"While you might not typically gravitate to a Harvey Nichols in Asia, there’s a lot here that you can’t get back in London (or in the U.S. for that matter). While they’ve bought deep into labels like Victoria Beckham and 3.1 Phillip Lim, we were most enthralled with the labels from China, Japan, and Singapore, which we had never seen before. Ultimately, it’s an amazing store for discovering new talent. There's also a location in Pacific Place."

"Sure, there's something inherently cheesy about a harbor cruise but this one offers incredible views of Hong Kong's skyline (cocktails in hand) and is surprisingly worth it. You can reserve online; the boat is also available for special event private charters."

"Despite its name, Repulse Bay is actually one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong (which at least partially explains the explosion in residential real estate prices here). The development of the suburb is relatively controlled to the area directly surrounding the beach, so views of the lush hills—and the ocean—make it a great spot for escaping the hustle-and-bustle of the city center. A few tips for newcomers: The beach is most busy in the summers, when weather is warm enough for sunbathing, and the neighborhood is actually not accessible by MTR, so you'll want to book a taxi or take one of the city's express public buses (which only take about 15 minutes from Central). "

"This workwear tailor has been around for more than 50 years, making and copying bespoke suits for clients all over the world. If you'd like to commission a suit while visiting, know that they do a great job, and very quickly. William Cheng & Son have an international following and make yearly trips to London and Australia for their customers."

"Lane Crawford is a beautifully decorated, incredibly well-selected specialty store. It’s the only place in HK where you’ll find varied brands like Acne, Elizabeth and James, Moncler, Vanessa Bruno, etc. You can't miss it at the IFC with its beautiful displays of contemporary art and huge and equally well-edited homeware department. There are also outposts in Pacific Place, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay."

"The IFC, which is right on the water and also houses The Four Seasons (if you’re in for a luxury shopping trip), is the best place to go shopping in HK. It has all the basic, big name brands plus every single luxury brand you can think of. It can be dangerous if you’re a serious shopper—you could spend an entire weekend here without seeing the light of day."

"Hollywood Road has long had a history rooted in the buying and selling of antiques. Now, one of the city’s greatest resident collectors, Peter Fung, has opened a 20,000-sqaure foot private museum devoted to showcasing his own personal collection, which includes 300-plus pieces from Ming and Quing dynasties and an assortment of jeweled powder boxes from the likes of Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Exhibitions will rotate twice a year, and unlike its traditional counterparts, visitors are encouraged to sit on and touch the items on display. "

"Opened in 1967, Dragon-i is somewhat of a Hong Kong institution at this point—since it's a favorite for expats and tourists, it's an easy place to ease into Hong Kong's club scene. The interior (designed by India Mahdavi, who was also behind the stunning pink gallery at Sketch in London) has a stereotypically Chinese aesthetic, with red lanterns hanging above the always-packed dance floor. The music program is handled by Chris Samba, a former Arsenal soccer player who both DJs himself and packs the schedule with some of the best acts in Hong Kong. "

"A little less sparkly than some of the other bars in Hong Kong, Neo has a cool '60s vibe, with retro furniture, a foosball table, and a pinball machine. The menu, too, is a bit more cocktail bar than full-on club, with a selection of vintage-inspired craft cocktails. This is still Hong Kong, though, so expect a lineup of DJs after the dinner hour. "

"This Hong Kong take on the speakeasy is on the fourth floor of the Kiu Yin Commercial Building. Designed to be reminiscent of a library, the vibe here is upscale gentleman's club, sans the buzz that pervades much of Hong Kong's club scene. It's the kind of place you go for a serious cocktail (the whiskey selection is legit) and quiet conversation."

"An offshoot of the popular beachside Bali spot, Potato Head opened a Hong Kong location in 2016, but perhaps not where most people would have expected: Rather than moving into a spot along the water, the Hong Kong iteration settled inland in an old school plot in Sai Ying Pun. Potato Head is sort of a small village unto itself—in addition to its bar, which is likely to be the first reason you go, there's an Indonesian restaurant called Kaum, a coffee shop, and a retail space. So, while you can just do drinks, you can also make a fun outing of it."

