Central District Shopping Tour

Shopping in Hong Kong is a sport in itself. A favorite pastime for locals, the International Finance Center is ground zero for most tourists due to its proximity to the main ferry piers and downtown Central.

The International Finance Center is a complex of buildings--IFC1 and IFC2--overlooking the waterfront in the heart of Hong Kong's banking and finance district. Many of the major international banks are headquartered here, as is the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

This major landmark consists of two skyscrapers, IFC Mall and the Four Seasons hotel. It houses the Airport Express shuttle to and from the airport plus a major subway stop: Central.

Most of the shopping action takes place at IFC Mall and IFC2 among the tallest buildings in Hong Kong.

The mall has more than 200 stores, which cover the spectrum: fashion, jewelry, accessories, beauty, books, electronics, food and beverages, and appliances.

There is also a movie theater, florist, dry cleaner, Lane Crawford department store and Dymocks bookstore. Hong Kong doesn't have any mega bookstore chains downtown, like Barnes and Noble, so this is the best option.

Some of the most best restaurants, Lung King Heen and Caprice, are also here. For cheaper options that won't bust the bank, go to the free rooftop deck and look out onto Victoria Harbour with some coffee or food from City Super, the in-house supermarket. There is plenty of outdoor seating; it is sleek, elegant, has killer views and is quiet during the day. You can reach it via the elevators at P4 or via one of the escalators. Or opt for a drink at Red Bar.

As you leave IFC Mall, experience Central's elevated pedestrian walkways. This complex of covered walkways is the most efficient way of walking through Central; they connect one building to the next. This is the preferred way to travel from IFC, but if you get lost you can always take the street.

Central Hong Kong is dominated by large thoroughfares off of which there are small, crowded alleyways. They are easy to walk by, but keep your eyes open for these gems.

Among the best known are the two narrow lanes linking Des Voeux Road Central with Queen's Road Central, called "the Lanes." Historically, the place to go for fabrics, those vendors are now located in Sheung Wan's Western Market.

Go to the Lanes to bargain. Bring Hong Kong dollars, but many vendors will take credit cards. Bargain hunters will find knock-off and cheap handbags, shoes, backpacks, clothes and all sorts of goods.

After your have exhausted these alleys, up and down, head up and past Queen's Road Central up to nearby Stanley Street.
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Hours
Daily 10am-7pm

Stanley Street is known for reasonably priced cameras and photographic equipment. While the best deals are in Kowloon, for those in Central who want good-quality, reliable products, these stores are worth a look.

Start near Pottinger Street and continue down the street as the numbers decrease to Photo Scientific at 6 Stanley St. Along the way you will pass a number of photo supply and processing stores. Take a look at Kinefoto Limited at 66-68 Stanley St. and Mirama Photo Supplies at No. 45.

Keep walking down Stanley Street, turn left onto D'Aguilar and cross Queen's Road Central a block down at the major intersection with Pedder Street.
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Photo Scientific
6 Stanley St.
Central
852-2525-0550
852-2522-1903
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Hours
Daily 9am-7pm

Shanghai Tang is Hong Kong's most recognized modern clothing brand. Its stylish Art Deco store is located in the historic Peddler building near the corner of busy Queen's Road Central.

What makes Shanghai Tang unique is its one-of-a-kind blend of traditional Chinese style with a modern, European flair.

Shanghai Tang sells a modern version of traditional Chinese high-collar "cheongsam" dresses, rugby T-shirts, housewares (bed spreads, wine coasters, picture frames), wallets and accessories.

If you want to splurge, Shanghai Tang is one of the best high-end shops for traditional Shanghainese tailoring. Be forewarned, the prices are jaw dropping.

A cheaper option is Roger Concept Tailor, a stone's throw away.
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12 Pedder St. Basement & Ground Floor
Pedder Building
Hong Kong
852-2525-7333
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Hours
Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday Noon-6pm

Roger Concept Tailor is a family owned business run by Roger Cheung; it specializes in men's suits, shirts and tuxedos. His shop is located on the fifth floor.

The shop is well regarded in Hong Kong ex-pat circles and they will custom tailor your clothes--everything from the cutting and assembly to fitting. Prices vary based on fabrics and quantity, so take a look at the website for details.

While there are many tailors in Hong Kong, Roger Concept Tailor Co. is reliable, well priced and centrally located.

Walk out Pedder Street, hanging a right onto Des Voeux Road. Keep walking until you see the massive HSBC building across from Statue Square.
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Room 504, 5/F, Takshing House
20 Des Voeux Rd. Central
852-2537-8449
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Hours
Monday-Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday, public holidays by appointment

This impressive building is one of the architectural wonders of Hong Kong and a major city landmark for locals and taxi drivers.

It is also the headquarters for the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp., one of the most important institutions in this banking capital. In fact, Hong Kongers simply refer to HSBC as "Hong Kong Bank," it is that engrained in the local culture.

Designed by the British architect Lord Norman Foster, it is constructed entirely of structural steel without any concrete reinforcement holding up its core. The massive Lego-like is considered a one of the great designs of modern architecture.

For good luck, it is customary to rub the paws of the bronze lions guarding the outside the bank.

From HSBC, it's only a five-minute walk toward City Hall in the direction of Victoria Harbour.

There are plenty of dim sum restaurants to choose from in downtown Hong Kong but Maxim's is considered the best. And the lines prove it. This well-known culinary destination is located on the second floor. Walk upstairs, take a number and wait. Plan to arrive early for lunch, even on weekdays, as lunch is a favorite past time for Hong Kongers.

It can be crowded and loud but go for the food and to experience a traditional dim sum where you order off a trolley. Locals and tourists flock here for the steaming baskets of sweet and savory dishes.

Try the barbecued pork buns (char siu bao), har gow shrimp, dumplings and tofu.
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City Hall
Low Block, Central
852-2521-1303
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Hours
Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm
Sunday 9am-4:30pm
Monday-Sunday 5:30-10:45pm