Live Like the Upper Crust

　　Though the shopping is great, the true prize of Kowloon is the posh Peninsula Hotel, an internationally recognized landmark. It's worth a look, even if you're just passing through: From the fleet of Rolls Royces lined up outside to the opulent lobby that boasts a decadent daily tea, the entire building is a landmark of luxury worthy of a few gapes. Most of us can't afford the hotel's rooms (at rates of HK$3,400 to HK$15,000 per night), but we can indulge in a (relatively) reasonably priced drink at Felix on the hotel's top floor. The ultra-modern restaurant and bar, created by renowned French designer Philippe Starck, offers floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of Hong Kong Island across the way. Lift your glass and enjoy how the other half lives, if only for a little while.

　　Catch a Flick

　　Hong Kong is home to many Western comforts - think Ben & Jerry's, larger-sized clothing and tons of English speakers - but the best just may be the Palace IFC, the opulent movie theater located in the towering International Financial Center on the island's waterfront. It's not just the buttery popcorn and icy soda that have us hooked: Cushy, leather-like seats with plenty of leg room, non-sticky floors and a killer sound system make this quite possibly the most enjoyable movie theater ever. Even better: Though the Palace has a good lineup of the latest foreign and local releases, they also try to save at least one theater for a classic flick ("Gone With the Wind" was a recent vintage treat on the big screen).

　　Web: palaceifc.cinema.com.hk