Drink in the Views at Ozone

For an unparalleled view of Victoria Harbour, head for Ozone. Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton (currently the world’s highest hotel), it’s the highest bar in the world, and you’ll find yourself peering down on the dense thicket of Kowloon’s skyscrapers, Hong Kong Island’s uninterrupted skyline and the white foam trails of boats criss-crossing the harbour from a lofty height of 490m. An ear-popping ride up in the elevator takes you inside this subtly-lit, futuristic-looking bar – step out onto the terrace, and Hong Kong spreads out beneath you. You can reserve a bar stool facing the bay or else a sofa; for the best views, request the sofa in the far right corner. Apart from champagnes, wines and gin and tonics on offer, you can choose one of the bar’s signature cocktails (from HK$180); Bamboo (green-tea-infused cachaça with ginger beer, lime and lemongrass syrup) is among the most popular and comes in a length of bamboo. Nibbles include international tapas and sushi.

Sail on the Aqua Luna

Decades ago, the waters of Victoria Harbour were filled with dozens of traditional Chinese junks, their red sails aflutter. They all but disappeared with the advent of modern boats, but you can still sail aboard two examples of this venerable ancient sailing ship. On weekday afternoons, between noon and 4pm, one of the junks runs a hop-on, hop-off circuit of the harbour (HK$130) between Tsim Sha Tsui (Pier 2), Central (Pier 9), Wan Chai and Hung Hom, departing from Tsim Sha Tsui on the hour. For a longer and more atmospheric sailing trip, hop aboard the Aqua Luna for a 45-minute daily sunset or evening cruise, complete with complimentary drink (HK$195), or else see the nightly Symphony of Lights laser show from the boat’s deck (HK$285). For an extra-special touch, if you want to romance your sweetie, you can also opt for the latter, followed by a six-course Northern Chinese dinner at Hutong (www.hutong.com.hk).

Visit the Chi Lin Nunnery

Hong Kong’s most striking wooden architecture. This large Buddhist complex, originally built in the 1930s, was completely rebuilt in wood in 1998 in Tang dynasty style. Demonstrating harmony between man and nature, all the buildings are expertly crafted out of interlocking pieces of wood, without the use of a single nail. It’s a tranquil place, with lotus ponds and bonsai trees, and its beautiful wooden pagodas look particularly dramatic against a backdrop of Hong Kong’s green mountains and towering high rises. The entrance to the Lotus Pond Garden is through three gates that represent the Buddhist ideals of wisdom, compassion and ‘skilful means’. The adjoining Hall of Celestial Kings houses a large statue of Buddha, surrounded by deities. In the Main Hall you may come across nuns making offerings to Sakyamuni Buddha or chanting behind intricately carved screens. It’s worth visiting the Nan Lian Garden next door for a glimpse of its golden pagoda and collection of strangely-shaped rocks. At the nunnery, Chi Lin Vegetarian serves excellent vegetarian food. To reach the nunnery, go around the Hollywood Plaza mall, turn right onto Fung Tak Rd and head up the steps.

Take the kids to Ocean Park

Hong Kong’s most popular theme park. Located in Aberdeen, on the south side of Hong Kong Island, the park is divided into two halves: Waterland (lowland) and Summit (headland), with cable cars and the Ocean Express funicular linking the two. Ocean Park is both thrilling and educational. Apart from kiddie-friendly rides in Whiskers Harbour, more action-packed offerings include the Hair Raiser rollercoaster on the Summit’s Thrill Mountain. The Grand Aquarium is the showpiece attraction of Waterworld; apart from showcasing 400 species of fish in different watery environments, it has the world’s largest aquarium dome. The Amazing Asian Animals includes four giant pandas and some rare red pandas, while Marine World lets you get a close looks at large marine animals, such as sea lions and seals.

Hike the Hong Kong Trail

Hong Kong’s longest hiking trail. Visitors (and even Hong Kong residents themselves) forget just how green Hong Kong is, and just how much scope there is around the city for good hiking. The longest hike you can do is the 50km Hong Kong Trail that starts from Victoria Peak and passes through Hong Kong Island’s five country parks before finishing near Shek O Road on Island South. The trail is divided into eight sections of varying difficulty, with different sections taking from one and a half hours to four hours to complete. A particularly scenic part of the trail, known as the Dragon’s Back since it runs along the mountain ridge from Shek O Peak to Wan Cham Shan Peak, takes around four hours. It starts from Shek O Road near To Tei Wan village on the south side of Hong Kong Island; from the highest vantage points along the trail you get spectacular views of the coastline, while the finish point of Tai Long Wan Bay is a great place for a dip. To get to the starting point, take bus #9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR stop to To Tei Wan.

Walk the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

Scenic walkway along the southern tip of Kowloon. This boardwalk runs along the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, and is an excellent place for scenic views of Victoria Harbour. It runs from the KCR Clock Tower near the Star Ferry terminal to the Hong Kong Coliseum and other buildings on reclaimed land of Tsim Sha Tsui East. Along the way you pass the Cultural Centre and the excellent Museum of Art, before reaching the somewhat underwhelming Avenue of Stars that commemorates Hong Kong’s formerly illustrious movie industry. Look out for the bronze statue of Bruce Lee. In the evenings (8-8:20pm), the promenade becomes a stage for the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest laser show, projected from numerous skyscrapers. It’s also the favorite vantage point for locals who come here to watch the Chinese New Year fireworks show (late Jan/early Feb) and the colorful boats on the bay taking part in June’s Dragon Boat Festival.

Ride a Double-Decker Tram

Hong Kong’s oldest rails? The venerable tall and narrow double-decker trams that ply the north shore of Hong Kong Island have been part of the Hong Kong landscape for decades. They may not be the fastest way of getting around, but they’re a terrific way of exploring the city. There are six tram routes to choose from; the longest journey you can do is from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan (change at Western Market) which takes around one and a half hours. Board the tram from the back and pay the flat fare HK$2.30 as you leave (no change given). For best views, try to grab a front seat on the top deck.