There are many different sides to Wan Chai. It’s a commercial district during the day, with plenty of shopping, from upscale malls and chic boutiques to traditional wet markets and street markets. Dining options range from cheap local hangouts to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants. Wan Chai’s famous nightlife offers a broad mix of bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues.
Wan Chai is best explored on foot or by tram. Visit as part of a guided food, culture, or heritage walking tour. You can also ride a hop-on hop-off bus to explore Wan Chai and other areas of Hong Kong at your leisure.
Wan Chai is suitable for foodies and nightlife enthusiasts.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
The areas around Lockhart Road, Jaffe Road, and Johnson Road still contain risqué bars that are not suitable for children.
Visit by day and come back at night to get the full experience.
Wan Chai is located on Hong Kong Island. On the MTR, take the Island Line to the Wan Chai Station. A number of buses and minibuses also stop in the area. A scenic way to travel to and through Wan Chai is by tram. Another scenic option is to take the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai Ferry Pier.
Those looking to dine, shop, or experience the culture should visit during the day, while partygoers can find venues to have fun all night long. Those looking for arts and culture should check performance schedules for the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Arts Center, or events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
A self-guided walking tour, the Wan Chai Heritage Trail features 15 stops and takes about two hours to complete. The emphasis is on architecture and culture, and highlights include Pak Tai Temple, Hung Shing Temple, Blue House, Wan Chai Market, and the Old Wan Chai Post Office.
