Mid-levels Escalator
Mid-levels Escalator
4
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Taxis & Shuttles
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6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
About
800-metre hillside escalator starts from Connaught Road Central, runs to the Hang Seng Bank Building on Des Voeux Road Central, then passes through the Central Market and continues to climb past Hollywood Road to the prime Mid-levels residential district. The longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Central
When people think of Hong Kong, most imagine movies with famous skyscrapers dominating the skyline. The area widely known as Central is the major financial hub and entertainment district, which truly lives up to the saying, “work hard, play hard.” Bars stay open late into the night and there just happens to be a street party every weekend. Although everything seems to be operating at lightning speed, Central is full of quiet, hidden gems. Nestled between office towers are wet markets and some of the city’s oldest restaurants dating back to the 1960s. Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Retreat from the crowds by exploring beautifully restored historical buildings and even a green oasis of botanical gardens.
How to get there
- Central • 2 min walk
- Hong Kong • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
6,320 within 5 kms
Attractions
685 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,654 reviews
Excellent
926
Very good
1,118
Average
541
Poor
55
Terrible
15
Maximilian
Germany222 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The Central Mid-Levels Escalators in Hong Kong are a brilliant and efficient transportation solution that deserves every bit of praise they receive. As the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, this impressive feat of engineering not only eases the daily commute for thousands of people but also offers a unique perspective on the vibrant city life.
One of the most striking aspects of the Central Mid-Levels Escalators is their sheer convenience. They effortlessly transport passengers up and down the steep slopes of Hong Kong's Central and Western Districts, turning what could have been a strenuous climb into a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
The escalators also provide a fascinating window into the bustling city life. As you travel along the system, you'll pass by a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and markets, offering an authentic glimpse into the local culture. The escalators also connect several key neighborhoods and landmarks, making them an ideal starting point for exploring Hong Kong's iconic attractions.
As a bonus, the escalators are an eco-friendly transportation option that helps to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the city's carbon footprint. Their efficient design and operation contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious urban environment.
In summary, the Central Mid-Levels Escalators in Hong Kong are a five-star attraction that perfectly combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. They provide an exceptional transportation solution and a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Hong Kong's lively cityscape.
One of the most striking aspects of the Central Mid-Levels Escalators is their sheer convenience. They effortlessly transport passengers up and down the steep slopes of Hong Kong's Central and Western Districts, turning what could have been a strenuous climb into a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
The escalators also provide a fascinating window into the bustling city life. As you travel along the system, you'll pass by a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and markets, offering an authentic glimpse into the local culture. The escalators also connect several key neighborhoods and landmarks, making them an ideal starting point for exploring Hong Kong's iconic attractions.
As a bonus, the escalators are an eco-friendly transportation option that helps to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the city's carbon footprint. Their efficient design and operation contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious urban environment.
In summary, the Central Mid-Levels Escalators in Hong Kong are a five-star attraction that perfectly combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. They provide an exceptional transportation solution and a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Hong Kong's lively cityscape.
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giles P
Nottingham, UK39 contributions
Mar 2023
Returned to Hong Kong after 4 years away - the escalators are a great way to get up and down to Central from Mid-Levels, where I was staying. Handy restaurants and shops (an M&S) run either side. Just as fun and useful as ever
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan C
Melbourne, Australia740 contributions
Jan 2023
A friend introduced me to the Mid-levels covered escalator which runs from Central up to the Mid-levels which I thoroughly enjoyed because it was just so different to anything else I have seen and it also saved me from walking up the hill. We were able to visit Hollywood Rd (including Man Mo temple), Cat Street and Tai Kwan using the escalator and often got views of the shops on the second and sometimes third floors. We travelled after 10 am so it was always travelling upwards but I didn't find it hard to walk back down. It was approaching Lunar New Year so the escalator was decorated in festive lighting and, at night, that was especially beautiful. It is commonly used by everyone and is free.
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J Steiner
Hong Kong, China201 contributions
Sep 2020
My main method of commuting to work.
This is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world I believe. Opened in 1993 and is a convenient way to get from Mid-Levels to Central, rain or shine. Even during a typhoon, you can still go to work. It ends at Conduit Road and you can access the peak trail from there. So convenient.
