Hong Kong packs a lot of awesomeness into a small amount of space. Amidst the layers of towering buildings, tantalizing cuisine and frenetic hustle and bustle, there is also very colorful street art on display in HK. A good chunk of Hong Kong street art is tucked away in the labyrinthian alleyways of the Central district, and a walk around the neighborhood to see what you can spot is a fun way to spend an afternoon in the city.
Note: Urban street art is always changing, so I can’t guarantee that these particular murals are still around and visible. They were there when I last visited Hong Kong in December 2017. I recommend searching the Internet for more recent updates from Hong Kong locals. This Hong Kong street art guide from Time Out Hong Kong is also handy.
Rainbow stairs
These colorful rainbow stairs form a passageway between Jervois Street and Queen’s Road—I’ve made a marker in the map at the end of this post indicating where I think they are. Solid selfie spot.
Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin at the Madera Hollywood Hotel
It’s hard to miss these larger-than-life “Old Hollywood” icons plastered on the side of the Madera Hollywood Hotel.
Graham Street Mural
The reigning Instagram king of the Hong Kong street art scene, this mural on Graham Street depicts traditional Hong Kong townhouses and is popular at all hours of the day. Frankly, I’m shocked that I got this shot with no one in it. Fortuitous!
Uma Nota
One street down from the Graham Street mural, this display on the side wall of Brazilian-Japanese restaurant Uma Nota makes a great snapshot. And now I wish I’d gone inside to sample the eats.
Brooklyn Bar and Grill
Another mural on a leaning street in Central, this one on the side of the Brooklyn Bar and Grill gets its New York groove on.
More Hong Kong street art murals in Central
You can find this fun toothbrushing mural—with a paneled window serving as the chompers—in the western end of Central on Tai On Terrace.
This vibrant fox mural was my personal favorite, but unfortunately scaffolding obscured about one-third of it when I was there. Perhaps it’s all clear now. If it is, you’ll find it on Upper Station Street, just north of Hollywood Road (marked on the map at Giant Year Gallery).
An alleyway between Upper Station Street and Sai Street is splashed with a great many murals, including ones featuring a goggles-wearing canine and a menacing peek-a-boo shark.
This stunner on the steps of Tank Lane, just off of Hollywood Road, is an artist self-portrait. I like the rad Duran Duran vibes.
This mural, located at the top of a stairway on Tank Lane, celebrates Hong Kong martial arts legend Bruce Lee.
On the same Tank Lane stairway, you’ll see dumplings celebrated in mural form. Getting me hungry!
Colorful walls decorate the edges of Square Street—another recommended backdrop for your next Instagram.
