For an intriguing glimpse into old and new Hong Kong, take a self-guided walking tour through the back streets of Central and snake your way through some of the most authentic street scenes the city has to offer

1 Begin at the Queens Road Central and Pottinger Street intersection. The latter’s paved cobblestone steps are lined with small stalls selling ribbons, bows, buttons and other items of interest.

2 Turn left into Stanley Street, where cameras, films and accessories are available at reasonable prices. At number 24 find the famous Luk Yu Teahouse, one of Hong Kong’s oldest traditional dim sum restaurants, established in 1933. Look for the rosewood façade with gold trim.

3 Retrace your steps back along Stanley Street and continue upwards until you reach Lyndhurst Terrace. Here you will find shops selling ancient maps, prints and paintings, stationery and picture frames. Walk further along and you will find linens, fine silks, crafts and antiques. Everything from replicas to authentic artefacts from early Chinese dynasties is available.

4 Walk up Lyndhurst Terrace until you reach Cochrane Street. Look out for the famous Irish pub Dublin Jack on the corner of Gage Street.

5 Local noodle shops and herbal teashops are dotted all along Gage Street. Billows of steam rise from the stalls along with the unmistakable smells of fresh fish and spiced meats. It’s a charming local market atmosphere set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most expensive real estate.

6 Retrace your steps to Lyndhurst Terrace and jump on the world’s longest escalator for its uphill journey. On your left you will see the Central District Police Station, a testimony to Hong Kong’s colonial heritage. The current edifice dates back to 1919. Keep an eye out for the Shelley Street sign, leave the escalator and turn right into Hollywood Road heading westward.

7 Hollywood Road is famous for its curio and antique shops. One store definitely worth peeping into is Arch Angel, which you’ll find at number 53-55.

8 Walk on for 10 minutes and you’ll come across the Man Mo Temple, one of the first traditional style temples built during the colonial era. It houses the two shrines to the Taoist gods of literature and war. Cross into Ladder Street and turn into bric-a-braccentric Upper Lascar Row. Retrace your steps to Shelley Street and get back on the escalator.

9 Alight at Staunton Street and you will find yourself in Soho (South of Hollywood Road). Soho is well known for its exciting array of trendy restaurants along with some happening bars.

10. Turn right and continue walking along Staunton Street. At Peel Street, turn left into Elgin Street where you will continue to find more great bars and restaurants as well as several excellent art galleries and funky homeware stores.

11 Head back down the steps next to the escalator until you hit Wyndham Street