On another level…
Not only is the Mid-Levels a relatively quiet haven compared to the hustle and bustle of our beloved city, but the area is very family-oriented and definitely kid-friendly! While it tends to be a predominantly residential area, there’s no shortage of restaurants, shops and other gems hidden amongst these leafy, hilly streets. With plenty of fun and educational activities to choose from and just a stone’s throw from Central, it’s worth checking out. We’ve lined up some of our favourite spots to put on your list or use the links below to jump to what you’re searching for.
Eat
Drink
Play
Learn
Explore
Health And Wellness
Shop
Read more: Tsim Sha Tsui: The Ultimate Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong
Eat
This Caine Road bakery is the perfect place to sit back with a cup of tea and a buttery croissant. With a mouthwatering range of authentic pastries made from natural ingredients and light-flooded interiors, you’ll never want to leave!
Maison Eric Kayser, 38 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2178 2566, www.maison-kayser.com.hk
As one of Hong Kong’s oldest gastropubs, this Shelley Street favourite is perfect at any time of the day. At this family-style joint, be adventurous and order a few plates to share from the food menu (we’re fans of its nachos and the burger comes recommended too!).
The Phoenix, 29 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2546 2110, www.enotecagroup.com/phoenix
At Hooked, you’ll find comfort food at its very finest! If the name didn’t give it away, this shop is all about the fish and chips – if you’re not a fish fan, it has a generous selection of pies to choose from as well. If you’re after an unfussy, family-friendly meal, this Caine Road pick is not to be missed. Don’t forget to check out its fresh fish selection next door too. You can choose to have it cooked on the premises or buy some to take home (we recommend the salmon!).
Hooked, Caine Mansion, 80-88 Caine Rd, Mid-Levels, 2915 1118, www.hooked.hk
The newest branch of this butcher + café combo is proving popular amongst the Sassy Mama team. Stop in for a coffee or brekkie or enjoy a meal on its lovely outdoor terrace (which opens at 10am and is pet-friendly). Across from the café is the famous Feather & Bone butcher, which as well as selling premium cuts, offers a dry-ageing service.
Feather & Bone, G/F, 38 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, www.featherandbone.com.hk
Read more: Your Guide To The Best Butchers
XOCO
XOCO serves up large portions of Mexican favourites like tacos, burritos and enchiladas alongside refreshing margaritas (and maybe even a sneaky tequila shot!). This Mosque Street eatery is sure to be an all-round crowd-pleaser.
XOCO, 37 Mosque Street, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 3620 2323, www.facebook.com/xocosoho
Chicken On The Run
For no fuss, no frills, just wholesome good cooking, Chicken On The Run is your place. Grab a hearty sandwich or easy takeaway dinner on the go. As the name suggests, chicken is a staple here!
Chicken On The Run, 1 Prince’s Terrace, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2537 4563, [email protected], www.chickenontherun.com
This quirky tea room is a laid-back alternative to some of the more high-end afternoon tea joints in town, making it absolutely perfect for dining with little ones! In addition to tea and scones, expect to find other delicious treats like cakes and seasonal macarons.
Tea Saloon by AnotherFineDay, 82-88 Peel Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 8257, www.facebook.com/teasaloonbyanotherfineday
This well-loved Sichuan hot pot restaurant is tucked away on Garden Road and its famed spicy hotpot is definitely not for the faint of heart! Worried it might be too spicy for your little ones? Fear not – the extensive menu also features a range of non-spicy dishes to ensure there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly restaurant.
San Xi Lou, 7/F, Coda Plaza, 51 Garden Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2838 8811, www.facebook.com/sanxilou
Craving a burger? Look no further than The Diner. With plenty of grown-up burgers on offer (with all the trimmings, of course) and a dedicated kids’ menu, this quirky restaurant is guaranteed to please the whole family. While this old-fashioned burger joint technically isn’t located in Mid-Levels, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Caine Road, making it beyond easy to get to – plus, the milkshakes alone are worth travelling for!
The Diner, Shiu King Court, G/F, 4-8 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2562 3181, www.thediner.com.hk
Drink
Blend & Grind is conveniently located on Prince’s Terrace, and its menu revolves around fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This little nook is perfect for grabbing your blend of choice (be it coffee or a smoothie) at any time of the day!
