Asia Pacific Guides

Hong Kong

Mini guide to Asia's international city

Essential and practical information Getting around The city's best attractions and things-to-do Recommended hotels and hostels Hong Kong's best restaurants and eateries
Shopping tips and recommended places to shop

Introduction
Nestled along the southern coast of china, Hong Kong is known mainly for its glittering skyscrapers and endless shopping opportunities, and while shopping is, indeed, a big thing in this international metropolis, Hong Kong has a lot more to offer to its visitors Occupying an area of just more than 1,000 km, this small territory is as diversified as a big country, and boasts an unbelievable spectrum of sights, sceneries and contrasts that can be seen only here Ancient Chinese temples stand in front of modern skyscrapers, exotic markets are shadowed by glittering shopping malls, forest-covered mountains fall steeply into the island-dotted bays, and the old Chinese tradition co-exists, side by side, with the British Colonial influence and the Western pace. Our Hong Kong Mini Guide was created specifically for those of you who want to get the best information, but don't like reading long books We hope it will help you to get the most out of your visit or holiday in Asia's World City.

Essential Information
Entry regulations
All visitors to Hong Kong should hold a passport that is valid for at least six months after their planned departure date. Many nationalities do not require to obtain a visa in advance and will be given a permission, upon arrival, to stay for periods varying from seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality. For more details about visitor visas/permits, visit the visa or entry permit requirements page, at the Hong Kong Immigration website.

Tourist information
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) operates a few visitor-centres: In Hong Kong International Airport, Victoria Peak (between The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria), Star Ferry Concourse (Tsim Sha Tsui) and Lo Wu Border Cross. Visitors who need assistance can also call the "hotline" between 9am and 6pm daily (2508 1234), or visit their excellent website (Particularly the "Cultural Kaleidoscope programme", where you can find a variety of interesting activities to choose from, some of which are free)

Currency
Hong Kong dollar (HKD or HK$) is the currency of Hong Kong. For up-to-date exchange rates, you can check www.xe.com

Weather / When to come

Hong Kong is located on the northern fringe of the tropic belt and has a monsoon-influenced humid climate, but unlike tropical countries, its climate divides to fairly distinct seasons. Best time to come is from October to April. Worst time to come is during summer (roughly from the end of May until the end of September), as heat and humidity can be unbearable around this time of the year.

Electricity
The electrical current in Hong Kong is 220240 volts / 50 cycles AC. The plugs have three round prongs.

Time Zone
Hong Kong doesn't apply summer saving time. The time is GMT+8 all year round.

Telephone Code
Hong Kong's country code is 852. There is no city code.

Central Post Offices

General Post Office (GPO) 2 Connaught Place, Central 8am - 6pm, Mon to Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun & Public Holidays Causeway Bay Post Office Shops 1015-1018, 10/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay 9:30am - 5pm, Mon to Fri 9:30am - 1pm, Saturday Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office Hermes House, 10 Middle Road Tsim sha Tsui 9am - 6pm, Mon to Sat 9am - 2pm, Sunday

Airport to town
Airport Express
The Airport express provides the quickest and most comfortable connection between Hong Kong International Airport and the city center. It departs every 12 minutes, from 6am to 00:45am, and reaches Central in about 24 minutes, with stops in Kowloon and Tsing Yi. Passengers are also provided with a free Shuttle Bus service from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations to various hotels in the vicinity. Click here for more info about the Airport Express, including rates and special tickets

Emergency numbers
Emergency Service (Police, Fire, Ambulance) - 999 Visitor Hotline: (+852) 2508 1234 (9am 6pm daily)

Medical Services
Adventist Health, 40 Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Island, Phone: 3651-8888 Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Phone: 28553838 / 28553111 Canossa Hospital, No. 1 Old Peak Road , Hong Kong Island, 25221194 / 95 Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon, 2958 8888

Public buses
A11 travels to Causeway Bay, Wanchai and Central (N11 is the overnight version of this route), A21 travels to Nathan Road and Tsim sha Tsui (N 21 is the overnight service that covers the same route).

Internet cafs
Fresh Cyber Caf seems to be pretty popular. Their Wanchai branch is located on Lockhart Road, opposite The Bridge Bar and stays open 24 hours a day. Rates are quite reasonable. Some public libraries across Hong Kong have installed Internet Express Terminals (IETs) and allow visitors to use their internet facilities free of charge. Each session lasts for 15 minutes though... Travelers recommend the library at City Hall, as well as Central Library, next to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay (both are on Hong Kong Island). A growing number of coffee shops offer wireless connection to their customers. Pacific Coffee Company is a particularly good option, as they offer wireless access for those of you who carry their own computer, as well as some PCs on site, for those of you who don't have a computer... (They'll normally allow you to use the PC for maximum 15 minutes, unless there are not too many others who want to use it...) Their store locator is recommended, as it indicates how many PCs are available at each branch...

Private transfer
Private transfer is more expensive than taking the Airport Express (not to mention public bus), but it's really comfortable and will save you time and sweat, which makes it an option worth considering.

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Cantonese is the most widely used language in Hong Kong, and although English is one of the territory's official languages, it is spoken only among one third of the population.

Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day and can be picked up at the taxi station,

outside the Arrivals Hall.

The fare from the airport to central areas of the city, like Central, Wanchai , Causeway Bay, or Tsim-sha-Tsui is likely to range around HK$ 250 300, excluding additional taxi charges, such as excessive luggage. Airport Hotelink Airport Hotelink is a luxury coach service that takes arriving passengers from the airport to various hotels across Hong Kong. It is more expensive than the Airport Express, but slightly cheaper than the private transfer (although takes much longer, as the bus has to travel through numerous hotels). Hotels pick-up Many hotels in Hong Kong offer a pick-up service at an additional cost, which is normally not too high Check this option with your hotel before travelling.

Business hours
Shops in popular areas, such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay stay open until 9 or 10 pm, or even later, especially on weekends, while shops in Central tend to close at around 7 pm. Office hours in Hong Kong are 9am 5/6pm, or longer on weekdays, and 9am 1pm on Saturdays. Major banks are open 9am - 4:30pm on weekdays, and 9am 12:30pm on Saturdays.

Demographics
Hong Kong's 's population stands at around seven million, of which 95% are Chinese (mostly Cantonese). The rest are Europeans, Indians and Southeast Asian's.

Getting around
Hong Kong boasts one of world's best public transport systems, which means it is an ideal destination to explore on your own, without having to rent a car. The MTR, Hong Kong's Subway/Metro system, provides fast and comfortable means of transport and covers many of the territory's attractions. Each MTR station is linked to a bus interchange, where you can find bus routes that service nearby destinations (buses are much naturally slower than the MTR, so passengers usually prefer to use them only when travelling to places that are not covered by MTR). See map

Hong Kong Tramway

Double-decker trams have been rattling along the north shore of Hong Kong Island since 1904, covering the central businessand-shopping districts of Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Happy Valley ( , Causeway Bay and Shau-kei-Wan, and providing easy access to most shopping malls and attractions. (see details + route map) They run daily, from before 6am until midnight, charge a flat rate of HK$2.30 per adult and HK$1 for children/senior (Octopus accepted) and tend to get very crowded during peak hours.

Best attractions and things-to-do

Victoria Peak
"The Peak", as it is commonly known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction, boasting world-class views of the city and Victoria Harbour, which look as if they were taken from a postcard The view at night is particularly beautiful, when the city's countless skyscrapers and neon-signs flash in millions of dazzling lights... When reaching "The Peak", you can opt for the Sky Terrace, which offers a breathtaking 360 panoramic views of the city and the waters around it, or visit Hong Kong's Madame Tussauds There are also more than a few shops, cafs and restaurants around here, as well as some surprisingly quaint and easy walking trails (You can read about them here) "The Peak" is open daily, morning-night Sky Terrace is open daily, 10 am - 11 pm Madame Tussauds is open 10 am - 10 pm
To get to Victoria Peak: You can either ride

Ferries
An extensive network of ferry lines provides connections between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the outlying islands, the New Territories, Macau and China. Details will be given at the relevant sections across this ebook.

Taxi
Taxis make a good option when you need a short distance drive (for example: from a certain MTR station to a nearby place) or when you need to get to a place which is far from the public transport network. They can be found everywhere and fares are relatively low. Taxis can be stopped anywhere along the street, although they cannot pick up or drop off passengers in restricted areas (which are marked with double yellow lines). Basic rates for taxis in Hong Kong are: Flag fall is HK$18 in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. (HK$ 14.5 in the New Territories and HK$ 13 on Lantau Island). This fare covers the first two kilometers and in many cases you will not need more than that. Every additional 200 meters /every one minute of waiting time will cost you HK$ 1.50 in Kowloon/ Hong Kong Island and HK$ 1.30 in the New Territories or on Lantau Island. Additional charges may apply if you wish to carry extra luggage or pets or if you make a telephone booking. Toll charges will apply when traveling via the cross-harbor tunnels or the Lantau Link. Taxis come in different colors to indicate their area of service: Red taxis operate in most of Hong Kong. Green taxis serve the rural areas of the New Territories. Blue taxis operate on Lantau Island. All taxis can travel to and from the airport.

Smart cards and passes

The Octopus Card is an electronic storedvalue card, accepted on most means of public transport, including buses, minibuses, trains, ferries, the Peak Tram, and some taxis... It is even accepted at convenience stores and fast food restaurants. The main thing about it as that it saves you the hassle of looking for exact change when travelling on buses... Simply place the card on the reader located next to the fare box and the fare gets deducted automatically (you won't even need to take the card out of your wallet). A new Octopus card includes a refundable HK$50 deposit. Any leftover money is also refunded when you return the card. Octopus Card can be purchased at the Airport Express Customer Service Counter (Arrivals hall), as well as at the Customer Service Centers within the MTR/KCR stations, and in outlets of 7-Eleven and Circle K. It can be reloaded at any MTR/KCR station, either by using the Add Value Machines or at the Customer Service Centers.

the 120 years old Peak Tram (a real "must do"), or take the bus (very scenic road), but the best option is to combine them both (One way tam + one way bus). The Peak Tram can be boarded at the Lower terminus, on 33 Garden Road, daily, 7am 12midnight (See the guide-map to Peak Tram Lower Terminus) Bus No. 15 runs daily, 6am 12 midnight. It departs from "Central" (next to the Star Ferry Terminus) and passes through the bus terminus at Exchange Square (next to Central MTR station) and Admiralty (MTR Admiralty Station, exit C-1) Green minibus No. 1 departs from the bus interchange, next to Hong Kong Station Exit A1 (direct link through Central MTR), daily, 6:30 am - 12 midnight.

