Victoria Peak (commonly known as The Peak) is the highest point on Hong Kong Island at 552 meters and the most famous viewpoint in the entire city. It is arguably the best spot to admire the city’s skyscraper-filled skyline.
Many years ago, Victoria Peak became the city’s most exclusive residential area, as its higher altitude offered cooler temperatures than the harbor area, attracting wealthy families to settle there. Today, it remains a prestigious residential zone that features two main shopping centers: The Peak Tower (the distinctive T-shaped building) and the Peak Galleria (located right opposite).
In this guide, we share the best viewpoints (both paid and free) and all the available transport options to get to the top.
Victoria Peak viewpoints
At the top of Victoria Peak, there are 3 viewpoints available—2 free and 1 paid:
- Sky Terrace 428: A paid observation deck located inside The Peak Tower shopping mall. It offers 360-degree panoramic views and is usually quite crowded. You can buy combo tickets that include the Peak Tram ride to get up here.
- Green Terrace: A free viewpoint located at the Peak Galleria shopping mall. It also offers great views and is completely free to enter, though it can also get very busy.
- Lugard Road: If you don’t mind a pleasant 15 to 20-minute walk along a paved path (plus the same time back), you can head towards Lugard Road Lookout and enjoy fantastic views from a free, much less crowded viewpoint.
What is the best time to visit Victoria Peak?
Although the views are great at any time of day, the absolute best time is about an hour before sunset—provided the weather plays along and it’s a clear day. Otherwise, you might end up like we did during our 18-day itinerary through China, where we couldn’t see much at all! Heading up before sunset allows you to take in Hong Kong’s skyline in daylight, watch the sunset colors fade over the city, and witness the glowing neon lights and skyscrapers coming to life at night.
How to Reach Victoria Peak
There are several ways to reach Victoria Peak from the harbor area. Below, we break down each option along with its prices, pros, and cons.
1. The Peak Tram (The classic and most popular choice)
Operating since 1888, this historic funicular climbs a steep slope all the way to The Peak Tower. It is the fastest and most popular way to get to the top, especially in the hours leading up to sunset. The lower terminus is located about a 10-minute walk from Central MTR station, and it operates daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
A round-trip ticket for the Peak Tram costs around $15 USD. You can also find combo tickets that include both the Peak Tram ride and admission to the Sky Terrace 428 observation deck.
2. Local Bus: Route 15 (Budget-friendly, but slower)
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get up to the Peak (other than walking, of course), taking the double-decker bus Route 15 is your best bet. It costs around HKD 12 (~$1.50 USD) and gets you to the top in about 40 minutes. Plus, if you manage to grab a seat on the upper deck, you’ll get to enjoy some nice panoramic views along the way.
Taking a taxi or Uber from the harbor area to the shopping malls costs around HKD 100 (~$13 USD). This can be a very cost-effective option if you’re traveling with a group, and it’s much faster than the local bus.
4. Walking
Can you walk up to Victoria Peak? You sure can! Why don’t we recommend it? Because Hong Kong’s high humidity combined with an elevation gain of nearly 400 meters will leave you completely drenched in sweat. Depending on your pace and fitness level, it can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to reach the summit.
The route from Central station is about 3 km (1.8 miles) with a 390m elevation gain, and from the lower Peak Tram terminus, it’s about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) with a 370m elevation gain. On your way up, you’ll pass near the Hong Kong Zoo and the impressive Fountain Terrace garden. You’ll then head up Tregunter Path, where you’ll see a sign pointing to “The Peak (30 minute walk)”.
