Hong Kong: Vibrant and Beckoning

A vibrant city that boasts an intriguing blend of ancient and modern, Hong Kong should be explored at a leisurely pace. Allow yourself to truly see and hear the varied sights and sounds of this Eastern gem that's been courting travelers for centuries. Savor the local foods, traverse the winding roads of the islands, and haggle over prices in the public markets. Blend into the background, and let the city work its magic around you.

Begin your day's journey through Hong Kong by having breakfast at the Luk Yu Tea House. Located on Stanley Street in Central, this tea house is the city's oldest operating one, dating to 1933. The charming interior features ceiling fans, wooden booths and stained glass windows, while the menu is an outstanding collection of dim sum.

After enjoying an authentic breakfast, make your way via the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) to Victoria Peak, the island's highest mountain. Ride the Peak Tram, located on Garden Road, to the summit of the mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and outlying islands. The Peak includes a number of walking paths, shops, restaurants and even a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Spend as little or as much time as you like, depending on your schedule and what other sites you want to see during the day.

After disembarking the Peak Tram at the bottom of the mountain, hop aboard one of the old-fashioned trams that wends its way throughout the island. Fare is very inexpensive, and the route extends 13 kilometers. Taking the tram for even a few kilometers allows you to glimpse the everyday life of this ancient, yet thoroughly modern city. You'll pass historic temples and modern buildings, get a glimpse of religious worshippers, observe vendors negotiating with buyers, witness corporate execs running late to work, and take in all the other daily activities that define Hong Kong. The trams are not air conditioned and can be very crowded during rush hours, and they do make numerous stops along the way, so board being prepared for all three.

Having ridden the rickety rails long enough to truly absorb the flavor of the city, you're probably ready for lunch. Head for the area's infamous Star Ferry. The ferry shuttles passengers between Hong Kong Island's Central and Wan Chai and Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui, providing a quick mode of transportation as well as spectacular views of the city and sea. Ferries run every 5 to 20 minutes.