Tourist Day Pass

MTR's Tourist Day Pass costs HK$ 55 at the time of writing and gives you unlimited use of the MTR and the KCR for a period of 24 hours, from the moment you start your first journey (excluding Airport Express, Light Rail, MTR Bus, East Rail Line First Class, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations).

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Hong Kong Museum of History

This fabulous museum tells "the Hong Kong Story", from the Devonian period 400 million years ago until reunification with China in 1997. Eight galleries, loaded with thousands of exciting exhibits, including antiques and pieces of art, as well as 3D dioramas and interactive multimedia displays, make the visit to the museum a rich experience Daily, except Tuesday, 10 am - 6 pm (till 7pm on Sundays and public holidays) Chatham Road South, Tsim sha Tsui (few minutes' walk from Tsim-sha-Tsui MTR (via exit B-2 : see map) website

InterContinental Hong Kong

InterContinental Hong Kong enjoys one of the best locations in town, right in front of Victoria Harbour, and although it is not as "classic" as the Peninsula, it is just as posh. Sink into one of the comfy couches around the lobby and enjoy the breathtaking views of Hong Kong's metropolitan skyline through the huge floor-to-ceiling window. Daily, 7 am after midnight. 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim sha Tsui (next to "Avenue of Stars" and just a short walk from Tsim-sha-Tsui MTR and Star Ferry) website

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or, simply, the Bird Garden), at the far end of Flower Market Road, boasts dozens of bird shops, where hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen... It is also a popular meeting point for elderly bird owners... Daily 7 am - 8 pm To get there: From Ladies' Market, turn right to Argyle, left to Sai Yee and straight all the time, crossing Prince Edward Road West and right, to Flower Garden Road. From MTR Prince Edward: Leave via exit A, turn back, enter Playing Field Road, walk along it to the end, turn right to Sai Yee St. and left, to Flower Market Road

The Markets of Mong Kok

The street markets of Mong Kok are extremely popular among visitors, especially Ladies' Market which specializes, as its name suggests, in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the likes, although there are more than a few stalls here that sell men's and children's products, including soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few (10:30 am - 10:30 pm daily). Fa Yuen Street (also known as Sportswear Street) runs parallel to Ladies' Market and boasts many small retailers which sell sports equipment and clothing (wide diversity of sports shoes). Goldfish Market stretches along the north part of Ladies' Market Tung Choi Street and has dozens of shops and hawkers that sell aquarium fish and equipment. Fa Yuen Street Market is situated along the north part of Sportswear Street and is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children (10:30 am - 10:30 pm daily) To get to Ladies' Market: Leave MTR Mong Kok Station via exit D-3, turn back and walk a few steps to the corner, where you turn right to Argyle and, again, right, to Tung Choi / Ladies' market (5 minutes)

Peninsula Hotel
To revive the splendor and charm of bygone colonial days in the Far East, opt for the English Style High Tea at the swanky Peninsula. Opened in 1928, this is one of the world's most classic hotels and a long established icon of Hong Kong. Felix, one of Hong Kong's most stylish resto-bars, is perched on the hotel's top floor, boasting fantastic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline... Afternoon Tea, daily, 2 6pm Felix, daily, 5pm 1:30am (Bar) Salisbury Road, Tsim sha Tsui (few minutes' walk from Tsim-sha-Tsui MTR, as well as from Star Ferry Terminus).

Temple Street Night Market, Jade Market, and the "Chinese" streets of Yau-ma-Tei
Some of Hong Kong's most authentic shopping streets can be found in the area of Yau-ma-Tei, between Tsim-sha-Tsui and Mong Kok. Temple Street Night Market operates daily, from 4 to 11pm (although the "action" starts only at around 7 pm) and its hawkers sell almost everything There are also some nice Chinese eateries here and at the northernmost end of the street, next to the old Tin Hau Temple, there are fortune tellers and performances of Cantonese Opera. The Jade Market boasts dozens of stalls that specialize in Jade products, including sculptures, figurines and other pieces of art Be careful not to buy anything expensive, unless you are an expert (There are more than a few stalls that sell cheap and beautiful pieces) While you visit Jade Market, or Temple Street Market, it is recommended to take a stroll through the "Chinese" streets, like: Shanghai Street, Nanking Street, Ning Po and Reclamation Street (wet market) To get there: Leave MTR Yau-ma-Tei via exit-C, turn right to Nathan Road and walk along it a few minutes, right again, to Market Street (covered walkway), left to Temple Street and across Kansu Street, to the night market (If you continue straight along Market St., you will get to the old Tin Hau Temple and to Shanghai Street / If you turn from Temple St., right to Kansu Street, you will get to the Jade Market).

Tsim-sha-Tsui Waterfront, Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights show

Facing Victoria Harbour, The Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood Walk of Fame, and boasts floor plaques of celebrities of the city's thriving film industry, including legends like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. This is also one of the best places to watch the "Symphony of Lights" from. Awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, this nightly light, sound and laser show is featured on 37 key buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. Symphony of Lights, daily, at 8 pm Avenue of Stars is open 24 / 7 Salisbury Road / Tsim sha Tsui Waterfront (short walk from Tsim-sha-Tsui MTR, as well as from Star Ferry Terminus).

Flower Market and Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

These two unique market streets are not far from Ladies' Market and its offshoots, in the northern part of Mong Kok. As its name denotes, Flower Market Road is lined with dozens of shops that sell flowers, potted plants and their likes (some are really colorful) Daily, 7am 7:30pm

Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden

One of Hong Kong's most beautiful spots. The nunnery features rich Tang style architecture and boasts beautiful gold, clay, wood and stone statues of the Buddha, Kwun Yam (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and other bodhisattvas. Nan Lian Garden lies next to the nunnery and is just as beautiful, with pavilions, goldfish ponds with water lilies, rock gardens and manicured Bonsai trees. To get there: MTR Diamond Hill, exit C-2, out to the street, turn left and walk along the wall of the shopping mall to the pedestrian crossing, cross Sheung Yuen Street, walk a minute or two along Fung Tak Road and use the pedestrian's bridge above it to enter the nunnery / garden.

Bank of China Tower (BOC Tower) is one of Hong Kong's most recognized skyscrapers and can be seen from almost every point around the city. Built in 1989, The 315 metres tower was designed by world-renowned ChineseAmerican architect I.M. Pei, and was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia until 1992. It was also the first building outside the United States to break the 305 m (1,000 foot) mark. Facing Statue Square and HSBC Building, the neo-classical Former Supreme Court Building was designed more than a century ago by Sir Aston Webb, the British architect who created the eastern facade of Buckingham Palace and the Cromwell Road frontage of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. How to get there: Start your stroll from the Star Ferry Terminal, or from MTR Central (exit B will take you straight to the hustle and bustle of "Central") and make sure you visit 2 IFC, Exchange Square, HSBC Building, BOC Tower and the Central Elevated Walkway, which connects may of the buildings.

To get there: MTR Admiralty (exit C-1), via the pedestrian bridge across Queensway, and through Pacific Place, to the park The Zoological and Botanical Gardens are on Garden Road, not far from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus.

Hollywood Road and Man-Mo Temple

Historic Hollywood Road and the small streets around it are packed with galleries and knick-knack shops that sell everything, from expensive porcelain ware and Ming Dynasty ceramic, to Chinese furniture and kitsch Maoist memorabilia, and is a great place to visit even if you are not buying anything, as some of these galleries really look like "mini museums"... Hollywood Road is also a 'jumping board' to some of the area's most interesting sights, including Possession Point, in Hollywood Road Park (where British soldiers had first set a foot on Hong Kong soil), Man Mo Temple, on 126 Hollywood Road (an atmospheric 1840s temple), Ladder Street, The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum and, of course, the Central-Mid Levels escalators (one of the world's longest escalator systems) and the dining-andnightlife precinct of SoHo. How to get there: Leave MTR-Sheung Wan via exit A-1, turn left and left again, to Hillier Street, walk along it to the end. Turn right to Queen's Road Central (after crossing it) an immediately left, to the stone steps of Ladder Street.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Not far from the above Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin is one of Hong Kong's most popular temples and enjoys a good reputation for fulfilling the devotees' wishes. Occupying a fairly large piece of land in the north of Kowloon, it boasts quite a few shrines, pavilions and altars, and is rich in lavish ornaments and sculptures
(Virtual tour / map of the temple)

Riding the Star Ferry

The historic "Star Ferry" has been plying the waters of Victoria Harbour for more than a century and is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions, providing its passengers some of the best photo ops on earth... The Central - Tsim sha tsui route seems to be the most popular, although more than a few visitors use the ferry to travel across the harbor to Wanchai. For more information, visit Star Ferry website

To get there: The entrance to the temple is right outside MTR Wong Tai Sin Station

Architectural stroll in "Central"

Central, Hong Kong's financial core, is dominated by ultra-modern skyscrapers that make the area look like a display of the world's leading architects 2 IFC, Hong Kong's second highest skyscraper is one of Csar Pelli's creations. It rises to a height of 415 m and although it does not have an observation-deck, you can take the lift to the 55th floor, where the Information Centre of Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is located and enjoy the breathtaking sceneries for free.
10am - 6pm (Monday - Friday) and 10am - 1pm (Saturday). Closed on Sundays.

Times Square
Considered as one of Hong Kong's ten most popular tourist attractions, this colossal shopping mall offers its visitors more than 300 shops that are spread across its 16 floors You can find here most of the well-known international brand names, alongside a decent choice of good restaurants and cafs, and there are free live entertainment and art exhibitions, every now and then Daily, 10 am - 10 pm MTR-Causeway Bay, exit A

Hong Kong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Two of Hong Kong's most quaint parks are located one next to the other, on the edge of "Central", and offer their visitors more than a few lovely attractions, including the Museum of Tea Ware, the Edward Youde Aviary, the Forsgate Conservatory and the Tai Chi Garden (in Hong Kong Park). The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are, perhaps, not as impressive as those of other large cities across the world, but are definitely worth the visit.

