Guide of Victoria Peak (The Peak)
The Victoria Peak, or locally referred to as “The Peak“, ranks undoubtedly number one on the list of Hong Kong must-see attractions. Travel agencies, guides and travel books agree unanimously that The Peak is the most popular place to visit during your Hong Kong stay.
Even if you know nothing about Hong Kong or just have a few hours in the city, enjoying the iconic views of the city, its harbours and surrounding islands from The Peak should not be missed. Like the tourists say “if you haven’t been up to The Peak, you haven’t been to Hong Kong”.
Guide of Victoria Peak (the Peak) – insider tips you need to know
- Why visiting the Victoria Peak?
- Best time to get up to and visit The Peak
- The most popular attractions on the Peak
- How to Get to Victoria Peak (By Peak Tram, Bus, Minibus and Taxi)
- The story behind The Peak
- Insider Tips (Tip 1, Tip 2)
- Worthwhile:
- Location:
- Highlights: Iconic views of Hong Kong skyline, Peak Tram, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Sky Terrace 428
Plan to Stay: Minimum 1 – 2 hours for going up the Peak by Peak Tram and enjoying the views (excl. waiting time). Prepare up to a day on the Peak if visiting wax museum, dining and shopping.
The Day View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak
Why visiting the Victoria Peak (The Peak)?
If one says Hong Kong’s best attraction is her skyline, then Victoria Peak is one of the best places to enjoy the view. Victoria Peak is the highest evaluation of Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 552m (1,811ft). It is also known as Mount Austin and its Chinese name “Tai Ping Shan” literally means “Pacific Mountain Peak” or “Mountain Peak of Great Peace”.
Did You Know
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The Peak is actually not the highest mountain in Hong Kong. The highest peak in Hong Kong belongs to “Tai Mo Shan” (which literally means “Big Hat Mountain”) with an altitude of 957m (3,140ft) located just in the heart of the New Territories.
Enjoy birds’eye views of spectacular skyline of Hong Kong – One should not miss
Victoria Peak offers amazing, spectacular, stunning – or as some would put it – jaw-dropping views of Hong Kong by day and night. From the Peak, you can enjoy a view of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong skyline as well as Hong Kong Island South.
Day View of Hong Kong Landscape from Victoria Peak
View of Pok Fu Lam from Victoria Peak
The Night View of Hong Kong from The Peak
Although there are other observation decks and roof-top restaurants and bars with great views, The Peak provides close-distance and unique views from the back of Hong Kong’s skyline.
Besides, going to Victoria Peak is not only for the view but also for experiencing the history of Hong Kong in the colonial time as well as taking Hong Kong’s oldest public transportation – The Peak Tram.
The Peak Tram climbing up to Victoria Peak
Watching Hong Kong fireworks display
Victoria Peak is also a great location for watching Hong Kong’s fireworks display. The fireworks display in Hong Kong is one of the best in the world. Every time it attracts thousands of visitors. If you come around Chinese New Year, 1st of October or New Year’s Eve, make sure not to miss the chance.
For A Symphony of Lights
Some also choose to watch A Symphony of Lights Show from The Peak. To my personal experience, although a Symphony of Lights is visible from such distance, since the Peak often has haziness at night, it is not a highly recommended location. It’s better to watch and enjoy A Symphony of Lights Show closer to Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui to have a memorable experience with synchronized music.
For other attractions – Peak Tram, Peak Tower, Madam Tussauds, Peak Galleria
Besides the above reasons, there are several famous tourist attractions also locate on the Victoria Peak. Amongst all, the Peak Tram and Madam Tussauds are usually the two other must-do for many tourists. Check out more details of the attractions and get the combo tickets to save some money.
Hiking trail
If you are not interested in shopping or dining you also can walk the popular Peak-loop along Lugard Road and returning via Harlech Road. Encircling the summit gives you the chance to encounter more terrific and astonishing views over Hong Kong’s skyline, islands and harbors. If you turn left when exiting Peak Tower, it will take you Lions Pavilion, a two-story Chinese-Pagoda-style viewpoint with fantastic photo opportunities.
