Hong Kong “Old Town Central” Secrets You Might Have Missed: A Walking Route Guide

▲ A street market in Graham Street, Hong Kong. (Photo courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board; all subsequent photos are from the same source)

Reported by Jiayun Yeh / Taipei

Hong Kong’s diverse tourism appeal continues to attract Taiwanese visitors time and again. To offer them a fresh perspective on traveling in Hong Kong and allow them to deeply experience the city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has introduced the “Old Town Central” itinerary this year. Alongside a brand-new travel brochure—“Old Town Central: A Walking Route Guide”—it invites travelers to explore the essence of Hong Kong in Old Town Central and immerse themselves in its most authentic cultural charm.

“Old Town Central” spans from Wyndham Street in the east to Caine Road in the south, Queen’s Road Central in the north, and connects westward to Possession Street. It is also home to Hollywood Road, one of the earliest streets built in Hong Kong. The walking route is organized around four major themes: historical stories, art and culture hubs, diverse flavors, and hidden gems in narrow alleys.

Route 1: Historical StoriesBegin your journey at Possession Street, the oldest street in Hong Kong, and step into the lives of early Hong Kong residents during the colonial era. Explore the many ancient temples along Tai Ping Shan Street to learn about long-standing folk traditions. Experience the daily life of commoners in the past along Gage Street and Cochrane Street. Visit Hong Kong’s first bacteriological institute, the former police headquarters, and early judicial landmarks... Step back in time as you traverse over a century of Hong Kong’s transformation.

▲ The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

▲ Gage Street

Route 2: Art and Culture HubsStart with must-visit landmarks beloved by local art enthusiasts, such as the Fringe Club, originally a Dairy Farm warehouse, and PMQ MetaCentre, a former police married quarters that has been transformed into an arts venue and creative hub. Stroll along Hollywood Road to discover a concentration of art galleries and street murals that showcase the area’s vibrant artistic energy.

▲ Street graffiti art

▲ PMQ MetaCentre is a key cultural and creative hub in Hong Kong

Route 3: Diverse FlavorsSample essential Hong Kong dim sum in traditional tea houses, enjoy classic dai pai dong street food, savor local snacks, explore the international cuisines of SoHo in the Hollywood South district, and discover craft beers and fine wines—all flourishing here. Beyond treating your taste buds, you can also pick up nostalgic Hong Kong treats like Tai Cheong Bakery’s egg tarts or gifts from Chan Yi Zai to share and reminisce.

▲ A famous Hong Kong dai pai dong

▲ Traditional bamboo cane juice shop

Route 4: Hidden Gems in Narrow AlleysBegin your adventure at Upper Lascar Row, a hub for antiques and calligraphy, then head up to the small PoHo community on Tai Ping Shan Street, where quirky shops dot the streets. Finally, make your way to Staunton Street to uncover Hong Kong’s past through second-hand bookstores and antique shops.

▲ Misadventure Workshop, selling a variety of second-hand trinkets

▲ Quirky shop Nordic Room by Homeless

In line with the Old Town Central concept, several travel agencies have launched 3-day, 2-night Hong Kong free-and-easy tour packages starting from just HK$9,888 (taxes included). These packages also include a half-day “Old Town Central” guided tour, where professional guides bring the stories of Central to life as you stroll through the area.