This is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world I believe. Opened in 1993 and is a convenient way to get from Mid-Levels to Central, rain or shine. Even during a typhoon, you can still go to work. It ends at Conduit Road and you can access the peak trail from there. So convenient.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom8,655 contributions
Aug 2020
Finally, renovation works on the Mid-Levels escalator are at an end and you can now travel again from top to bottom, without interruption on the world’s longest outdoor escalator. I think it's a must on a tourist itinerary. The best things are:
i) It is elevated so you get an excellent view from above of Hong Kong’s city streets and markets from Central to the Mid-Levels. It’s worth doing just for this unique birds-eye view. Allow about 20 minutes one way.
ii) Costs nothing – completely free and no need to queue (it can be extremely busy at peak times but it's always a constant flow)
iii) Hong Kong is extremely hilly and this is one way to save your legs. Taxis are cheap and frequent but if you prefer to be and about, walking then the escalator will often be a life-saver
vi) From Central, it's the best way to access the vibrant, lively Soho area (don’t miss). You can step off the escalator right into the middle of the bars and restaurants of Elgin and Staunton Streets
v) You can exit at several other points to access other parts of the city also - Hollywood Rd, the historic Tai Kwun Centre (highly recommend this), shops, cafes and markets along the way
v) It is covered so it is a good activity if you have a rainy day
TIP: This is the most important thing to know about the escalator - it only goes one way at a time. Between 6am -10am it runs downhill into Central, taking commuters into the city. After 10am, it reverses direction and runs uphill for the rest of the day until midnight when it stops altogether.
i) It is elevated so you get an excellent view from above of Hong Kong’s city streets and markets from Central to the Mid-Levels. It’s worth doing just for this unique birds-eye view. Allow about 20 minutes one way.
ii) Costs nothing – completely free and no need to queue (it can be extremely busy at peak times but it's always a constant flow)
iii) Hong Kong is extremely hilly and this is one way to save your legs. Taxis are cheap and frequent but if you prefer to be and about, walking then the escalator will often be a life-saver
vi) From Central, it's the best way to access the vibrant, lively Soho area (don’t miss). You can step off the escalator right into the middle of the bars and restaurants of Elgin and Staunton Streets
v) You can exit at several other points to access other parts of the city also - Hollywood Rd, the historic Tai Kwun Centre (highly recommend this), shops, cafes and markets along the way
v) It is covered so it is a good activity if you have a rainy day
TIP: This is the most important thing to know about the escalator - it only goes one way at a time. Between 6am -10am it runs downhill into Central, taking commuters into the city. After 10am, it reverses direction and runs uphill for the rest of the day until midnight when it stops altogether.
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R K L
Seattle, WA2,399 contributions
Nov 2019
Hong Kong's Central-Mid-levels Escalator is the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system. It consists of one-way escalators and moving walkways...downhill in the morning and uphill from mid-morning through the evening. We rode it uphill from the bottom to the top and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. However, rather than walk the stairs back down the hill, we actually called an Uber! The system obviously serves as a great means of local transportation but for us was also a very interesting Hong Kong attraction.
Written 12 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MountaineerLu
Falling Waters, WV1,462 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The mid level escalators are a fun way to get around in hilly Hong Kong. Great views of cool bars and restaurants. However due to poor signage, construction and renovation of the system it is easy to get “lost” and fin yourself off the escalators at various interchanges.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Truthful Reviews
London, UK7,439 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Living on Robinson Road means this escalator is essential getting to central. It saves your knees and gives you a break if you are puffed out from walking around Hong Kong. Head up towards Shelly Street for some nice and somewhat quirky restaurants. Some good street art along the way too. Christmas is very nice as they decorate and light up all the escalators.
Current maintenance work on some of the escalator route is ongoing into 2020.
A free ride and if you use the MTR make sure you tap your octopus card to get a discount from your metro journey. There is a card tapping point near Tai Kwun police/prison museum.
Current maintenance work on some of the escalator route is ongoing into 2020.
A free ride and if you use the MTR make sure you tap your octopus card to get a discount from your metro journey. There is a card tapping point near Tai Kwun police/prison museum.
Written 22 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff KMc
5 contributions
Nov 2019
One of my favorite things to see in Hong Kong. For one, it is an amazing public transit idea. For two, you get to see a lot of life as your ride it up or down. For three, there are bars and cafe's the whole way!
Written 12 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warreng999
Brisbane, Australia362 contributions
Nov 2019
I used these 6 years ago and they were great, however they were all shut due to major work being done on them. There weren't any sighs notifying that they were down, It was a long walk for nothing but once they're repaired it's a must see.
Written 7 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard H
Melbourne, Australia554 contributions
We are staying at Upper House. Is this near the Escalator. I hear you can get to good bars and restaurants as well as some quirky shopping streets. Can somebody give me some tips on where to go.
