On my first time-crunched layover in Hong Kong, one of my biggest regrets was missing out on exploring Victoria Peak. So, when I planned a second, more extended stay in the city, I knew that Hong Kong Island’s highest point needed to be one of my first stops.
With cooler November temperatures backing my decision, I skipped the usual tourist route on the legendary Peak Tram and opted to hike for my first trip up Victoria Peak.
After the first leg of the journey, I could see why The Peak has been one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive neighbourhoods since colonial times. Many of the city’s rich and affluent settled here because of its higher elevation and cooler air. (And seriously, with those views to match, who could blame them?)
Fast forward to the present, and The Peak is still one of Hong Kong’s go-to destinations. On my way up and at the top, I could see that even locals visit Victoria Peak regularly to get some fresh air and to breathe in its spectacular vistas.
When I visited Victoria Peak by day, I couldn’t get enough of the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, Central, Wan Chai, and Kowloon. (On a clear day, you can even see as far as the green hills of the New Territories!)
At night, the vistas are even more spectacular. I was dazzled by the galaxy of lights illuminated by the gleaming skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island’s financial district.
Ready to plan your visit? Let’s look at exactly what to see & do at Victoria Peak (and how to get there) with this complete guide for first-time independent travellers.
What to see & do at Victoria Peak
Peak Tram
Before we dig into Victoria Peak, we’ve gotta get up there, right? While my first trip up was a sweaty, strenuous affair on foot, there’s a (much) easier solution: a ride up on the world-famous Peak Tram.
The Peak Tram is Hong Kong’s oldest mode of transport. This legendary funicular railway has run between Admiralty and Victoria Peak since 1888. And as much as I loved the challenge of hiking up Victoria Peak, I must admit that the Peak Tram is an absolute delight to ride, too.
The 1.4-kilometre route up The Peak gains about 400 metres in elevation. When I first chugged along the route, I loved watching Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and lush greenery slide past at impossible angles. (It was an especially fulfilling ride down after a quad-burning hike up!)
Even if you’re only in Hong Kong for a day, I’d still recommend carving out time to ride the Peak Tram. After exploring much of the city during my two visits, I still think it’s one of my favourite things to see & do in Hong Kong.
Before boarding or after returning, history buffs can visit The Peak Tram Historical Gallery. Located at the Lower Terminus, the gallery pays tribute to the heritage of the tram and the history of Hong Kong.
PRO TIP: Nearly every time I visited the Lower Terminus, the ticket queues for The Peak Tram were bonkers. And this includes the line-ups if you already bought a ticket! Skip the usual advice to go as early as possible, at least on weekdays. Instead, I’d recommend going between 9 am and 12 pm, when the crowds have settled down slightly after the 7 am opening rush.
Peak Tower
Once you get to the top of Victoria Peak, there’s no shortage of vantage points to soak in the city views. One of the finest is the anvil-shaped Peak Tower. This popular shopping complex sits near the mountain’s apex. Conveniently, it’s located at the upper terminus of the Peak Tram, so you’re already there when you arrive via the funicular railway!
As much as I enjoyed wandering around the mall, souvenir shopping, and admiring its modern architecture, there’s an even bigger reason to stick around the Peak Tower: Sky Terrace 428. At 428 metres above sea level, this viewing platform is the highest in Hong Kong. And, in my experience, the views from the top are absolutely spectacular.
Sky Terrace 428 is open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays. Admission to the observation deck is included in the Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428 Pass.
PRO TIP: Aside from the shops and viewing platform, The Peak Tower has a small handful of restaurants. But unless you’re absolutely famished, I’d give them a pass. They’re mostly tourist traps. (Think: Burger King and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.) Instead, head over to The Peak Galleria, which has, in my opinion, a slightly better selection of dining options to choose from.
The Peak Galleria
Just two minutes on foot from The Peak Tower lies another one of my favourite attractions on Victoria Peak: The Peak Galleria. This 4-floor leisure & shopping complex is home to dozens of shops and restaurants. Most of the stores at the Peak Galleria focus on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Even more exciting than the shops, in my opinion, is to head to the mall’s free observation deck. (Yes, free!)
Although the viewing platform isn’t quite as high as its neighbour’s, I found the views here no less spectacular. It even felt a tad larger and less crowded than its Peak Tower counterpart when I visited.
Getting hungry after all that walking, sightseeing, and shopping? Check out the Peak Galleria’s selection of restaurants.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a location of Mak’s Noodle up here. Their famous signature wonton noodles are one of the tastiest dishes I’ve tried during my two trips to Hong Kong. (For its more authentic atmosphere, I prefer their location on Wellington Street in Central, though.)
Peak Circle Walk
Now, let’s be honest: We didn’t come all the way up Victoria Peak to spend our time in malls. Let’s immerse ourselves in nature and burn off a few calories on the Peak Circle Walk.
The 3.5-kilometre Peak Circle Walk circumnavigates The Peak along Harlech Road and Lugard Road. The route is also known as the Victoria Peak Trail or the Harlech Road and Lugard Road Circular Walk.
After my “leg workout” on the way up, I wasn’t sure if I had another hike in me. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. The Peak Circle Walk is flat, paved, easy, and relaxed. And it was well worth the small effort for its dramatic views over the city and sea.