When is the best time to get up to and visit The Peak?
Victoria Peak can be best enjoyed at dry and clear days – be it day or night. However, you need to be prepared that haze, mist, and fog can occur and limit and restrict your views.
Even on sunny days, there is often a clear visible layer of Hong Kong’s air pollution hanging on top of the skyscrapers. Also you can experience low hanging clouds which are beautiful to look at from the downtown area, but restricting and limiting your views on or from The Peak.
The View from the Peak in the hazy days
Should I visit Victoria Peak at day or at night?
One of the most asked questions is whether visiting The Peak is more advisable at day or at night. Quite frankly speaking, enjoying The Peak at day and/or at night are both always impressive.
In case you are pressed for time and only have chance to The Peak once, try to get up at the late afternoon. You still can enjoy the beautiful day views, can take some great pictures. Since it is getting dark very fast you also can enjoy the beautiful night views. But be aware that it is also the busiest time of the day. In case you are press for time, purchasing the Madame Tussauds combo ticket can entitle you to the fast lane for boarding.
Hundreds of people queuing outside Peak Tram Lower Terminus
The popular attractions on the Peak – what else are there on Victoria Peak?
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Peak Tram – Oldest and fastest way to Victoria Peak
Peak Tram is not the only way getting up to the Peak. However, it is definitely the best. Not only because of the great city view, the fastest way to the Peak, but also due to its long history and the remarkable riding experience as extra bonus.
It is the first cable funicular in Asia, connecting the Central district and The Victoria Peak and providing a direct route to The Peak, Peak Tower, Sky Terrace 428. It takes only 7-8 minutes (fastest way) getting to the Victoria Peak.
As one of the most visited attractions, the Peak Tram can end up with very long waiting lines. Try to avoid weekends and holidays if possible. Otherwise, it’s better to get there earlier in the morning or get a fast lane ticket.
The new green Peak Tram (the 6th generation) starts to serve since Aug 2022. It’s much longer than the previous red one and can carry 210 passengers each ride. The glass ceilings allow better light inside tramcar for photos.
The 6th generation Peak Tram waiting on Upper Terminus
Inside the 6th generation Peak Tram
READ MORE ABOUT:
The Peak Tram Hong Kong, fast lane ticket, discounts -
Peak Tower – A complex of sightseeing, shopping and dinning on the Peak
The Peak Tower sits at 396 meters above sea level. It is not only one of Hong Kong’s most stylish and modern architectural buildings, but also a complex of both leisure and shopping.
It houses two of Hong Kong’ most visited attractions: the terminus of the Peak Tram and Hong Kong’s highest outdoor observation deck “Sky Terrace 428“. The Asia’s first wax museum Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is also inside the Peak Tower.
If you are looking for Hong Kong souvenirs, Peak Market may be an option for you. Hard Rock Café has their souvenir store on the ground floor.
View of The Peak Tower on The Peak
READ MORE ABOUT:
The Peak Tower and what you can do inside -
Sky Terrace 428 -the highest outdoor viewing platform in Hong Kong
The open-air Sky Terrace 428 is the highest outdoor 360 degree viewing deck in Hong Kong and located on the top of The Peak Tower with an altitude of 428 meters above sea level. Hence the number 428 is in the attraction’s name.
It is one of the best locations to enjoy the spectacular views from The Peak, from where you will have a view of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong skyline as well as Aberdeen.
Views from Sky Terrace 428
The price of Sky Terrace 428 is HK$ 75 for adults and HK$ 38 for children and seniors. You are able to get a combo ticket with some discount.
READ MORE ABOUT:
Sky Terrace 428 and where to get ticket discountsSky Terrace 428 on the top of The Peak Tower
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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong opened in 2000 and is the first branch of the wax figure museum in Asia. Today’s Madame Tussauds provides 100 national and international lifelike wax figures that you can touch and feel.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong separates the wax figures into 10 different interactive themes, zones and areas in different floors. In each theme, there are lots of photo opportunities with superstars, historical and national heroes.
