Hong Kong Island

Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum

The museum focuses on the doctor's life in Hong Kong and his contributions to China and Chinese history. It features two permanent exhibitions supplemented by rotating special exhibitions supplied by the many Dr Sun Yat-sen museums on the mainland. Apart from the exhibition halls there are also video and activity rooms. Open 10am-6pm (Sundays until 7pm). Closed Thursdays and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions. Wednesdays free. 7 Castle Road, Central. Tel: 2367 6373

The Museum of Coastal Defence

Once the most formidable fortress in the territory’s defence, the Lei Yue Mun fort is now this museum, presenting Hong Kong’s 600-year history of coastal defence. Open Friday-Wednesday, 10am-5pm. Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions. MTR: Shau Kei Wan station, exit B2. Bus: 85 from North Point ferry piers. 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan. Tel: 2569 1500

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Originally the home of the commander-in-chief of the British forces, the museum houses a huge collection of tea ware in Hong Kong’s oldest surviving colonial building. It contains the KS Lo Gallery with its permanent exhibition of rare ceramics and seals from the Song and Ming dynasties. Open Wednesday-Monday, 10am-5pm. Closed on Tuesdays, Dec 25-26, Jan 1 and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: free. MTR: Admiralty, Pacific Place exit F, then follow signs for Island Shangri-La Hotel, Hong Kong Park. A five-minute walk from Admiralty. Hong Kong Park, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. Tel: 2869 0690

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

A fascinating history of seafaring is presented by this recently opened museum in Stanley s Murray House. The museum has models of ships, early travel paraphernalia including Louis Vuitton luggage, and plenty of interactive games such as a ship simulator – built with 1950s equipment – that allows you to dock in Victoria Harbour. A Stanley must-do. Open Tues to Sun and public holidays, 10am- 6pm Closed Monday. Admission: $20 adults, $10 concessions. G/F, Murray House, Stanley Plaza, Stanley. Tel: 2813 2322. www.hkmaritimemuseum.org

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

Housed in the colonial building that was Hong Kong s first purpose-built medical laboratory, the museum portrays the battle to improve health and defeat diseases as well as the interface between Chinese and Western medicine. 2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels. Tel: 2549 5123. 10am- 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday; 1pm-5pm, Sunday. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions. Minibus: No. 8 or 22 from Star Ferry in Central. Get off at Caine Road, walk down Ladder Street and turn left into Caine Lane.

Police Museum

The museum consists of four galleries: the Orientation Gallery, which describes the force s history using exhibits such as the head of the Sheung Shui Tiger, shot in 1915 after killing a policeman; the Narcotics Gallery, displaying illegal drug paraphernalia; the Triad Societies Gallery, featuring history and customs of crime societies; and the current exhibition, devoted to police uniforms. 27 Coombe Road, The Peak. Tel: 2849 7019. 9am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday; 2pm-5pm, Tuesday. Admission: free. Bus No. 15 (from Exchange Square to the Peak). Alight at stop between Stubbs Road and Peak Road.

Kowloon

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Home to over 15,000 items, the displays range from Chinese paintings and calligraphy to antique treasures and the contemporary work of local artists. Open Friday-Wednesday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays 10am-8pm. Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and on the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions (Wednesdays free). Ferry: A five-minute walk from the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, exit E. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2721 0116

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre

These former military buildings are now dedicated to preserving the history of Hong Kong. As well as good displays, the centre serves as a forum for conservation work. Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2208 4400. 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday; 10am-7pm, Sundays and public holidays. Closed Thursdays. Admission: free. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, exit A1.

Hong Kong Space Museum

Under its distinctive egg-shaped dome, the museum boasts a huge planetarium, the Hall of Space Science, the Hall of Astronomy and the Space Theatre. Open Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 1pm-9pm; Saturday-Sunday and public holidays,10am-9pm. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions (Wednesdays free). Separate charge for shows. Ferry: A five-minute walk from the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, exit E. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2721 0226

Hong Kong Museum of History

At the heart of this museum is Hong Kong Story, a showcase of the territory’s complete history. Open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sundays and public holidays,10am-7pm. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions (Wednesdays free). MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, exit B2. 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2724 9042

Hong Kong Science Museum

The museum combines education with fun. It houses Hong Kong's first aircraft as well as hundreds of interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. Open Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 1pm-9pm; Saturday-Sunday and public holidays, 10am-9pm. Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $25 adults, $12.50 concessions (Wednesdays free). Group discounts available. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui station, exit B2. 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East. Tel: 2732 3232

New Territories

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Set in a traditional Chinese courtyard design, this five-storey museum has exhibits ranging from toys to the natural environment to Cantonese opera. Open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday,10am-6pm; Sundays and public holidays,10am-7pm. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 concessions (Wednesdays free). MTR: Che Kung Temple Station, exit A. 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories. Tel: 2180 8188