Designed by famous British architect, Sir Norman Foster, the pretentious HSBC Building features a classic example of Hong Kong's modern architecture, combining contemporary design with traditional Feng Shui philosophy. It used to be the world's most expensive building at the time of its inauguration, back in 1985. (Take the escalator to the first floor, just to get a feeling of the colossal atrium)

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Aberdeen's floating restaurants

Although it is a tourist clich, the floating restaurants in Aberdeen are well worth visiting, offering their customers a truly unique dining experience. Surprisingly enough, Top Deck, the alfresco rooftop resto-bar on top of Jumbo Kingdom, seems to be a better choice than its older and better known downstairs neighbor, both in terms of food and ambience. daily, lunch and dinner (Top Deck also operates as a 'night spot' until fairly late) Getting here: Diners are taken by small boat to the restaurants, from either Shum Wan Pier, or Aberdeen Promenade: Bus No 70 travels to Aberdeen Promenade from Central and Admiralty, while nos. 38, 42 and 72 come here from Hennessey Road in Causeway Bay. To Shum Wan Pier Drive you can take 75 from Central, or 72-A from Causeway Bay Website: Top Deck Website: Jumbo Kingdom

Other highlights in Stanley include the lovely seafront promenade, where quite a few alfresco cafs and restaurants can be found, the old Tin Hau Temple and the beautifully restored Murray House, where the Hong Kong Maritime Museum is located. Getting there: Bus nos. 6, 6-A, 6-X and 260 come here from Exchange Square Bus Terminus (adjacent to MTR-Central)

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland hardly needs to be introduced and although it is the smallest Disneyland park on earth, it is well worth visiting, as it boasts most of these features that made Disneyland parks so popular, including the early 1900s American town street, Adventureland ("Jungle River Cruise" and "Tarzan's Island"), Fantasyland ("Dumbo carousel", "Snow white grotto" and "Sleeping Beauty Castle"...) and Tomorrowland ("Space Mountain" roller coaster, and "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters"). What's more, it is probably the only Disneyland in the world which you can comfortably cover in a day. Daily, 10am 8 / 9pm Getting here: Take the MTR from Hong Kong Station (linked to MTR-Central), or from MTR-Lai King (if coming from Kowloon) and travel to MTR-Sunny Bay, where you change trains and continue to Disneyland. Website

Dragon's Back Trail

Lauded by Time Magazine as the "Best Urban Hike in Asia", the Dragon's Back (or, Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, as it is officially known), crosses Shek O Country Park along the hilly ridge-top (which gave it its name) and passes through some of the territory's most scenic spots, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the bays on both sides of D'aguilar Peninsula (approximately 3 hours of moderately difficult hike along a reasonably signposted trail). Getting there: Travel to MTR-Shau Kei Wan, take exit A-3 to the bus interchange, board bus No. 9 to Shek-O and ask the driver to drop you off on Shek O Road, near To Tei Wan / (The trail starts right near the bus-stop).

Ocean Park
Ocean Park, one of Asia's most popular and successful amusement parks, occupies a mountainous peninsula near Aberdeen and boasts 35 attractions and rides: From ocean-and-sea related attractions, such as world-class aquariums and Dolphin shows, to the colossal roller coasters and the Giant Panda habitat exhibition, and from the magnificent cable car ride to one of the world's longest escalators and other adrenaline boosting rides... Daily: 10am 6pm Citybus No. 629 comes here directly from Admiralty (next to MTR-Admiralty, exit B) website

Tai O
Tai O, "the Venice of Hong Kong", is a quiet fishermen village where little has changed through the years... Originally built by the "Tanka" boat people, it is possibly the only place in this part of the world where you can still see traditional "Pang uk" houses, built on stilts along the canals. As expected from a fishermen village, there is a seafood market here (a bit smelly) and some good seafood eateries. There are also two small but interesting museums and some old Chinese temples Getting here: Bus No. 11 come here from Tung Chung / No.1 from Mui Wo ferry, and No. 21 from Ngong Ping / Big Buddha You can also catch a ferry from Tung Chung

Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha

Ngong Ping and its environs form one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions. Po Lin Monastery was built in the picturesque highlands of Lantau Island almost a century ago, but it was the colossal statue of the seated Buddha that came up in the early 1990s and turned this area into one of Hong Kong's hottest destinations Later on, the famous cable car came up (providing almost 6km of scenic ride) and the kitschy "tourist village" But there are still more than a few nice walking trails around the area, for those who want to get away from it all Daily: 10am 6pm (9:30am 6:30pm on Weekends & Public Holidays) Getting there: Best you can do is to purchase the "special pass" of Lantao Bus Co., which gives you one-way cable-car ride + unlimited bus rides across the island
(How to get to the cable-car terminal / bus-terminal)

Stanley and Stanley Market

The picturesque beach town of Stanley is best known for its market, although it has a lot more to offer to its visitors The market offers a relatively good choice of pocket-friendly clothes, shoes, silk garments and traditional Chinese dress, as well as toys, ornaments, luggage, souvenirs and Chinese arts and crafts, and although it is quite touristy, it is still a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Info on the combo ticket of Lantau Bus Co. Info on Ngong Ping Pricing and Packages

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Lamma Island
Although it is only a short ferry ride from the city centre bustle, Lamma Island offers its visitors picturesque scenery, with nice walking trails, pristine beaches (some are slightly spoilt by the power plant) and lovely seaside towns with lazy cafs and great local eateries The island's vivid and cosmopolitan community of expats has contributed a lot to its unique character and, all in all, it makes a great day out Most visitors start in Yung-Shue-Wan and walk to Sok-Kwu-Wan, from where they take the ferry back to Hong Kong, but we also highly recommend to visit tiny Mo-Tat-Wan and Shek Pai Wan (click here to see more about Lamma) Getting there: Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd (HKKF) operates the ferry line from Central to Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan

Hong Kong Wetland Park

Hong Kong Wetland Park is one of Hong Kong's best wildlife conservation centers and a must-see for anyone who has some interest in nature (particularly wetlands...) Located on the edge of the internationally known Mai Po Marshes, on the banks of Deep Bay, the nature reserve gives visitors a glimpse into the wetlands' world and is particularly popular during bird migration seasons, when tens of thousands of water birds rest in the marshes and gather strength, before continuing their long journey One of the park's main draws is the 10,000 square meter visitor centre, which boasts some excellent themed exhibitions about wetlands, marshes and swamps all over the world... Daily: 10am 5pm (except Tuesdays) Getting here: Citybus No. 967 comes here directly from Admiralty (next to MTRAdmiralty, exit B) and has stops in Central (Connaught Road Central, near Statue Square) and next to Wing Lung Bank (MTR-Central, exit C) Website / Tickets information

Take a stroll inside the building and watch Victoria Harbour and Kowloon through the enormous glass screen, before walking out to the Golden Bauhinia Square, on the waterfront adjoining the centre, where the handover ceremony of Hong Kong took place in 1997, officially marking the end of 150 years of British rule in this corner of the world. Wan Chai Ferry Pier, opposite the busstop, is where you take the Star Ferry from, on your way to Tsim-sha-Tsui, on the Kowloon side of the water This historic ferry has been plying the waters of Victoria Harbour for more than a century and is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions, providing its passengers some of the best photo ops on earth... As soon as you walk out of the ferry pier in Tsim-sha-Tsui, cross the small bus interchange and Salisbury Road, turn right and walk along the road, passing the aristocratic "Peninsula Hotel" and crossing Nathan Road and tiny Middle Road, where you climb a flight of stairs (on your left) to Middle Road Children's Playground, through which you walk to the pedestrian bridge across Chatham Road South, cross the open piazza and walk down to the street, continue walking along Chatham Road South (road should be on your left) until you reach the entrance to Hong Kong Museum of History. This fabulous museum tells "the Hong Kong Story", from the Devonian period 400 million years ago until reunification with China in 1997. Eight galleries, loaded with thousands of exciting exhibits, including antiques and pieces of art, as well as 3D dioramas and interactive multimedia displays, make the visit to the museum a rich experience Daily, except Tuesday, 10 am - 6 pm (till 7pm on
Sundays and public holidays)

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Less than a few visitors take the bother to visit "the New Territories", which is a shame really, cause that is where you can experience Hong Kong's heritage best The Ping Shan Heritage Trail is an easy 1km walk, passing through a number of historic heritage sights, including temples, pagodas, ancestral halls and walled villages of the Tang Clan, one of the "Five Great Clans" in the New Territories. Getting there: Travel with the KCR train from East Tsim sha Tsui (directly linked to MTR-Tsim sha Tsui), or from Austin Station to Yuen Long Station, walk out to the adjacent Light Rail Terminus and take one of the following light-rail lines: 610, 614, 615 and 761P to Ping Shan light-rail station, where the trail starts.
The trail ends next to KCR-Tin Shui Wai Station, from where you can take the train back to Kowloon, or catch a light-rail to Hong Kong Wetland Park (next)

one-day itinerary ideas

1. The best of modern Hong Kong
Our day starts from Victoria Peak (or simply "the Peak"), one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions, from where you can enjoy breathtaking postcard views of the metropolis and the island dotted bays around it The Peak Tram can be boarded at the Lower terminus, on 33 Garden Road, daily, 7am 12midnight (See the guide-map to Peak Tram Lower Terminus) After descending, take bus No. 40 from the bus-stop on Garden Road, next to historic St. John's Cathedral, and ride it all the way to its last stop, outside Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCC), a colossal architectural complex that dominates the coastline of Hong Kong Island almost as much as the Opera House distinguishes Sydney's coastline

website If you started your day at around 7am, it should be 1 1:30pm by the time you are through with the museum and you have two options: The first option is to grab something small to eat and continue to Hong Kong Museum of Art, which is just a ten minutes' walk from here and displays thousands of pieces of art and antiques, from the Neolithic age, through the mighty dynasties of ancient China, to our days The second option is to have proper lunch before you continue with your day trip.

Map of Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Although Hong Kong has one of the best public-transport systems in the world, taking the Hong Kong City Hop-on Hop-off Tour is highly recommended, as it takes you directly to the various attractions and saves you the time and hassle of waiting for a bus or walking

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To go to Hong Kong Museum of Art you should turn left as you leave Hong Kong Museum of History and walk back along Chatham Road South (the way you came), climb the flight of stairs near the corner of Mody Road, to the piazza on top of the bus interchange, and walk to its other end. Cross the pedestrian bridge over Salisbury Road and turn right when you reach the waterfront, walking behind InterContinental Hong Kong and through the "Avenue of Stars" to the museum Daily, except Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm (till 8pm on
Saturdays) For more information, visit their website or call them on 2721 0116

If you visited Hong Kong Museum of Art all you have to do is to cross under Salisbury Road through the underpass (next to SOGO). If you came from Kowloon Park, walk down Nathan Road towards the waterfront, turn right to Salisbury and you will see the entrance to the hotel on your right hand side. From the Peninsula Hotel, continue walking along Salisbury Road for a couple of minutes, turn right to Canton Road and visit Heritage 1881, a posh and elegant shopping mall that occupies the beautifully restored Victorian buildings of what was once the headquarters of Hong Kong's Marine Police. Heritage 1881 is popular among architectural photographers and is well worth visiting, even if you do not have plans to buy yourself a "Rolex" or "Gucci". Next in line is the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, which stretches along the eastern side of Tsim-sha-Tsui's waterfront, five minutes' walk from "the Peninsula") and boasts floor plaques of celebrities of the city's thriving film industry, including legends like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. This is also one of the best places to watch the Symphony of Lights from. Awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, this nightly light, sound and laser show is featured on 37 key buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. Symphony of Lights, daily, at 8 pm Avenue of Stars is open 24 / 7 If you are not deadly exhausted by now, you can cross under Salisbury Road by the underpass, to MTR-Tsim sha Tsui, and travel two stations to Yau-ma-Tei, where you can visit Temple Street Night Market, or three stations to Mong Kok, where you can take a look at the famous Ladies' Market.

