Hong Kong’s nightlife is among the world’s best. This is a city that knows how to party. Bartenders are treated with the reverence of rockstars, and a night out can take you from the lobby bar of a six-star hotel to clubs on high-rise rooftops.

We’ve got the lowdown on the hottest spots courtesy of local night owl Daryll Griggs. As a DJ and the music director at Faye nightclub, he’s got the skinny on the best places to find a party in Hong Kong

“The best part about Hong Kong nightlife is how close everything is,” Griggs tells Concrete Playground. “Hong Kong is a small but expanding city. The nightlife scene is pretty much condensed to a handful of areas, so going from bar to bar or club to club is just walking distance or a quick cab ride.”

He then adds, “The second thing is, without a doubt, the safety of the city. After living here my whole life, I have maybe heard of a handful of crimes where people were robbed on the streets. It just doesn’t happen here.”

The city’s diversity and international community provide a rich palette for Griggs to draw from while adding to the complexity and vibrancy of the nightlife.

“Every venue I play has its own vibe and crowd,” he shares. “There is actually a very rich history of an underground scene here that dates back to the early 90s, so good music in Hong Kong is very well established, as long as you know where to find it. It’s constantly growing.”

The fun doesn’t stop there. To ensure you’re getting the most out of Hong Kong’s Night Vibes, locals and newcomers to the city alike can take advantage of Hong Kong Night Treats — to keep you fuelled before or after you hit the dance floors of the city.

From rooftop bars with killer views to gritty underground clubs where the beats never stop, Hong Kong’s nightlife has it all. Discover Griggs’ top recommendations below.

Faye, Central

Unsurprisingly, first on Griggs’ list is Faye. The sleek two-level rooftop club is located in Central’s California Tower and brings an underground vibe to the city’s heights. Enjoy unreal views from the outdoor deck adorned with homages to outer space. According to Griggs, Faye is “one of the best spots for Instagramming, with a stunning rooftop in the heart of the club district.” Open from afternoon till late, at Faye you can transition from sunset happy hour to late-night dancing beneath the twinkling city skyline.

Find it at: 25-26 F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong

Quality Goods Club, Central

Griggs’ next go-to club in Central is Quality Goods Club. This spot lives up to its name with quality food, craft cocktails, live music, DJs and warm hospitality. Under the glittering disco ball, live musicians and DJs set the vibe with a mix of genres every evening — from acid house to jazz and everything in between. “If you are looking for something different with great music, then this is the place for you,” says Griggs.

For an elevated night at this spot, The Office at Quality Goods Club on the mezzanine level provides a private bird’s eye view of the revelries below, perfect for intimate dinners for up to ten guests.

Find it at: Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Tazmania Ballroom, Central

Another club in Central’s Lan Kwai Fong is Tazmania Ballroom. Located on the first floor of LKF tower, this nightspot is a hub for upscale partygoers and lovers of pool and ping pong. Griggs shares, “It’s something between a bar and a club, with music focused mainly on hip hop and R&B.” It exudes an intimate yet glamorous ambience with a dark interior, elevated DJ booth and an outdoor terrace. The venue hosts a diverse crowd, offering happy hour every Tuesday to Saturday from 5–9pm, ping pong battles every Tuesday and a throwback hip hop and R&B night on Wednesday. 

Find it at: 1 F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong

Images of Daryll Griggs: Daniel Murray (left), Jacob Lloyd (right)

Paper Street, Sheung Wan

A boxing gym by day and hoppin’ bar at night, Paper Street is one not to be missed. Daryll Griggs describes it as “a very cool sports bar just on the edges of Central. It features a small boxing ring for your Instagram moments and plenty of games to keep you occupied.”

Look for the vintage cinema board just off Bonham Strand in Sheung Wan and head down the stairs to discover a neon-lit boxing ring, cocktails, sports on eight screens, billiards and shuffleboard. The venue pays homage to Fight Club while catering to discerning Hong Kong patrons who can enjoy a daily happy hour, all-you-can-eat wings on Tuesday, acoustic sessions on Wednesday and weekend Fight Nights for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

Find it at: Ground Floor, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Dragonfly, Central

Head back in time to the Belle Époque with a visit to the bohemian cocktail lounge Dragonfly, where art nouveau is redefined. “One of the coolest bars for its interior decor, this place is located inside the old police station and prison in Central,” reveals Griggs. The bar channels the theme of dragonflies throughout with a ceiling crafted to look like dragonfly wings and a striking dragonfly centrepiece. With imaginative cocktails and treats, Dragonfly offers an immersive experience where you can lose yourself in the timeless charm of bohemian salons.

Find it at: Shop 10 – G1, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Racks City, Central

Next on Griggs’ list is Racks City — a hub for hip hop enthusiasts, pool aficionados and anyone seeking house party vibes. “It’s one of the OG bars in Central going back well over a decade. The music is purely hip hop and R&B, with darts, pool and beer pong tables — a very fun place for something more laidback and casual.”

Sip on signature cocktails like RACKS A.M.F (Adios Mother F#cker!) or any of your favourite classics. This billiards haven isn’t just a pool club; it’s the epicentre of Hong Kong’s pool table and beer pong revolution. Come for the late-night hangs, stay for the games, and leave with memories of a night drenched in beats, killer shots and good vibes.

Find it at: 2 F, Winning Centre, 46-48 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, Tsim Sha Tsui

Ned Kelly’s Last Stand is Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic pub, celebrated for its legendary house band and vibrant jazz and blues classics. “It was opened in 1972 and hasn’t changed one bit, with most of its decor still from back in the day. As one of the first real jazz bars in Hong Kong, this place has a lot of history,” Griggs tells us. The charismatic house band delivers dynamic performances on a nightly basis, from clever skits to unconventional instruments like a teapot, they redefine the live music scene in the city. If you’re new in town and eager for an unusual musical initiation, Ned Kelly’s is a must-visit.

Find it at: 11A Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

The Globe, Central

This English-themed locale was a cherished Hong Kong pub, but due to rent increases was forced to relocate in 2017 after 14 years of operation. The new Globe boasts a bigger, brighter and more flavoursome experience. “If you’re looking for a nice pub with good food, this is a great place to start,” recommends Griggs. The expansive space features a sizeable central bar and a lounging area reminiscent of a comfy living room. The beer selection focuses on Belgian and English ales, lagers and porters, while the menu introduces refined pub grub.

Find it at: Garley Building, 45-53A Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong

The Phoenix, Central

The last spot on Griggs’ hit list is The Phoenix bar and restaurant — a popular local pub on the world’s longest escalator. Why does Griggs like it? “It’s another great pub in Central, but this one is located on Mid-Levels, which gives you a very different energy. It’s a much quieter area that’s more residential but still just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle.” It’s been holding its own for a solid two decades now, with a cracking selection of draught and bottled craft beers. And the grub? Tasty gastro pub goodness.

Find it at: Ground Floor, 29 Shelley Street, Mid Levels, Hong Kong

Go where the night vibes take you. To find out more about Hong Kong’s Night Vibes and Night Treats vouchers, head to the website.