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For most travelers Hong Kong is a stop-off en route to far flung Asian destinations. This guide is ideal for anyone with a few days to spare to get a feel for city.

More than just sky scrappers and shopping, Hong Kong offers quiet beaches, lush forests and hiking trails galore. Make more of an effort to look beyond the usual tourist hot spots and discover a city you didn't even know existed.

Visit the new territories, discover natural beauty in Sai Kung, or hang out with the surfers at Big Wave Bay. As the British would tell you - top off your trip with tea. Tea at the Peninsula is considered one of the best in Hong Kong and will take you back to a bygone era, whilst the bustling markets of Mongkok will bring you firmly back to reality - be prepared to deal with the crowds and bargain hard. For some well deserved refreshment head to the world's cheapest michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan, for some local Chinese prawn dumplings and sweet pork buns. Queues are inevitable so you may want to buy some drinks before while you wait in line. But for dinner for less than US $15 what's a little queuing? Tim Ho Wan is open daily from 10am-10pm. Shop 8, 2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon (00852 2332 2896)!

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without going up the Peak. Take the Peak Tram up to the top. But be warned: it's steeper than it looks. A top tip is to get there for early afternoon and do the walk hour and a half walk around the Peak. Return to the tram for sunset and watch as the city transitions from day to night. Neon is a go-go.

If you're feeling really brave check out the fish spa in the shopping mall at the top of the peak. Little turkish fish will nibble away the dead skin of your feet. Apparently ticklish feet is the price to pay for well groomed tootsies. A great experience, best shared with friends. Be prepared for giggles.

A Hong Kong tradition is the junk trip. This old fashioned boat is possibly the only way to explore Hong Kong in style. Consider charting one to explore the waters around the new territories. Guaranteed you will find some deserted beaches and take in some amazing scenery. Pack your swimmers because no junk trip is complete without the obligatory dip in the water. Many have BBQ facilities so you may want to pop into a local supermarket before you go to get all the essentials.

Hong Kong really is a city of contrasts. Undoubtedly the best way to experience it is to speak to the locals. Head to the local bar and party district Lang Kwai Fong, or LFK as its affectionately known, to meet locals and expats alike. You will be sure to meet someone who will be more than willing to impart their local knowledge and point you in the right direction.

Take three days to get under the skin of this cosmopolitan city and you wont be disappointed. As the Chinese proverb says; "walking ten thousand miles of the world is better than reading ten thousand scrolls."