What have New York, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Toronto and Hong Kong got in common? They have five of the best skylines in the world, according to the tourism gurus at Travelbag…

The urban skylines we know today are really a modern phenomenon. Since human technology developed sufficiently to build spectacularly high buildings, every major city in the world has drawn up plans to populate their centres with towering monuments that dictate their aesthetic identity.

Skylines vary all over the world, from the futuristic structures of Asia, to the old landmarks of Europe, and skyscrapers dedicated to commerce and enterprise, such as those of the United States.

A good skyline can create some of the best memories of a holiday, or at the very least the best photographic opportunities. As evening draws in, find a spot where you can take in some of the best views, as sunset is often the most spectacular time to look out over any given metropolis. Here to direct us to the world’s most spectacular skylines are the holiday experts from Travelbag. Here’s their top five…

1. New York

This famous skyline has graced the small screen, films and photographs for nearly a century. The stars of the landscape include the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower and the Chrysler Building which are all set off by the Statue of Liberty standing on Liberty Island. As with most skylines, the magic happens as the sun sets. Take the Staten Island ferry for amazing views and take time out to reflect on the history, heritage and transformation of the Big Apple.

2. Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Towers rule the roost in Kuala Lumpur’s magnificent skyline, which combines stunning architecture with an unusual amount of tropical greenery. The two towers are connected by a sky-bridge, which provide amazing city views for sightseers. The Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park is at the foot of the towers which provides an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. Dubai

With scaffolding and cranes working away 24 hours a day, the skyline of Dubai is ever-evolving. What makes this particular skyline remarkable is that there are over one hundred buildings that stand at over 180 metres, all of which didn’t exist before 1999. The tallest building in the world, The Burj Khalifa, stands proudly over all of them at an impressive 585 metres.

4. Toronto

Another city that has experienced a huge upsurge in building construction, Toronto’s skyline has been transformed since the turn of the 21st century. Once the CNN Tower was the defining feature, but now Trump Tower, the Ritz Carlton, the Ice Condos, CityPlace and Aura stand together proudly.

5. Hong Kong

For visitors seeking out a glimpse of Hong Kong’s famous skyline, we’d advise to wait until A Symphony of Lights – the nightly multimedia show involving more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour. The light show is impressive, and the Guinness Book of Records have named it the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show”. To celebrate the spirit and history of Hong Kong, the spectacle has five themes: awakening, energy, heritage, partnership and celebration. The show last thirteen minutes and is free – to be enjoyed by everyone.