It’s no secret: Hong Kong is Instagrammable AF. Mountains, skyscrapers, murals, graffiti, the daily grind of locals and expats – there’s just so much to capture here.

If you find yourself wandering around Central and are looking to take some photos that are (relatively) non-touristy, you’ve come to the right list! This list also applies if you’re looking for some trendy photo backdrops for the perfect OOTD shot.

Tank Lane

Along Square Street

Along Square Street

Along Square Street

Pasha Wais (@wais1) Mural, Rich View Terrace Apartments

I mean, just look at these colours. These murals cover the exterior carpark walls of Rich View Terrace Apartments, which you can find along Square Street and Tank Lane. I believe this work came up around April 2017, and as of June 2017 the paint still looks good! Square Street is a pretty quiet street right off Hollywood Road, so you don’t need to worry too much about many cars driving through and ruining your shot.

Address: 26-50A Square Street, Sheung Wan
Nearest Landmark: Man Mo Temple

Striped wall along the staircase

The public bathroom – but much Instagrammable!

Caine Lane Garden

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of this fine city? Take a breather in one of Hong Kong’s many parks. Caine Lane Garden can seem a bit dated, but the striped walls and the checkered bathrooms (I’m serious) serve as some neat backdrops, especially if you’re looking for that hipster OOTD shot.

Address: 2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels
Nearest Landmark: Man Mo Temple

Maison Libanaise

Okay, so visiting a Lebanese restaurant in Hong Kong doesn’t sound like you’re livin’ la vida local! But, we’re not called “Asia’s World City” for nothing. Maison Libanaise is located right off the Central Mid-levels Escalator, a tourist attraction in itself. Check out their ground floor takeaway counter, and grab a Lebanese beer from their fridge – you won’t regret it! Snag a spot outside next to the wood paneled wall or the colourful tile wall, snap some too cool for school/FOMO photos, and people watch along the escalator. You’re welcome!

Address: 10 Shelley Street, Central
Nearest Landmark: Central Mid-Levels Escalator

Children’s Playground at Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park is another option that’ll help you escape from the concrete jungle. There’s a lot of architecture here that’s also Instagrammable AF but it deserves it’s own blog post! Even if you don’t have kiddos, do check out the Children’s Playground as it has this long, rainbow-striped wall. It’s perfect for kids of all ages, or to show off your LGBTQ pride!

Address: 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.
Tip: Hong Kong Park is YUUUUUGE. The closest entrance to the playground is from Kennedy Road, near the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. You can also enter off Cotton Tree Drive, in between the Hong Kong Squash Centre and the Hong Kong Sports Centre. However, this option requires a lot of stairs going up!
Nearest Landmark: Peak Tram Station

Vintage Shop near Common Ground Cafe, Shing Wong Street

Forgive me, for I am illiterate in Cantonese and I couldn’t tell you the name of this vintage shop. BUT I can tell you EXACTLY where it is: find them a few steps below the popular Common Ground coffee shop.

For this one, it’s best to stop by when the shop is closed, as they have those old school Hong Kong metal gates painted in this bright blue colour. It’s very unusual to see this, as most metal gates are just a dull silver colour. When it’s sunny or overcast, the lighting is great and it’s much Insta-worthy.

Since I don’t know the name of the shop, I couldn’t tell you their operating hours, either. *facepalm*

But if you do stop by and the shop is open, no problem- it’s a cute shop anyway. Maybe you can find an awesome vintage Hong Kong souvenir!

Address: near 19 Shing Wong Street
Tip: Shing Wong is one of those staircase streets. Cars do not come up or down here; it is strictly pedestrian.
Nearest Landmark: PMQ