HK Stroll vol.1｜Tai Kwun: Have a Cup of Time Coffee in a Century-Old Prison Building

On a 3-day trip to Hong Kong, I deliberately avoided the popular Instagram spots and unexpectedly discovered a treasure in Central! Tai Kwun, transformed from a 19th-century police station complex, completely changed my imagination of urban renewal—16 historic buildings hiding art, coffee, and surprises. Especially the experience of having coffee in a former prison is truly unique!

Walking into this space surrounded by high walls, the former Victoria Prison and police quarters have now become art galleries: the married sergeant’s quarters turned into a contemporary art museum, the prison yard covered with grass, giant art installations scattered around, and when passing through the arches, you can even faintly feel the breath of history✨. I highly recommend hiding away in on the hill coffee bar, a café named by Time Out, located in the old police quarters. The wooden window frames and brick walls retain the marks of time. Order a cup of cold brew coffee and sit in the courtyard, where you can look up and see the prison walls overlapping with the modern skyline—magical and healing~

What makes Tai Kwun amazing is how it brings historic buildings to life: the official website constantly updates art workshops, film screenings, and even the visual design blends vintage with trendy. Next time you come to Hong Kong, be sure to step into this time-soaked space and enjoy a cup of coffee with a story~

Post by 李治哥哥 | Jun 25, 2025