Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Looking down on Government House, the gardens date back to 1864, when they were designed according to the then governor's love for nature. There are more than 1,000 species of plants in the garden, and the greenhouse on the eastern boundary grows over 150 native and exotic species of plants and flowers, including ferns and orchids. The zoo, which strives to foster an understanding of and appreciation for nature through education and conservation, is home to almost 500 birds, 70 mammals and 70 reptiles. Look out for the gibbons and orangutans.

Albany Road/Glenealy, Central. Open: 6am-10pm. Admission: free. Tel: 2530 0154.

MTR: Central, exit D1; 15 minutes walk from Central.