No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a ride on the legendary Star Ferry. It takes just 10 minutes and offers up those unbeatable skyline views of Hong Kong landmarks. Longer tours, to Disneyland or past the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, are also available.

Victoria Peak is a must-visit Hong Kong travel spot, offering up stellar views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula. Board the historic Peak Tram and head at a near-vertical angle up the mountain, before exploring the Peak Galleria with modern dining options, entertainment venues and lifestyle shops.

On the south side of Hong Kong island is Stanley Market, a sprawling warren of clothing, lifestyle, art and souvenir shops that fans out onto Stanley Waterfront Promenade with restaurants and friendly pubs. Also visit Stanley Main Beach, which has kayaks and paddleboards for rent.

Horse racing is a big part of life in Hong Kong – and there’s nothing like a night at the Happy Valley Races, held every Wednesday evening from September through June. You don’t need a fancy hat to attend these races, nor much money – it’s HKD10 to enter and another HKD10 to place a bet.

Dim sum is one of the hallmarks of Cantonese cuisine – an assortment of bite-size dishes from siu mai dumplings and char siu bau pork buns to local delicacy chicken feet. Visit a classic teahouse or upgrade your experience with Michelin-starred dim sum.

Cha chaan tengs – literally ‘tea restaurants’ – first appeared in the 1950s, serving a fusion of Western and Chinese cafe snacks. They’re renowned for lightning-fast speed – and gruff service. Tuck into luncheon meat sandwiches and macaroni soup – and wash it down with yuen yeung, a combination of tea, coffee and evaporated milk.

In Central, the historic Police Married Quarters has been transformed into PMQ, a hub for creative types with cultural exhibitions and trendy pop-up shops, while the 19th century Central Police Compound has been reincarnated as the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, with galleries, theatres, shops and restaurants.

You could spend days exploring Hong Kong’s largest island, from the numerous hiking trails to gorgeous quiet beaches. Cultural Hong Kong landmarks include the Big Buddha at Po Lin Monastery and the traditional stilted fishing village of Tai O. Or shop till you drop in Tung Chung’s Citygate outlet mall.

The magical kingdom of Hong Kong Disneyland is a family favourite, with seven fantastical lands filled with rides, sideshows and – of course – your top Disney characters. Meanwhile, homegrown Ocean Park offers exciting rides, rainforest and polar environments, bird-of-prey demonstrations, a mind-blowing aquarium – and two resident giant pandas.

The Ladies’ Market stretches for an entire kilometre on Tung Choi Street, packed with affordable fashion, gadgets and homeware. At dusk, head round to Temple Street Night Market in Jordan, with fortune-teller tents, quirky souvenirs and street-side food stalls.