A quick guide on how you can make the most out of your first Hong Kong trip!

Think world-class amusement parks, sweeping and stunning views day and night, exciting tram and cable car rides, plus lots of bargain shopping. Indeed, Hong Kong has a great deal in store for tourists. So if you’ll be visiting for the first time and are still planning your itinerary, Skyscanner has picked out some attractions and activities that you won’t want to miss.

1. Disneyland

Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, Hong Kong Disneyland in Lantau Island is the go-to place for a day of fun and entertainment. Of course, it has everything you’d come to expect from a Disneyland theme park—a daytime parade with floats and street dancers, themed musicals, character meet-and-greets, a fireworks display and classic signature rides such as the Jungle River Cruise and It’s a Small World.
But the park also has its share of flagship and exclusive attractions: an engaging trackless ride through the dark Mystic Manor and the thrilling Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars roller coaster.

Hong Kong Disneyland

2. The Peak

Yes, this will take you high up—428 meters above sea level to be exact—to an open-air platform where you can enjoy a tranquil and breathtaking view of Hong Kong’s harbor, city skyline and mountainside. The platform sits atop the Peak Tower, which boasts an array of restaurants and souvenir shops. The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, home to more than 100 wax figures of local and international personalities, can also be found here.
Your visit to The Peak won’t be complete without riding the Peak Tram, a 120-year-old funicular railway that can take you to and from the Peak Tower. Its Upper Terminus Station is 396 meters above sea level, so brace for a steep but fascinating ride.

The Peak in Hong Kong

3. Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s take on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching 400 meters along Victoria Harbor, this promenade at Tsim Sha Tsui honors the heroes of the local film industry. More than 100 plaques are set throughout its path, many of which include the celebrity’s hand prints and signature. See if you can spot those of Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Maggie Cheung. A Bruce Lee fan? Have your photo taken with his life-size statue!

Bruce Lee Statue in Hong Kong

4. Ngong Ping 360

Riding a Ngong Ping 360 cable car is proof that your journey can be just as interesting as your destination. This bi-cable ropeway system stretches 5.7 kilometers, connecting Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. You can choose between a standard or crystal cabin, with tickets for the latter priced higher because it features a glass bottom. But what makes the ride so alluring? For 25 minutes or so, you get treated to 360-degree aerial views of deep-blue waters, rolling grasslands, lush mountainsides and spectacular cityscapes.

Photo credit: easytourchina

5. Ocean Park

At the southern tip of Hong Kong Island, you’ll find this huge park filled with animal exhibits and shows and an array of amusing and thrilling rides. Ocean Park actually has two sections: one is in the lowlands (waterfront) and the other is on the headlands (summit). You can ride a cable car or a funicular train to reach either point.
Not surprisingly, the park shines thanks to its aquatic displays and engaging dolphin and sea lion shows. Also worth seeing are its attractions featuring pandas, birds, fish and penguins, among other polar creatures.

Photo credit: chinatouronline

6. City skyline at night

As stunning as it is during the day, the Hong Kong skyline will captivate you even more as night falls and buildings start to dazzle with their distinct lighting schemes. Among the must-sees: the 72-storey Bank of China Tower with its sharp edges and “X” and prism patterns illuminated from top to bottom; the Cheung Kong Centre and the colored lights that wrap around its sides; the 88-storey Two International Finance Centre, which is even more commanding when it’s lit; and the HSBC Building, known for its fancy and asymmetric criss-cross design.

Hong Kong skyscrappers

7. Bargain shopping

Hong Kong is a bargain hunter’s paradise. You’ll find it particularly hard to resist the 30 to 70 percent discounts at the outlet stores of top international brands. So where can you go for a shopping spree that fits your budget? If you’re in Tsim Sha Tsui, head for China Hong Kong City. This mall hosts about 20 outlet stores, including those of Esprit, G2000 and Samsonite. At Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung, you’ll find more than 80 brands offering clothing, accessories, and beauty, home and sports products at unbelievably low prices. For affordable fashion finds and the best electronic deals, drop by Mong Kok.

Photo credit: viasingapore

No matter how you choose to spend your first Hong Kong vacation, chances are you’ll have a blast! So book your tickets now and see for yourself what makes Hong Kong a favorite tourist destination.