( CNN ) -- Hong Kong is well suited to providing a quick hit of urban thrills and retail therapy , but time-pressed visitors can also get a glimpse of another side of the city away from the shopping malls and neon-lit streets . It 's not hard to find things to do or places to go at any time of day or night . A trip to The Peak is a good point from which to begin the day . Home to some of Hong Kong 's most expensive properties , it 's also the place for an unbeatable view , smog and weather permitting . Catch a tram there from next to the tranquil Hong Kong Park -- where early risers practice their tai chi -- or take a cheap taxi ride , which can whisk you there in a few minutes . A clear morning will reveal the city 's high-rise buildings and skyscrapers unfurled below , with Kowloon and the green and mountainous New Territories in the middle distance . The pay-to-enter Peak Tower will also give you a view of the southern side of Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea , although a short walk round Lugard Road is a more rewarding way to take in the city below and work up an appetite . Hong Kong is a restaurant city and dim sum , which refers to a variety of light dishes like dumplings , is a city staple that can be enjoyed at any time in this 24-hour city . It 's most commonly taken as a mid-morning meal . Image gallery : Hong Kong highlights » . Head back down towards Hong Kong 's Central district , center of the city 's finance and banking industry that funded the striking skyscrapers . The Luk Yu Tea House on Stanley Street is an oak-paneled gem that retains its charm despite its popularity : it 's a fine spot for tea and dim sum . For even more local flavor , pull up a plastic stool at a `` dai pai dong , '' or street restaurant , situated further along Stanley Street , for cheap , quick , tasty eats . If you 're in the city on Sunday , Maxim 's in Wan Chai is one of the few places where dim sum is still served by aging trolley dollies . Flag them down as they trundle past ; point , eat and enjoy . You ca n't book a table but it 's worth a visit for the atmosphere and harbor backdrop as much as the food . Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on the planet , but its bustling streets are easy to navigate , helped by the affordable and plentiful taxis and an efficient public transport system . The city 's skinny trams are a throwback to a different era and worth jumping on for a short journey just to watch the city go by : consider it a good chance to digest lunch . While the city is generally unsentimental when it comes to preserving its old architecture , Sheung Wan , well within walking distance from Central , can give you a better feel of the city away from the shiny malls and new office buildings . From Queens Road , jump on the escalator ( yes , escalator ) all the way up to Caine Road and wind your way back down the hill . The Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum and some incense-burning temples are nestled among the evocative streets , where you 'll also find galleries and independent shops . The area is subject to increasing gentrification , so stroll down Gage Street while you still can : its market will soon disappear as part of the area 's redevelopment . Head towards the piers to catch the Star Ferry to Kowloon . Take one of the vintage green tugs -- as iconic as the city 's skyscrapers -- from Central Pier to Tsim Sa Tsui ( commonly referred to as TST ) on the other side of the harbor . As shopping is more of a way of life than a pastime for many Hong Kongers , you 'll find you 're never far from luxury brand outlets . TST offers just as many consumer delights as anywhere in the city . Away from the air-conditioned glitz of TST 's Harbour City shopping plaza , or the boutiques around Granville Terrace , the streets to the north of Yau Ma Tei have a more visceral feel where shopping is no less popular and goes on until late at night , especially at the bargain-paradise for watches and bags , the `` ladies night market '' on Tung Choi Street . Even if shopping is n't on the agenda it 's a great place for people watching and getting a sense of the energy of the city . From the throng to a bit of flash : early evening cocktails at Felix or Aqua bar should revive any weary spirits . The swank factor here is high , but there are killer views . They are also great vantage points for the lights and laser show that illuminates the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island every night at 8pm . On the island side , Sevva 's balcony is next to the HSBC building , where you can feel closer to the lights and laser action while enjoying some well-mixed cocktails . Horse racing , like shopping , is another Hong Kong passion and if you 're in town on a Wednesday race night , losing a few dollars at Happy Valley racetrack is great entertainment , as well as a glimpse into the expat social scene . Finding a place to eat dinner is never a problem , but for a night on the town head to Central 's Soho ( here it means South of Hollywood Road ) . Lan Kwai Fong is the main honey-pot for the bar crowd , but there 's better to be had around Peel Street , Staunton Street and -- for extra posing potential -- Wyndham Terrace , where the bars and restaurants stay open late , late enough at least until the clubs open their doors . What are your tips for getting the most out of the city ? Use the Sound Off box below and have your say .
Take a morning walk round the Peak for stunning views before diving into the city . Sample some of the world 's best dim sum and indulge in some retail therapy . Cocktail bars with a view of Hong Kong Island should play some part in your evening . Tell us about your favorite places in Hong Kong using the Sound Off box , below .