Wan Chai is a cool part of the city that often gets bad press for its after-dark goings on, but you can have a great night out if you know where to go. Here's what to do in Wan Chai.
Are you one of the night owls that love engaging in other vibrant activities when the night falls? If so, Wan Chai seems to be the place that always has something to offer, whether you’re looking for the best happy hours, karaoke bars or hidden live music places. So here is our guide on what to do in Wan Chai after-dark – from tasty Turkish food to beer pong, burlesque, and 7-Eleven street drinks – this is why we love Wan Chai by night.
What to do in Wan Chai: After-dark
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Honestly, sometimes it’s just fun to go and loiter on street corners in Wan Chai (literally translated as the cove, due to its coastal shape). Famed as the red light district of Hong Kong, the area was (and still is) a popular hangout for the U.S. Navy when they were in port, and is the setting for a large part of the iconic 1950s novel The World of Suzie Wong. Take in the remaining neon signs around Lockhart Road or wander through the recently-opened Lee Tung Avenue complex, wherever you are in Wan Chai, you’ll be close to some quintessential Hong Kong street scenes.
Looking for a boutique hotel with design that captures HK in its heyday? Check into The Fleming in Wan Chai.
1. Billidart Restaurant & Bar
Billidart is a fun restaurant and bar that offers a wide selection of interesting games, such as beer pong, slap cup and flip cup, pool and darts. Located on the 7th and 8th floors of Kwan Chart Tower, expect unpretentious surroundings, with walls lined with ducks (the company mascot). Catch up with your friends over the signature loaded cheese fries, indulgent pizza bites and get competitive!
Billidart Restaurant & Bar, 7-8/F, Kwan Chart Tower, 6 Tonnochy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 21443000, 灣仔杜老誌道6號群策大廈7-8樓全層
2. Istanbul Express Turkish Restaurant
Istanbul Express Turkish Restaurant is our favourite Turkish restaurant in town. It serves a variation of authentic dishes, and it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your comfort food cravings – the smell of falafel wafting around the place is amazing. Whether you’re into a savoury lamb kebab, a crunchy falafel hummus wrap or a Turkish rainbow salad, both meat lovers and vegetarians will be pleased.
Istanbul Express Turkish Restaurant, G/F, 66 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2865 0066, 灣仔駱克道66號地下舖
3. Club 7-Eleven
It’s an institution that often gets knocked for driving traffic away from bars, but one of the best things about Hong Kong is being able to drink on the street! Pick up your poison: Chinese wine, beer, Jack and Coke, and linger on street corners with friends as you watch Wan Chai come to life.
You can find 7-Elevens around every corner in Hong Kong.
4. The 50s Bar & Restaurant
Tucked away on Queen’s Road East, The 50s Bar & Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves classic songs from back in the day. The live band performs a great set of danceable and singable faves, and even takes requests. The food is not the main reason to visit in our opinion, but is good enough to warrant booking in for a night with friends who love a boogie.
The 50s Bar & Restaurant, 9/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong
5. Hong Kong Arts Centre
If you’re looking for a slightly more cultured evening in Wan Chai, be sure to see what;’s on at the Hong KOng Arts Centre. Home to a number of installations and stores during the day, at night they screen various films and have performances by local theatre companies and musicians to keep you entertained.
Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2582 0200, 香港灣仔港灣道2號
6. Ophelia
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, then Ophelia may be right up your alley. Not only are we drawn to the lavish peacock-like décor, we are also mesmerised by their exquisite cocktails, especially Cheongsam, one of their most popular drinks which, is presented inside a birdcage! At random intervals throughout the evening, a group of professional dancers put on spectacular shows to glam up your evening and transport you to another place. Indulge in the mystery.
Ophelia, Shop F39A & F41A, 1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2520 1117, 灣仔皇后大道東200號利東街囍匯1樓F39A及F41A號舖