"This new, ultra-contemporary, boutique-like addition to the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong family offers only 100-odd rooms, making it a bit less bustling than its flagship counterpart. Though it occupies a smaller footprint, they most definitely have not scrimped on amenities: There’s an amazing two-story spa, the rooms are huge, and lavish touches abound, which is pretty much what you’d expect from a MO hotel."

"This sleek, boutique-like hotel—which offers spectacular views of the city—is inarguably one of the Hong Kong's best. Streamlined, but supremely luxurious rooms are just the first step: Each room offers a free mini-bar, replete with snacks and drinks, Café Gray up on a sky-scraping floor, and a great gym with floor-to-ceiling windows."

"The Four Seasons which is located right on the water’s edge with amazing views of Kowloon and houses three three-Star Michelin restaurants, including the Caprice, a French restaurant, if you’re in the mood for something different. Like FS locations worldwide, the rooms here are subtle but well-appointed and the service impeccable. This specific outpost is especially convenient, being right inside of the International Finance Center mall which houses all the good shops, like our personal favorite, Lane Crawford. "

"The sprawling and always bustling Sevva takes up the entire top floor of the Landmark Prince building (which is, incidentally, a great spot for shopping—the three-floor flagship Chanel China store is there). The terrace wraps around the entire building, so you get a pretty epic view of the Hong Kong skyline in every direction. The signature cocktails are great on their own, but if dinner is wrapped, supplement with a slice of one of Ms. B's famous cakes."

"For less than 50 cents, grab a Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, a service that’s been in operation since the 19th century. It’s essential to get out on the water (you’ll see myriad fisherman motoring home with their daily catch), as there’s nothing quite like the view of Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui—particularly at night. Despite the insane lightshow that happens post-sunset, you can almost imagine what it would have been like back in the tea trading days."

"Though it’s not gilded and grand on the outside, when you step inside this temple—built in 1847—and look up, you’re met by a seemingly endless span of incense coils, all suspended from the ceiling. Each is about two to three feet long, and combined with the smell, makes for a powerful experience. Photo: Stripped Pixel"

"Though it’s still a place of serious business, this iconic, I.M. Pei-designed masterpiece—impossible to miss on the Hong Kong skyline thanks to its triangle-flecked sides—allows visitors to its observation deck. When it was constructed in 1990, it was the tallest building outside of the United States—and while it’s now dwarfed by three other Hong Kong skyscrapers, it still provides sweeping views of the city. You’ll need to show your passport at the security desk."

"The Pottinger, a 68-room boutique hotel tucked into the Central neighborhood, aims to infuse a bit of modernity into a storied part of town. Guest rooms are on the smaller side (you are in a densely packed metropolis, after all) but the tasteful, Chinoiserie touches makes you feel like you’re in a private residence. Don’t miss the gallery walls of black-and-white photographs by filmmaker Fan Ho, whose imagery tells a deeply personal story of the history of Hong Kong and Central. "

"This minimalist boutique hotel, with its elevated, Scandinavian vibe, was created by Hong Kong interior team, Design Systems. Outfitted from stem to stern in grey monochrome marble, concrete, and natural timber, it’s got an immaculately clean, refined appearance throughout, making it the sort of place you'll be pretty happy to call home: The bathrooms, decked with oxidized brass fixtures, are stocked with luxury products; the lighting is perfectly ambient at all times; and it’s well-located, too, with the MTR, Causeway Bay, Victoria Park, and Tai Hang all close-by. In fact, it’s so well-integrated into a happening (but not-too-happening) part of town that, along with its inviting yet no-frills atmosphere, it is the perfect place to stay for an authentic experience of the city without skimping on luxury."

"A gin bar in a former ping pong hall might sound a bit random—and its location in Sai Ying Pun is slightly out-of-the-way—but this brand-new arrival is rad, from the original architectural flourishes and subterranean location to the Spanish tapas and the gin-based cocktail menu."

"While this noodle shop offers little in the way of atmosphere (expect glass-topped tables, flimsy paper napkins, and soda out of the can), the won ton noodles are served quick and delicious, making this the perfect pit-stop for a fast and cheap lunch."