Blend & Grind HK, Shop A2, 1 Princes Terrace, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2887 3272, www.facebook.com/blendgrindhk/
Fancy yourself as a coffee enthusiast? With sleek interiors and some seriously high-quality brews, this Caine Road coffee shop is the perfect place to catch up on some work or kick back and relax.
Filters Lane, 111 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2517 1868, www.filterslane.com
Elephant Grounds’ Mid-levels location is the latest addition to its existing roster of trendy, sleek brunch and coffee spots scattered around Hong Kong. Expect all-day breakfast and kid-friendly options like Grilled Cheese, Peanut Butter Banana Toast and, of course, its famous Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Elephant Grounds, 61 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2535 7155, www.elephantgrounds.com
Play
Bun and Fun Playhouse
This part-coffee shop, part-play area really gives mums, dads and caregivers the (well-deserved!) chance to take it easy while the kids go wild. Connected to the Milk & Honey Cafe on Caine Road, it features a soft play indoor playground as well as a host of workshops for little ones to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into.
Bun and Fun Playhouse, Shop B, C, D, G/F, 99 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2598 8533, www.bunandfun.com.hk
Read more: The Best Indoor Play Centres And Playgrounds In Hong Kong
This sprawling park is located in the heart of the city and technically runs all the way up to Mid-levels, making it a convenient source of fun and entertainment for all. From a tai chi garden to an artificial lake and even a waterfall, all of the activities on offer ensure hours upon hours of fun for the whole family. Make sure to check out the Aviary too!
Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, www.lcsd.gov.hk
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Covering over five hectares, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a hit with kids of all ages. Take the stroller, or let the kids roam as you visit the variety of monkeys and apes (including orangutans and gibbons), meerkats and tortoises, as well as colourful birds and parrots. The best bit – it’s free!
Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Albany Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, www.lcsd.gov.hk
Caine Road Garden
This well-equipped playground is perfect for energetic tots! Complete with colourful swings, a climbing frame and slides, this playground is on the smaller side and conveniently located, making it easy to get to and an ideal place to spend the afternoon after a long day of exploring.
Caine Road Garden, 144 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
Bowen Road Garden
This tranquil park is located in the heart of the Mid-levels. With lush greenery, plenty of seating, a playground and some seriously breathtaking views of the harbour (further down the running trail), this is the perfect place to spend the afternoon.
Conduit Road Children’s Playground
This leafy playground is located further up the hill and nestled amongst the apartment buildings on Conduit Road. While it’s not as flashy as some of the other playgrounds scattered around the Mid-levels, there’s definitely enough to keep your little ones happy and entertained!
Swimming pools can be hard to come by in the 852, but thankfully for Mid-levels dwellers, there’s one conveniently located at the YWCA on MacDonnell Road. Open for most of the year, this outdoor pool provides the perfect way to splash out and have some fun in our humid city!
YWCA, 1 MacDonnell Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 3476 1300, www.ywca.org.hk
Learn
Edward Youde Aviary, Hong Kong Park
For a truly magical outing, the Edward Youde Aviary in Hong Kong Park is not to be missed! With its soaring canopy, pools, waterfalls and an abundance of plants and trees, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a rainforest. Housing over 600 birds from all over South East Asia, the interactive structure of this space is sure to keep the whole family entertained as you learn about the bird communities in the aviary, many of which are endangered.
Edward Youde Aviary, Hong Kong Park, 7 Kennedy Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 5041, www.lcsd.gov.hk
Having been around for over 30 years, City Kids is something of a Hong Kong institution. With its emphasis on learning through play, parent involvement and community, City Kids seeks to make learning a fun and exciting activity through its supportive child-centred ethos.
City Kids Preschool and Playgroup, 2/F, East Wing, 12 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2522 4446, citykidshk.org
This four-storey museum provides a valuable opportunity for your little ones to learn about the famed revolutionary, as well as Hong Kong’s history. In addition to the extensive range of historical artefacts on display, the audiovisual exhibits make it easier for kids to learn something new.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, 7 Castle Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2367 6373, www.hk.drsunyatsen.museum
Find Arts’ Parent-Child Arts Playgroup is the perfect way to get those creative juices flowing! Whether your child is a mini-Monet or just likes to get their hands dirty, this is a fun way to let them express their creativity and learn through painting, making collages and clay sculptures.
