Once the base of the military, Admiralty in the heart of the city is now a high-end shopping paradise. It also is the seat of the Central Government's offices. A sea of high-rises dominate its skyline with the likes of the Pacific Place, Lippo Centre and Bank of America Tower as prominent landmarks. This bustling sea-front area also features beautiful parks such as the Tamar Park and Hong Kong Park, providing a much needed respite in the midst of its concrete jungle.

Perched on the northern slope of Victoria Peak, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens act as a serene sanctum amid the affluent cacophony of Mid-levels. A teeming hotbed of floral and faunal diversity, the gardens are touted to be one of the most ancient establishments of this kind in the world. Located within close proximity to the Old Government House, the gardens are carefully demarcated into two prominent sections. The Old Garden harbors aviaries, a children’s playground and a teeming terrace garden, while the New Garden shelters of animals including raccoons, Hawaiian geese, Bali mynas and orangutans. The zoo is a safe haven for various spotted, striped and feathered creatures, and although not that big, it is one of the world's leading centers for captive breeding of endangered species. The gardens are also home to historically-important monuments like the bronze statue of King George VI and the Memorial Arch commemorating the Chinese who lost their lives in World War II. Magnolia Garden, Azalea Garden and Herb Garden are some of the many exquisite sites in the gardens which preserve a wealth of tropical, subtropical and native plants.

Proffering a taste of Manhattan right in the heart of Hong Kong, the Chinese rendition of SoHo (South of Hollywood Road) is string of scintillating delights. Over the years, SoHo has metamorphosed from a small neighborhood to a veritable haven for foodies. The numerous upmarket eateries in the area, especially along Shelley, Staunton and Elgin Streets, offer myriad different international cuisines including French, Nepalese, Italian, Mexican, Portuguese and Indian, to name but a few. Speckled with a mix of soaring skyscrapers and historic colonial buildings, there is something for every one in SoHo. Besides food, this is an ultimate entertainment destination and is the home of the TakeOut Comedy Club which is a first of its kind in the continent. A spectacular nexus of the old and the new, SoHo basks in its newfound contemporary verve, while also staying rooted in ancient traditions.

Once a red light district that was extremely popular among foreign troops during the Vietnam War, Wan Chai now stands as one of the busiest commercial regions in Hong Kong. Bars, dance halls, nightclubs and karaoke spots coexist with art centers, cultural institutions and swanky office buildings. The renowned 78-story Central Plaza skyscraper encapsulates Wan Chai's cityscape like no other. Victoria Harbor, Tsim Sha Tsui, Lan Kwai Fong, Central Plaza, Lee Tung Avenue and the Noonday Gun are some of the metropolitan area's most happening locations, while the Golden Bauhinia Square, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and the Hopewell Center are some of its unmissable sights.

This off-the-beaten-path gem is worth seeking out for its historical edifice and unusual collection. Housed in the former Old Pathological Institute, the museum charts the development of medical science in Hong Kong and makes a fascinating comparison between traditional Chinese and Western medicine. To find the place, go to the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road, walk up Ladder Street and turn right onto Caine Lane.

The Cat Street Gallery is committed to exhibiting the best of international contemporary and modern art by both established and emerging artists. The Cat Street Gallery opened in November 2006 in it's first home in Cat Street with a group show of Australian artists including David Bromley and recent Archibald Prize winner Guy Maestri and held various exhibitions before moving to 222 Hollywood Road in February 2008. The Cat Street Gallery is a bit different. Nestling amidst the cold store meat packers and coffin shops of downtown Hollywood Road. Vibrant, edgy and mercurial, it is a gallery that likes to make a noise.

When in Hong Kong, this museum is one great place to take the kids.Hong Kong Space Museum, with its prominent domed theater, features exhibition halls, a lecture theater, and a Space Theater showing films and presentations on the themes of science, nature, and technology. So, if rocket ships, telescopes and moon rocks interest you, then you will want to check this place out. In addition to this, the museum houses a gift shop, in case you want a souvenir of your visit here. With many educational insights and hands-on displays, this is a great learning experience for students with curious minds.

At a height of 552 meters (1,811 feet), Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's highest point and one of the most visited of the island's many attractions. The Peak, as it is locally known, boasts spectacular views of the city's glimmering skyline, punctuated by towering skyscrapers and backed by the bustling Victoria Harbour. By night, the view transforms into a glittering sea of vibrant lights. A walk around the Peak reveals further scenic vistas over the greener Western parts of Hong Kong Island, and a visit to the viewing platforms at the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria is a must. It is a steep climb to the top, and while hikers are welcome, an inexpensive tram is also available. The oldest funicular in Asia, the Peak Tram is over 125 years old. With an astoundingly steep ascent, the tram links Central to the Peak Tower. The Peak is also known for its lovely gardens, most notably that of the old governor’s summer lodge with its faux-Victorian embellishments. Once there, you're likely to enjoy the company of birds, butterflies, and giant dragonflies as well.

The scintillating nexus of Hong Kong’s culture, commerce and entertainment, Causeway Bay is a retail paradise. Located on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, Causeway Bay is one of the city’s top shopping and nightlife districts. Originally a fishing harbor and warehouse area for merchants, Causeway Bay has became a shopper's paradise, drawing the biggest crowds on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Illuminated by numerous signboards and bright banners, this teeming precinct houses sites and attractions like Sogo Hong Kong, Times Square, World Trade Centre and the strikingly contemporary Hysan Place. As many of the shops stay open beyond midnight, the district metamorphoses into a popular local spot for nighttime revelry as the night goes on. Apart from large department stores, Causeway Bay houses a number of restaurants, ranging from affordable Dai Pai Dongs to more upscale establishments.

The mysteries of the world are revealed in this information-packed, scientific fun house. Over 500 exhibits, of which many are hands-on, help to answer questions such as: How many atoms do you weigh? What is an atom, anyway? Have you ever taken a quantum leap? And, if so, how many calories did you lose? These questions and many more will be answered at this excellent educational, entertaining half-day jaunt through the magical and logical world of science. A delightful treat for children, Hong Kong Science Museum makes for a fun family excursion in the city.

Victoria Park is one of Hong Kong Island's largest parks and has a statue of Queen Victoria near the entrance. This waterfront park offers a panoramic vista of the ocean and surrounding skyscrapers. In the morning, early risers gather here for walking, jogging and practicing martial arts like Tai Chi. Facilities such as tennis courts and swimming pools are open to the public for a small fee. On special occasions like the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Chinese New Year, this park dons a festive look and is packed to the brim with ebullient children and adults. Victoria Park is also the site of important art and political events.

One of Hong Kong's oldest theme parks and among the globe's most visited amusement parks, Ocean Park Hong Kong also holds the distinction of being the top contenders of Asia's biggest theme parks. Boasting to take up the size of about 174 football fields, this massive parkland has something for everyone! A hodgepodge of an oceanarium, amusement park, marine park and animal park, it is spread across two zones; The Summit and The Waterfront. These are segregated further into thematic areas. For the wildest rides such as The Flash, The Mine Train and Raging River, The Summit is the place to go. It is also where you will find the Polar Adventure. Get to know animals from both the poles of the earth. Meet the adorable giant pandas at The Waterfront. This where all the aqua fun lies. Also get up-close with marine mammals at this spectrum of the park. Fun, educational and exciting, Ocean Park will keep you wanting for more. The timings differ seasonally, so please check the website.