Southside, the district to the south of Victoria Peak, is the tranquil heart of Hong Kong. Not as densely built and with fewer high-rises than Central, it was for a long time considered an affordable place to live. That is now changing as more and more people wish to reside in this pleasant part of town. As a tourist, you can do so at the Ovolo Southside hotel.

Hong Kong’s street markets have everything: fruit and vegetables, that “hot” favorite lemon ice tea, freshly made ice cream, sweet treats and snacks. In Kowloon, Hong Kong’s shopping legends stand cheek by jowl: a market for birds, one for flowers, and another for clothes. Known as “Ladies Market,” the latter is a confusion of stands selling cheap shoes, shirts and lingerie.

The entire ABC of design, starting with Armani, Balenciaga and Chanel, are established in Hong Kong, of course, which big local designers, such as Johanna Ho, are more difficult to track down. Ho was born in Hong Kong and learned her craft at the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. She launched her first designs on the European and then on the Japanese market before approaching customers in her native country.

The Dragon-i, a restaurant that morphs into a bar and club in the evening and even employs a doorman at lunchtime, is famous for its dim sum specialties. The menu also includes jasmine tea and freshly pressed orange juice. Each dim sum comes with its own particular sauce to bring out its individual flavor. Disregarded these days in many other eateries, this sauce tradition is faithfully preserved here. If you are really hungry, we recommend the daily “all you can eat dim sum” lunch.

A steep 20-minute climb along a winding road where red traffic lights abound and traffic is more stop than go – the road up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s famous observation point and a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike. The venerable Peak Tram is a far less stressful and more convenient way to climb the mountain. In operation since 1888, the tram today carries some four million passengers up to the summit each year.

Hong Kong consists of 263 islands, many of which are uninhabited and haven’t even been explored. But some are a real refuge, complete with sandy beaches and bays in which colorful fishing boats lie at anchor, as well as restaurants serving fresh seafood. One of the most beautiful and most popular with the locals is Lamma Island. Just a 30-minute ferry ride from the center of town, it’s perfect for an afternoon outing.

Hong Kongers love their chef’s tables, especially when it’s the table of someone like German-born Michelin-star chef Bjoern Alexander Panek: On the 26th floor, surrounded by Central’s tower blocks, guests can look on as the chefs pore over the edible artworks they are creating at The Twenty Six by Liberty. The restaurant has 26 places; each menu has ten courses, and every course is explained in detail. Admission only with a reservation.

This tiki bar is a little hidden away on the third floor of a high-rise. Sitting at the bamboo bar, you can admire exotic artwork and sample one of nearly 200 kinds of rum. What’s really special here is the garden terrace, where you can get away from the big-city noise for a while. The bar also serves excellent cocktails with promising names like “Bounty Hunter” and “Bikini Girl.”

Towering 552m (1,811ft) above the city, Victoria Peak was once the seat of British power in Hong Kong but now hosts a mini mall with an observation deck from which you can see most of the city.

Home to the world’s largest seated Buddha, Lantau Island’s Po Lin Monastery is situated within a culture-themed tourist village and is close to the Ngong Ping cable car.

Hong Kong is the hub of the Asian film industry and as a result, has its very own walk of fame. Along with celebrity hand prints, there’s also a life-size bronze of Bruce Lee.

Set in the heart of Hong Kong’s cool financial district, the wood and stone Man Mo Temple was built in 1847 and is dedicated to the gods of war and literature.

For a glimpse of Hong Kong as it used to be, a trip to the fishing village of Shek O on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island is essential. A whitewashed cluster of flower-covered homes, it also boasts a stunning white sandy beach.

A whistle-stop tour of Hong Kong history; beginning with the Devonian period and ending with the city’s transfer to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong’s central harbour is a hive of activities at all times of day with everything from ferries to red-sailed junks plying its waters.

You don’t have to be female to appreciate this 1km stretch of colourful stalls selling every type of women’s clothing imaginable. Homeware and cosmetics are also available.

Housed inside an old British fort, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence boasts superb views of Victoria Harbour as well as a historical nature trail and a quirky selection of maritime artefacts.

Set within a futuristic egg-shaped building, the Hong Kong Space Museum is home to the city’s planetarium as well as extensive exhibits covering everything from space travel to life on Mars.

Hong Kong’s iconic red junk is the best spot for seeing the Symphony of Light while sipping a glass of red.

Cosy and relaxed, Club 71 is an expat’s bar that attracts an eclectic crowd.

A comfortable wood-panelled drinking spot with a good selection of beers.

A gorgeous timbered terrace and a chic clientele make this a must-visit.

Ignore the silly name; this rooftop bar boasts incredible views and equally good cocktails.

Spicy Sichuan food served at the top of a shopping centre with views over the harbour.

One of Hong Kong’s chicest eating spots, Tim’s Kitchen’s Cantonese food has two Michelin stars.

Amazing Japanese cuisine with quirky extras such as slow-cooked eggs.

An old-fashioned dining spot that specialises in Chinese classics.

The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant serves up dim sum to die for.