Bars, clubs and restaurants line this famous party district, known for its nightlife and festivals.
Lan Kwai Fong is a Central district hot spot on Hong Kong Island famous for its raucous nightlife. Central is the city’s economic and financial centre, home to the headquarters of multinational companies as well as legal offices and government departments. See the party district come to life on the weekend, as employees of the nearby offices shake off the stress of the working week and party along with tourists and celebrities.
This area was once known for its street hawkers and wedding arrangers, but today it has more than 100 restaurants and bars on one L-shaped stretch between Wyndham and D'Aguilar streets.
Revellers will find everything from fine dining to vodka Jello shots on offer, and a night out here doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for Happy Hour and Spree Hour, which take place in almost every bar. Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., luring local office workers with two-for-one drink promotions and half-priced food. Spree Hour starts at 10 p.m., when university students and tourists start arriving, and drink prices are often cut even further.
Keep in mind the extra costs of service charges or tips. Some clubs also charge an entrance fee. You’ll find that menus and prices are always in English, and bar staff are often foreign themselves and speak fluent, if not native, English.
Sometimes the bars are so full it’s impossible to get in, so another option is to join the crowds continuing the party in the street. People buy drinks from nearby convenience stores and create an unofficial outdoor extension of the party zone.
If you’re in need of a late-night snack, head to nearby Wing Wah Lane where you can find anything from European cuisines to Malaysian, Thai and, of course, Chinese.
Lan Kwai Fong also hosts its own beer festival, as well as various carnivals and other celebrations during major holidays, such as Halloween, Christmas and New Year.
To get to Lan Kwai Fong, leave Central MTR station by Exit D1, turn right onto Pedder Street and follow it to Queen’s Road Central. Take a left onto D’Aguilar Street. If you’re returning late, take a taxi, as the MTR stops running from 12:30 a.m. until 6 a.m.
