If there’s one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Hong Kong, it’s Victoria Peak.
Towering above the city skyline, Victoria Peak offers some of the most iconic views in Hong Kong. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Victoria Harbour, endless skyscrapers, lush green mountains, and the surrounding islands. Whether you choose to ride the historic Peak Tram, hike to the summit, or simply enjoy the incredible views, visiting Victoria Peak is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your visit, including how to get there, the best hiking trails, what to see at the top, and my top tips for making the most of your trip.
Where to stay at Hong Kong
Budget: The Kowloon Hotel
Mid-Range: Cordis, Hong Kong – Langham Hospitality Group
Luxury: Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
What is Victoria Peak?
Victoria Peak, often simply called “The Peak,” is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, standing at 552 metres above sea level.
Historically, it was one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive residential areas due to its cooler temperatures and spectacular views. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions and an essential stop on any Hong Kong itinerary.
The real reason people visit? The view.
Top Victoria Peak tours:
– Hong Kong: The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 Ticket Combo
– Hong Kong Day Tour: Priority Peak Tram, City Walk & Dim Sum
– Hong Kong: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Optional Peak Tram
How to Get to Victoria Peak
There are several ways to reach Victoria Peak, but the two most popular options are taking the Peak Tram or hiking to the summit. Personally, I chose to hike, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Hong Kong!
Option 1: Ride the Peak Tram
The most famous way to reach Victoria Peak is aboard the historic Peak Tram.
Operating since 1888, the tram climbs steeply up the mountainside and has become an attraction in its own right. The journey takes around 10 minutes and offers fantastic views as the city slowly falls away beneath you.
The Peak Tram is a popular tourist activity, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!
How to Get to the Peak Tram
The Peak Tram Lower Terminus is located near Central on Hong Kong Island.
The easiest way to get there is via the MTR to Central Station, followed by a short walk. If you’re short on time or visiting with family, the tram is the easiest and most convenient option.
Option 2: Hike to Victoria Peak
If you’re up for a little adventure, I highly recommend hiking to the summit.
One of the things that surprised me most about Hong Kong was how much nature exists alongside the skyscrapers. Within minutes of leaving Central, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush forest, birdsong, and surprisingly peaceful walking trails. The hike gives you a completely different perspective of the city and allows you to experience Victoria Peak at a much slower pace.
For most visitors, the best route is the Morning Trail (this is the trail that I chose and it was beautiful and so peaceful!). This scenic path begins near the Peak Tram Lower Terminus and steadily climbs through shaded forest all the way to the summit. I got lost trying to find the trail starting point (I ended up lost in a University haha!) so I would recommend catching an uber to the exact location rather than public transport.
What to Do at Victoria Peak
Once you’ve reached the summit, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area.
Visit Sky Terrace 428
Sky Terrace 428 is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong and offers panoramic views across the city. From here, you’ll get the classic postcard view of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s worth the admission fee.
Walk the Peak Circle Walk
One of my favorite things to do at Victoria Peak wasn’t actually the observation deck.
The Peak Circle Walk is an easy walking trail that loops around the summit and provides incredible viewpoints in every direction. Unlike the crowded observation platforms, parts of this trail feel surprisingly peaceful. The walk takes approximately 45–60 minutes and offers some of the best photo opportunities on the mountain.
Enjoy the View from Lugard Road
If you’re looking for one of the most famous viewpoints at Victoria Peak, head to Lugard Road Lookout.
This section of the Peak Circle Walk offers spectacular views over Victoria Harbour and the surrounding skyscrapers. Many photographers consider this one of the best photo spots in all of Hong Kong.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Peak
Sunrise
For peaceful trails and fewer crowds, sunrise is hard to beat.
Late Afternoon & Sunset
This is when I visited – and it was so magical!!
You get:
- Daytime views
- Golden hour photography
- Sunset over the harbour
- The city lights turning on after dark
It’s the best of all worlds. After my hike, I stayed at the peak for dinner with a sunset view and it was on of my favorite moments from my trip to Hong Kong.
Night
Hong Kong’s skyline is famous for a reason. Seeing the city illuminated after dark is absolutely worth staying for.
What to Bring
I’d recommend packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Camera
- Portable charger
- Sunscreen
- Light rain jacket
If you’re hiking, water is especially important during warmer months.
Is Victoria Peak Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re only visiting Hong Kong for a few days, Victoria Peak should definitely be on your itinerary. The views are spectacular, the hiking trails are beautiful, and it’s one of the best places to appreciate the incredible contrast between Hong Kong’s urban skyline and natural landscapes.
For me, hiking to Victoria Peak ended up being one of the highlights of my entire trip. It perfectly captured everything I loved about Hong Kong – the city, the mountains, and the surprising amount of nature hidden between them.
Victoria Peak is a fantastic viewpoint and is easily accessible from the city.
Whether you choose to ride the historic Peak Tram, hike the Morning Trail, or simply spend an evening watching the skyline light up below, a visit to Victoria Peak is an experience you’ll remember long after you leave.
Helpful Hong KOng Travel Links
Where to stay at Hong Kong
Budget: The Kowloon Hotel
Mid-Range: Cordis, Hong Kong – Langham Hospitality Group
Luxury: Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
Top Tours/Day Trips in Hong Kong
– Hong Kong Day Tour: Priority Peak Tram, City Walk & Dim Sum
– Hong Kong: Lantau VIP Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha & Tai O
– Hong Kong Disneyland Park Tickets
– Hong Kong: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Optional Peak Tram
– Hong Kong: Street Food Tour with Locals – Dim Sum and Wonton
How to Get Around Hong Kong – Octopus Card
Getting around Hong Kong is incredibly easy thanks to the city’s efficient public transport system. From my research, picking up an Octopus Card at the airport and using it for your trip was highly recommended – it makes getting around seamless and can be used on the MTR, buses, trams, ferries, and even at convenience stores. While the Octopus Card is cheaper, I didn’t have cash readily available to top up the card (for some reason the 7 Elevens only accept cash to top up the card) so I just found it easier to just tap my apple pay at the MTR gates.
The MTR is by far the easiest way to explore the city and get to Hong Kong Disneyland, but taxis and ride shares are also widely available if you’re heading somewhere more direct.
Hong Kong SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Hong Kong is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best egg waffles near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Hong Kong data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Hong Kong eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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