Mong Kok is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, but don't let that scare you away. A shopper's paradise, the district has anything you could ever want to buy - from shoes to household items to Western brands and luxury goods. An interesting feature of this area is that entire streets seem to be dedicated to selling a specific item - the most scenic and interesting among them are the flower market, goldfish street and bird market. Also in this neighborhood is Ladies Market - a street market filled with stalls selling electronic goods, knick knacks and other souvenir items. Even if you aren't looking to buy anything, Mong Kok is a great area to explore and experience a part of Hong Kong's bustling urban life.

Located in Mong Kok, Flower Market Road is where local Hong Kongers come to - you guessed it - buy flowers and other plants. It is especially busy come holiday time, when traditional plants are bought for good luck and to symbolize prosperity. There are beautiful orchids, bouquets, and plants in all shapes and sizes. Although there is not too much to 'do' here, it's a great area for photo opportunities and to soak up the authentic culture of Hong Kong.

This museum does a wonderful job of documenting Hong Kong's history - from prehistoric times and ancient Chinese dynasties, all the way to the birth of the city and modern day. The museum utilizes dioramas, short documentaries, and a wide variety of other multimedia to engage and interact with visitors and keep things fresh and entertaining. They also have interesting temporary exhibitions that are rotated regularly. All in all, if you are going to visit a museum in Hong Kong, make it the Museum of History. It is a well laid out and informative museum that is well worth your time.

An alternative to Tsim Sha Tsui's 'Avenue of the Stars', this quaint waterfront promenade offers all the spectacular views of Hong Kong harbour, but without the crowds and tour buses. Take a leisurely stroll down the promenade, and then enjoy the sunset, and watch as the harbour lights turn on. Or, if the weather allows, pick up some food at nearby shopping mall Elements, and have a picnic on the grass while enjoying the beautiful urban scenery.

With large crowds and a vibrant atmosphere (especially on Friday and Saturday nights), Lan Kwai Fong is the nightlife central of Hong Kong. Originally just made up of a small square of streets, the bars and restaurants have now spilled out into the surrounding area. You'll find a good mix of expatriates, tourists and students in the party crowd, depending on which bars or lounges you go to.

Standing at 34 meters tall, the Big Buddha is one of the largest bronze outdoor sitting Buddhas in the world, and it draws pilgrims from all over Asia. There are several ways to reach the Big Buddha. The fastest and most scenic is to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (~20 minutes one way). Buses and taxis are also readily available (~45 minutes), and the most adventurous option is hiking to the Big Buddha (~4 hours) - however, this is not recommended during the summer months, as soaring temperatures and humidity levels will make it quite a challenging experience.

The Po Lin Monastery across from the Big Buddha is still active to this day as an important home to Buddhist monks. Here, visitors can immerse themselves amongst its beautiful Buddhist shrines, statues and architecture - thanks to a massive renovation project that makes it well worth a visit.

A traditional fishing village dating back three centuries, Tai O has maintained its laid-back lifestyle and charm. Given a picturesque view of the ocean and the old stilt houses, for which Tai O is known, there are photo opportunities around every corner. Slow down the pace and take your time exploring the area.

Located on a hill west of Tai O, this building was originally a police station - built in 1902 to prevent smuggling and piracy - and has recently been converted into a boutique hotel and heritage site. Take the short walk to Tai O Heritage Hotel to snap some photos of its panoramic views of the fishing village and ocean below. Then you can also say you've been to the westernmost point of Hong Kong.

A beautiful beach located on Lantau Island (the Chinese name translates as "shell beach"), Pui O is not too crowded and offers great scenery and clear waters. It makes a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. When the tide is out, you can effortlessly dig for clams and shellfish - some locals collect the shellfish to fry up and eat at home.

Located a mere 30 minutes by boat from the Central district, Cheung Chau ("Long Island") is an old fishing community with an abundance of sights and eateries - from temples to street food, to a pirate cave. Get lost amongst its narrow streets, breeze along the coastal bike path and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

Up until the 1970s, the Star Ferry was the main method of transportation between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. This short 10-minute ride across the Victoria Harbour offers amazing skyline views.

Originally opened in 1950, Mido Cafe is a time machine back into old Hong Kong. Stepping into the cafe, it seems nothing has changed. Sit upstairs to enjoy views of temple street market and Tin Hau Temple. While the food and drink isn't anything too special, Mido Cafe is an ideal place to stop for a drink or a snack to soak up the history and atmosphere.

Temple Street comes alive at night when restaurants and market stalls are packed side-by-side, offering delicious local food and just about anything else you can think of buying. Pull up a stool on the street and get adventurous with ordering! This would also be a great opportunity to buy small gifts, so brush up on your negotiation skills!