Room
The exquisite Dar Saïd, a nineteenth-century villa turned hotel in the chic village of Sidi Bou Saïd, 12 miles northeast of Tunis, has 24 large guest rooms, elegantly tiled internal courtyards, and a giant bougainvillea vine in the peaceful garden (216-71-729-666; darsaid.com.tn; doubles, $200, including breakfast).

Lunch & Dinner
In an eighteenth-century palace in the medina, Dar El Jeld serves Tunisian staples like kabkabou—fish with tomatoes, capers, and olives (5-10 rue Dar el-Jeld; 216-71-560-916; prix fixe, $36–$65). Dar Zarrouk, in Sidi Bou Saïd, has a terrace on a breezy hillside with views across the Gulf of Tunis (rue Hedi Zarrouk; 216-71-740-591; entrées, $12–$18).

Tip
Avoid buying goods on the rue Jemaa Zitouna (the main route through the medina to the Great Mosque), which is filled with overpaying tourists. Look instead for more interesting shops and stalls on surrounding streets, such as those on the rue Sidi Ali Azouz, where you can find old metal lamps and chandeliers.

Under $350 a day

Where
Hong Kong, China

Why
Hong Kong's helter-skelter street markets are still the city's heart and soul, ranging from the legendary Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island's south side, to the shop-lined lanes of Western District, to Kowloon's Night Market, where knockoffs are all the rage. Hong Kong is constantly devising new open-air emporiums like the one on Borrett Road, a Portobello Road–style flea market held in the hills above Central District every other Sunday.

Room
Situated along Kowloon's frenzied Golden Mile, the 21-story Eaton Hotel has the kind of amenities you don't expect at this price, including a heated rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym, and daily guided jaunts to the Night Market on nearby Temple Street (852-2782-1818; hongkong.eatonhotels.com; doubles, $198–$225).

Lunch & Dinner
Fortify yourself with a gourmet brunch at Nicholini's, in the Conrad Hilton, close to the Sunday Borrett Road Market (852-2521-3838; brunch, $55). Habitués of Kowloon's Ladies' Market can enjoy a Cantonese lunch or dinner at Guangzhou Garden, in the Langham Place shopping plaza (852-3542-5768; entrées, $4–$8).

Tip
Combine shopping and a harbor cruise by taking a fast boat or a one-hour ferry to Cheung Chau Island, where the narrow main street doubles as a market selling Chinese ceramics, rattan goods, and traditional foods. Boats depart from Pier 5 in Central District (fast boat, $3–$4 one way; ferry, $2–$4 one way).