the escalator in Central, Drop is a late-night Hong Kong haven that draws its class from its creators. It takes its upmarket style from the actress Colette Koo and its clubbing clout from house don Joel Lai. Though it's a little pokey, things go off here under the early hours. Book if you want a table.
Address: Central, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2543 8856.
Website: http://www.drophk.com
Live music in Hong Kong
Club 71
This backstreet bar, tucked away down an alley in Central, is a lot more laid back than the brash establishments frequented by expats until the small hours. Duck in here for a cheap beer and a chance to hang with the locals. We guarantee you'll leave having made new friends.
Address: Central, 67 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2858 7071.
Peel Fresco Music Lounge
Nestled away near Man Mo Temple, Peel Fresco is a great place to see the latest local live talent while sipping on a cocktail. The focus is largely on jazz, with first rate bands from Hong Kong mixed in with open mic newbies. There’s also the occasional Latin and R&B night to keep things mixed up.
Address: Central, 49 Peel Street, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2540 2046.
Website: http://www.peel-fresco.com
The Iron Fairies Hong Kong
Iron Fairies promises a bewitching night of live jazz and blues, innovative comfort food and exceptional mixology, amidst other worldly interiors that captivate and invigorate imaginations. With 10,000 butterflies on thin copper rods swinging from the ceiling and thousands of small iron fairies scattered around the tables, Iron Fairies brings a touch of magic to Hong Kong’s entertainment and night scene.
Address: Central, LG Floor, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2603 6992
Website: http://www.diningconcepts.com/restaurants/Iron-Fairies
The Wanch
The Wanch has been bringing live music to Hong Kong since 1987 and is the oldest true music club in Hong Kong. It offers live music seven nights a week with different performers every night. There is a great selection of beverages too.
Address: Wai Chai, No.54 Jaffe Road, Hong Kong,Telephone: +852 2861 1621
Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/venue/thewanch