2. Chinese traditions and markets

Our day starts at the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens, one of Hong Kong's most beautiful spots. The nunnery features rich Tang style architecture and boasts beautiful gold, clay, wood and stone statues of the Buddha, Kwun Yam (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and other bodhisattvas. Nan Lian Garden lies next to the nunnery and is just as beautiful, with pavilions, goldfish ponds with water lilies, rock gardens and manicured Bonsai trees. To get there: Travel to MTR Diamond Hill, exit C-2, out to the street, turn left and walk along the wall of the shopping mall to the pedestrian crossing, cross Sheung Yuen Street, walk a minute or two along Fung Tak Road and use the pedestrian's bridge above it to enter the nunnery / garden. Go back to MTR Diamond Hill and travel one station back, to MTR Wong-Tai-Sin, where our next destination is. Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong's most popular places of worship and enjoys a good reputation for fulfilling the devotees' wishes. Occupying a fairly large piece of land in the north of Kowloon, it boasts quite a few shrines, pavilions and altars, and is rich in lavish ornaments and sculptures (Virtual tour / map of the temple) Back to the MTR station, from where we travel four stations, to MTR-Prince Edward, where our markets trips begins Leave MTR Prince Edward via exit A, turn back, enter Playing Field Road and walk along it to the end, turn right to Sai Yee Street and left, to Flower Market Road which is lined with dozens of shops that sell flowers, potted plants and their likes (some are really colorful). At the end of the street, turn left to Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or, simply, the Bird Garden), which boasts dozens of bird shops, where hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen... The garden is also a popular meeting point for elderly bird owners ...

If you chose the second option, cross Chatham Road South with the pedestrian bridge, right outside Hong Kong Museum of History, turn right and immediately left to Observatory Road, through which you walk until you see the entrance to Knutsford Terrace on your left This very narrow lane is Tsim-sha-Tsui's answer to Central's Lan Kwai Fong, and although it is much smaller than its Hong Kong Island counterpart, it boasts a decent choice of nice restaurants, cafs and bars. Nathan Road, Kowloon's main thoroughfare, is just a few minutes' walk from here (via Kimberley Road). On its other side you will see a line of shops called Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard, and next to them there is a wide flight of stairs that takes you to Kowloon Park, an island of peace and tranquility within Tsim-shaTsui's never ending shopping madness. Kowloon Park is not very big, but it boasts a few lovely spots nonetheless, like the Aviary, the Bird-lake and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. It is probably 4 4:30 pm by now and we are heading to the Peninsula, one of the world's most classic hotels, which was built more than eighty years ago and became synonymous with grandeur and opulence To taste the splendor and charm of bygone colonial days in the Far East, opt for the English Style High Tea at the lobby Later on, you can continue to Felix, one of Hong Kong's most stylish resto-bars, which is perched on the hotel's top floor and offers fantastic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline... (The men's WC at Felix is worth visiting) Afternoon Tea, daily, 2 6pm Felix, daily, 5pm 1:30am (Bar)

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Walk back to the corner of Flower Market Road, but instead of turning right keep walking straight along small Yuen Po Street to the end, turn right to Prince Edward Road West, cross it at the pedestrian crossing (near a petrol station) and keep walking for another 2 3 minutes, before turning left to Fa Yuen Street, where a thriving market operates daily, from 10:30 am to 10:30pm, with countless stalls that sell bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children. At the southernmost end of the street market, you can cross Mong Kok Road by the pedestrian bridge and keep walking straight along Fa Yuen Street. This section of Fa Yuen is popularly known as Sportswear Street, as it is lined with numerous small retailers that sell sports equipment and clothing, as well as a wide diversity of sports shoes (including some that are rear and expensive). At the end of Fa Yuen Street, turn right to Dundas Street and right again, to Tung Choi Street, which is better known as Ladies' Market. As its name suggests, this extremely popular market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the likes, although there are more than a few stalls here that sell men's and children's products, including soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few (10:30 am - 10:30 pm daily). From Ladies' Market, turn left to Argyle Street and left again, to Sai Yeung Choi Street South, where the entrance to MTRMong Kok can be found. Have something to eat before traveling onwards Mong Kok is a great place to discover some of Hong Kong's best authentic eateries Curry A La King (), is on 88 Soy Street (a street that crosses both Ladies' Market and Fa Yuen Street) and serves a variety of curry specialties indifferent styles Chinese, Indian you name it Satay King, o the corner of Ladies' Market and Shantung Street (above Bank of China) serves nice Thai food and specializes, as you can guess, in Satay

Good Hope Noodle () is a small and inexpensive eatery, on 146 Sai Yeung Choi Street (A minute walk from the corner of Argyle and exit D-3 of MTR-Mong Kok), which has been serving great noodle dishes for God knows how long Seam Eett Taiwan Noodles, ( ) next to the corner of Ladies' Market and Dundas Street, serves a variety of Taiwanese specialties.

Walk back, down Shanghai Street (towards the lower numbers). A few minutes' walk will bring you to the corner of Public Square Street, where you turn left and visit Mido Caf, on the corner of Public Square and Temple Street. This culinary institution has changed very little (if at all) since it first opened its doors, sixty years ago... Even the old cash till is still there... Food wise, they serve the traditional Cha Chaan Teng fare, which is basically Hong Kong style caf fare... From nice and simple sandwiches and toasts, to more "serious" fried rice and noodle dishes, like their signature Baked pork-chop rice, Baked spareribs rice, Spicy Eggplant & Minced Pork with Fried Noodles and Shredded Chicken Fried Noodles... everything is nice (and there is a nice street-view from the windows...) Opposite the caf, on the other side of Public Square Street, there is an open piazza with some shady banyan trees and an old Chinese temple This is the old Tin Hau Temple, which was built in 1880 in honor of Tin Hau, protector of seafarer and Hong Kong's most beloved deity, and although it is not as impressive as some other temples across the territory, it is well worth visiting. From the square in front of the temple, turn left to Shanghai Street, pass under the bridge and right to Kansu Street, where the Jade Market is. Occupying a low building under the motorway-bridge, the famous Jade Market boasts dozens, if not hundreds of stalls that sell magnificent Jade products, including figurines, statues and what not, but don't be tempted to spend a fortune, unless you are an expert There are enough stalls here that sell cheap jade products which make just as beautiful souvenirs. Cross Kansu Street and enter the bustling wet market of Reclamation Street, from where you turn left to Ning Po and right, to Shanghai Street (You should also take a short stroll along Nanking Street, if you are around). On 164 Shanghai Street, not far from the corner of Ning Po, there is a small and popular eatery called Sek Wong Lam ( ) which is particularly famous for its Snake Soup Turn left to Jordan Road and after a few minutes' walk you will reach the entrance (A) to MTRJordan, from where we take the subway to our next (and last) destination, Victoria Peak.

Those of you who feel more like going to a western style caf, can opt to th Homemade Caf, on the 12 floor of Dundas Square (43 Dundas Street, only a heartbeat from the corner of Ladies' Market), or to Little Fusion, which is on Ladies' Market, just before the corner of Dundas.
A good choice of shops of consumer electronic products can be found along Sai Yeung Choi Street South, near the entrance to MTR-Mong Kok. Yau Shing Commercial Centre, on No. 51, boasts some of the most popular shops around, including those that specialize in gadgets, cameras and the likes Mong Kok Computer Centre is one of the best places in Hong Kong to buy computers and computer ware From laptops to computer components, software and games... The choice is immense and prices are very good (No. 8 Nelson Street an offshoot from Ladies' Market) That's it We leave Mong Kok and travel one station with the MTR, to Yau-ma-Tei station. Leave via exit-C, turn back and start walking along Man Ming Lane. After 2 3 minutes, turn right to Shanghai Street A short stroll will bring you to Man Kee Chopping Board, on 342 Shanghai (on your right), which is one of the best places to buy professional chopping boards, and right next to it, on 344 Shanghai, you can see the historic red bricks building which once housed the oldest pumping station in Hong Kong.

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Ride the MTR to Central. Leave the station via exit J-2, cross Chater Garden towards Bank of China Tower, cross Queen's Road Central and start climbing along Garden Road, until you see the fountain at the entrance to the Peak Tram Lower Trminus on your right, opposite St. John's Cathedral. (See the guide-map to Peak Tram Lower Terminus) The Peak Tram can be boarded at the Lower terminus, on 33 Garden Road, daily, 7am 12midnight Victoria Peak, or "The Peak", as it is commonly known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction, boasting world-class views of the city and Victoria Harbour, which look as if they were taken from a postcard The view at night is particularly beautiful, when the city's countless skyscrapers and neonsigns flash in millions of dazzling lights... When reaching "The Peak", you can opt for the Sky Terrace, which offers a breathtaking 360 panoramic views of the city and the waters around it, or visit Hong Kong's Madame Tussauds There are also more than a few shops, cafs and restaurants around here, as well as some surprisingly quaint and easy walking trails (You can read about them here) "The Peak" is open daily, morning-night Sky Terrace is open daily, 10 am - 11 pm Madame Tussauds is open 10 am - 10 pm

