Hong Kong Victoria Peak

Hong Kong Victoria Peak Introduction

Name: Victoria Peak 太平山顶

Location: 33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong Island

Famous attractions: Lugard Road, Peak Tram, Gough Hill, Lions Point, and Kellett Hill

Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, the Peak, or Hong Kong Peak, is located in the western part of Hong Kong Island. According to the government maps, the official name of the main peak of Victoria Peak is "Mount Austin."

Since the opening of Hong Kong, Victoria Peak has been a symbol and landmark of the city. From 1867 to 1930, Victoria Peak was the location of the Governor's residence, making it a symbol of power within Hong Kong. Over time, the lower part of Victoria Peak was developed into the Central and Mid-Levels area, becoming the central business district. The mid-levels part is known as the Mid-Levels area, characterized by upscale residential buildings. The Peak became a residence for wealthy individuals, foreign consulates, and luxurious estates, and in modern times, it has been developed into a tourist attraction. Therefore, Victoria Peak and The Peak have become nearly synonymous.

With an altitude of 554 meters, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, providing panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. After nightfall, visitors can enjoy stunning night views from the Peak, with Lion Pavilion and Peak Garden near the Peak Tram terminus being popular spots for observation, making it a must-visit destination for travelers in Hong Kong.

8 Viewing Points on the Peak

Visiting the Peak in Hong Kong is a must-do iconic activity, but information for tourists is limited, with most flocking to the crowded Peak Tower. However, near the Peak Square, there are four viewing points just a short walk away, and four other recommended spots a bit further along:

1. Peak Tower Sky Terrace 凌霄阁观景台 (only paid spot, usually crowded): It is at the top of Victoria Peak was designed by the famous British architect Terence Farrell, with a unique bowl-shaped exterior. The Sky Terrace at 428 meters above sea level is known as the ultimate vista point with the best 360-degree views of Hong Kong.

2. Peak Galleria Rooftop 山顶广场商场顶层 (free, similar to 1)

3. Lion Pavilion 狮子亭 (less crowded on the lower level)

4. Peak Tram Lower Terminus 白加道缆车站 (great view of tram passing by)

5. Peak Road No. 23 白加道23号 (excellent views, fewer people)

6. Lugard Road Lookout 卢吉道观景台(classic views)

7. Peak Radio Station山顶发射站 (very offbeat, secluded gem)

8. High West西高山 (views of Hong Kong Island's north, west, and south at 270 degrees)

Transportation options to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Peak Tram (5 minutes)

Island Line "Central Line" J2 exit, about 10 minutes' walk to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus

Peak Tram to The Peak Tower (5 minutes)

Operating hours: 07:30-22:00 (departures every 10-15 minutes)

Fare: Round-trip 88 HKD, one-way 62 HKD, payment via Alipay/WeChat/Octopus Card/cash, online booking available.

Note: Expect long queues on holidays.

Bus 15/15X (double-decker, about 45 minutes)

Central Pier 5 Bus Terminus to the Peak Bus Terminus

Operating hours: 06:00-00:15 (every 6-10 minutes)

Fare: 12.1 HKD, payment via Alipay/Octopus Card/cash

Note: 15X is the express service; expect crowded buses when heading downhill, priority boarding for standees.

Peak Minibus No. 1 (around 25 minutes)

Hong Kong Station Minibus Terminus to the Peak Bus Terminus

Operating hours: 06:20-00:25 (about every 20 minutes)

Fare: 11.8 HKD, Octopus Card/cash payment only

Note: Limited to 16 passengers per minibus, fewer services but direct route, downhill journey takes about 10 minutes to Central.

Hike + Mid-Levels Escalators (over 1 hour)

Upward route: Exit C of Central MTR Station, take the escalator at the Mid-Levels, exit at the intersection of Conduit Road, then walk to Victoria Peak Road, Old Peak Road, Victoria City Boundary Stone, Old Peak Road, the Peak Tram Lower Terminus, and Barker Road stop.

Note: Mid-Levels Escalators operate from 10:20 to 00:00 uphill and 10:20 to 12:00 downhill, usually not available for descent.

Taxi/Car Rental

Taxi fare: Approximately 80 HKD for one-way on regular days, more expensive during holidays, accepts Octopus Card/cash (higher fares and longer queues on holidays for downhill trips)

Car rental: If you rent a car in Hong Kong, you can bypass complex public transport arrangements and save on waiting times. You can directly access Victoria Peak with a rental car, such as an Alphard (Car Rental Service in Hong Kong).

Victoria Peak Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Before 10 AM for fewer crowds; around 4 PM for views of the daytime, sunset, and night scenery. Avoid going up on overcast, rainy days as you won't be able to capture any scenic views.

The mountaintop is windy, so bring a light sweater. If you have purchased round-trip tickets, make sure to manage your viewing time well as queues for going up and down can be long. If your time for sightseeing in Hong Kong is limited, renting a car is recommended for convenience (Car Rental Service in Hong Kong).

At the Peak, you'll find the Sky Terrace, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, cafés, and restaurants. Separate admission tickets are required for the Sky Terrace and the wax museum.