Hong Kong's Victoria Peak

...and the Peak Tram, another Hong Kong Institution

Victoria Peak in the background

Victoria Peak is Hong Kong Island's highest point and a landmark of the Hong Kong skyline. At 1,811 feet or 552 meters high it has long been the address of choice for the Taipans of old and new. With the commanding views over Victoria Harbour, it is understandable why it is some of the most sought after real estate in the world.

The summit is not open for visitors, it is actually occupied by a radio tower. When people refer to "The Peak" , they mean the surrounding facilities where the viewing platforms and concessions are.

So what's so special about Victoria Peak? Well, it isn't the peak itself, but the incredible views of the harbour and one of the most magnificent skylines in the planet that will literally take your breath away.

This view has visitors from all over the world flocking to the Peak, one of Hong Kong's tourist magnets. On a clear day, you can see as far as the surrounding islands. And if the vistas during the day are amazing, the sight at night is just simply jaw-dropping...

So here are a few tips and suggestions when visiting this great sight, from how to get there and things to do at the peak once you are there.

Victoria Peak Highlights

Getting There: The Peak Tram Also can get there by bus or taxi	The Peak Tower: Shopping Arcade, Restaurants, and viewing platform	Sky Terrace 428: Highest viewing platform in Hong Kong
Peak Galleria: Shops, Restaurants, Free Viewing Terrace	Madame Tussauds: From Wax Museum fame with an Asian twist	Peak Market: Great fun souvenir shopping!

Getting to Victoria Peak: The Peak Tram

The fun way to get to the Peak is naturally with the Peak Tram, but there are also other alternatives to get to the peak.

Of course you should try to ride the Peak Tram at least once, but if the lines are too long you should consider either taking the bus or a taxi.

A Taxi from Central or Admiralty Station is about HK40, it is very reasonable specially if shared with others in a group.

By Bus to the Peak (Terminal at Peak Galleria): From the Central Star Ferry take Bus 15. Pay attention to take the bus to the Peak, not the Peak Tram Termminus which is 15C. Buses run frequently, but service from the Star Ferry starts at 10:00 a.m. If you want an earlier start, you need to take the bus 15 from Exchange Square.

We like riding the bus from the Peak back to Central, try to sit on the front in the upper deck, it is a very topsy curvy fun ride down.

Buses and taxis arrive and depart from the ground floor at the Peak Galleria

Where are the Best Views of the Harbour?

Two popular options are

• The Sky Terrace which is in the upper level of the Peak Tower and
  
  
• The Peak Galleria Terrace

There is a charge for the Sky Terrace, the Peak Galleria terrace is free. The links above will take you to the views from both terraces. I don't think it makes THAT much of a difference, you decide.

The Peak Visitor Centre

At the Peak Piazza, check out the Visitor Centre, which is the old tram model that was in operation until 1989. It used to carry up to 62 passengers. The newer model which operates currently carries 120.

Around Victoria Peak

A nice leisurely walk around the peak can be done in an hour on Harlech and Luggard Roads which loop around it and give you amazing 360 views of the island and beyond.

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