Combo tickets of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong can entitle express boarding of Peak Tram.
Bruce Lee is waiting next to the entrance of Madame Tussauds
READ MORE ABOUT:
what to expect, combo tickets and discounts of Madame Tussauds Hong KongFigure of Benedict Cumberbatch in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
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The Peak Galleria (shopping mall)
The Peak Galleria is newly renovated multifunction shopping mall sitting opposite Peak Tower. It was also the most popular viewing deck on The Peak before the construction of Peak Tower. Unlike the Sky Terrace 428, the viewing deck on the top of Peak Galleria is for free.
Peak Galleria just finished the upgrading project and has a brand new look. It hosts all sorts of shops, convenient stores and restaurants on the three floors. You can find products and merchandises ranging from typical souvenirs, fashion, cosmetics, toys as well as arts. There are dozens dining options inside Peak Galleria, including locals’ favorite delicacies and snacks.
Brand new Peak Galleria opposite Peak Tower
Inside the New Peak Galleria
Peak Galleria before construction
In the meanwhile, the Peak Galleria serves as the Bus Terminus of Bus No.15 and Green Mini Bus No.1. In case you decide to take bus going up to Victoria Peak, the bus terminals are on the ground floor of Peak Galleria.
How to Get to Victoria Peak, The Peak Tower, Sky Terrace 428, Madame Tussauds and Peak Galleria
No matter which following ways you choose to get up to the Peak, you need to firstly take MTR/Star Ferry and get off at Central station/Pier. Then you can choose the transportation which is more suitable for you.
There are mainly four ways for tourists to get up to Victoria Peak: By Peak Tram, by Bus, by Minibus and by taxi. Among all, the Peak Tram is the most efficient and iconic way. Riding on the Peak Tram itself is one of the must-do in Hong Kong.
Bus, minibus and taxi will take much longer time (30-50 mins excl. waiting time) compared with Peak Tram. It provides different views along the winding hill roads but much bumpy ride. It is definitely not a comfortable choice to those with bus sickness.
By Peak Tram – the fastest and coolest way
– Minimum time required: 8 minutes (excl. waiting time)
It’s the fastest, most efficient and most convenient way for getting up to Victoria Peak. It’s also one of the highlights of the journey to Victoria Peak.
Check out “How to take Peak Tram” for more details.
the new Peak Tram
Where to take Bus No.15 to The Peak
– Minimum time required: 45 minutes (excl. waiting time)
Taking Bus No.15 is probably the second most popular way to the Victoria Peak other than the Peak Tram. It costs only around HK$ 10. Don’t get confused with Bus No.15C. Bus 15C is only the shuttle bus between the Star Ferry Central Pier and Peak Tram Garden Road Lower Terminus.
Bus No.15 runs between Central and Peak Galleria. It passes 24-30 stops through the winding mountain roads. Prepare about 45 minutes on the journey on each way. The bus journey will end on the ground floor of Peak Galleria on the Peak. In case you plan to take bus going back to Central, you can get to the bus terminal in Peak Galleria.
Major hop-on stations to Vcitoria Peak for tourists:
Central Pier 5, Exchange Square, City Hall, MTR Admiralty station and Three Pacific Place.
Bus No.15 serves from 6:15am till midnight. The early morning bus starts from the bus terminal under Exchange Square while bus from 10:00am starts from Central Pier 5. For more details of the bus routes and operation hours of each route, you can check from Citybus official website.
Bus 15 going to the Peak
Did You Know
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“In case you decide to take Bus No. 15, try to get a seat on the upper deck. While the bus is climbing the winding and twisting road up to The Peak you have the chance to enjoy some spectacular views of Central, Wan Chai as well as get some impressions on how Hong Kong’s celebrities are living.”
