Things to do in Wan Chai: food, drinks, shops & things to do

Mizunara: The Library is a true whisky haven. Named after a unique Japanese oak used in its home country for maturing whisky, Mizunara offers bespoke cocktails and a diverse collection of over 600 whiskies from Japanese, Scottish, American, and Irish distilleries. Knowledgeable bartenders can guide you to rare finds or shake up a creative cocktail to suit your taste. If you’re new to the whisky game, we recommend ordering one of their tasting flights to discover your preference.

This classy cocktail bar and live entertainment venue sits on the second floor of Sophia Loren House in Wan Chai’s iconic Woo Cheong Pawn Shop building. From the plush suede furniture to marble tables and gold accents, everything oozes chic retro elegance. Sip on expertly crafted signature cocktails as you kick back to enjoy live jazz performances from local and international artists, drag brunches, or weekly DJ events. The Stage also has a secret hidden bar for VIP guests, accessible only with a special key from the bar’s reception.

Step into Dirty Laundry, a hidden cocktail bar tucked behind a fake laundromat along Lockhart Road. This pink neon-lit bar is cosy and rustic, with cocktails that draw inspiration from local culture. Put down an order for signature drinks like ‘Wan Chai Dreams’, ‘Dizzy Cloud’, or ‘Floral Perfume’, a refreshing blend of rose water and cucumber-infused gin.

The St. Regis Bar is all about sophistication. Its 14 signature cocktails take inspiration from New York’s subway and Hong Kong’s tramline, both of which opened in the same year as the first St. Regis Hotel in New York. A must-try is the Canto Mary 2.0, the bar’s rendition of a classic Bloody Mary, which features dried tangerine peel, soy sauce, and a five-spice mix. The plush setting and live jazz set a relaxed, upscale tone, ideal for a chill evening or a pre-dinner drink.

Tai Lung Fung is a laidback cocktail bar located off the beaten track near the Blue House. Marked by a beaming red neon sign, the bar is a love letter to old Hong Kong, with vintage toys and antique items decorating the space. The drinks menu offers a selection of signature cocktails with a local twist, various beers, and affordable wines, all of which pair great with Tai Lung Fung’s selection of Hong Kong-style snacks like fried siu mai and fish balls.

Opened in early November 2024, Hopewell Mall is one of Wan Chai’s newest retail hubs with shopping, dining, and entertainment options all under one roof. It’s home to a handful of flagship stores like Hong Kong’s largest Nitori for home goods, playful spots such as The Wonderful World of Whimsy, Kiztopia, and Toys “R” Us, plus a gourmet supermarket. You’ll also find a blend of local and international brands for fashion, electronics, and household essentials, alongside a food court dishing out quick bites. The mall also has a 60,000-sq-ft landscaped park to offer visitors a serene escape while connecting to areas like the Starstreet precinct and Lee Tung Avenue.

Once the home to Wan Chai’s famous ‘Wedding Card Street’, Lee Tung Avenue is a 200-metre-long strip of shops, cafes, and restaurants. While it’s much smaller in comparison to other glitzy shopping malls, there’s a decent range of options in skincare, makeup, fashion, and lifestyle products. While you’re there, be sure to check out Gong Fu Teahouse, a traditional teahouse founded in 1961, specialising in preserving the art of tea culture and pure-quality tea leaves. During big seasonal holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, and Chinese New Year, the tree-lined street is also known for its festive decorations and events, making it a lively spot year-round.

For those looking to get their hands on gadgets, laptops, games, and software at solid prices, Wan Chai Computer Centre is the place to be. You can score everything from PC parts to phone cases, and many of the vendors also offer repair services. Bargaining is welcome, but make sure you do some exploring first to snag the best deal on your next tech purchase.

The Starstreet precinct is a laidback little nook spanning Wing Fung Street, Star Street, Moon Street, Sun Street, and St. Francis Yard. There’s a strong sense of community in this part of the neighbourhood that can be rare in this busy city. Stop by for a coffee break at a cosy cafe and fit in a quick shopping session while you’re at it. Expect boutique stores, indie designers, and lifestyle shops offering a range of trendy home essentials and fashion pieces.

Kapok on Sun Street is a must-visit for those who love to shop for a bit of everything. You’ll find products by both niche and popular brands from around the world, bringing together an interesting mix of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle items that emphasise quality and innovation. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or hunting for gifts, Kapok is a great stop while wandering the neighbourhood.

Having a bad hair day? Or are you in need of something to complete your outfit? Whatever it is, The Mid-Levels Hat Club will sort you out. True to its name, this ‘home of hats’ offers a slew of headwear to match any outfit – baseball caps, snapbacks, beanies, berets, bucket hats, and more. From casual to chic, the shop’s carefully curated collection will help you up your style game.

The Blue House on Stone Nullah Lane is a colourful slice of old Hong Kong. Built in 1922 in classic Lingnan style, it stands as a UNESCO-recognised piece of architecture, having earned the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation. To learn more about its history and local community, visit Hong Kong House of Stories, a unique gallery space dedicated to recording and preserving the city’s cultural heritage.

HarbourChill is a relaxed waterfront spot with killer views of Victoria Harbour. Rent a pedal boat at the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct for a fun paddle with the city skyline as your backdrop. It’s a great way to enjoy the water and take a break from the urban bustle of Wan Chai.

The Hong Kong Arts Centre on Harbour Road is a creative hub for art lovers. It hosts exhibitions, film screenings, and live performances, putting a strong focus on local and international rising talents. The building is easy to navigate with a spiral staircase connecting to each floor, and there’s always something fresh to check out. Visit the art shop before you leave to pick up some unique items designed by local artists and brands.

This Wan Chai Kiztopia branch is the brand’s first-ever Hong Kong Island venue, spanning an impressive 17,000sq ft with 18 superhero-themed play zones. Let your little ones run wild in the Mojo Zone Mega Climbing Area, featuring an eight-metre zip line, thrilling slides, and a massive ball pit. There’s also a giant inflatable bouncy castle, obstacle course, a massive 1,000-sq-ft building block room, and many other interactive zones for kids to burn off some energy while the parents relax.

Comprising of 10 pre-war Grade II historic buildings built in the 1910s, 7 Mallory Street, or M7, opened in 2013 as one of the city’s many revitalisation projects, highlighting local culture and community. There are a number of exhibition areas that regularly showcase works by local artists, alongside a small handful of shops and eateries, including a vintage toy shop, cha chaan teng, and the Museum of Hong Kong Literature.