Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.

Yumla
Tiny basement venue off cobblestoned Pottinger Street, the place to hear local DJs spin; dance floor can be packed on the weekends, with crowd spilling out into park near the club's entrance. Lower Basement, Harilela House, 79 Wyndham St., Central; tel: +1 852 2147 2382. www.yumla.com

Felix
Located inside the Philippe Starck-designed restaurant atop Peninsula Hotel; on Kowloon side, with some of the best views of the Hong Kong Island skyline. The Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Rd., Tsimshatsui; tel: +1 852 2315 3188.

C Bar
A perch at this bar offers a bird's-eye view of the main intersection in Lan Kwai Fong bar district. Ground Floor, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar St., Central; tel: +1 852 2530 3695.

Club 71
Bohemian and cheaper than nearby bars; frequented by artsy and political types. Enter through Man Hing Lane, from either Peel Street or Aberdeen Street. Basement Floor, 67 Hollywood Rd., Central; tel: +1 852 2858 7071.

Gecko
With obscure entrance near Cochrane and Hollywood Road, this place has the feel of a speakeasy; crowd is young and hip. Lower Ground Floor, Ezra La., Central; tel: +1 852 2537 4680.

Aqualuna
Return-trip cruise across harbor from Central includes cocktail at a bar called Aqua, with panoramic views. Penthouse, 1 Peking Rd., Kowloon; tel: +1 852 2116 8821. www.aqua.com.hk

M Bar
Understated and sophisticated place for cocktails and views from the Hong Kong Island side. 25th Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Rd., Central; tel: +1 852 2825 4002. www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/514000441.asp