Best Views in Hong Kong — Scenic Viewpoints You Cannot Miss

Victoria Peak: the original Hong Kong view

Victoria Peak (太平山, 552 meters) is Hong Kong's original viewpoint. The Peak Tram (1888) ascends 373 meters in 8 minutes — the angle of ascent is 4–27 degrees, the view on the way up is remarkable. At the top: the Sky Terrace 428 (428 meters, HK$36), the highest outdoor viewing platform in Hong Kong. Walk the Peak Circular Walk (3.5km, 45 minutes, free) for views in every direction. The Old Peak Road trail (downhill only, 2.5km) is the original 1880s road to the peak, now a hiking trail.

Victoria Harbour: the Star Ferry crossing

The view of Victoria Harbour from the Star Ferry (HK$3.2, 8 minutes) is the view that made Hong Kong. The best crossings: the 7:45pm departure from Tsim Sha Tsui (arrives in Central as the A Symphony of Lights show starts at 8pm). The best fixed views: the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade (in front of the Cultural Centre) looking north to Central; and the Central waterfront looking south to Tsim Sha Tsui. Both are free and available 24 hours.

The Peak Tram by night (7:30pm departure)

The Peak Tram after dark gives you a different view of Hong Kong: the city at night from above. The best time is the 7:30pm departure: you arrive at the peak at dusk, watch the city lights come on, and watch the A Symphony of Lights from the Sky Terrace (the show is visible from both sides of the harbour). Book the dinner slot at Peak Café or the Capriland restaurant for the view with dinner.

Hong Kong Science Park and Tolo Harbour (Sha Tin)

The Hong Kong Science Park (沙田) has an overlooked viewpoint at the Gateway Bridge that looks across Tolo Harbour to the Shing Mun Country Park mountains. This is the view that Hong Kong residents see every day but tourists rarely find. Accessible by MTR to University Station, then a 10-minute walk. Free. Combine with a visit to the Sha Tin racecourse (Hong Kong's most important racecourse, races on weekends) or the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (萬佛寺, nearby).

Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck (ICC)

The Sky100 observation deck (393 meters) is on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong (484 meters, 2010). It is less famous than the Peak but has a 360-degree view that is arguably better. The viewing platform has interactive exhibits, a café, and multilingual guides. Tickets HK$199 (book online). The ICC is connected to the Kowloon MTR station and the West Kowloon Cultural District below.