The Peak
Victoria Peak - the territory's most exclusive address, overlooking the harbour - is reached by a funicular railway known as the Peak Tram. Expect dramatic views from the top, and you can walk around the peak if you wish.
Aberdeen Harbour
Once the haunt of pirates, Aberdeen Harbour is now filled by junks and sampans, many used as houseboats for a population who live out in the narrow harbour.
Admiralty
Admiralty lies to the east of Central. A former British naval station, the site is now a mix of gleaming office towers and shopping malls. In Admiralty visitors will find Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's ritziest shopping malls, and three of the city's best five-star hotels: Conrad, J W Marriott and Island Shangri-La.
Wanchai and Causeway Bay
Two districts lying to the east of Central on the north shore of Hong Kong Island. Wanchai was once notorious as a red-light district, but today is a bustling commercial centre with the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre. Further east is Causeway Bay, the site of the 'noon-day gun', but today more associated with its numerous shopping malls and department stores, and the open spaces of Victoria Park.
Victoria Park
This expansive parkland in the heart of Causeway Bay contains many facilities such as swimming pools, jogging tracks, tennis courts and the sight of early risers gathering to practice Tai Chi. The park is also used for special occasions such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
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Cheung Chau Island
Thirty minutes by fast ferry from downtown Hong Kong is the small island of Cheung Chau, shaped like a butterfly, with the island's settlement crammed in the middle. Explore the small shops and waterfront seafood restaurants, or walk to headlands and beaches.
Lantau Island
Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong's outlying islands. As well as the airport and the new Disneyland, it is also home to some good beaches, scenic spots and the Po Lin Monastery. Although not old, only founded in 1927, the monastery attracts many visitors to view the Tian Tan Buddha, the world's largest seated outdoor bronze statue of the Buddha, which sits at the top of a long flight of stairs.
Markets
As well as the many shops in Hong Kong's main streets also seek out some of the markets, including those in Kowloon to the north of the tourist area of Tsimshatsui which have a more authentic feel, such as the Temple Street night market, the Jade Market, and the Ladies Market.
Lamma Island
Lamma is Hong Kong's third largest island, and houses the territory's main power station. It is, however, quiet as there are no cars, and there are small fishing villages, seafood restaurants, and good beaches.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Probably the best known and busiest temple in the city, Wong Tai Sin Temple was built in 1973 on the site of a previous temple and serves both Taoism and Confucianism. Decorated in a riot of colours, Wong Tai Sin is an excellent example of a traditional Chinese temple. It is especially famous for its fortune tellers, and the practise of throwing fortune sticks.
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New Territories
The impression of Hong Kong as a densely populated city ignores the fact that a lot of land in the New Territories is countryside, including country parks with hiking trails, secluded beaches, and historic walled villages.
Ocean Park
Situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, Ocean Park receives over three million people each year who enjoy the marine life and other facilities.
Disneyland
Situated on Lantau Island, Disneyland Hong Kong is a fun day out for families, and has all the attractions seen in other Disney theme parks, but with a Chinese twist.
Macau
Also accessible by ferry from Hong Kong is the former Portuguese colony of Macau. Although famous for its gambling industry, there is much colonial charm about Macau, with its faded mansions, Baroque churches and old forts, and is well worth a stay in its own right. Seek out the Fortaleza do Monte, the 17th-century fort dominating the city; the famous facade of the church of Sao Paulo, and the Largo Do Senado square, with its historic buildings and the church of Sao Domingos.
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