A few steps walk from exit B of MTR-Tung Chung will bring you to the bus terminus, next to the Cable Car Lower Terminus. Board bus no. M-3 (of New Lantao Bus Co.) and travel with it to Mui Wo, a quiet seaside town on Lantau's southern coast. You can have your breakfast here, take a short stroll along the bay and in the small streets, or rent a pair of bikes from Friendly Bike Shop, on Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road (2 3 minutes' walk from the bus terminus). They open six days a week (closed on Monday, or Tuesday) and will be happy to explain to you how to get to nice sightseeing spots in the vicinity, like Silvermine Waterfall, Silvermine Cave and the Man Mo Temple China Bear, near the bus terminus and the ferry pier, is one of Mui Wo's more popular cafs They serve simple western fare and you can seat alfresco and enjoy the view. From here, you should take bus no. 1 and drop off at Pui-O (), 2 3 km down the road from Mui Wo, where you can take a walk to the lovely beach, followed by a visit to the rice paddies and the lowlying wetland, next to the village, where you can encounter Asian Water Buffalos (one of the last places in Hong Kong where Water Buffalos still live). The buffalos also walk inside the village itself, every now and again, and while they look huge and intimidating, they are actually quite peaceful and used to see people around... If you can't trace the buffalos, for some reason, try to ask the locals for assistance (Asian Water Buffalos in Chinese is ) From here, take bus no. 1 to the last station, at Tai-O Built over canals and waterways, Tai O, which is popularly known as "the Venice of Hong Kong", is a quiet fishermen village where little has changed over the years... Originally built by the "Tanka" boat people, it is possibly the only place in this part of the world where you can still see traditional "Pang uk" houses, built on stilts along the canals. As expected from a fishermen village, there is a seafood market here (a bit smelly) and some good seafood eateries, as well as some old Chinese temples devoted to the Tin Hau, the legendary protector of fishermen

Along the narrow street leading from the bus-stop to the bridge over the canal, there is a small museum, called Tai O Rural Committee Historic and Cultural Showroom, where you can see a few interesting objects from the village's past (open daily, except Monday and the entrance is free) Another worthy place to visit is the Tai O Culture Workshop, which is like a "private museum", owned and managed by Wong Wai-king, who was born in Tai-O and works hard to keep the village's traditions and to promote ecological tourism in the area (Phone 6118 2985) You can also join a boat ride, while you are here... They last 25 - 30 minutes, don't cost much, and you get a chance to see the stilt houses from the water and to sail around Lantau's southwestern side (including some shockingly beautiful views...). The boat operators (or their salespeople) will probably tell you about the Chinese White Dolphins you are going to see on the way, but that doesn't usually happen. Nevertheless, the boat ride is still fun and if you do wish to encounter the dolphins, you'll better join Hong Kong Dolphinwatch. The nice thing about Tai O is that even after droves of visitors has been trampling its streets for quite a few years, it still somehow manages to maintain its quaint fishing village character... Take bus no. 21 from Tai-O, up the steep mountains of Lantau Island, to Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha, next to it. The monastery was built in the picturesque highlands of Lantau almost a century ago by three Zen masters who arrived here from the Jin Shan Monastery of Zhe Jiang, looking for a peaceful and secluded place, but it was the colossal statue of the seated Buddha that came up in the early 1990s and turned this area into one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions Later on, the famous cable car came up (providing almost 6km of scenic ride) and the kitschy "tourist village" But there are still more than a few nice walking trails around the area, for those who want to get away from it all.

3. A day trip to Lantau Island

Early in the morning, we will head to the modern town of Tung Chung, not far from Hong Kong International Airport, where our trip begins. MTR-Tung Chung is the last station on the orange marked Tung Chung Line, so if you come from Central, Wan Chai or Admiralty, you should take the MTR from Hong Kong Station, which is directly linked to MTR-Central, while if you come from Tsim-sha-Tsui, Jordan, Yau-ma-tei, or Mong Kok, you should ride the MTR along the red marked Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King Station, where you can switch to the Tung Chung Line and continue to MTRTung Chung Station.

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The cable car will take us down to Tung Chung, where we started the day. If you are into shopping, don't miss a visit to Citygate Outlets, Hong Kong's first and (so far) only outlet mall, where you can get off-season goods at large discounts you won't find elsewhere in Hong Kong. Citygate Outlets is right above MTR-Tung Chung and boasts more than 80 international brand names of designer fashion, sports, beauty, accessories, children's wear, and home items, as well as some great cafs and restaurants, a 6screen multiplex cinema and a 3-suite spa centre... If you are not too exhausted, take bus No. DB01R from Tung Chung to Discovery Bay, a ritzy and perfectly planned suburb along one of Lantau's most scenic coastlines, inhabited mostly by expatriates and local white-collars The main draw here is the D-Deck. Lauded as "Hong Kong's largest oceanfront alfresco dining destination" by its proprietors, this is certainly one of the most pleasant spots in Hong Kong for dinner and a great vantage point to watch Disneyland's nightly fireworks from That's all folks Now you can catch a ferry from the pier, next to D-Deck, and sail back to Central. Discovery Bay Transportation Services operates ferries on this line almost 24 hours a day, so you can take your time and enjoy your long dinner (click here for the timetable).

I Caramba
Well positioned on Elgin Street, in trendy SoHo, this lovely resto-bar serves a wide selection of scrumptious Mexican fare in a very nice ambience, and there is live performances, every now and again. Daily for lunch and dinner (till 11 pm) 26-30 Elgin St. MTR: Central Tel: 2530 9963

Tiffin Lounge at the Grand Hyatt

Serves a superb afternoon high tea buffet in a delightful environment, as well as what is possibly the best Dessert Buffet in Hong Kong To make the dining experience even better, there are large windows through which you can admire the views of both Victoria Peak and the harbour. Afternoon Tea Buffet is served every afternoon, from around 3pm, while Dessert Buffet is served nightly, from 7 to 10:30 pm Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Wanchai 2584 7722 MTR: Wan Chai Phone

El Taco Loco
Nestled on a small corner in SoHo, this tiny and vividly designed caf serves a decent choice of Enchiladas, Fajitas, Nachos, Quesadillas, Chorizo sausages and other Mexican favorites, in a pleasant and easygoing surroundings, and at fairly affordable prices. Daily, 12 noon - 11 pm LG/F, 9 Lower Staunton Street, SoHo Tel: 2522 1262 MTR: Central

High Tea at Clipper Mandarin Oriental

Lounge

Harbourside in InterContinental Hong Kong

This is probably one of the best buffet restaurants in Hong Kong, with an outrageously extravagant spread that features the very best of the cuisines of East Asia, and the city's gorgeous skyline as a backdrop. Their Sunday Champagne Brunch is out of this world. InterContinental Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim sha Tsui, Tel:2313 2495 MTR: Tsim sha Tsui / Tsim sha Tsui East

The Mandarin Oriental's legendary lounge is possibly where Hong Kong's best and most popular High Tea Buffet can be enjoyed, and although it lacks the colonialera glamour of the more famous peninsula, the food and the tea at Clipper Lounge are superb and the ambience is relaxed and pleasant. Afternoon tea is served daily, 3 - 6 pm Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 2825 4007 MTR: Central

Joy Hing Food Shop

This low-cost Wanchai eatery specializes in Chinese BBQ dishes, mostly suckling pig, chicken and duck. The small dining area is usually packed, which means you might need to wait for a while and share a table with others... Monday - Saturday, 10:30 am - 10:30 pm (Closed on Sunday) G/F, Block C, 265-267 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai (The entrance is actually from Stewart Road, next to the bank on the corner) MTR: Wan Chai

Wine and Dine Guide

Restaurants
Coyote Bar & Grills
Nestled along Wanchai's Lockhart Road, this well established resto-bar serves nice Tex-Mex fare with a modern twist, as well as a wide range of Margaritas and Tequilas. Daily for lunch and dinner (until late) 120 Lockhart Road, MTR: Wan Chai Tel: 2861 2221

Tandoor Indian Restaurant

Tandoor has been around for the last 20 years and it still maintains its rank as one of Hong Kong's most favorite curry houses, equally popular among businessmen, residents and tourists... Their 'not to be missed' lunch buffet boasts a selection that is wider and better than any other Indian restaurant in town, and give very good bang for the buck. Daily, lunch and dinner (till 12 midnight) 1st floor, Lyndhurst tower, 1 Lyndhurst terrace, Central. Tel: 2845 2262 MTR: Central

Mak's Noodle Limited

Located on Wellington Street, not far from SoHo, this simple eatery has made a name for itself for its Wonton Noodles, which some say are the best in Hong Kong. Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm G/F, 77 Wellington Street, Central MTR: Central

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Kau Kee Noodles

Nestled on tiny Gough Street, not far from "Central", Kau Kee serves what is considered by many as Hong Kong's best Beef Brisket. Try to avoid lunchtime as the queue in front of the shop can be awfully long. Open daily, from morning till 8 pm (closed on weekends) 21 Gough Street (from Hollywood Road, walk down Aberdeen Street anf turn left to Gough) MTR: Central / Sheung Wan

Yung Kee
This legendary restaurant has made an international name for itself for serving the best Roast Goose in Hong Kong. Their VIP room serves some of the most outstanding Cantonese food in the city. Daily, 11 am to 11 pm (Dim sum meals are served in the afternoon). 32-40 Wellington St. (near the corner of D'aguilar) Tel: 2522 1624 MTR: Central

Peking Garden
This award winning restaurant serves some of the best "Peking Duck" in Hosng Kong, and features nightly noodle-making presentations that are very popular and well worth watching. Daily for lunch and dinner 1/F, Alexandra House, 16-20 Chater Road, Central Tel: 2526 6456 MTR: Central

Da Ping Huo Fook Lam Moon

This Hong Kong culinary legend has been around for more than half a century and is known for using the best and freshest ingredients, creating some of the city's most delicious Shark Fin and Abalone specialties. Open daily for lunch and dinner Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Road,, Wan Chai Tel: 2866 0663 MTR: Wan Chai This private-kitchen restaurant has made a name for itself for preparing some of the most fabulous Sichuan food in Hong Kong. The dining experience is complemented by a live performance of the owner-singer. Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, SOHO Tel: 2559 1317 MTR: Central

Lin Heung Tea House

This is one of Hong Kong's most iconic eateries, serving fantastic dim-sums, "Yum Cha" and other Cantonese fare in authentic and unpretentious surroundings... Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm 160-164 Wellington Street, Central MTR: Central

The Peak Lookout

Occupying a pretty colonial stone-cottage, right across the street from the shopping malls at "the Peak", The Peak Lookout serves fabulous European and Asian delicacies in a very nice environment. They also have a well-stocked bar and live music during evening hours. Daily, 10:30am to midnight (till 1am on weekends). 121 Peak Rd., Victoria Peak Tel: 2849 1000 MTR: From Central / Admiralty, walk to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus

