Victoria Peak (The Peak), Hong Kong, China

5Mairwen1 5:00 PM Sep 25, 2021

Best Free Viewing Points
Tourist guides universally recommend the Peak as the best vantage point for seeing the city skyline. It is a stunning view and catching the Peak tram up is an iconic thing to do. From here, you have a panoramic, birds-eye view down over the city and harbour. However it all depends on the weather. On a clear day, it’s spectacular but if the weather conditions are hazy, misty or there is a lot of pollution in the air, you may not see much at all. If you have several days in Hong Kong, try to pick a day when the sky is clearest and the weather is decent. The Sky Terrace428 is a ticketed viewing point but there are a number of excellent, free viewing points that have similarly expansive views. The Lion Pavilion has a wonderful outlook and is my favourite spot. Other spots include the Galleria viewing deck, inside Pacific Coffee and along the Peak Circle Walk (a circular trail that loops around the Peak).

5Mairwen1 5:00 PM Oct 5, 2020

Sky Terrace Views of Hong Kong – Worth the Money?
Most tourists go to the Peak for the tram ride & the panoramic views over Hong Kong city and Victoria Harbour. Many tourists therefore automatically buy the Tram/Sky Terrace428 combo ticket which is slightly discounted. Having done the Sky Terrace with visitors a couple of times, I'm not sure it's worth paying extra for the view from that deck. There are other equally good viewing points that are free. An alternate (and I think much better) option is to walk the Peak Circle Walk, a circular trail that loops around the the Peak. At various points on the path, you get the same expansive views down over Hong Kong city and Victoria Harbour and because it is a circular path, you also get to see the other sides of the island too. The path also takes you through typical lush forest growth. Banyan tree root systems grow, tentacle-like, over surrounding walls and aerial roots from several Indian rubber trees meet in the middle to create a creepy curtain. If it has rained recently, Lugard Falls will be in full flow, cascading down the mountain. The path is easy to get to. It starts at the junction of Lugard and Harlech Rds, right beside the Peak Lookout Cafe. It's flat the whole way, making it quite manageable for small children with little legs and pushchairs. After finishing the walk, head over to the Lion Pavilion (just below the Peak Tower) or The Galleria’s viewing deck where you will get another birds’ eye view over central Hong Kong. Both are also free.