Home to Stanley Market, famous for its wide variety of relatively inexpensive goods, including Chinese souvenirs, rattan products, handicrafts and fake designer labels, Stanley offers more than just shopping. The neighborhood also boasts a relaxing beach, a plethora of waterfront restaurants and bars and historic sights, such as the 18th-century Tin Hau Temple and the Stanley Prison, which is still in use today. The Stanley Plaza, the Murray House and Ma Hang Park are some of the coastal town's additional sights.

The Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum showcases an educational glimpse into the city's penal system. Each of its 10 galleries retain a theme of its own, and traces the history and evolution of prison life. Uniforms, weapons, equipment and memorabilia comprise the display of over 600 artifacts. One of the most interesting exhibitions is the inventive artillery handcrafted by Vietnamese prisoners from bottles, plastic and diapers that illustrate the officials' rehabilitative efforts. The mock gallows and cells make for an intriguing visit. Head here if crime and imprisonment fascinate you, and leave with an unique insight into the region's history.

This new museum of history, art, and culture is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. Located in Sha Tin, New Territories, this expansive museum is a treasure trove and will take you on a journey through the city's past and present. The museum boasts an extensive collection of exhibits that encompass various aspects of Hong Kong's cultural heritage. These include displays on Chinese folk art, traditional customs, festivals, craftsmanship, and more. To make the visit engaging for all ages, here you will be offered interactive displays and multimedia presentations. You can also participate in hands-on activities, view multimedia installations, and even enjoy immersive virtual experiences.

Although mainly a small village with a traditionally Chinese community ambiance, Shek O is also home to some of Hong Kong's wealthiest families, who live in luxurious mansions perched along the headland. A number of restaurants and cafés within the village and along the sandy beach offer refreshments in relaxing open-air surroundings, making this one of Hong Kong's most popular seaside destinations. Adventurous travelers can attempt to climb the rocky cliffs, or head north to Big Wave Bay for surfing and paragliding. A half-hour drive from Central, Shek O displays a different side of Hong Kong.

Permeated with a strong sense of exuberance, Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the most emblematic landmarks of the city. Having opened its doors to ever-curious patrons in 2005, this extravagant theme park is a carnivalesque par excellence. Here is where Mickey Mouse, along with his friends Donald Duck, Aladdin, Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear, parade around in all their vibrant glory, whereas a multitude of adventurous rides (like Space Mountain, Jungle River Cruise, and the twirling Tea Cups which deliver tonnes of fun and frolic) do much to pump the adrenaline of thrill-seeking patrons. The park is demarcated into seven diversely laid-out areas including Adventureland, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Main Street and Mystic Point, each of which proffers an experience which is different from the other. With rides, Disney characters and events set against an eastern twist comprising the principles of feng shui and other Chinese philosophies, the park also harbors a smattering of dining establishments which serve an amalgam of delectable Asian cuisines. Enlivened further by a number of shows, fireworks and festivities, Hong Kong Disneyland, is, indeed, one of the most exhilarating experiences the city has to offer.

Also known as Big Buddha, this 34-meter (112-foot) statue is located just minutes from the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is best known for its impressive size and stature as one of the world's largest seated bronze Buddhas, often visited by pilgrims and tourists alike. The Buddha faces north, overlooking China from its mountainous perch, head gently tilted and hand raised in blessing. However, to reach the Big Buddha, you must climb a steep staircase of 268 steps. The reward for this ascent is not only the chance to admire the intricate details of the statue up close, but also breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. So, on lazy days when there's no plan, head to the Big Buddha and take a respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

If you are in Hong Kong and want to explore nearby attractions on a day off, visit the Ngong Ping 360, which not only offers scenic vistas but also provides a tranquil retreat. The serene surroundings and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal place to relax, unwind, and admire the natural beauty of the region. So, basically, Ngong Ping 360 is most famous for its breathtaking cable car ride that connects Tung Chung Town with Ngong Ping Village. As you ascend, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Lantau Island's lush landscapes, the serene South China Sea, and the distant Hong Kong skyline on this 5.7-kilometer journey. The cable car ride ends at Ngong Ping Village, where you'll find the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. Near the Big Buddha, you can explore the Po Lin Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site that adds depth to your cultural experience. Also, Ngong Ping Village offers a variety of shops and dining options, allowing you to savor local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

Managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Mai Po Marsh sits on the edge of Deep Bay and is a lush landscape of mudflats, wetlands, mangroves and ponds. A wonderful habitat for migratory birds and waterfowl, insect life and aquatic life that inhabits the marshes, this offers a peek at Hong Kong's natural biodiversity. Among the 270-plus species of birds found here, the endangered black-faced spoonbills are especially noteworthy. The park's splendid ecology makes it an ideal conservation land for birds and other wetland mammals. Organized walks and tours are led by trained nature interpreters and offer insight into this protected ecosystem.