Central, up close

Central is Hong Kong's financial and political core — but it's also more walkable and layered than its skyscraper reputation suggests, once you get off the main road.

The elevated network

A system of covered footbridges and escalators, most famously the Central–Mid-Levels escalator, lets you move through much of the district without touching street level — useful in both summer heat and sudden rain.

SoHo and the antique streets

Above the escalator, SoHo's narrow streets hold a dense cluster of small restaurants and bars, while Hollywood Road running through Sheung Wan is the city's best-known strip for antiques, curios and contemporary galleries.

Government Hill and the waterfront

Toward the harbour, the former government headquarters area and the newer waterfront promenade give some of the best unobstructed views back across to Kowloon.