A famous skyline. A busy harbour. A very good reason to arrive hungry.

Hong Kong has plenty to keep you moving, but some of its best moments come when you slow down. Take a ferry instead of rushing underground. Wander through a market. Sit down for dim sum and order something you have never tried before.

For a first visit, these are my ten picks for getting a proper taste of the city.

1. Take in the View from Victoria Peak

Start with the view everyone talks about.

From Victoria Peak, the buildings crowd around the harbour, with hills and water stretching beyond them. It gives you a sense of Hong Kong’s geography that you simply cannot get from street level.

The Peak Tram makes the journey part of the experience. Choose a clear day if you can, and give yourself time to walk around once you reach the top. This deserves more than a quick photograph before heading back down.

2. Cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry

Some travel experiences are simple and still manage to stay with you. The Star Ferry is one of them.

The crossing between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island puts you right among the harbour traffic, with the skyline rising on either side. Find a seat, put the phone down for a minute and enjoy the ride.

Then, of course, take the photograph. You will probably want one.

3. Walk Along the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront

For another look at the harbour, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

The Avenue of Stars celebrates Hong Kong cinema, while the waterfront gives you room to stroll and watch the city across the water. Late afternoon is a good time to settle into the walk and stay as the buildings begin to light up.

There is no need to turn this into a complicated outing. Sometimes a waterfront, a view and a little time are enough.

4. Make Time for Dim Sum

You could spend an entire Hong Kong trip planning your next meal. Dim sum is a good place to begin.

Think steamed dumplings, rice rolls and fluffy buns, with tea and dishes arriving for the table to share. Har gow and siu mai are familiar starting points, but leave room to try something new.

Go with company if possible. More people means more dishes, which seems a perfectly sensible way to approach lunch.

5. Explore Central and Sheung Wan on Foot

Hong Kong rewards a bit of wandering.

Central and Sheung Wan offer steep streets, small shops, cafés and older corners tucked among the tall buildings. Take a look at Man Mo Temple, then allow yourself time to explore the surrounding area.

Wear comfortable shoes. Those slopes can make a short distance feel rather longer, especially when you keep finding another street worth investigating.

6. Visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island

Lantau brings a different pace to the trip.

The Tian Tan Buddha, usually called the Big Buddha, sits near Po Lin Monastery amid a landscape that feels far removed from the busiest city streets. The Ngong Ping cable car is one way to make the journey, with views forming a large part of the appeal.

Allow enough time to explore without rushing straight back. Check transport and operating arrangements before you go.

7. Spend an Evening Around Temple Street

Markets belong on a Hong Kong itinerary, and Temple Street is a good place for an evening wander.

Browse the stalls, explore the surrounding streets and find somewhere to eat. The pleasure is in taking your time and seeing what catches your attention.

If you are shopping, compare prices and keep any bargaining friendly. You do not need to come away with bags of purchases to enjoy the outing.

8. Ride a Double-Decker Tram

Hong Kong Island’s trams offer a lovely excuse to slow down.

Take an upstairs seat if you can and watch shops, signs and everyday street life pass by. It is a different perspective from the MTR, and one that makes the journey itself worth doing.

Choose a route that suits your plans, but leave a little room for an unplanned stop.

9. Get Outdoors on the Dragon’s Back

There is much more to Hong Kong than its buildings.

The Dragon’s Back is a well-known hiking route with ridge views and a chance to spend time away from the traffic. For visitors who enjoy walking, it can add a completely different day to the holiday.

Treat it as a proper hike. Check the weather and trail conditions, carry water and wear suitable shoes. Heat and humidity deserve respect.

10. Head to Sai Kung for a Change of Scene

If your itinerary allows, make time for Sai Kung.

Its waterfront and access to the surrounding coastal areas offer a slower day, with options for a meal, a stroll or further exploring. It is a good reminder of how much variety Hong Kong fits into a relatively small area.

Check any boat arrangements before building your day around them, and give yourself enough time for the return journey.

Give Yourself Time Between the Highlights

The temptation is to squeeze everything into the shortest possible visit. Hong Kong makes that easy to attempt and exhausting to carry out.

Choose a few priorities each day. Leave room for a long lunch, an unexpected shop or another ferry crossing simply because you enjoyed the first one.

The famous attractions earn their place on the list. The moments between them may be the ones you remember most.