Hong Kong's Victoria Peak Offers Some Of The Most Stunning Views Of The City And Surrounding Hills
For many of us, Hong Kong means lively urban streets and towering skyscrapers. But Victoria Peak, standing over 1,800 feet above sea level, easily dwarfs all of the city's skyscrapers and is a green haven in Hong Kong's concrete jungle. As the highest point on Hong Kong island (per The Peak, Hong Kong), it can give you some of the best views of this huge city and its glorious harbor.
Your journey to the peak will often start on the Peak Tram, which, according to Discover Hong Kong, was the first funicular railway in Asia, inaugurated in 1888. The ten-minute journey is pretty steep and will take you to the Peak with incredible views of the city from the large windows. Alternatively, you can walk up to the top of the Peak, which will take around one to one-and-a-half hours (according to The Peak, Hong Kong). Take note, though: blogger Travelling with Nicky warns against attempting the walk during the sweltering summer months and recommends walking up during Hong Kong's winter.
What to do on Victoria Peak
Whether you arrive by tram or on foot, you won't be able to miss the Peak Tower that stands atop the hill. The Peak, Hong Kong writes that here, you'll find restaurants, shops, and entertainment, as well as the highlight: Sky Terrace 428, standing at over 1,400 feet above sea level (that's 428 meters, hence the name). In the Peak Tower, pay a visit to Madame Tussauds (per Discover Hong Kong) and try some of Hong Kong's famous egg waffles from one of the stores there.
From Sky Terrace 428, you'll have breathtaking views over the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Wan Chai, and out across the harbor. The Peak, Hong Kong says there's no bad time to go, as the view is magical from morning till night. Blogger Travelling with Nicky says that most people buy a Peak Tram Skypass; with this, you'll be able to ride the tram and go up to the tower. A return ticket costs HK$148 (less than $20) for adults.
Visiting the Peak on the cheap
If you're looking to save some money (Hong Kong can be very expensive), there are lots of free things to do on and around the Peak. Firstly, walking up Victoria Peak is free, of course, so pop your trainers on and set out from Central. If you don't fancy walking, take the bus for a much cheaper alternative to the tram. You can take bus No. 15 for the low price of HK$11.50 or about $1.50 (per The Peak, Hong Kong).
Instead of going up the Peak Tower, Treksplorer recommends the free observation deck on the third floor of Peak Gallery, the mall on the Peak. There are many free lookout points outdoors on the Peak too. Travelling with Nicky loves the Lugard Road Lookout Point, a 15-minute walk from the Peak Tower. Treksplorer recommends the lovely Victoria Peak Garden, a public park right at the very top of the Peak, about a 20-minute walk from the tram terminus, which has panoramic views of the city. If you have time, combine some of these free options with the Peak Tower to get the most out of your trip to Victoria Peak.