Ultimate stopover guide: Where to eat, drink, stay and play in Hong Kong

Here's how to make the most of your stopover in the city.

Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery: If you're transiting through Hong Kong International Airport and want to stay ultra close to the airport, look no further than the chic, eco-friendly Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery, an urban resort hotel styled after a modern manor house in Tung Chung, Lantau Island. Ensure you make some time to kick back and enjoy a sunset cocktail at the hotel's Pavilion bar overlooking the sparkling waters of Tung Chung Bay. The hotel offers a free shuttle service from the airport, an eight-minute drive away, making it one of the closest stays in the airport vicinity. From $300 per room, per night; thesilveri-hongkong.com

Rosewood Hong Kong: You won't have any troubles finding bustling neighbourhoods in Hong Kong but if you're there for only a day and want to immerse yourself in the arts and design district, you can't go wrong with the ultra-luxurious Rosewood Hong Kong in the Victoria Dockside district. Set on the glimmering harbourfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, the hotel occupies 43 floors of the multi-use Rosewood Tower, meaning bars, cafes and restaurants can be accessed without leaving the building. But if you want to venture further out - and who wouldn't want to when visiting exciting Hong Kong? - you can take a walk to the Kowloon harbourfront and shop til you drop at the luxury retail district. From $999 per room, per night; rosewoodhotels.com

BaseHall 02: Can't wait to get stuck into the famous Hong Kong food scene? Head straight to the ultimate foodie destination, BaseHall 02, where you'll find something scrumptious whether it's for lunch, happy hour, dinner, drinks or snacks. The upscale food court brings together food and beverage kiosks with retail, event and supermarket spaces, all under the one roof. Choose from 13 different vendors, from counter-top to dine-in kiosks, some run by local Michelin-recognised establishments. Think steaming dumplings, noodle soup, and hot and fiery Sichuan in a casual environment. basehall.hk

Hutong: A Hong Kong stopover wouldn't be complete without a free-flow Feng Wei Brunch at the northern Chinese-style Hutong. On Saturdays and Sundays there's 120 minutes of all-you-can eat food for $133, including dishes like pickled pepper har gau, and charcoal yu xiang crispy pork dumpling. Plus, you'll be entertained while you eat, with a hypnotic face-changing performance, Chinese dance and artisanal calligraphy, all while you take in the beautiful views of Victoria Harbour. hutong.com.hk

Tate Dining Room: Hong Kong is no stranger to Michelin-starred restaurants and Tate Dining Room with its eclectic mix of French and Chinese cuisine presented in a menu of "Edible Stories" is a must-do. The restaurant interior is decked out in ultra luxe pastels and it's set in the bustling neighbourhood of Central. Book early for an unforgettable experience. tate.com.hk

Bar Leone: Feeling thirsty? A night cap or aperitif is the perfect way to sample the Hong Kong nightlife in the Central district. Get classic with cocktails using a "low intervention" method at Bar Leone, celebrating Italian culture with fine spirits - Negroni anyone? - and bar snacks like Roman stuffed pizza with mortadella. barleonehk.com

East meets West: Explore beyond Hong Kong's iconic skyscrapers and harbour vistas, and discover the beating heart of this bustling metropolis at Old Town Central, one of the city's most historic yet lively areas. Think sloped streets and small alleys packed with culinary delights, bars and one of the world's coolest streets, Hollywood Road. While you're there, be on the lookout for street art, browse the Central Market and visit the historic Man Mo Temple.

Art precinct: Take in some culture at M+, a museum specialising in 20th- and 21st-century Asian culture, encompassing visual art, design and architecture, and moving images on screen, from Hong Kong, greater China and Asia. There are 33 huge galleries and exhibition halls to choose from, so you could spend all day. mplus.org.hk/en

High and mighty: World-renowned cable car Ngong Ping 360 connects the precincts of Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, and provides breathtaking views of the city, the South China Sea and rolling greens of North Lantau Country Park. Watch out for the Big Buddha while you sail up high and gain a 360-degree view of Ngong Ping Plateau. Catch the MTR train there, to Tung Chung station. np360.com.hk

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You will never run out of things to do when stopping over in Hong Kong, but if you have a bit of extra time and are really keen to go beyond the big-city attractions, here are a couple of excellent options.

Tuen Mun: There are beautiful beaches and scenic hikes within easy reach of the city, including in Tuen Mun District, 45 minutes by bus, featuring a unique mix of old and new culture. The area is believed to have housed some of the earliest settlements in Hong Kong, while its "new town" residential areas were built in the 1970s. Did you know there was a Gold Coast beyond Queensland? Gold Coast in Tuen Mun is a private resort-like development with an artificial beach, shopping complex, marina, yacht club and waterfront dining. On the weekends it comes alive with clowns, balloon artists and inflatable slides.

Peng Chau: Hong Kong is known for its islands, and Peng Chau, also referred to as "flat island", is a tranquil destination only an hour's ferry ride from the bustling city. The area is known for its temples, fishing industry and seafood, as well as its vibrant arts scene. Don't miss Wing On Street, the perfect destination for some fresh-cooked seafood. And before you leave, take a few snaps at sunset at the Instagram-worthy Tai Lei Island, an islet connected to the main island by a short bridge.

Explore more: discoverhongkong.com

Pictures: Hong Kong Tourism Board, supplied