Hong Kong is a city like no other. I moved here at the end of August, and I can certainly say that even four months later, there remain a plethora of unexplored corners. I initially made the comparison of Hong Kong to New York City; a huge financial center, an urban city with diverse neighborhoods and a shopper and foodie's paradise. However, I've realized that although there are parallels between the two, Hong Kong is something entirely of its own. Where else can you spend one day at the best shopping centres, bars and restaurants, the next day exploring local areas with hole-in-the-wall shops and markets, and cap it off with an exhilarating hike and beach day by the ocean?

You can see a great deal in four months. But, what to do if you only have a few days to spare in Hong Kong? Here is a list of some of my favourite places to eat, drink, shop and explore.

DRINK:
For a rooftop patio in the midst of the skyline:
Wooloomooloo (Wan Chai)

For a stunning indoor view of the island:
Aqua (Tsim Sha Tsui)

For the hype of being in the tallest bar in the world:
Ozone (Kowloon West)

SEE/DO:
Big Buddha (Lantau Island)
Take the cable car (or, if you're daring enough, hike it) all the way to the Big Buddha. Climb the steps to the top, and don't forget to check out the local vegetarian fare prepared at the neighbouring Monastery.

Victoria Peak (Central)
Avoid weekends and holidays at all cost, the line-up isn't worth it. Go on a clear day and try to arrive early enough to enjoy the sunset- the day and night views are dramatically different.

Sunset boat cruise on the Aqua Luna (Central to Tsim Sha Tsui)
Book your tickets online for the Aqua Luna, a traditional-turned-trendy boat owned by Aqua Group. This 40 minute cruise from Central harbour to Kowloon provides the most stunning sunset on Victoria Harbour. Grab a drink on board and soak it in.

Dragon's Back (Tai Long Wan to Shek O)
Go on a weekday and leave early to avoid crowds. Allocate plenty of time after the hike for lunch in the tiny villages, and plan to spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing or surfing on the beach.

Stanley (Hong Kong Island)
This village offers some markets that cater to tourists, but it's really a great option for a weekend afternoon to enjoy a good brunch at a cafe. It's quite Westernized, but if you have been in Hong Kong for a while, sometimes it's exactly the break you need.

Sai Kung (Clearwater Bay)
Come here on a weekend and rent a junk boat for the day, or simply take a walk along the boardwalk and try some of the local seafood restaurants. This village was one of my first stops in Hong Kong and the open space and fresh air are highly appreciated commodities in this hectic city.

SHOP:
For your luxury shopping fix:
IFC mall (Central)
Elements mall (Kowloon West)

For local designers and unique gifts:
PMQ (Sheung Wan)

For cheap souvenirs and kitschy finds:
Ladies Market (Mong Kok)

For Chinese antiques and unique pieces:
Upper Lascar Row (Sheung Wan)

EAT*:
For a quick dim sum lunch:
One Dim Sum (Prince Edward)

For an authentic Chinese tea house experience (and vegetarian dim sum):
Lok Sha Tea House (Admiralty)

For some of the only great coffee in the city:
Elephant Grounds Coffee (Central)

For healthy and wholesome vegan wraps and smoothies:
Mana! Fast Slow Food/Mana! Raw (Central)

For a vegan lunch or brunch meet-up spot:
Grassroots Pantry (Sheung Wan)

For a cool café hangout with a plethora of tea options and baked items:
Teakha (Sheung Wan)

For your Indian street food fix in Hong Kong:
Aamchi Mumbai (Tsim Sha Tsui)

For a full selection of excellent Indian dishes:
Jashan (Central)

For a taste of good (and slightly strange) local desserts:
Honeymoon Dessert (various locations)

*Being a vegetarian, my food recommendations are a bit biased. There are a ton of amazing choices in the city for meat-eaters, none of which I have recommended as I didn't have the opportunity to try them!

Hong Kong City Guide