Golden Bauhinia
Located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), this fantastic, award-winning restaurant serves some of the best Cantonese cuisine in Wanchai, if not in the whole of Hong Kong The place is encircled by huge floor-toceiling windows that offer stunning harbor views. Daily for lunch and dinner (until 11 pm) Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) Tel: 2582 7728 MTR: Wan Chai

Shanghai Garden Restaurant

Serving fabulous Shanghainese cuisine, as well as a nice selection of dishes from other regions of China, in a pleasant atmosphere, this excellent restaurant is very popular among Central's white collars and businessmen. Daily for lunch and dinner Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road Tel: 2524 8181 MTR: Central (Exit J-3)

Chesa
Located within the sumptuous Peninsula Hotel, Chesa specializes in Swiss and Central European food, and serves it in a classic, elegant and cozy environment that works well for a romantic evening, as well as for a quiet business meal. Daily, for lunch and dinner 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Tel: 2315 3169 MTR: Tsim sha Tsui

Yunyan Sichuan Restaurant

This Michelin featured restaurant serves some of the best Szechuan food on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour. Open daily for lunch and dinner 4/F, Miramar Nathan Road Shopping Centre, 132 Tel: 2375 0800

Lung King Heen

Nestled within the swanky Four Seasons Hotel, Lung King Heen serves the "crme de la crme" of the Cantonese cuisine, including some of the best Dim sum and dumplings in Hong Kong and a wide variety of creative Shark's fin and bird's nest delights. Open daily for lunch and dinner Podium 4, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central, Tel: 3196 8880 MTR: Central

MTR: Tsim sha Tsui

Although Hong Kong has one of the best public-transport systems in the world, taking the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is highly recommended, as it takes you directly to the various attractions and saves you the time and hassle of waiting for a bus or walking

The Verandah Restaurant - Repulse Bay Hotel

Nestled along one of Hong Kong's most picturesque beaches, The Verandah serves fabulous French and European fare in an elegant and romantic setting, that is complemented by gorgeous beach and ocean views... Their Sunday brunch buffet is legendary and needs to be booked well in advance. Open Wednesday - Sunday for lunch, Afternoon Tea (3 to 5:30 pm) and dinner. On Sunday, there is a brunch buffet, from 11am to 2:30 pm (instead of lunch) The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Rd. Tel: 2292 2822 MTR: Take a taxi from Central or Admiralty

Caprice
Located within the sumptuous Four Seasons hotel, Caprice is one of Hong Kong's most prestigious and sought after restaurants, offering an unbeatable combination of beautiful design, gorgeous harbor views, lovely atmosphere and, above all, Superb French cuisine with a lighter touch... Open daily for lunch and dinner Level 6, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Tel: 3196 8888 MTR: Central

Zeffirino Ristorante
This is the Hong Kong offshoot of an internationally famed Genoese restaurant. Nestled within Causeway Bay's Regal Hotel, it serves the best of classic Italian cuisine, in an elegant and soothing ambience, backdropped by beautiful harbour views. Daily for lunch and dinner Regal Hong Kong hotel, 88 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay Phone: 2837 1799 MTR: Causeway Bay

Restaurant Petrus
Perched on the 56th floor of the Island Shangri-la Hotel, with stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the city's glittering skyscrapers, Petrus is one of the paragons of Hong Kong's culinary scene, and is also considered as one of the world's top hotel-restaurants. The cuisine is classic French and the setting is swanky and elegant Daily for lunch and dinner The Island Shangri-la hotel, Admiralty Tel: 2820 8590 MTR: Admiralty

Grissini
Grissini, one of Hong Kong's most sought after Italian restaurants, is located at the second floor of the sumptuous Grand Hyatt, and enjoys stunning harbour views. It is particularly known for the baking oven at its entrance, which fills the dining hall with appetizing aromas of freshly baked Grissini bread sticks... Daily for lunch and dinner Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. MTR: Wan Chai Tel: 2584 7722

1/5 Nuevo (One Fifth Nuevo)

Replacing the legendary 1/5 lounge-bar, this Michelin awarded resto-bar specializes in contemporary European cuisine, with a focus on modern versions of familiar Spanish favorites. Stylishelegant dcor , nice chillout tunes and an excellent cocktail bar, create just the right ambiance for a quiet dinner or a drink. Daily, for lunch (except Sunday) and dinner Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai Phone: 2529 2300 MTR: Wan Chai

Sushi Hiro
Serves some of the best Sushi and Sashimi in Causeway Bay, and other than fantasticfresh food and pleasant ambience, it gives customers the opportunity to order outstanding Tempura dishes from the menu of its sister restaurant, Ten Yoshi, which is just two floors below. Daily for lunch and dinner 10/F, Henry House, 42 Yun Ping Rd., Causeway Bay Tel: 2882 8752 MTR: Causeway Bay

Gaddi's
Gaddi's is another Hong Kong culinary legend. Housed within the glamorous Peninsula Hotel, it serves the "best of the best" of French cuisine in an elegant and opulent setting. Open daily for lunch and dinner 1st Floor, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road. Tel: 2315 3171 MTR: Tsim sha Tsui

The Press Room

Nestled along historic Hollywood Road, just a short stroll from the trendy SoHo, the Press Room is a modern interpretation for the classic French Brasserie.... Warm and homey on one hand, modern and stylish on the other hand... The menu is dominated by familiar western favorites that have been given a contemporary touch... Open daily for lunch and dinner 108 Hollywood Road MTR: Sheung Wan Tel: 2525 3444

Gaylord Indian Restaurant

Gaylord has been serving splendid Indian fare for the last 30 years or so, and is still as popular (and good) as ever... Atmosphere is quite soothing and pleasant, and there is live-band playing Indian music nightly Open daily for lunch (12 noon - 3 pm) and dinner (6 - 11 pm) 1/F, 23-25 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Phone: 2376 1001 MTR: Tsim sha Tsui

Habibi Caf
Possibly the most popular Middle Eastern eating place in Hong Kong, and although the kitchen is mainly Egyptian, the menu boasts more than a few dishes from Lebanon, Greece and other countries across the region. 112-114 Wellington Tel: 2544 3886 Street, Central,

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MTR: Central / sheung Wan

Ruth's Chris Steak House

The Hong Kong outlet of Louisiana's famous restaurant-chain serves some of the finest steaks in town, in an elegant ambience that revives the charm of bygone days. Daily, for lunch and dinner G4, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Tel: 2366 6000 MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Staunton's Bar & Caf

Staunton's Bar & Caf, next to the escalator in SoHo, is a good place to see and to be seen... Familiar international favorites dominate the menu, with a lean towards Mediterranean... Daily, from morning hours till 2 am. 10-12 Staunton St. (next to the escalator), Tel: 2973 6611 MTR: Central

The Pawn
Occupying a three-floor historic building on Wanchai's Johnston Road, where a pawn shop once existed, The Pawn features a Bar, Lounge and Restaurant under one roof... Daily, from before lunch till late...(the lounge-bar remains open until 2am) 62 Johnston Road, Wanchai 3444 MTR: Wan Chai Tel: 2866

Indochine 1929
Indochine 1929 in Lan Kwai Fong is one of Hong Kong's most favorite Vietnamese restaurants, with elegant interior dcor that revives the glamour of French colonialism in Vietnam, and superb, authentic food that consists on ingredients directly imported from Vietnam. Daily, for lunch and dinner 4/F, The Plaza LKF, 21 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong Tel: 2869 7399 MTR: Central Chili Club This is one of Hong Kong's most popular restaurants and although its interior dcor is not awe inspiring, the ambience is sufficiently pleasant and the food is outstandingly good and also affordable. Daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings are essential. 1/F, 88 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai Tel: 2527 2872 MTR: Wan Chai

Flying Pan
Flying Pan is one of Hong Kong's most favorite breakfast joints, serving a hearty "all day breakfast" 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, alongside some other delicious western fare. They have outlets in both SoHo and Wanchai. Daily, 24 hours a day G/F, 9 Old Bailey Street, SoHo, Tel: 2140 6333 MTR: Central 3/F Empire Land Commercial Centre, 83 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai (On top of Mes Amis) Tel: 2528 9997 MTR: Wan Chai

Azure
Perched on the 29th and 30th floors of the LKF Hotel, Azure provides some gorgeous cityscape views, as well as fantastic drinks and food, and is one of Hong Kong's best places to see and to be seen... Daily, morning till night 29-30/F, Hotel Lan Kwai Fong, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Tel: 3518 9330 MTR: Central

The "Terrace" at Sevva

Perched at the penthouse level of Prince's Building, The "terrace" at Sevva provides some of the most magnificent cityscape views Hong Kong has to offer, as well as an excellent spot to watch the "Symphony of Lights" laser show from... Daily for lunch, tea and dinner (on Fridays and Saturdays, they serve "late supper" until well after midnight) 25 floor, Prince's Building, Central (right next to MTR Central), Tel: 2537 1388 MTR: Central

G Bar
This chic New York style lounge-bar is located in IFC Mall, in Central, and boasts some of the best views of Victoria Harbour. Their outdoor terrace is particularly recommended for romantic couples, so long as heavy rain or unbearable heat don't spoil the magic moments... Daily, 12 noon till late... Shop 4009, Podium Level Four, IFC Mall, Central Tel: 2234 7739 MTR: Central

Cafs and bars

Bacar
Although Bacar is more of a wine-bar, this lovely SoHo restaurant serves great caf fare in a cozy and pleasant ambiance. The menu can be described as "Contemporary Mediterranean", with quite a few light dishes. Daily, morning till well after midnight 2 Shelley Street, SOHO MTR: Central Tel: 2521 8322

ToTT's
Perched on the 34th floor of the Excelsior Hotel, this uber-stylish "resto-lounge-bar" provides the ultimate dining experience: Fabulous food, splendid ambience and breathtaking views Daily, for lunch and dinner 34/F, The Excelsior Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay Tel: 2837 6786 MTR: Causeway Bay

Hong Kong Brew House

Huge selection of beers, ales and spirits, great food (their ribs are among the best in Hong Kong), fair prices and good atmosphere. Music, dances and large screens, broadcasting sport events Open daily from 11 am until late at night... (On weekends, the place stays open until early morning hours). G/F & Basement, 21 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Tel: 2522 5559 MTR: Central

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Where to Stay
Hostels and guesthouses
Ah Shan Hostel
Makes one of the best options for low budget travellers who want to stay on this side of the city, as it has everything a backpacker in Hong Kong can ask for: From great location, next to Ladies' Market and the MTR station, to very helpful staff, proper maintenance and good prices. Room 1406, 14/F, Sincere House, 83 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon click here for more info, photos and rates

Star Guest House / Lee Garden Guest House

Lee Garden and Star Guest House, two of Tsim sha Tsui's most recommended backpacker hostels, are both located along Cameron Road and offer their guests pleasant rooms and superb location at a very fair price. Both are ran and managed by friendly Charlie Chan, who work hard to ensure that his properties are a head above the rest Lee Garden Guest House is on Block D, 8th floor, 34-36 Cameron Road (just a stone's throw from Star Guest House, which is on 6th Floor, 21 Cameron Rd.)

