View from Peak Hill, Hong Kong
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Hong Kong Nightlife
Enterprising night animals in Hong Kong can try to get invited to a local karaoke party or join in a lively dice game with a bunch of beer-swigging regulars in a Tsim Sha Tsui bar. Lan Kwai Fong, the famous square mile of Central with the most relaxed drinking hours and the most intense partying, is still a beating nightlife heart. SoHo ('South of Hollywood Road') is a slightly more chic and relaxed concentration of brasseries, bars and beer spots, just off the Mid-Levels Escalator. Chinese locals tend to favour Tsim Sha Tsui, riddled with bars and clubs.
Those wanting a dose of culture can check out one of Hong Kong’s up-and-coming local bands, stroll around the hip contemporary art galleries on Hollywood Road or catch a local action film. While Hong Kong isn’t exactly a cultural hotspot, it should be remembered that this is Greater China's film and media powerhouse and one area where Chinese arts and culture have flourished without political and ideological interference.
The main ticketing agents are HKTicketing (tel: 3128 8288; www.hkticketing.com) and Urbtix (tel: 2734 9009; www.urbtix.hk).
Listings can be found in Time Out HK (www.timeout.com.hk), BC Magazine (www.bcmagazine.net) and favourite expat magazine HK (www.hk-magazine.com).
Bars in Hong Kong
Agave serves a marvellous selection of tequilas and margaritas - a staple for the hot summer months. This open-fronted, popular bar has no less than 150 brands of 100% agave tequila on offer, as well as 30 different margaritas and a range of tasty Mexican food, from tacos and fajitas to burritos.
33 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2521 2010.
Over in Kowloon, the most upscale bars are located high in the sky. Stylish, hip and classy, Aqua Spirit boasts the best panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and a great cocktail menu.
30th Floor, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: 3427 2288.
Website: www.aqua.com.hk
Designed to look like the fictional residences of a 1930s Shanghai celebutante called Madam Ning, this chic and cosy bar has themed rooms such as a rustic Swiss chalet called the Ski Room and a Moroccan alcove called L’Africa. Live bands and DJs play jazz and lounge tunes, plus there is a heavenly cocktail menu which includes the signature Ning Sling.
B/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: 2315 3355.
Website: www.salondening.com
Clubs in Hong Kong
Dragon-i is the hangout of the stars in Hong Kong; socially exclusive but surprisingly ordinary.
Upper Ground Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 3110 1222.
Website: www.dragon-i.com.hk
Drop, just down the hill under the escalator in Central, is another late-night haven in Hong Kong. Wednesday is 'Manicure & Moet' night for the ladies. Remember to reserve in advance.
39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2543 8856.
Website: www.drophk.com
In the early part of the evening Solas is more of a trendy bar playing top tunes from soul to funky house—but as the night progresses it transforms into a cool club packed with seriously hip and cool Hong Kongers.
The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 3162 3710.
Website: www.solas.com.hk
Live Music in Hong Kong
Gothic meets retro meets art deco at this lavish venue in Hong Kong which not only hosts an eclectic range of live music from jazz and folk to local pop and rock, but also serves a menu of European fusion dishes so you can eat while you watch.
1/F, Somptueux Central, 52-54 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2167-8985.
Website: www.backstagelive.hk
Soak up the African vibes at this friendly bar and lounge which has live bands and DJs most nights. Try a glass of Ti Punch - a tingling explosion of rum, brown sugar cane and lime - and it won’t be long until you're up and dancing to everything from Afro jazz to Zouk.
G/F, Garley Building, 48 Peel Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2522 0544.
Website: www.makumba.com.hk
If you want to bounce around to nostalgic songs from your teenage years, then this is the place for you. It showcases great cover bands belting out fun versions of everything from Bon Jovi and Bob Markey to Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga in a fabulously retro-chic update of Liverpool's legendary club.
LG/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 55 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2121 8969.
Website: www.igors.com
Culture in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is the town ensemble and its frequent showings at corporate galas at least bankroll a full year-round programme. The company is resident at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from September to July. Hong Kong's classical ballet troupe, the Hong Kong Ballet, and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra also regularly perform at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 2734 2009.
Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/HKCC
From Bruce Lee's Way Of The Dragon back in the early 1970s to Echoes Of The Rainbow which won the Crystal Bear at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival, Hong Kong has an interesting and impressive cinematic history. In order to preserve the city’s film heritage, Hong Kong Film Archive regularly screens classic local movies with English subtitles.
50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong
Tel: 2739 2139.
Website: www.filmarchive.gov.hk
Visiting orchestras of all standards frequently tour through Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts hosts frequent concerts. Hong Kong's classical ballet troupe, the Hong Kong Ballet, also regularly performs here.
1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: 2584 8500.
Website: www.hkapa.edu
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