Bruno1207
Prestatyn, UK178 contributions
From where your staying in Admiralty you can walk from your accommodation down to the main drag where the trams run get on a tram going left towards central and get off at the Hang Seng bank HQ here, look up and you will see two tubular enclosed walkway bridges, take any of the stairs upto them and if you follow the crowd that is heading towards the hillside you will find yourself on the start of the many escalators (they only go one way, which during the day, is uphill) you can get off at numerous cross streets to look around, you will find a suitable route down again or jump on a bus at conduit street (bus 3 I think) back down to central via admiralty.
letsgo
Jersey City, NJ561 contributions
Hi - I'm going stay at Robinson Road, almost at the end of the escalator while going up. Is it safe taking escalator in late night? Thanks!
hhx2_12
Cairns, Australia1,856 contributions
Hi there
It is as safe as it can get
With this crazy world at present everything can go wrong
But Hong Kong in general is very safe
They have very strict laws and a very low crime rate
Please keep in mind the escalators are going
Downhill from 6 am till 10 am
Uphill from 10 am till midnight
Have a great holiday in Hong Kong
😀
Ian C
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa32 contributions
How did you find the entrance to the escalators at the bottom. I believe its hard to find.
abonky
Lochgau, Germany388 contributions
There are tourist direction sign at almost every crossroad in Hongkong.
Exit D2 of "Central" and then turn right, turn left (in front of Swatch store), turn right and go straight for about 500 m.
Monalisa H
9 contributions
So this escalator leads up to mid level. What can we find at the end of the escalator? Any famous attractions or landmarks? Because I dont think im gonna walk down the stairs..
Donna S
Florence, WI1,601 contributions
There are 2 places I think are worth visiting. First is Dr Sun Yat Sen's Museum. The other is the Chinese Museum of Medical Science, which is supposed to have a great collection of traditional Chinese remedies and paraphernalia and their uses. During my 3 days in Hong Kong, it was impossible for me to coordinate opening days so I could see both, so I chose Dr Sun Yat Sen's, which BTW has an interesting link to the Mormons. Trip Advisor won't let me paste website links, but you can easily google both places. There is also good public transportation to/from and nearby both, altho cuz of the steep grade necessarily go in a roundabout way. Both places are within a couple blocks of each other, so you can easily walk from one to the other, providing you have a good map and don't get lost.
Monalisa H
9 contributions
So this escalator leads up to mid level. What can we find at the end of the escalator? Any famous attractions or landmarks? Because I dont think im gonna walk down the stairs..
purpletravler
San Francisco, CA166 contributions
We don't have much time take this escalator all the way to the end, you can stop by the famous Soho area in central, you can find lots of bars, restaurants there, if you interest antique stores, stop at upper Central - Hollywood street, you can visit Temple there, just pick a section to explore the local people lifestyle.
Chris L
Salt Lake City, UT132 contributions
Is this just an escalator or is there a walking route (steps) next to it? For example can you ride up then walk back down?
NBNB_NZ
Wellington, New Zealand140 contributions
The walkway is all the way
It is a main pedestrian route to the city, with the escalators bringing assistance, you can do the whole route next to the escalators
Mid-levels Escalator (Hong Kong) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mid-levels Escalator
- Mid-levels Escalator is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- We recommend booking Mid-levels Escalator tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Mid-levels Escalator tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Mid-levels Escalator:
- Hong Kong Day Trip - Landmarks Visit (2023) | 1k+ booked (From HK$735.48)
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour (From HK$389.28)
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour (From HK$839.96)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Hong Kong Private Tour (From HK$716.37)
- Half-Day Private Custom Tour of Hong Kong (From HK$1,679.85)
- Hotels near Mid-levels Escalator:
- (0.17 km) Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- (0.13 km) The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- (0.26 km) Butterfly on LKF
- (0.26 km) The Pottinger Hong Kong
- (0.37 km) Ovolo Central
- Restaurants near Mid-levels Escalator:
- (0.03 km) L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
- (0.03 km) Dr. Fern's Gin Parlour
- (0.05 km) TP Tea (Central)
- (0.11 km) SOMM - The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
- (0.17 km) Mandarin Grill + Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- Attractions near Mid-levels Escalator:
- (0.21 km) Big Foot Tour
- (0.12 km) Hong Kong Accidental Art Walking Tours
- (0.11 km) The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- (0.22 km) J3 Private Hong Kong Experience
- (0.24 km) Humid with a Chance of Fishballs Tours