Nestled between Central and Wan Chai, Admiralty is probably best known for its bus terminus linking the whole of Hong Kong together and Pacific Place – the sleek, chic mega-mall at the heart of the district. What people should think of, however, are the parks – Hong Kong Park and Tamar Park providing serene spots for visitors and Hongkongers alike, as well as the Museums and Galleries offering up culture to their guests. Its bars and cafes boast views over the city, epitomizing everything Hong Kong strives to be – highball sophistication, vibrancy and culture. Another good news is that you can find the best restaurants in Admiralty online here if you’d like to enjoy your delicious meal from the comfort of your home or hotel room.
9am
Start your morning at The Petit Café at Pacific Place where you can soak in the morning sun on their outside terrace. Looking out onto the busyness of Admiralty’s twisting roads and skyscraper buildings, sip a coffee from their Insta-famous flowered cups and enjoy a pastry from their luxurious selection.
10am
Make your way up the hill behind Pacific Place to the Asia Society Centre. Established in Hong Kong in 1990 by a group of community leaders, the education, culture and arts centre often hosts exciting exhibitions. On 1.364 hectares of land, the Asia Society Centre is based in four former British military buildings, built in the mid-19th century, making Asia Society an interesting place to explore and enjoy.
12pm
Walk along Justice Drive onto Supreme Court Road, turning onto Cotton Tree Drive where you will then see a sign for Hong Kong Park. Wander through Hong Kong’s central urban oasis, being sure to explore the Loch Cha Tea Shop and the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware (the latter of which is in a beautiful colonial building from 1846). In the northeastern corner of the museum is the KS Lo Gallery, which boasts a rare collection of Chinese ceramics and stone seals.
2.30pm
Stop off at Loch Cha Tea House for some vegetarian dim sum for lunch. You’ll leave feeling fresh, healthy and satisfied after guzzling far too much jasmine tea and munching on all that green veg. Situated in a relaxing environment, that very much follows the style of traditional Chinese tea houses, Loch Cha will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed.
4pm
Head down towards the harbor to the Hong Kong Arts Centre – a self-financed, non-profit space that brings creativity to our city. From dance to music, art and culture the organization has been running for the past 40 years, (check what’s on at hkac.org.hk). The small café there is worth checking out too if you’re at the HKAC, with its floor to ceiling views over Admiralty from their second floor. So stop off and have a coffee at Pumpernickel to replenish any dwindling energy you may have! Across the road there is also the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, which has performances as varied as Chinese Opera, Contemporary Dance and Musical Theatre throughout the year (see what’s happening now hkapa.edu).
7pm
Have dinner at Upper House – next to Pacific Place, their elegant Café Gray Deluxe attracts Hong Kong fashionistas and well-dressed businessmen throughout the day. With its smart-casual dress code and laid-back yet incredibly chic vibe, the restaurant is a comfortable sofa filled hangout and the perfect place to sit back and relax. How about the views, though, that really speak for itself. Settled in the heart of Admiralty with panoramic scenes of jungle-filled mountains to the right and the harbor to the front, Upper House ticks all the right boxes.
Places to Eat in Admiralty:
The Petit Café – L4 Pacific Place, www.pacificplace.com.hk/dine/The%20Petit%20Cafe.
Loch Cha Tea House – www.lockcha.com/teahouse.
Pumpernickel – 2588 1001, www.cafepumpernickel.com.
Café Gray Deluxe Upper House – Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 2918 1838 www.upperhouse.com.
Order online from Admiralty top restaurants here.
Places to see in Admiralty:
Asia Society – 9 Justice Drive, www.asiasociety.org.
Hong Kong Park – www.lcsd.gov.hk.
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware – 10 Cotton Tree Drive (Inside HK park), 2869 0690.
Hong Kong Arts Centre – 2 Harbour Rd, www.hkac.org.hk.
Hong Kong Performing Academy for Performing Arts – 1 Gloucester Rd, 2584 8500, www.hkapa.edu.
Editor | Emma Russell