Three urban islands that will engage you day and night

Under $200 a day

Where
Hong Kong, China

Why
On Hong Kong Island, Central is the gilded financial district and Soho the expat hangout. But to see the soul of the city, head to Causeway Bay, a bustling shopping and dining area that embodies Hong Kong's consumer spirit. (There are terrific sales during the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, in July.) When Causeway Bay gets too crowded, go to Wanchai's Star Street neighborhood; in recent years, this warren has sprouted tea and coffee bars, hip noodle shops, and furniture boutiques.

Room
Jia, on one of Causeway Bay's quieter street corners, packs Philippe Starck chic and whimsy into its compact rooms (852-3196-9000; jiahongkong.com; doubles, $255–$360). Rooms at the two-year-old L'Hotel, east of Victoria Park, are simple, modern—and a steal (852-3553-2898; lhotelcausewaybayhv.com; doubles, $135–$255).

Lunch & Dinner
Some of the city's best dim sum (get the crispy pork buns) is at Che's Cantonese Restaurant (54-62 Lockhart Rd.; 852-2528-1123; dim sum, $2–$5 per dish). Take a number to be seated for soup dumplings and pork belly braised in soy sauce at local fave Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (B224 Times Square; 852-2506-0080; entrées, $3–$9).

Tip
Pick a clear evening to sail around storied Victoria Harbour aboard the Aqualuna, a traditional red-sailed Chinese junk (852-2116-8821; aqua.com.hk; 45 minutes, $19–$23). Wednesday nights from September through June, play the ponies at the Happy Valley Racecourse (hkjc.com).

Under $275 a day

Where
Mumbai, India

Why
India's glamorous commercial, cultural, and movie center is finding a growing world audience. Fashionable neighborhoods such as Bandra and Juhu are congregating points for dining and nightlife; go to Kemps Corner for emerging designers and Lower Parel for its innovative shopping arcades. You'll find sea breezes and relief from the crowds along waterfront Marine Drive, where everyone promenades—from paupers to Bollywood stars.

Room
The new 58-room InterContinental Marine Drive has a happening white-on-white rooftop bar, Dome (91-22-3987-9999; intercontinental.com; doubles, $400–$490). Near the Gate of India, the 29-room Gordon House Hotel is a bright, contemporary hideaway (91-22-2287-1122; ghhotel.com; doubles, $200).