The ‘Old Town Central’ walking guide encapsulates the greatest charms from East and West, where the past and present, tradition and innovation, and bustle and tranquillity coexist, blend and collide. To best discover and experience the vibrant Central district including its colonial monuments, temples, art galleries, street art displays, antique stores, hip boutiques, trending restaurants, rooftop bars and local delicacies; here are the five experiential routes:

Time Traveller

The journey of history and heritage through Central and Sheung Wan was where the story of modern Hong Kong began. From Possession Point, where the British flag was first officially raised, to the Tai Ping Shan area, where many Chinese first settled in the 1840s, this journey passes through some of the city’s oldest, historic streets and offers glimpses of what life was like when the future world city was still in its infancy.

Chu Wing Kee, a store on Possession Street, has a 60-year history.

Pak Tsz Lane Park was the site of an important historic event in 1892, involving the great Chinese revolutionary Dr Sun Yat-sen.

Crazy for Art

A stroll down the picturesque Hollywood Road, one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, lined with galleries offers a huge range of artworks, from ancient to contemporary and from Asian to Western. Artists and art connoisseurs of all levels can seek inspiration and enjoy the creative graffiti art on the walls of the many side alleys leading off the street.

PMQ, the former Police Married Quarters, now houses works by promising young artists and designers

Hollywood Road, where upscale galleries meet street art.

Tasting Hong Kong

Central is a paradise for food lovers; this route offers a world of choices only steps from each other. From traditional dim sum to international and fusion cuisine to local dai pai dongs and tantalising street food, there is something to cater to every taste bud.

Traditional Chinese dim sum at the century-old Lin Heung Tea House.

Rooftop bars are ideal spots for taking in the intoxicating night view of Central.

Hidden Gems in Back Alleys

For the treasure hunters, the walk begins at Upper Lascar Row, where a fascinating mix of antiques and Chinese calligraphy dealers can be found in this street. The route makes its way uphill to the blooming creative neighbourhood on Tai Ping Shan Street and in the PoHo area, where design studios are nestled between teahouses; and the Bridges Street area - a melting pot of old and new, with second-hand books and knick-knacks that feeds your imagination about the city’s past.

The stalls in Upper Lascar Row sell antiques, Chinesestyle ornaments and jewelleries.

The blue-clad vintage store In Between and the green shopfront of Tallensia Floral Art on Tai Ping Shan Street in the PoHo area.

Something for everyone: Highlights Trip For those with limited time, this tour covers the top landmarks and points of interest from each thematic tour. Travelers will discover heritage sites, explore art, sample local food and hunt for hidden treasures in a warren of narrow streets and alleys before ending the trip at Pottinger Street in the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood. The full version of The Old Town Central walking guide can be viewed and downloaded at: discoverhongkong.com/common/ebook/Old-Town-Central_booklet_EN.pdf