3-star and mid-range hotels

The Salisbury YMCA
With its million dollars location at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula and its excellent variety of facilities and amenities, The Salisbury YMCA is possibly the best of Hong Kong's mid-range hotels and provides a very good value for money. Click here for more info, photos and rates 41 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Traders Hotel (Formerly Hotel Jen)

Located on the western side of Sheung Wan, surrounded by old style streets with traditional shops and restaurants, Traders Hotel (Formerly Jen) is one of Hong Kong's best and most pleasant mid-range hotels, with relatively spacious guestrooms, that boast clean lines and light hues of white, and some nice hotel facilities, like a lovely rooftop pool, a 24 hrs gym, and a loungebar where you can enjoy a cocktail, while admiring the views of Victoria Harbour. 508 Queen's Road West, Western District, Hong Kong Island Click here for more info, photos and rates

Yes Inn Hostel Dragon Hostel

Dragon Hostel, one of Hong Kong's best and most popular low budget establishments, has been around for more than 20 years and still manages to keep the winning formula, which is : Location, Clean and well maintained rooms, nice and friendly service and down-to-earth rates Room 707, Sincere House, 83 Argyle St., Mongkok, Kowloon click here for more info, photos and rates Yes Inn is a small, clean and comfortable hostel, located next to MTR-Fortress Hill in North Point area, on Hong Kong Island. It's newly renovated and the design is fresh and youthful with all the rainbow colors... The location is within a residential area but with the MTR just a minute away, getting to all the attractions is very easy... FLAT B, 15/F, FRONT BLOCK, CONTINENTAL MANSION, 294 KING'S RD, FORTRESS HILL, HONG KONG

Alisan Guest House

This popular guest house has been in business for more than twenty years now and still provides an excellent alternative for travelers who look for accommodating on this side of Victoria Harbour. Alisan's superb location, right in the hub of trendy Causeway Bay, is one of the main reasons for its ongoing popularity among western travelers who want to get away from the chaos of Chunking Mansions Flat A, 5/F Hoito Court, 275 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay (On the Corner of Cannon Street Two minutes' walk from Causeway Bay's MTR station).

Bishop Lei International House

The popular Bishop Lei is a great value for money. Owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, it is located in the high class Mid-levels residential area, a short walking distance from Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo and the escalator. 4 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island Click here for more info, photos and rates

The Salisbury - YMCA

With its million dollars location at the tip of Tsim sha Tsui, next to the legendary 'Peninsula', and its excellent variety of facilities and amenities, The Salisbury YMCA possibly provides the best valuefor-money accommodation you can find in Hong Kong. There are seven clean and comfortable dormitory rooms at the Salisbury, and although the price they ask for is far higher than what you'll pay in one of the guesthouses in Chunking Mansions, the two can not really be mentioned in one breath... 41 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Website Email: room@ymcahk.org.hk Tel: (+852) 2268 7888

Casa Hotel Hong Kong

A combination of superb location, great rates and fairly comfortable rooms have made the Casa Hotel so popular among travelers who like to explore the city, do shopping, go out at night and be where the action is No.487-489 Nathan Road, Kowloon Click here for more info, photos and rates

Hello Inn
Hello Inn is probably the best bet for those of you who dare to walk into the lion's den of Mirador Mansion and unlike most of the hostels along Nathan Road, this one is by far cleaner and better maintained and provides good service and pleasant ambiance at a reasonable price. A7, 6/F Mirador Mansion, 54-64 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowllon, Hong Kong

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Butterfly on Morrison
Part of a small and successful chain of boutique hotels, The Butterfly on Morrison was opened only in 2009 and offers new and clean rooms, pleasant ambience of a spanking new hotel and great location in Causeway Bay, at a rate that is more than sensible. 39 Morrison Hill Road, Causeway Bay Click here for more info, photos and rates

Crowne Plaza Hotel Hong Kong Causeway Bay

The most significant advantage this hotel boasts is, doubtlessly, its location. Fantastically positioned on Leighton Street, just a heartbeat from Causeway Bay's glitzy malls and numerous nightspots, as well as from the MTR station, the Crowne Plaza provides superb accommodation and a decent choice of facilities to its guests. Click here for more info, photos and rates

Luxury and 5-star hotels

Hotel Mira Hong Kong
The recently refurbished Mira enjoys a superb location, on Nathan road's GoldenMile and close to Tsim Sha Tsui's shopping and entertainment venues, as well as to Kowloon Park and the MTR station. 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Click here for more info, photos and rates

Kings De Nathan
The popular Kings De Nathan went through a complete renovation just recently, so everything about it is still spanking new and clean. Add to this a great location, slap bang in the middle of busy Nathan Road, and more than reasonable prices and you've got a few good reasons to consider staying here 473 Nathan Road, Yau ma Tei, Kowloon Click here for more info, photos and rates

Langham Place Hotel Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay Hong Kong

Causeway Bay's Metropark enjoys a pretty good location and while it is not slap-bang in the middle of things, it is just a few minutes' walk from Causeway Bay and literally a few steps from the MTR station, which makes it an excellent choice for people who like to shop and explore the city Address: 148-160 Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay Click here for more info, photos and rates Located in a glittering tower, high above bustling Mongkok, the fabulous Langham Place Hotel prides itself for being one of the best spa-hotels in the Asia-Pacific region... Other than its superb spa, gym and swimming pool, the hotel boasts spacious, luxurious and beautifully appointed guestrooms, that come with floor to ceiling windows and are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon Click here for more info, photos and rates

Garden View International House

Strategically located in the prestigious Mid-Levels, right above the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the Garden View provides high level accommodation at fairly reasonable prices. 1 MacDonnell Road, Mid Levels, Central Click here for more info, photos and rates

Hotel Marriott Courtyard Hong Kong

The Marriott Courtyard can best be described as a "no nonsense hotel" that provides excellent accommodation at a lot less than what you would pay in a similar establishment in Central or Wanchai. Address: 167 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island Click here for more info, photos and rates

InterContinental Hong Kong

The fabulous Intercontinental is one of Hong Kong's most prestigious hotels. Well known for its fantastic location on Tsim Sha Tsui's waterfront, it provides the best views towards Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong skyline Other than stunning views, the hotel is lauded for its helpful and efficient staff, as well as for its excellent facilities, which includes the beautiful infinity pool, Hong Kong's only 'Feng Shui Friendly spa' and some outstanding restaurants 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Click here for more info, photos and rates

Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong

The Cosmopolitan is one of the only hotels in Hong Kong where you can enjoy 4-star guestrooms at a rate which is lower than what you will pay in most 3-star hotels across the city. 387-397 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai Click here for more info, photos and rates

Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon Hotel

Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon Hotel is located right on busy Nathan Road, a minute walk from the MTR station of Jordan and close enough to most of Tsim sha Tsui's shopping and entertainment venues. Relatively spacious guestrooms, friendly staff and sane rates make this hotel the choice for many visitors to Hong Kong 348 Nathan Road, Kowloon Click here for more info, photos and rates

4-star hotels
The Luxe Manor
Fantastically located on Kimberley Road, right in the hub of Tsim sha Tsui's shopping and entertainment area, this lovely boutique hotel features an eclectic mix of Oriental, Post Modern and European Surrealism that makes it look "as though fashioned from Salvador Dali's fertile imagination..." (As they describe themselves). 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim sha Tsui, Click here for more info, photos and rates

The Peninsula
Alongside the Raffles in Singapore, the Waldorf Astoria in New York and the Savoy in London, the Peninsula is considered as one of the world's most classic hotels and has long become one of Hong Kong's most prominent icons... Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Click here for more info, photos and rates

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Shopping districts
Central
Hong Kong's skyscrapers-dominated financial core makes home to some of the city's best and most prestigious shopping malls, most of which can be found around MTR-Central and are connected to each other through the Central Elevated Walkway. IFC Mall, right above Hong Kong Station (Airport Express Terminus) and within a short walking distance from both MTRCentral and the Star Ferry Pier, is a good place to start from, although it is not as big as some of its counterparts Housing more than 200 high-end shops that specialize, mainly, in international premium brands, alongside a unique new cinema, and some excellent restaurants and cafs that enjoy great harbor views. Located within a business development that carries the same name, on the corner of Pedder Street and Des Voeux, The Landmark is very popular among wellheeled shoppers. The mall's atrium is home to the flagship boutiques of many famous international fashion names, having one of the highest concentration of world-leading fashion, jewelry and lifestyle names as well as dining outlets.
Open daily from 10 am to 7:30 pm. From MTRCentral: take exit G (the entrance to the mall is right next to it).

Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan, "The Chinese heart of old Hong Kong", is one of the city's oldest districts and is characterized mostly by historic streets with many traditional Chinese shops This is also where some of Hong Kong's best galleries and antique shops can be found. Housed in a beautiful Edwardian building, Western Market is the oldest surviving market building in Hong Kong. Nowadays, it boasts a few traditional Chinese shops that sell everything, from souvenirs and cheap fakes to jade stones, handcrafts, fabrics and more...
Open daily, 10 am to 7 pm : From MTR-Sheung Wan, take exit C, turn left to Connaught Road Central and walk for a couple of minutes, until you see the market on your left. (If coming by tram, the stop is right next to the market).

Wan Chai
Wan Chai, east of Central and Admiralty, is not predominantly a shopping area, although it has more than a few shopping streets that are well worth knowing about. Wan Chai Computer Centre is one of the best places in Hong Kong for computers and computer ware, including hardware and software
130 Hennessy Road (MTR Wan Chai, exit A-4)

The narrow, old streets where Wan Chai started from, more than a century ago, are housing some nice street markets The best streets to visit are Tai Yuen Street, Spring Garden Lane, (which runs parallel to it), Tai Wong Street East and Ship Street, but if you visit this side of Wan Chai anyway, you might just as well visit Hung Shing Temple and the Blue House.
From exit A-3 of MTR-Wan Chai Station, just cross Johnston Road and you are on the corner of Tai Yuen St.