Especially on the oceanside of the trail, I felt miles from the city, with the sounds of honking horns replaced by tweeting birds. Locals even mention that you can catch a glimpse of wild boar, snakes, or porcupines along the path. (Although it seems unlikely, I’m kinda glad I didn’t run into the first two!)
PRO TIP: I walked the trail in November, when the weather in Hong Kong is a bit more moderate. On an extremely hot day, though, I’d imagine that the less-shaded sections of the trail could get steamy. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, just in case.
The full Peak Circle Walk takes about 1.5 hours to complete. If you’ve got more energy, extend your visit with a walk into Lung Fu Shan Country Park to check out the Pinewood Battery, a historic 1905 British colonial coastal defense fortification. I spotted the entrance to Fu Shan Country Park around the intersection of Lugard Road and Harlech Road on the southwestern edge of the trail.
At the trail’s starting point, you can also choose to head south towards Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. Although I didn’t get a chance to get there, I’ve heard from locals that it’s one of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak Garden
Little-known fact: The tram terminus stops short of the summit of Victoria Peak. To get to its highest point, you’ll need to walk 20 to 30 minutes further up Mount Austin Road. When you get to the road’s end, you’ll reach a lookout point within the beautiful Victoria Peak Garden.
Victoria Peak Garden once housed the summer residence of Hong Kong’s governor. Today, this public park is a favourite among locals, featuring meandering paths through a lovely Victorian garden.
As beautiful as the garden is, the big reason to trudge all the way here, in my opinion, is the view. Unlike at the other viewing platforms we’ve visited, this one shows off 360-degree views of Hong Kong, including to the south.
While I prefer the angle of the vistas over the city from the other viewing decks, it’s still well worth checking this one out to see what’s hiding on the back half of Hong Kong Island.
Mount Austin Playground
If you’re visiting Hong Kong with kids, I’d suggest penciling in one more stop on your Victoria Peak itinerary: the Mount Austin Playground. This open green space is a favourite among locals. It’s a quick (but somewhat steep) ten-minute walk from the upper terminus of the Peak Tram.
Although I only peeked into Mount Austin Playground briefly, I saw plenty of families enjoying the park’s peaceful setting. With its open lawns and gardens, it looks like the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon picnic. Kids will find plenty of opportunities to burn off some energy here, too, at the small but well-equipped children’s playground area.
How to get to Victoria Peak
Via the Peak Tram
Half the fun of visiting Victoria Peak is getting there. And, in my experience, no route up is more iconic than the Peak Tram.
The Peak Tram boards from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road. The easiest way to get to the terminus is to take bus 15C from Central Pier 8, close to where you’d arrive on the Star Ferry from Kowloon. (The stop is right beside the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.)
You can also walk to the tram station from Central MTR Station. Take Exit J2 and walk through Chatter Garden and down Garden Road. It only took me about 10 minutes.
As you’d imagine, the Peak Tram is insanely popular with visitors. In my experience, the station is often crowded, and line-ups can seem endless. Frustratingly, this holds even if you buy a Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428 Pass online ahead of time.
Don’t have time (or patience) for waiting in the queue? I’d suggest these alternative transportation options:
On foot
Got extra time and energy? Hike to the top of Victoria Peak instead.
The most direct route to the summit is via Old Peak Road. The road starts just above the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens at the intersection of Albany Road and Robinson Road. This moderately challenging hike emerges near the Peak Tower.
On my first visit, I opted for the far more confusing Tramway Path. The trail starts just south of the tram station between St. Joseph’s College and Hong Kong Park. The staired path ascends alongside the tramway, crossing over at one point.
Where the Tramway Path ends, I continued along the Brewin Path to May Road. From here, swing right and follow May Road to Old Peak Road. Head upwards from the Old Peak Road Pavilion for a windy rip up a few switchbacks on the narrow road.
At the intersection of Old Peak Road and Barker Road, you can either swivel up Old Peak Road or follow Barker Road to the Findlay Path for the final ascent. I went for the latter. (And, yes, it was accidental.)
Starting your hike from Mid-Levels or Sheung Wan? Take the longer, but more scenic, Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail. The 3.5-kilometre trail connects to Hatton Road, which meets up with the Peak Circle Walk for the final (thankfully) flat 1.1 kilometres.
PRO TIP: If you’re planning on hiking in Hong Kong in the warmer months, I recommend wearing a hat and bringing plenty of water.
By bus
Bus No. 15 runs between the Central Pier 5 and The Peak. On Sunday and public holidays, you can also catch the bus at the Central Bus Terminus below One & Two Exchange Square. The journey to Peak Galleria will take about 40 minutes.
To get to the top, there’s also a minibus from Hong Kong Station. From the green minibus stop under International Finance Centre 2 (IFC2), take Minibus No. 1. The minibuses depart every 5 to 15 minutes between 6:20 am and 12:00 am. The journey to the summit of Victoria Peak will take about 30 minutes.
By taxi or ride-share
From anywhere in Hong Kong, you can also catch a taxi or Uber to Victoria Peak. It’s the most expensive option, but, in my experience, it’s also the quickest and most convenient.
Note that if you’re taking a taxi from Kowloon, you’ll need to pay twice for the cross-harbour tunnel toll.
