29-30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3427 2288. Too many turn their noses up at Kowloon, but there's one thing you need to come here for: an unmatched view of Hong Kong. Aqua does this better than all other bars, hands down. Recommended: the signature Aquatini is the icing on the cake while enjoying the famous view.

4 The Chinnery Bar

1/F Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central. First opened in the 1960s, the Chinnery has the air of a traditional gentlemen's club. Everything about the bar spells sophistication, from the dark-wood decor to the silver-haired staff in perfectly tailored white dinner jackets. Recommended: the more than 100 different single-malt whiskies from around the globe.

Cinecitta

G/F, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai. Tel: 2529 0199. Tucked away at the somewhat quiet end of Star Street, Cinecitta has long been a bar for those in the know, and for those looking for a refined drink away from the crowds. Recommended: the Negroni (HK$78) - an easy drink to get wrong, but Cinecitta's version hits the spot.

Eyebar

30/F iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2487 3988. This impressively expansive space so rare with Kowloon bars takes advantage of the 30th-floor locale, turning the stunning harbour view into the bar's backdrop. The East-meets-West theme look stylish instead of cheesy. Recommended: the more than 100 international wines or Chinese spirits such as Wuliangye.

Hush

G/F, 2 Glenealy, Central. Tel: 2537 2281. This chill-out bar away from the hubbub of nearby Lan Kwai Fong and Wyndham Street offers a casual place to unwind, particularly on the outdoor rattan lounges. Recommended: the impressive molecular cocktails such as Mr Grey (HK$110), a refreshing martini made of crushed cucumber, apple juice, Earl Grey tea, gin and elderflower syrup.

Hyde

2-3/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2522 2608. Spread over two floors, this New York-loft-style venue incorporates a lounge, club and terraces spread over 12,000 sq ft. Classy but unpretentious. Recommended: the selection of premium whiskys including vintage Macallan.

4 Lei Dou

G/F 20-22 D'Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Tel: 2525 6628. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 5pm-8pm. Yes it's in the middle of Lan Kwai Fong but still manages to feel like a hidden gem, with its low lighting and down-tempo jazz. Recommended: the espresso martini cannot be missed.

Lily

6/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central. Tel: 2810 6166. Modelled after the salons and supper clubs that flourished at the turn of the century, this slice of old-school cool comes courtesy of the people who brought us Volar and Halo. Recommended: the Elderflower Paloma, combining tequila, lime, grapefruit and soda water infused with elderflower.

MO Bar

G/F The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 2132 0077. This fashionable hangout spread over two levels offers some impressive signature cocktails. Recommended: the Asian Mind MOtini, with premium gin, muddled ginger, pink grapefruit and fresh lime juice.

Sevva

25/F Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2537 1388. Indoor and (spacious) outdoor seating gives Sevva a nice edge. Particularly given the incredible skyscraper views. Recommended: it's the desserts that will steal your heart.

Sugar

32/F East Hotel, 29 Taikoo Shing Road. Tel: 3968 3968. One of the few bars in the area to have an outdoor terrace, the chic Sugar at the boutique East Hotel is a rare escape from the city's Central-Causeway Bay hip zone. Banquettes and daybeds allow you to relax in its lap of laziness, while its view takes in most of the city's skyline. Recommended: the music, with resident DJs Eric Byron and P. Grant spinning lounge, soul, electro and chill-out.

Woolloomooloo

31/F The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2893 6960. With amazing views over the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and from the breathtaking rooftop bar, Woolloomooloo is bringing a new kind of cool to Wan Chai. Recommended: everything tastes pretty good when you're already on top of the world.

Zuma

Level 5-6, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 3657 6388. The local counterpart to the trendy London restaurant, Zuma is as popular for its innovative cocktails as it is for its divine Japanese cuisine. The terrace offers a smog-free, chic view of busy Queen's Road Central. Recommended: summer cocktails blending classic Western liquors with Japanese drinks such as sake and shochu.