Walk out from the market to Morrison Street (where Das Gute caf is), turn left, along the tramway rails, to Des Voeux Road Central and after a few minutes' walk on the right side of the street you will see the entrance to Man Wa Lane (on the right side of CITIC Ka Wah Bank). Better known as "Chop Alley", the tiny alleyway houses many stalls of chop-makers (Chops are traditional Chinese stamps and seals, engraved on various materials like wood, bamboo, stone, bone and the likes...) From Man Wa Lane, turn right to Wing Lok Street, also known as the Ginseng and bird's nest street. At the end of the street turn left to Des Voeux Road West, which is better known by its popular name Dried Seafood Street, then left again, to Ko Shing Street, (the Herbal Medicine Street), from where you turn right to Queen Street and right again to Queen's Road West, and left, to Hollywood Road. Historic Hollywood Road was the first road to be constructed in Hong Kong, back in 1844. Nowadays, it is lined with galleries, as well as with shops that sell trinket and antique of all sorts: From Chinese furniture to porcelain ware, from Buddha sculptures to Tibetan rugs and from Ming dynasty ceramic horsemen to kitsch Maoist memorabilia... Visiting some of these shops is truly an authentic experience, even if you don't really plan to buy anything You should also make a point to visit Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street), just under Hollywood Road.

Johnston Road is also lined with factory outlet shops that sell casual, designer and sportswear items from last season at good prices.

Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is Hong Kong's hippest shopping district and a popular destination for the city's yuppies, who consider it as Hong Kong's "fashion barometer": The place where you go when you want to know what's new and "in"... Other than ritzy shopping malls, Causeway Bay makes home to one of Hong Kong's most popular bazaars, Jardine's Crescent, where inexpensive clothing and fashion accessories are sold at a bargain (MTRCauseway Bay, exit F). The Lee Gardens and Lee Gardens Two, across the street, are two elegant and glitzy shopping malls that specialize in international brand names and are frequented by local celebrities.
Corner of Yun Ping and Lan Fong : Few minutes' walk from exit F of MTR-Causeway Bay, Daily, from 11 am to 10 pm

Our next destination is Pacific Place, in Admiralty, which is favorite among locals and visitors alike and considered as one of Hong Kong's swankiest malls, with top designer brands like Dior, Agnes b, Vivienne Tam, Max & Co, Momento, Celine, Chanel, Bally I.T, La Perla, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Zara... The watch & jewelry corridor on the 3rd floor is worth visiting; Here you will find the likes of Piaget and Cartier, not to mention Richard Mille where every watch is worth a fortune...
Pacific Place is directly linked to MTR-Admiralty, one station ride from MTR-Central, and can also be easily accessed by the tramway (Daily, 10am 8pm)

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Times Square, one of Hong Kong's 10 most popular tourist destinations, is a colossal shopping mall that offers its visitors more than 300 shops, spread across its 16 floors You can find here most of the well-known international brand names, alongside a decent choice of good restaurants and cafs, and there are free live entertainment and art exhibitions, every now and then
Exit A of MTR-Causeway Bay leads directly to the mall, Daily, 10am 10pm

Getting there: Bus nos. 6, 6-A, 6-X and 260 come here from Exchange Square Bus Terminus (adjacent to MTR-Central)

Mong Kok
The street markets of Mong Kok are extremely popular among visitors, especially Ladies' Market which specializes, as its name suggests, in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the likes, although there are more than a few stalls here that sell men's and children's products, including soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few Fa Yuen Street (also known as Sportswear Street) runs parallel to Ladies' Market and boasts many small retailers which sell sports equipment and clothing (wide diversity of sports shoes). Fa Yuen Street Market is situated along the north part of Sportswear Street and is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children (10:30 am - 10:30 pm daily) To get to Ladies' Market: Leave MTR Mong Kok Station via exit D-3, turn back and walk a few steps to the corner, where you turn right to Argyle and, again, right, to Tung Choi / Ladies' market (5 minutes)

Tsim sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon's most vivid and bustling district, is chock-a-block with shopping and entertainment venues, including glitzy shopping malls, high street shops and bazaars Harbour City, one of Hong Kong's largest and most popular shopping malls, makes home to 700 retail outlets that sell everything... From branded boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada and Hugo Boss, to prestigious department stores, such as Lane Crawford, and more than a few good cafs and restaurants, as well as a modern cinema complex.
Daily, 10 am to 9 pm. MTR-Tsim sha Tsui, exit A-1 (via Haiphong Rd), or exit E (via Peking Rd)

SOGO, Hong Kong's largest Japanese-style department store, is a huge "one stop shop" that boasts 400,000 sq. ft of floor space, packed with quality goods of every kind and sort
555 Hennessy Road (near the corner of East Point Road) : Exit D of MTR-Causeway Bay takes you there directly, 10am 10pm

Island Beverly, right next to SOGO, houses shops that cater mostly for the young and young in heart, with a decent choice of local and regional brand names (mostly from Japan and Korea). Prices here are quite good and if you are ready to try something slightly different, you should come and take a look
Corner of East Point Road and Great George, right next to exit-E of MTR Causeway Bay

1881 Heritage is an ultra-elegant shopping mall that occupies the beautifully restored Victorian buildings of the former Marine Police Headquarters and houses mostly posh shops, like Rolex, Piaget and Gucci Worth visiting, even if you don't buy.
Located at the bottom of Canton Road, between Harbour City and the Star Ferry Pier

Sham Shui Po
Sham Shui Po is possibly one of the best places in Hong Kong to look for reasonably priced electronics and computer ware, including accessories and video games... Apliu Street is the area's main marketstreet, boasting lots of electronics and accessories, including second hand stuff...
(Exits A-2 and C-2 leads directly to the street. Shops are open until quite late...)

From Island Beverly / SOGO, continue walking along Great George Street, where you can see quite a few shops that specialize in international brand names, turn left to Paterson Street and right to Kingston, and left again, through "Fashion Walk", to Houston Street mall, that will lead you to Gloucester Road and the waterfront The short stroll will take you through dozens of high-end shops and hip boutiques, in casr the shopping malls were not enough for you. On 280 Gloucester Road, right next to the Excelsior Hotel, there is one more shopping mall that is worth knowing about: World Trade Centre

Chinese Arts & Crafts is one of the if not the best Chinese art and antiques gallery in Hong Kong, with customers like Hillary Clinton and Margaret Thatcher, and although its prices are quite high, this fabulous shop is well worth a visit
Salisbury Road, near the corner of Canton Road (opposite the Star Ferry Terminal)

Stanley
The picturesque beach town of Stanley is best known for its market, although it has a lot more to offer to its visitors The market offers a relatively good choice of pocket-friendly clothes, shoes, silk garments and traditional Chinese dress, as well as toys, ornaments, luggage, souvenirs and Chinese arts and crafts, and although it is quite touristy, it is still a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Nathan Road, Hong Kong's "Fifth Avenue" is lined with hundreds of shops mostly electronics and fashion (some of the electronics shops along the lower part of Nathan Road used to be infamous for playing tricks on customers, so keep your eyes open). Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard, near the mosque, is where you can find a decent choice of high-end international names. Graville Road, an offshoot of Nathan Road, boasts a few outlet shops where you can find brand name surplus clothing at pocket-friendly prices. You should also make a point to visit Rise Arcade, on Granville Circuit

Golden Computer Centre and Golden Computer Arcade, on the other side of Sham Shui Po MTR station, are the right place to look for computer related stuff: From complete computers to computer components, software and games... The choice is immense and prices are very good (use exit D-2 to get there: Open until 10pm)
Sham Shui Po is also home to one of Hong Kong's most popular fabric markets, where you can get silk and other fabrics at a fraction of what they would have cost elsewhere.

Most fabric shops can be found on Ki Lung Street and Yu Chau Street, two parallel streets that run between Nam Cheong Street and Wong Chuk Street, and while many of them are strictly wholesalers, others would be happy to sell to whoever walks in...

Citygate Outlets
Citygate Outlets, right above Tung Chung MTR terminus, is Hong Kong's first and (so far) only outlet mall, which means you can get off-season goods here at large discounts you won't find elsewhere. shops here are quite spacious and airy, with plenty of fitting rooms, but the real draw are undoubtedly the discounts: Year-round discounts of 30% to 70% on more than 80 international brand names of designer fashion, sports, beauty, accessories, children's wear, and home items, are a good enough reason for visitors to like this place...
The mall is open daily, 10am to 10pm Getting here: Directly from Tung Chung MTR (along the orange marked Tung Chung Line) Bus Nos. S1, S52P and S64go directly to Hong Kong International Airport from here (10 minutes' drive)

One last thing

Sky100, Hong Kong highest man-made observation deck, overlooks the city from the 100th floor of Hong Kong's highest skyscraper, International Commerce Centre, 393m above sea level, and gives tough competition to Victoria Peak(The upper terminus of the famous "Peak Tram" and the observation decks are also perched 400m above sea level, more or less...) Bullet elevators take you in just 60 seconds from the 2nd floor to the 100th floor, where you can get stunning 360o panoramic views of most of the metropolis, and enjoy a whole range of other activities, such as a multimedia tour of Hong Kong's history and culture (including 3D projections and touch screens which show you interesting stuff about HK's history), Audio-visual guided tour devices, with commentaries in several languages, and cutting-edge telescopes which can re-create day and night views and fireworks scenes with special effects At the time of writing, the observation deck is opened daily, 10am 10pm (last entry at 9pm) and ticket costs HK$ 150 for an adult, or HK$ 105 for a child (3-12) / senior (HK$ 125 / 90 respectively if you order online, which is advisable anyway, because it saves you the hassle of standing in the sometimes long queue lines), and there is also a "family combo ticket" which is even cheaper . Getting there: The entrance to the lifts is from the Elements Shopping Mall, 2nd floor (Metal Zone, near the escalators): The mall is directly connected to MTR Kowloon Station, along the orange marked Tung Chung Line (Exit C). If coming from Tsim sha Tsui: Take the MTR from East Tsim sha Tsui station to Austin (one station away), exit through D2, turn left and immediately right, to Austin Road West, and walk for something like five minutes, till you see the vividly painted Elements Mall on your right. 100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Customer Hotline: (852) 2613 3888 Website

Offering 50% off and "Buy 1, get 1 free" discounts at nearly 100 of Hong Kong's top restaurants, shops and spas, the Hong Kong Card includes plenty of quality dining options, and is really easy to use. What's more, it comes with a handy pocket-sized city guide that was written by locals and resident expats and covers everything, from transport and attractions, to culture, shopping and nightlife

Please note: Prices and other details mentioned in this ebook were correct at the time of writing and may change by the time of your visit.

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