SOHO Western District Hong Kong

An incredible advantage for living in Shenzhen China is access to Hong Kong. One of Hong Kong’s great places to explore is the SOHO district located in Central. The SOHO district includes great restaurants, night life activities, antique shopping and health food stores. If you are in the market for a new apartment in Hong Kong, then SOHO is the place. You have easy access to the busy Central Hong Kong and the casual atmosphere of SOHO.

One Long Escalator

SOHO is also home to one of the longest recorded escalators in the world. Here is an excert about this escalator from wikipedia:

One of the easiest ways of getting to Soho is through the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, which was built in 1993. It is said that the very existence of now vibrant Soho is attributed to the creation of the escalator system, which at the time was the longest escalator system in the world, and in fact prior to the escalator the area was populated by many elderley locals, old go-downs and porcelain shops.

The cost of the Central-Mid-Level escalator cost a total of HK$32 million and stretches 800 meters, carrying 34,000 people daily. The direction the esclalator takes changes, going down before 10:00 am and up after 10:00 am.

The bottom of the escalator to SOHO. This can help you find it!

Getting to SOHO

SOHO is located south of Hollywood Road, and  extends up to and including Robinson Road.

MTR Map for SOHO area.

Here are some points of interest for in and around the SOHO district:

SoHo

When riding the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, be sure to sample a little “SoHo”-style wining and dining! Hong Kong’s newest culinary hub, the “South of Hollywood Road” area offers you a world of exciting wining and dining choices. From Mexico to Malaysia, from New Orleans to Nepal, from Portugal to Provence.

MTR Station	Central Station Exit D2
Feeder Service	10 minutes walk from station
Location Map	Please click here to view the map

Lan Kwai Fong

This delightful L-shaped cobblestone road between D’aguilar Street and Wyndham Street is home to an inviting collection of lively restaurants, delicatessens and bars. One of Hong Kong’s trendiest nightlife areas, LKF remains a magnet for both tourists and locals, attracting thousands of visitors to its regular Halloween, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve street carnivals.

MTR Station	Central Station Exit D2
Feeder Service	5 minutes walk from station
Location Map	Please click here to view the map

Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row

Nestled between Sheung Wan and Central, Hollywood Road or “Antique Street”, is a treasure trove of curio and antiques shops. Here, you can find everything from tiny perfume bottles to elaborate, Mandarin-sized antique Chinese furniture. And don’t worry about getting your purchases home! Many shops will happily deliver overseas.

MTR Station	Sheung Wan Station Exit E2
Feeder Service	15 minutes walk from station
Location Map	Please click here to view the map

Get Smart about SOHO

You can browse SOHO like I do, but I have found that there are great shops on and off the beaten paths in alleyways and down the street. Get smart about SOHO and go to the official website for the SOHO area.

On the “I Love SOHO” district website you can find a great map with lists for all of the venues to check out.

Here is a shortlist of the restaurants I can atest to. Give them a whirl your first trip out and let me know some even better finds!

Fat Angelos

Boca – Rated in wordsbestbars.com – Check this place out in Macao (the food is even better!)

Pizza Express

SOHO Square 21 Lyndhurst Terrace Central Hong Kong Tel: 2850 7898 Fax: 2122 9748 Sunday to Thursday: 11:45am to midnight Friday, Saturday and Public Holiday’s Eve: 11:45am to 00:30am

This restaurant is extremely well situated in the centre of the city and around the restaurant and bar districts of SOHO and Lan Kwai Fong. Three floors high and each with a view over the bustling streets, this restaurant is the perfect venue for your family gathering, party, business meeting or a relaxing bite after a hard day shopping!

SOHO Square is situated next to the Mid Levels escalator, on the corner of Lyndhurst Terrace and Cochrane Street. There are a number of car parks nearby which are depicted on the map below.

If you are coming by taxi tell the driver, “Bye Fah Guy”

Taco Loco

LG/F, 9 Staunton Street Central, Hong KongPhone: +852. 2522 0214

“El Taco Loco’s warm and cheerful decor has established it as a favorite eating place and watering hole in Soho, Central. Conveniently located right next to the Central escalator, this cozy corner cafe presents the perfect spot for people watching while enjoying the wonderful Mexican treats.

The best thing about El Taco Loco is that everything is affordable! There are specials on drinks every evening and one thing is certain, guests can drink and eat up a storm without having to worry about the bill! El Taco Loco is great value for money – value at its best!”