"When you’ve had too much pork, turn to this sweet, traditional Chinese tea house, which serves vegetarian dim sum. Beyond dumplings, they offer more than 100 varieties of tea (which are also for sale in the shop)."

"As the name suggests, the focus here is on baos, i.e., Vietnamese buns filled with pork and fish, though the sides are equally compelling: There are Brussels sprouts (topped with fish sauce and fried shallots) and sambal-inflected fries, along with slabs of green tea ice cream sandwiched between deep-fried buns."

"China Tang is inarguably one of our favorite restaurants in London—in fact, it’s one of our favorite Chinese restaurants in the world. Sir David Tang (also of Tang Tang Tang Tang) recently introduced the enterprise to Hong Kong, and even in a sea of delectable Asian fare, it still stands out."

"With two Michelin stars, Duddell’s—helmed by Executive Chef Siu Hin-Chi—is an arts-devoted restaurant stylishly merging Hong Kong’s joint British and Chinese heritage to great success, serving contemporary spins on traditional Cantonese cuisine—especially dim sum—in a cool setting reminiscent of a country estate. On any given day they also host lectures, talks, screenings, and guest curated exhibitions of international modern and contemporary art, including some local to Hong Kong, and some on loan from private collectors—while the food is exceptional, the art in and of itself makes it a must. As an added bonus, their garden terrace is a welcome escape from the city streets."

"Established in 1942, this dim sum institution is on the touristy side, but it’s an experience you’d be remiss to skip. Go for the roast goose—it’s world-famous for a reason. Other signature dishes include sauteed frog's leg with bamboo shoots, steamed live fish in soya sauce, and charcoal-grilled barbecue meats prepared with longstanding family recipes: all in all, an elevated adventure in classic Cantonese cuisine."

"Hong Kong is no stranger to unassuming, easy-to-miss spots that you don't want to miss. Missy Ho's falls into that camp: It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the interior is an eclectic space outfitted with vintage pieces, rustic wood tables, and an industrial, exposed ceiling. A long swing hangs in the middle of the restaurant, and a lively crowd tries on masks and props throughout dinner. (The food itself is a seasonal selection of Asian fusion dishes.)"

"While this Chinese/fusion restaurant found its inspiration in the 1960's Chinatown joints of NYC, the kitchen isn't afraid to try new things. Helmed by Chef Jowett Yu, who was born in Taiwan, trained in Sydney (at Testuya's), Ho Lee Fook's popularity is due in part to its exciting menu. The first floor of the restaurant houses its open kitchen, and downstairs, below ground level, is a dimly-lit, club-y dining room."

"Chachawan serves up Thai food in a modern-yet-rustic, super-cool space, with colorful murals on the walls that give it an elevated street-art vibe, and an open kitchen behind the bar. Chef Adam Lee Cliff and restaurateur Yenn Wong run this hotspot for northeastern-Thailand-inspired Isaan cuisine—a rarity compared to the usual/ubiquitous Thai fare in HK. Their dishes are vetted to be authentic, meaning they do not hold back on spice; be sure to make a special request for milder seasoning if breathing fire isn’t your jam."

"You won’t find traditional pho here, but what you will find are unexpected flavor pairings—green papaya salad with shrimp crisp, cashew nuts and spicy tamarind, fresh veggies and hearty grilled prawn skewers—all served up in a brightly lit, Parisian brasserie-like setting. Vegetarians will be pleasantly sated with the soy-braised tofu and hedgehog mushrooms. If it’s not too hot out, opt for one of the tables outside, settle into one of the roomy wicker chairs, and take in the bustle of the surrounding Star Street neighborhood. Don’t glaze over the wine list—it features an impressive roster of biodynamic French wines rarely seen elsewhere in Hong Kong."

"Abbreviated to G.O.D., Goods of Desire began as a small retail space in Ap Lei Chau in 1996. Since then it's grown into a larger Hong Kong lifestyle brand with multiple locations. They sell women's, men's, and kid's clothing but we go for their fun home accessories."

"If you want to have an authentic Chinese dining experience, Dim Sum is a good place to start. As its name suggests, this traditional spot in the Happy Valley section of Hong Kong serves up just that: really good dim sum. The no-frills setting is as welcoming as it is fun."

