Hong Kong

For many decades, Hong Kong played catch up with other global cities importing all that is good and noteworthy from the West.

But recently, there has been a romanticism for Old Hong Kong and entrepreneurs are finding new in everything retro from restaurants such as Cafe Matchbox to furniture design at G.O.D. Despite the homegrown pride, mega brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Celine still very much dominate the local spending here.

In the last few years, top restaurateurs from New York (notably Mario Batali) to London (notably David Laris) have opened outposts here in Hong Kong. Some will admit to chasing the Chinese dollar as the appetite for fine dining has slowed in many parts of the world, but not here where it is not uncommon to spend US$200 on a Tuesday night dinner.

Hong Kong is one of the best places to feast like a king on any budget. The snobbery on food is not related to how much you've spent for your meal, but rather how long you've waited in line for the pleasure of eating.

Your edible goodness can be served to you in a plastic bowl from a loud Cantonese lady in a street side stall, or in the customs of a kaiseki den from a master imported from Japan. Again, price does not determine how good of a meal you will get. Its all about getting a seat.

Wine is great value in Hong Kong mainly due to the recent zero percent wine tax. If you are an oenophile, be sure to peruse the wine menus where special bottles not often available for consumption can be found.

Hong Kong is a city of commerce. The galleries here cater more to those who buy art as an investment rather than to enjoy in their living rooms. Step into a number of international galleries here from the Opera Gallery to the Gagosian and you will usually find a Warhol or a Banksy hidden in the backroom ready to impress a high credit buyer.

The museums are a bit of a disappointment in Hong Kong and best to skip them altogether. The most exciting shows to come through are the traveling art fairs.

Hong Kong can be a go-go-go city. Lots of people, lots of cars, lots of bright and colorful object vying for attention. If you are staying in one of the city centers (Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok) you could walk around for days and not take it all in.

In the hot humid months (June- September) it is best to find shade and air-conditioning to tour the city. Various bus companies and private car tours will gladly take you around to the temples, the street markets and parks around town.

Hong Kong is not the most stroller-friendly city in the world. In fact a baby/child carrier is more the speed here as many taxi drivers will not wait for you to collapse a stroller to load into their trunks. Making matters worse, many destinations do not have drop-off stations for vehicles. So when coming to Hong Kong, families really must plan-plan-plan.

Families find comfort in hotel restaurants and member's clubs which cater to the little ones.

Hong Kong, the city itself, is concentrated into small areas of land mass, while the rest of the country is left relatively green. Great for the outdoorsmen, the seamen, or the aviator.

Hong Kong is known as shopper's paradise. People from lands near and far come here for its variety and bargains. All the luxury brands are represented here, as are their knock-offs.

Antiques are also aplenty here. A walk down Hollywood Road or Cat Street will add a few pieces to your collection.

Nightlife bleeds into daylife here is Hong Kong. One can have a drink in hand at any hour of the day. If you get thirsty, say at 10am on a Monday, head to Wan Chai to satisfy your crave.

Bar streets to know about: Lan Kwai Fong, Minden Avenue, Mody Road, Wyndham Street.