How To get to Victoria Peak by Taxi
– Minimum time required: 30-40 minutes (excl. waiting time)
Taxi is the second fastest way travelling to the Peak. Taxi ride takes about 30-40 min on the uphill roads from Central. The final cost depends on the traveling distance. For example, starting the taxi from Central to the Peak costs about HK$ 70-80.
If you have got to Peak Tram Lower Terminus and decide to switch to taxi due to the long queue of Peak Tram, just be noted that there are not so many taxis available.
How to use Green Minibus No.1 to The Victoria Peak
– Minimum time required: 40-50 minutes (excl. waiting time)
Minibus No.1 starts from the bus terminal under ICF Tower 2 (Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange).
Major hop-on stations to Victoria Peak for tourists:
Under ICF Tower 2, City Hall, Hong Kong Park
The ticket price is about HK$ 10. Similar to the Bus No.15, minibus No.1 will go uphill through the winding roads. The complete journey takes about 40-50 min (depending on traffic). It serves from 6:20am to midnight with 5-15 min intervals from Monday to Sunday.
Similar to Bus No.15, if you plan to take the Minibus back to Central, just getting on at The Peak Public Transport Terminus at Peak Galleria and disembark at MTR Central station or IFC Tower 2 (close to Central Star Ferry pier).
Did You Know
Bus No.15 v.s. Minibus No.1 – Which one should you choose?
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“The Green Minibus No.1 route is not as scenic as Bus No 15. Although it drives a little bit faster than CityBus 15, it will stop in many stations that even cost longer time. Besides, please be aware that the Green Minibus just has 16 seats. In case you are traveling with a bigger group, you may want to opt to take Bus No 15.”
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“For Bus No.15, although it’s a scenic bus ride, you need to prepare at least 40-45 minutes traveling time to reach the bus terminus at Peak Galleria. The streets and roads to and from The Peak are especially on off-office hours and weekends jammed. The traveling time can easily exceed 70 minutes.”
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“Both Bus No.15 and Minibus No.1 accept payment in cash or Octopus Card. In case you don’t have an Octopus Card, make sure to tender the bus driver the exact fare. Otherwise you will not get any change.”
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“Bus No. 15 and Green Minibus No.1 are taking different routes up to The Peak. Both of them are driving on twisting and winding roads. Especially the Green Minibus drivers drive fast and enjoy the turns and twist in a fast way. If you have motion sickness, taking any of the bus up The Peak is not recommended.”
The Bottomline: Is it worthwhile to visit Victoria Peak? It is of course a big YES. This is definitely the Must-Go attraction of Hong Kong. To gain a better view, make sure to visit the Sky Terrace 428 on top of Peak Tower. It’s the best place to take spectacular pictures as well as to enjoy the breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers.
A bit story behind The Peak
Being the highest point on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak has been used as a natural signalling post for incoming cargo ships in the nineteenth century. During the early 20th century, it served as an exclusive residential area for expats only. The only way you could get up was by foot or by Peak Tram (since 1888).
The foreign expatriates decided or choose to live on The Peak for many reasons. Certainly, the panoramic views was one of it. But the cooler and more pleasant climate compared to the rest of Hong Kong might be the “real” reason back then. In case you visit Hong Kong and The Peak during the summer months, you can experience the cooling effect on The Peak yourself and escape the hot and humid downtown heat for a short period of time.
View of Victoria Harbour from Sky Terrace 428
Although the practice of being a designated area only for expats ended shortly after the Second World War, it is nowadays more popular than ever and remains an up-market residential area. The 12-storey residential tower The Opus Hong Kong by architect Frank Gehry was sold for record-breaking prices at over HK$ 68,000 per square foot.
Today’s Victoria Peak is the home to many celebrities, company CEOs, expats and government officials. In case you decide to take one of the buses up to The Peak and not by Peak Tram, you can get some impressions of the residential buildings and may be have the chance to spot one of the TV, movie or pop-star celebrities passing in their expensive cars.