Find Arts Studio, Shop 4-5, 28 Caine Rd, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2711 1011, www.find-arts.com.hk
Explore
Bowen Road Fitness Trail
Staying true to the predominantly residential nature of the Mid-levels, you won’t find many gyms here. However, with its convenient location on a hill and with plenty of parks woven throughout the area, outdoor fitness is the way to go in these parts! This leafy path is perfect for extreme runners and parents with prams alike – and it offers some breathtaking views of the city as well.
Bowen Road Fitness Trail, Bowen Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
Central Green Trail
This tranquil trail is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong! Finishing at the Peak, this hike is a proper workout and is sure to make you work up a sweat.
Central Green Trail, Tramway Path, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
Morning Trail
This trail is perfect for beginner hikers and offers stunning vistas of Hong Kong both during the day and in the evening. Beginning on Hatton Road (near HKU), this hike is relatively flat with some occasional steep sections, making it ideal for a laidback workout.
Morning Trail, 5 Hatton Rd, Lung Fu Shan
Health And Wellness
Anhao Wellness
Anhao Wellness is a boutique fitness and wellness centre offering classes in both reformer and mat pilates, yoga, personal training as well as pre and postnatal exercise classes. Purchase a class pass (in packs of 10 or 20 sessions) to try out the different options on offer.
Anhao Wellness, 1/F & 4/F Sunny Sky Centre, 5 Ladder Street, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 6397 8284, www.anhao-wellness.com
Read more: That Mama: Estelle Neve, Founder Of Anhao Wellness
With its excellent ambience and super friendly staff, Soho Relax has all the makings of a great all-in-one massage session. You can opt for a 50-minute foot massage ($168) or any package deal – feel free to tell the skilled masseuses what type of pressure you prefer (as well as any other specific requests), to make sure the experience is tailored to your liking.
Soho Relax, 37 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2399 0870, [email protected], www.facebook.com/Soho-Relax
Gao’s Foot Massage
For a reliable and affordable foot massage, Gao’s can’t be beaten. For extra savings, sign up for one of the packages (for up to 30% in discounts!).
Gao’s Foot Massage, G/F, 77 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2858 0091
Gao’s Foot Massage, LG/F, 99 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2810 0999, www.gaosfootlankwaifong.com
Read more: Prenatal Pampering: The Best Spas And Massages To Make You Feel Great
Shop
This quaint, USDA-certified health shop sources superfood from all over the world to ensure that its customers are able to access the highest-quality products available. In addition to teas, grains, oils and bath & body products, it even has its own line of organic spices, flours and more!
Spicebox Organics, 137 Caine Road, Shop 1, Golden Valley Mansion, Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2568 2728, www.spiceboxorganics.com
If you or your little ones have allergies or dietary restrictions, this tiny shop on Caine Road truly is a blessing. At this healthy haven, you’ll find gluten-free treats specially for kids in addition to a range of “free-from” products, making it easier than ever to fill your pantry with goodies that meet your family’s needs.
Nature’s Blessing, G/F, Shop 3A, Midland Court, 60-62 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2517 2135, www.naturesblessing.com.hk
Keen to spruce up your flat? At Indigo Living, one of Hong Kong’s premium interior design stores, you’ll find furniture and home accessories that are both chic and comfortable. Plus, the Indigo Kids line has a great selection of kid-friendly furniture that’s sure to solve any and all of your design dilemmas!
Indigo Living, Cameo Court, 63-69 Caine Rd, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2317 0368, www.indigo-living.com
Knowledge Stationery Shop
For all your pens, pencils, exercise books and other stationery needs, this little shop opposite the Sai Ying Pun MTR exit on Bonham Road is a great little find. It also stocks inexpensive wrapping paper, greeting cards and some kids toys.
Knowledge Stationery Shop, 66 Bonham Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2898 9393
This hole-in-the-wall boutique sells an impressive range of clothes and accessories, all inspired by the latest (and coolest) Korean trends. With playful and fun designs that you and your kids will love, this quirky shop is worth checking out.
Hyojin Park, Shop 25A, Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2405 2777, www.facebook.com/HyoJinParksKoreanKidswear
Pacific Gourmet
For premium produce, you can’t go past Pacific Gourmet. Stop in and pick up quality meats, poultry, seafood and deli goods. Don’t live nearby? It also offers free home delivery (with a minimum spend).
Pacific Gourmet, 53 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, 2898 9000, [email protected], www.pacificgourmet.com.hk
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written by Hayley Kaplan on 24, January 2018 and updated by Jess Mizzi on 24, September 2019.