"GP was filming a scene for a movie set partially in Hong Kong, and ended up spending a lot of time on the Jumbo, which is a floating restaurant on Aberdeen Harbor. It is a major tourist attraction, with five floors of restaurants floating on a big boat. It is also a self-proclaimed “theme park”—just so you’re warned. All this taken into account, it’s pretty fun in the end and the food is not half bad."

"This is the kind of teeny club you end up stumbling into late at night and end up having a great time. The vibe is great and the list of cocktails long and fun, and the dance floor is always packed."

"The KEE Club is another worthwhile members-only club to visit. Try to go with a friend who is a member, or twist a concierge’s arm. The space is set up like an elegant old house with a lounge, game room, library, dining room, and salon. "

"Laura Cheung’s grandfather hand-carved tables out of rosewood; her father built one of China’s largest ceramics factories, and so Cheung determined to continue the tradition. Her line of home goods and furniture draws on centuries of China’s more famous techniques, which she channels into gorgeously turned-out pieces, from lacquer boxes to Cloisonné tile trays. There's also a location in Central."

"The front of Select 18 is packed to overflowing with an array of antiques, jewelry from local artists, and vintage pieces. Americana, typewriters, handbags, 1970's designer clothing...you could stumble upon pretty much anything and everything in the small space. There's also a trove of vintage sunglasses—it's hard to leave with just one pair. "

"If you have time to swing by just one store in Hong Kong to pick up gifts for friends back home, WOAW (stands for World of Amazing Wonders) should be it. Curated by local entrepreneur Kevin Poon, the store is an unexpected blend of industrial and rustic elements (exposed pipe ceilings and wood fixtures throughout), packed to the rafters with hard-to-find goods—everything from vintage band tees to feather-weight sunglasses from Mykita to out-there interpretations of everyday items like ashtrays, flip-flops, canvas totes, and more. "

"This is one of those kids-focused shops that has huge appeal, even if you don’t have little ones back at home: Primarily because it’s more lifestyle boutique than toy store, and many of the design-centric picks would look right at home on someone’s coffee table, rather than in the playroom. (Meanwhile, you’ll want all the clothing in adult sizes.) Our picks: Fold and go farmyards, sundresses emblazoned with lips, and lunchboxes covered with a print of a vintage map. There's also a location in Central."

"On Pedder focuses on accessories, and nothing else—an unerringly specific devotion that pays off in spades: Here, you’ll find one of the best edits in Asia, if not the globe. Charlotte Olympia, Brian Atwood, and Marni mingle with Mary Katrantzou, Junya Watanabe, and Pierre Hardy. Though there are standalone boutiques across Asia, the On Pedder in Central actually lives as part of Joyce. There's also a men's store in Central, as well as a location in Tsim Sha Tsui."

"If you can’t make it to the 12th floor of Lyndhurst Tower, rest assured that this excellently curated jewelry shop does a brisk e-commerce business—and ships internationally. There are diamond pave rings from Hikaru Jewels and Alex Mika, along with tribal-inflected necklaces from A Peace Treaty and statement earrings by Lionette. There are also scarves, handbags, and a smattering of home goods."

"Several years ago, Sasha Dennig—part Austrian and part Chinese—decided to search the world for treasures, and sell her finds online. Now, she’s opened a bricks-and-mortar boutique, where you can literally shop the globe. Dennig has sourced and imported Otomi table runners from Mexico, elephant-bedecked earrings from India, and silver knotted bracelets from Greece."

"When a popular boutique springs up, it seems to be the way that many are soon to follow: One such success story is Initial, a burgeoning empire of other-worldly spaces that feel like 19th-century ateliers. There are home goods (West Third Brand candles, Areo terrariums, Puebco diaries), a house line of clothing, plus labels like Tucker, Karen Walker, and Rachel Comey. There's also a location in Queensway."

"While its name might evoke the concept of basic little black dresses, everything in this mini-chainlet of boutiques (up-and-running since 2002) is more exuberant garden party than formal affair. There are labels from Europe (BA&SH, Manoush) and the U.S. (Textile Elizabeth & James), but go for the fun Asian lines like Daydream Nation, Iliann Loeb, and Coohem. There's also a location in Tsim Sha Tsui."